Best & Light sleeve to protect X60 in back pack

[abb]

I got a waterfield sleeve for my X60s. It's horizontal and it's the 22-18. Apparently the X60 is differently shaped than the X60s...maybe someone with both can compare.

Anyhow, I have the 8-cell and the 4-cell slim line. With the 8-cell it's flush with the top. The 4-cell slim leaves some space. When I ordered I asked them to send some neoprene strips so that I could cut them up and put them in the bottom of the sleeve. If you only have the 4-cell, you may want them to make it slightly smaller.

hey smvp, so youre 22-18 waterfield case fits perfectly with the 8 cell x60s? did you get the optional flap? also, did they send you the extra neoprene strips for free?

[smvp6459]

22-18 fits perfectly with the 8-cell.

I didn't get the optional flap, but I can't imagine that it would have any problems. On mine, the 8-cell is perfectly flush with the top of the sleeve.

When you order online, there's a spot where you can send special requests. Just explain that you have both types of batteries and that you'd like a few strips of extra neoprene to layer the bottom of the sleeve for when you use the 4-cell. They ended up sending me way more than I needed. It took about 3 strips of neoprene that were the width and depth of the sleeve's bottom for the laptop to fit perfectly with the 4-cell battery in place. You just cut them to fit, put them in the bottom, and you're good to go.

They didn't charge me any extra money for the neoprene (it's probably just left over scraps from the manufacturing process anyway).

[archer6]

22-18 fits perfectly with the 8-cell.

I didn't get the optional flap, but I can't imagine that it would have any problems. On mine, the 8-cell is perfectly flush with the top of the sleeve.

When you order online, there's a spot where you can send special requests. Just explain that you have both types of batteries and that you'd like a few strips of extra neoprene to layer the bottom of the sleeve for when you use the 4-cell. They ended up sending me way more than I needed. It took about 3 strips of neoprene that were the width and depth of the sleeve's bottom for the laptop to fit perfectly with the 4-cell battery in place. You just cut them to fit, put them in the bottom, and you're good to go.

They didn't charge me any extra money for the neoprene (it's probably just left over scraps from the manufacturing process anyway).

I have nearly every case/sleeve/briefcase/backpack available for my laptops - how sick am I anyway, the only point is I've had a lot of experience in this department. I can say that Waterfield Sleeves are abosultely the finest avaiable. Especially when it comes to materials, padding, stitching, and fit. The fit close like a glove, no wasted space. When new it takes extra effort to insert & remove the computer which normal. They do give a bit during a short break in period, after which they are easy to remove, but the fit stays snug so there is no chafing inside and no wasted space.

I have one for each of the 3 60series ThinkPads I use and each of these sleeves is perfect....

[abb]

22-18 fits perfectly with the 8-cell.

I didn't get the optional flap, but I can't imagine that it would have any problems. On mine, the 8-cell is perfectly flush with the top of the sleeve.

When you order online, there's a spot where you can send special requests. Just explain that you have both types of batteries and that you'd like a few strips of extra neoprene to layer the bottom of the sleeve for when you use the 4-cell. They ended up sending me way more than I needed. It took about 3 strips of neoprene that were the width and depth of the sleeve's bottom for the laptop to fit perfectly with the 4-cell battery in place. You just cut them to fit, put them in the bottom, and you're good to go.

They didn't charge me any extra money for the neoprene (it's probably just left over scraps from the manufacturing process anyway).

I have nearly every case/sleeve/briefcase/backpack available for my laptops - how sick am I anyway, the only point is I've had a lot of experience in this department. I can say that Waterfield Sleeves are abosultely the finest avaiable. Especially when it comes to materials, padding, stitching, and fit. The fit close like a glove, no wasted space. When new it takes extra effort to insert & remove the computer which normal. They do give a bit during a short break in period, after which they are easy to remove, but the fit stays snug so there is no chafing inside and no wasted space.

I have one for each of the 3 60series ThinkPads I use and each of these sleeves is perfect....

thanks for your input archer. which waterfield model do you have your x60s, the 22-18? do you use it with a 4 cell or 8 cell. Ill take our word if you say the padding is real good. i was also looking at the monolith by tombihn but it seems that even the smallest model might be to big for my x60s since the case's dimensions are 11.8 x10x 1.5.

i guess if nobody else has any other profound opinions, i probably end up ordering a waterfield tomorrow.

