Thinkpads Forum

After almost a year of looking, I finally found the perfect case for my X61s. It is the Targus TSM097US, for $29.95. I bought mine at OfficeMax but I don't see it on their web site. It is billed as fitting a 10.2" widescreen laptop, but the X61s fits it perfectly with no slop anywhere. Because it closes with a flap over the top, it might even fit an X series with the extended battery but I can't be sure.

It has pockets inside, a couple flat storage areas for CDs and a front flap that forms a pouch (my AC adapter fits in it just fine).

Paul

What are the dimensions of your X61s?

An X61s measures 10.5" by 8.25" by about 1.5" thick (give or take a bit). Mine is slightly thicker because it has the enhanced battery (which adds slightly to the thickness but does not extend out the back like the 8 cell battery).

It fits in the case perfectly, with the end of the laptop flush with the top of the pocket in the case. The only down side is that because the case closes with a flap, the upper corners of the laptop are not protected as well as the rest of it. But unless you are throwing it around, the corner protection is quite adequate. On balance, because it DOES close with a flap, it can probably accommodate an 8 cell battery too.... the flap has an adjustable strap.

My AC adapter fits the front pocket with room to spare. There might even be enough room in the main area for a slimline USB DVD drive.

I can't express how thrilled I am to have found this case. For whatever reason, case manufacturers seem to have totally and utterly ignored the X series form factor. There are all sorts of cases out there that ALMOST fit it.... like if they were another 1/4" larger they would fit. And of course there are tons of cases available for the 15" and up laptops. But nothing for the X series. I have been using a rather nice messenger bag that fits well but is more bulky than I really wanted.

Paul

pgoelz wrote:An X61s measures 10.5" by 8.25" by about 1.5" thick (give or take a bit).

Thanks for the information. I have an X60s with the exact same dimensions, so my question was pointed towards this case and it's ability to accommodate an X60s. By the way, both Newegg.com and Amazon sell this case.

I will look into this, I own an X60s and have been looking to get some sort of case for it.

I also have an X60s and have been looking for a case for it, but every one I looked at in the stores seemed too heavy when the X60s was in it. I don't want to burden my compact lightweight computer with a heavy case (I'm getting so old, and weak, and frail!). So I looked at a friends "Booq Vyper" which is marvelous! It's light, no extra pockets or other features, and it is a semi-hardshell for extra protection.

The Booq costs about $50-$60, but I scored one for $13 (new!) on eBay (I am, after all, The Ebay Hawk!). I pounced! Even though it is the 12" XS size instead of the 11" XXS size. It's perfect! The XS leaves about 1/2" total side-to-side play and about 3/4" total forth-and-back play (which I figure will accomodate an 8-cell battery nicely).

It just arrived. And it IS light! And the semi-hard shell should give it enough protection.

Highly recommended (especially if you can make a killing as I did!).

Has anyone tried the Booq Vyper XXS?

John H wrote:Has anyone tried the Booq Vyper XXS?

The Booq Vyper XXS is the absolute perfect size -- no "slop" whatsoever -- for the X6x/s units with a 4-cell battery. [I agree wholeheartedly with your description of the case as "marvelous".]

I received the Targus TSM097US today. It's a perfect fit for the X60s. Nice light case. Thanks again for the recommend.

My pleasure! Like I said, I've been looking for just that case for a long time.

I should add though, that it probably would not fit the 8 cell battery (although it is a perfect fit for the slimline and enhanced batteries). At least not with the flap closing neatly.

Paul

My 8-cell battery just arrived and with it mounted in the X60s the case fit on the Booq Vyper XS is perfect.

So there it is folks. If you like the Booq Vyper then get a XXS for the 4cell battery or a XS for the 8-cell.

I use the UMPC laptop sleeve from Thinkgeek; it's a zippered noeprene sleeve made by Case Logic.

It's an exact (maybe a hair too tight) fit for the X61s with slimline 4-cell. It has one large external, zippered pocket.

One of the nice things about the Booq is that it has NO pocket! So you can't stuff it with batteries and pencils and whatever that you carry around for 20 years without using and all it does is lengthen your arm from carrying all that weight all those years! That's what happened to me with the case I used for my T40.

Beware beware those trick pockets that will warp you into a person twisted to one side! Your shirts won't fit right anymore.