Page 1 of 1

Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 8:12 pm
by Atreides
I saw them all over ebay when I was searching for my X60s. Here's an example (they all seem to be the same product).

http://cgi.ebay.com/12-12-1-IBM-Thinkpa ... 5884337012

I always use a backpack to carry around my laptop, and thus don't need any kind of shoulder bag or more complete system. All I want is something that will add a little bit more support while the laptop is moving around in my backpack. I checked my local tech stores, but everything is either too big, or too small (netbooks); so I am curious if anyone has every purchased one of these cheapo sleeves.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:28 pm
by j-dawg
http://www.ebags.com/sumdex/compact_inn ... elid=42706

I bought one of these (I had a coupon and it was on [censored]-sale; total cost around $11 shipped) and it serves me well. Fits my X61t with the extended battery no problem, and the material is stiff and absorbs impacts well. It is a snug fit, which I prefer. It may be a little more "correct" for an X6x or X6xs than the tablets.

I feel that the cheap neoprenes on eBay wouldn't do a good job actually protecting the laptop from a sharp strike, since the material is soft. I considered them when I bought the Sumdex because they're prettier and match the computer, but the one I got has served me well.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:20 pm
by Atreides
Thanks j-dawg, if nothing else comes up I will most likely go for this. From what you described it seems like it would fit my X60s with 8-cell nicely.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:36 pm
by LegendaryKA8
I have a very similar one, only with a fold-over flap instead of a zipper. It holds my Frankensteined X61s with an 8-cell just nicely. It's thicker than it looks and feels like it'll help protect it pretty well... I don't have any qualms with putting it in my shoulder bag with all my schoolbooks.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:47 am
by loyukfai
The Tablet and non-Tablet versions of X41s and X61s have quite different dimensions. Take that in mind when you're looking for a case.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:50 pm
by j-dawg
Atreides wrote:Thanks j-dawg, if nothing else comes up I will most likely go for this. From what you described it seems like it would fit my X60s with 8-cell nicely.
I think you'll be happy with it.

To clarify, I do have the 8-cell. I believe the tablet is considerably fatter than the s model, too, so you should be in fabulous shape.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:26 pm
by Atreides
Thanks again for the input, sounds like I'll be going with something like this.

I'll make sure to measure it, although I have faith it will fit.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:44 am
by loyukfai
Thanks j-dawg! I've been looking for a good and inexpensive sleeve for an X61T for quite some time, and I think I've found it.

The Sumdex PON-309 is a much better fit than the replica IBM sleeve. The 8-cell battery sticks out a little bit but (IMO) is nothing to worry about.

P.S. I snatched a few photos of them... Sorry for the bad quality.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Thanks again!

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good?

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:45 pm
by Atreides
Wow! Fantastic photos loyukfai! Couldn't ask for better comparison pictures.

I can definitely live with the battery sticking out like such, and I'll definitely be purchasing one of these Sumdex's in the near future.

Thanks to all.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:50 pm
by VipFreak
I have one like this (minus the handles) and it's worked well. It fiits my x61t even with the bulky 8 cell batt extending the size. I used an old suit case strap to be able to carry it on my shoulder.

Image

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:41 am
by proaudioguy
I've enjoyed using one of these. http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/ca ... y9231.html for the last few years. It fits like a glove, the screen protector works great, but is removable if you prefer to write on the glass (I never have).

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:07 pm
by Atreides
I hate to revive an old thread, but I just received the aforementioned Sumdex bag and it does indeed fit very well. With the non-tablet X60s and the extended battery it fits perfect, doesn't stick out at all.

Thanks again to those who offered suggestions, and I would encourage anyone with an X60/1/s/t to pick up this bag.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:33 pm
by Utwig
I have Dicota perfectskin 12-13" and small Lap Top Zip portfolio with Zebra pattern from Lapsack for my X61T. It fits in both with 8-cell though tightly.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:43 pm
by loyukfai
Post some pics for us, would you...? : )

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 2:16 pm
by deevin9
I bought one of the ebay ones. I like it and it looks nice, but it doesn't really offer much in terms of shock protection. However, I slim my lappy into it and put it in my napsack and it does the job of keeping out dirt, protecting scratches and offering a little bit of structural protection.

BTW, I have the 8 cell battery on my x61 and it fits fine.

Re: Are these cheap "Thinkpad" sleeves any good? (PICs)

Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:40 am
by i3myself
I am in china, and as you know maybe, most such things are made in china.
I bought one for my x61 before, but the smell is so terrible that i could never bear any more, although i dried it under sunshine for nearly one month. i think it's quite bad for health
so i changed another one, zeroshock, it works perfectly, but a little expensive. i suggest you buying the sumdex