Thinkpads Forum

I am finding it very hard to find a backpack type bag for ultracompacts, which an X-Series laptop will snugly fit into.

Any ideas? I am particularly worried about the rubber finish being worn away. Maybe I should get an additional sleave?

And then it has to look pretty good too. This is hard.

I can recommend two manufacturers of excellent backpack cases: Tom Bihn and Spire.

Each of them makes some great backpacks and sleeves to fit into the backpacks in a variety of sizes.

I have a Tom Bihn Brain Bag and it is fantastic but may be a bit large for your needs. Here is a link to more info about it: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104

A slightly smaller (and sleeker) backpack from Tom Bihn is the Smart Alec. Its design is currently being refreshed so it is not available until early 2008 but you can read about it here: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0103

A very functional minimalist sling bag that I've been wanting myself for my X60T is the Buzz. Every review I have read has lauded this bag and it has a built in laptop sleeve. Details here: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0151

Tom Bihn is also releasing another small backpack soon called the Synapse. Discussion about that backpack can be found here: http://www.tombihn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1122

Spire also makes some nice backpacks in a wide range of sizes and with lots of different sleeve sizes available. They are quality products but don't appeal to my own set of aesthetics as much as the ones by Tom Bihn. I recommend looking at them to see if they would meet your needs. They can be seen here: http://www.spireusa.com/products/backpacks.htm

Others have also spoken highly of Booq backpacks. I don't have much experience with them but here is their website: http://www.booqbags.com

Keep us posted on what you find and what you decide upon. All the best, Alan

I have the buzz and it is a great fit for the X-series with either the slimline 4-cell or the extended 8-cell.

I see no point in having an ultraportable laptop in a huge backpack - it only makes sense to have the smallest bag possible too.

The buzz is perfect for my needs. In addition to the notebook, I can carry a couple of small books, mobile phone, mp3 player, wallet, and pens and then I'm just about full. My buzz never weighs more than a couple of pounds which is good for my back and shoulders

The construction on the bag is absolutely excellent. I have used it basically every day for a year and a few months and there is no visible wear or damage to the bag. Top quality for sure!

If you're cheap (like me) you may be able to pick up a "factory second" from the Tom Bihn store. I bought mine for a significant discount and I couldn't tell where the problem was.

You could use a bag for 15" laptop and fit your X series in there horizontally. I use that approach after migrating from T42, the charger also fits perfectly under the laptop.

Firstly, I recommend opening yourself up to whatever backpack you like (instead of being restricted to "laptop backpacks") by just getting and using a sleeve. Waterfield sleeve-cases are the best (especially for this): they fit perfectly without extra bulk, and still provide protection.

If you do specifically want a laptop backpack, I also recommend Spire backpacks. I've had one as my primary (used almost every day) backpack for five years now, and its held up ridiculously well. To start, it held my 8lb A31p plus books and school stuff for a year; then, I stopped carrying that monster desktop replacement around regularly, so it was just books and misc for a few years; now I carry my X61t in a sleeve in the backpack.

definetly crumpler! no doubt about it! i have one (sheep scarer) for 2 yrs now, i wear it every day, and it doesnt show any signes of deterioration. after all that's why they offer lifetime warranty!
check newer models,like salary sacrifice. they might be pricy but they worth it!

I'm going to agree with fongj, the sleeve is great. I have a waterfield, and its fantastic.
With the sleeve you know it will be protected and this way it can go in and out of a bag, and the 'bag' itself doesn't need to be super protected.
Anyway, just my 2 cents
Happy holidays everyone!