[archer6]

I have nearly every case/sleeve/briefcase/backpack available for my laptops - how sick am I anyway, the only point is I've had a lot of experience in this department. I can say that Waterfield Sleeves are abosultely the finest avaiable. Especially when it comes to materials, padding, stitching, and fit. The fit close like a glove, no wasted space. When new it takes extra effort to insert & remove the computer which normal. They do give a bit during a short break in period, after which they are easy to remove, but the fit stays snug so there is no chafing inside and no wasted space.

I have one for each of the 3 60series ThinkPads I use and each of these sleeves is perfect....

thanks for your input archer. which waterfield model do you have your x60s, the 22-18? do you use it with a 4 cell or 8 cell.

I specifically ordered the smallest horizontal sleeve (21-17) as I travel with the slim 4 cell, so my X60s measures just 1" thick in the back. The sleeve fits perfectly. When I purchased the X60s it came with the enhanced 4 cell battery. My original purchase intent was secondary use when traveling by plane. It's the first X model I've owned (after many T's) and did not realize until I used if for a couple of days, just how much I would like it. I then ordered the slim 4 cell & the 8 cell battery so I would be ready for any usage scenario. I find that most of the time, I'm using the slim battery since it's so nice to take advantage of the small size of the computer. With the slim 4 cell I weighed it just for kicks on an accurate scale: a light 2.6lbs is all it weighs! An additional advantage I notice with the slim battery. is the perfect balance front to rear, side to side. It's simply an amazing package.
Regarding the Tom Bihn, I have their stuff as well and it's nice, just no where near the perfect fit and outstanding quality of WaterField.
WaterField is the only case mfg, that I have found to produce perfectly fitting products of such high quality. Mind you, I also have Coach, Hartman, Tumi, etc. All fine bags, however laptop fit varies from somewhat loose to ridiculous. Now I simply slip one of my ThinkPads into the corresponding WaterField sleeve and then into any of the bags/backpacks and I'm insured protection and complete scratch abrasion resistance.
Hope this helps
Cheers Mate...

[bijou]

[quote="archer6"] I specifically ordered the smallest horizontal sleeve (21-17) as I travel with the slim 4 cell, so my X60s measures just 1" thick in the back. The sleeve fits perfectly. When I purchased the X60s it came with the enhanced 4 cell battery. My original purchase intent was secondary use when traveling by plane. It's the first X model I've owned (after many T's) and did not realize until I used if for a couple of days, just how much I would like it. I then ordered the slim 4 cell & the 8 cell battery so I would be ready for any usage scenario. I find that most of the time, I'm using the slim battery since it's so nice to take advantage of the small size of the computer. With the slim 4 cell I weighed it just for kicks on an accurate scale: a light 2.6lbs is all it weighs! An additional advantage I notice with the slim battery. is the perfect balance front to rear, side to side. It's simply an amazing package.
[/quote]

Archer,
On their website SF Bags recommends the Waterfield 22-16 horizontal sleeve with the x60s 4 cell. Is there some reason you went with the 22-17 instead? Thanks.

[archer6]

Archer,
On their website SF Bags recommends the Waterfield 22-16 horizontal sleeve with the x60s 4 cell. Is there some reason you went with the 22-17 instead? Thanks.

One of the main reasons I purchased the X60s and the slim battery is that I wanted to take advantage of the computers small size & light weight. I wanted a battery that did not protrude, or add to the size & weight. In addition, I also wanted a rather flat profile opposed to the wedge shape that the larger batteries create.

Here are the sizes of the sleeves we are talking about:

21-17: 10.5 x 8.3 x 1.0 (and) 22-16: 10.5 x 8.3 x 1.3

My computer is only 1.0 thick and I wanted a close fitting sleeve, that offered complete & robust protection. The idea was for it to fit in any of my bags, especially the ones that are not designed primarily as computer bags / backpacks, and therefore unpadded.

