Thinkpads Forum

Hey all,

I wanted to find out what sleeves are you guys using for x300/301. Ideally I was looking for a sleeve, but which will not be a soft one, but rather a hard one.

Any suggestions on good products around ?

Much appreciated!

The only sleevecase manufacturer you need to consider is WaterField Designs. They make the best sleeves available, here in the USA, and offer a no-hassle lifetime warranty on everything they sell. More, their pre and post-sales support is unmatched: the founder of the company, Gary Waterfield, responds to any question or concern you may have at <heygary@sfbags.com>. I've had the pleasure of exchanging e-mail with him on a few occasions, and he's a first-class individual who sells top-notch products.

For the X301, you'll want the size 13-1 sleevecase: X301. (here is the sizing page itself).

You have a few options on the sleeve, but you're stuck with black. I'd imagine if you asked, Mr. Waterfield might custom make one in a different color, but you'd have to pay an additional fee.
Vertical or Horizontal sleeve orientation. Usage applications described here.

Whether or not to add a flap to the sleeve. Because I carry my WaterField sleeves in a Timbuk 2 bag, I always add the flap (+15.00). The velcro that secures the flap is industrial strength. I've opened the sleeve in a student common area and have had people turn and look to see what the noise was.

Whether or not to add a shoulder strap. Here, there are additional options (picture):

• add d-rings only (+$5.00). I always choose this option so that I can connect whatever strap I want. The d-rings are metal, not plastic, and are securely sewn to the sleeve. I've tried to force them loose and haven't been able to do so.
  Add a strap (+$12.00). This is the normal strap. I've no experience with it.
  Add a suspension strap (+$18.00). This is the one I have, and it has a textured shoulder pad area that prevents slipping--it does a good job at this, though the shoulder pad area isn't quite large enough for me.

Whether or not to add a piggyback, which is a well-made zippered storage pouch that attaches to the d-rings. So, if you order the piggyback--it holds a charger, USB devices, and the like--you'll need the d-rings, too.

As linked above, WaterField also sells a number of bags and offers a bag + sleevecase combination, depending on the style of bag you might want. You can find out more about this offer, which would save you a small amount over purchasing the bag and sleeve separately, here.

Do give WaterField serious consideration (and try one of their sleeves for your X301). If you're not thrilled, they'll take it back, no questions asked. Waterfield truly is among the best available product. You can read some testimonials from customers here

Hope this helps! If you've questions, I'm happy to talk about their sleeves. For reference, they have a FAQ, too.

Cheers,
~tdr.

threedaysrest wrote:The only sleevecase manufacturer you need to consider is WaterField Designs.

I second this recommendation---that's what I use with my X300 (in fact, I believe I was the first person to order a sleeve from them from the X300/301 series).

This is very good advice, I looked at the web-site and the product indeed is very good, however I understand that it is only available in US and I'm based in London :/ and secondly I wanted to find out if anyone knows of sleeves which will be made of hard material - like carbon fiber.

In fact, Im wondering is there a point at all to look for a hard sleeve ?

Again thanks a lot for your response, but maybe somebody else can share their epxerience ?

Many thanks !

Have you seen Yamato's? Super cool!

elvair wrote:I wanted to find out what sleeves are you guys using for x300/301. Ideally I was looking for a sleeve, but which will not be a soft one, but rather a hard one.

The Vyper series from Booq are precisely what you want:
http://www.booqbags.com/Compact-Cases-L ... /Vyper-XS2

EOMtp wrote: The Vyper series from Booq are precisely what you want:
http://www.booqbags.com/Compact-Cases-L ... /Vyper-XS2

Since you recommended a hard case that will accommodate the 13" MacBook (and presumably the X301, too), I'd suggest the WaterField Hardcase.

elvair wrote:This is very good advice, I looked at the web-site and the product indeed is very good, however I understand that it is only available in US and I'm based in London :/ and secondly I wanted to find out if anyone knows of sleeves which will be made of hard material - like carbon fiber.

WaterField ships internationally, so delivery to London shouldn't be a problem: International Shipping from San Francisco, CA.
Also, please do take a look at the Hardcase, which I linked above. I've laid hands on one, and it's superb in every respect.

Should you have questions, query Gary at <heygary@sfbags.com>. He (or a member of his crack staff) is more than willing to assist you. For my money, there's WaterField and then there's everything else.

Cheers,
~tdr.

Here is one more hard shell case. These hard shells cases, with fine real leather outside, from eBay seller "procases" are the highest quality possible.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SuperSlim-Leather-C ... m153.l1262

All the above recommendations are excellent, and choosing between them may be a question of whether you want a hard shell bag which is designed to be carried stand-alone (with handle or strap) ..or.. if you want a form-fitting hard shell case which is to be carried inside another bag (hard shell only - no handle, no strap).

Thanks a lot everyone ! Very usefull info,

I liked VYPER one, the concept was very good and very close to what I was looking for, then I checked their web-site, looked up where they sell it in London, went to the shop and ... it turned out that they don't have it. However it turned out that they had this

- [url]http://www.moshimonde.com/codex_13.htm[/url]

Interestingly enough, the case itself for designed for macbook, but it fits x301 very very tight, so it is actually like a sleeve made of hard material, exactly what i wanted and quality is very good too.

Thanks a lot everyone for your responses, it all helps !

elvair wrote:Thanks a lot everyone ! Very usefull info,

I liked VYPER one, the concept was very good and very close to what I was looking for, then I checked their web-site, looked up where they sell it in London, went to the shop and ... it turned out that they don't have it. However it turned out that they had this

- http://www.moshimonde.com/codex_13.htm

Interestingly enough, the case itself for designed for macbook, but it fits x301 very very tight, so it is actually like a sleeve made of hard material, exactly what i wanted and quality is very good too.

Thanks a lot everyone for your responses, it all helps !

I'm glad you found what you wanted. I hope it works well for you.

Cheers,
~tdr.