The 21-17 fits the computer as though it was custom made. I also ordered it with the closing flap, so it's completely encased with no exposure on any side. Total protection. A nice close snug fit. No excess material, no wasted space, the finest sleeve I have ever had. I cannot say enough about this fine product.

When I'm out on the weekends I want the X60 protected so I can just toss it in any pack back, or messenger bag I choose. I'm a bit of a bag addict....to say the least...

[bijou]

Thanks Archer for the great answer. We're all getting the benefits of your addiction!

[trentblase]

I specifically ordered the smallest horizontal sleeve (21-17) as I travel with the slim 4 cell, so my X60s measures just 1" thick in the back. The sleeve fits perfectly. ... I then ordered the slim 4 cell & the 8 cell battery...

I'm still a little confused... I just ordered the 22-18 for my x60s w/ 8-cell battery as it was the recommended size and confirmed by others on this board. I ordered it DESPITE the fact that the measurements they list on the website (10.5x8.3x1.3) don't match my hand measurements (10.5x9.25x1.125 plus .375 bump on the bottom back). I even sent these measurements to them to clarify and they assured me that I wanted the 22-18.

Now Archer has the 21-17 and uses it with all 3 different batteries? How is the fit with the 8cell. If the fit is good, even with the 8cell, I may need to exchange my 22-18 for the 21-17.

My bag should arrive soon, so I'll repost when it comes. They seem like really nice people, very concerned with customer satisfaction. They are very helpfully sending me extra neoprene for use with a smaller battery, too.

[archer6]

Now Archer has the 21-17 and uses it with all 3 different batteries? How is the fit with the 8cell. If the fit is good, even with the 8cell, I may need to exchange my 22-18 for the 21-17.

For clarification I did not say that I use the 21-17 with all 3 batteries. I use it with the slim battery only. I have the larger WaterField sleeves for the larger batteries. When I said I was a bag Aficionado I was not kidding. It's almost embarrassing, as I have a vast collection that continues to propagate like... well... uh...you get the picture...

I never said I was in my right mind...

[Tony's X60s]

Fits perfectly and still goes inside my Samsonite briefcase with all the other junk - mainly paper. Got a second one for my wife's Toshiba R100 (with second battery) which is also perfect.

[dannyp]

My bag should arrive soon, so I'll repost when it comes. They seem like really nice people, very concerned with customer satisfaction. They are very helpfully sending me extra neoprene for use with a smaller battery, too.

So how did it fit?!

I just bought an x60s with 8cell and it's coming, I want to have a sleeve waiting for it.

I'm going to get a waterfield vertical 22-18 so I can stick it in my backpack, but I wanted to know if there are any issues with the battery size.

I was also thinking about sticking one of these to it:
http://www.cafepress.com/netbsd.38182980 if anyone's privy.

[Tony's X60s]

Mine is a horizontal sleeve with D rings - the Thinkpad (with the 8 cell battery) is a very snug fit.

[trentblase]

So how did it fit?!

I just bought an x60s with 8cell and it's coming, I want to have a sleeve waiting for it.

I'm going to get a waterfield vertical 22-18 so I can stick it in my backpack, but I wanted to know if there are any issues with the battery size.

I was also thinking about sticking one of these to it:
http://www.cafepress.com/netbsd.38182980 if anyone's privy.

It fits perfectly, just as promised by waterfield and others in this forum. They were nice enough to supply extra strips of neoprene for free. I got the "suspension" strap and it turns out that was a bad choice for me. The suspension strap has padding that does not slide along the strap. This means that adjusting the angle of the case requires changing the length of each side of the strap instead of just sliding it down your shoulder. I'm just going to use an old cheapo strap I had lying around as the laptop is so light I don't need any padding. That's not to say the strap is bad, it's more of a personal decision. Otherwise, the case is great!

I also got the large cargo bag, which is terrific, but is much larger than I expected.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that mine is the horizontal variety with the extra flap.

[dannyp]

[...] They were nice enough to supply extra strips of neoprene for free. [...]

[...] I forgot to mention that mine is the horizontal variety with the extra flap. [...]

Awesome reply time, and you answered everything. I do have another concern though. What did you need the extra strips for, you said you had the 8-cell? From reading earlier posts about the extra strips I thought it was just for the 4-cell battery.

Is there any reason you got the strips?

Thanks for all the info!

edit: Anyone have the vertical waterfield sleevecase?

[NS]

Mine is a slip case not a sleeve nor a bag. Just a slip case with sling and a handle to contain my X60. The adapters and power supply accessories are all contained in another small cushioned pouch not related to the slip case. I can hook the pouch to my waist and carry my slip case with my X60 and off i go everywhere including overseas.

I tried to use my slipcase when i went overseas last year and on the plane, it is very convnient and i saw some others carrying a real laptop bag and dragging and struggling when he boards and alight from the plane. Mine is clip the pouch to my waist and just sling the light slip case and my X60 over my shoulder and that's it. Simple and easy.

[archer6]

Anyone have the vertical waterfield sleevecase?

I have both the vertical and horizontal waterfield sleevecases. With and without the closing flaps. They are just fantastic. Superb quality and perfect fit. The only difference between the vertical and the horizontal are the obvious. It just depends on what's important to you from a standpoint of format. I cannot say enough good things about this product. The fit is so ideal that it's almost unbelievable. This is a world class company that produces their product with utmost care and quality control...

[dannyp]

Mine is a slip case not a sleeve nor a bag. Just a slip case with sling and a handle to contain my X60. The adapters and power supply accessories are all contained in another small cushioned pouch not related to the slip case. I can hook the pouch to my waist and carry my slip case with my X60 and off i go everywhere including overseas.

I tried to use my slipcase when i went overseas last year and on the plane, it is very convnient and i saw some others carrying a real laptop bag and dragging and struggling when he boards and alight from the plane. Mine is clip the pouch to my waist and just sling the light slip case and my X60 over my shoulder and that's it. Simple and easy.

What's a slip case? do you have a photo or product similar? I'm down with slinging stuff!

I have both the vertical and horizontal waterfield sleevecases. With and without the closing flaps. They are just fantastic. Superb quality and perfect fit. The only difference between the vertical and the horizontal are the obvious. It just depends on what's important to you from a standpoint of format. I cannot say enough good things about this product. The fit is so ideal that it's almost unbelievable. This is a world class company that produces their product with utmost care and quality control...

Awesome I'm really considering one, is there any benefits you've found with the flap on your vertical? It seems like a strap would be sufficient since, being vertical, it's the short end.

Thanks you guys rule!

[archer6]

is there any benefits you've found with the flap on your vertical? It seems like a strap would be sufficient since, being vertical, it's the short end.

It's all personal preference. I like to have a flap to enclose the computer all the way around, just in case I drop it. If I'm placing the sleeve in another case, then I use the one I have without the flap, as it has a velcro strap that holds the computer in the sleeve, and it's protected in the bag as well.

Check out the site: http://www.sfbags.com/index.htm

Cheers...

[trentblase]

Is there any reason you got the strips?

I got the strips in case I ever want to get a slimline battery, as you guesed.

[dannyp]

It's all personal preference. I like to have a flap to enclose the computer all the way around, just in case I drop it. If I'm placing the sleeve in another case, then I use the one I have without the flap, as it has a velcro strap that holds the computer in the sleeve, and it's protected in the bag as well.

Check out the site: http://www.sfbags.com/index.htm

Cheers...

My goal was to get a sleeve for purely backpack use so the velcro-strap alone seems perfect for me. I'm also aware that it's a preference but I guessed that there may be reasons backing the use of the flap in my case.

I got the strips in case I ever want to get a slimline battery, as you guesed.

Cool, thanks! I'll pick one up: 22-19 vertical with velcro-strap.

note: 22-19 is the correct size for an x60s with 8-cell for VERTICAL

[NS]

What's a slip case? do you have a photo or product similar? I'm down with slinging stuff!

A slip case is just like a sleeve but it is a thicker and it can be used as a sleeve or a sling bag. It is sleek and thin and very light. Disadvantage: Not waterproof. Must carry a load of plastic bags with you if you plan to bring it with you during a rainy day.

So far, so good. I changed to this slip case because i injured my shoulder during a hockey match in school. My opp team accidently hit me with the stick on my right shoulder and from that day onwards, whenever i carry my notebook bag, i get shoulder pain. That's why i swap to a thin and light slip case. No problem now. No shoulder ache, no bulkiness and very sleek. <--Good buy.

[dannyp]

A slip case is just like a sleeve but it is a thicker and it can be used as a sleeve or a sling bag. It is sleek and thin and very light. Disadvantage: Not waterproof. Must carry a load of plastic bags with you if you plan to bring it with you during a rainy day.

So far, so good. I changed to this slip case because i injured my shoulder during a hockey match in school. My opp team accidently hit me with the stick on my right shoulder and from that day onwards, whenever i carry my notebook bag, i get shoulder pain. That's why i swap to a thin and light slip case. No problem now. No shoulder ache, no bulkiness and very sleek. <--Good buy.

Appreciate the post, maybe I should reword my question:

Where did you get your slip case?

googling brings me a whole variety of different products, and I'm unsure which one you're talking about.

[NS]

Bought it in a sports store: sports connection.

Sing dollars $ 14.00 only. Wait, i need to get a camera and get this bag a shoot. Pictures can explain much better than my lengthy words.

[pdudas]

What about the Crumpler Gimp?

http://www.crumplereurope.com/?page=det ... -004&size=

Will it be good for the X60 and 4 cell battery?

Do you know where can I buy waterfield/crumpler sleeves in Europe?
From the sfbags.com the post is more than the sleeve...

[mkawa]

What about the Crumpler Gimp?

http://www.crumplereurope.com/?page=det ... -004&size=

Will it be good for the X60 and 4 cell battery?

Do you know where can I buy waterfield/crumpler sleeves in Europe?
From the sfbags.com the post is more than the sleeve...

have you tried emailing waterfield? they should be able to tell you if there's a european distributor.

[apd]

After reading through the reviews of the 'best protective sleeve' i decided on the Waterfield Sleeve. To add to the already over-saturated review of sleeves: The WATERFIELD SLEEVE is awesome. First they were incredibly helpful. After i placed my order i got a personal email from them saying thank you for the order, etc. At first i thought it was a typical auto-response, but the last line asked me where i found out about them.

I responded to the email to tell them about this online forum, and how some people highly recommended thier product. Within 20 minutes they responded back, and asked me specific questions about my computer to make sure that i had ordered the correct size (i don't remember exactly what it was).

Anyway, long story short, i received my sleeve within 2 days (shipped from CA to CT). They also included extra neoprene for when i decide to swtich to a smaller battery (i have the x60s with an 8 cell).

Just great experience all around. The actual product is of great quality, and i don't even think twice about packing it in my backpack with books, and such. It fits like a glove, and is made of durable material.

[dannyp]

After reading through the reviews of the 'best protective sleeve' i decided on the Waterfield Sleeve. To add to the already over-saturated review of sleeves: The WATERFIELD SLEEVE is awesome. First they were incredibly helpful. After i placed my order i got a personal email from them saying thank you for the order, etc. At first i thought it was a typical auto-response, but the last line asked me where i found out about them.

I responded to the email to tell them about this online forum, and how some people highly recommended thier product. Within 20 minutes they responded back, and asked me specific questions about my computer to make sure that i had ordered the correct size (i don't remember exactly what it was).

Anyway, long story short, i received my sleeve within 2 days (shipped from CA to CT). They also included extra neoprene for when i decide to swtich to a smaller battery (i have the x60s with an 8 cell).

Just great experience all around. The actual product is of great quality, and i don't even think twice about packing it in my backpack with books, and such. It fits like a glove, and is made of durable material.

aww I specifically asked for extra neoprene and I didn't get it

I guess that means I'm going to buy a new case that fits the slim battery later

[trentblase]

aww I specifically asked for extra neoprene and I didn't get it

I guess that means I'm going to buy a new case that fits the slim battery later

Can't tell if you are serious, but if you are I would suggest simply asking again. Even if you have to pay a small fee, it seems better than getting a while new case for a different configuration. Although Archer may disagree...

[gunston]

no use.
your keyboard spacebar will be one side elevated/tilted after a long used typing.