Thinkpads Forum

I got my W701 this week and after a couple of days of getting all my apps installed, ventured to take it to work with me to use on my commute. After spending a good hour rummaging through the house to find a bag that would take it, I ended up with a workable solution, but clearly need to look for a new bag.

I've searched around but don't see anything yet that really strikes me. I need something that will on a daily basis take:

W701
Power brick
Letter size folio
Pens
Blackberry/Cell phone/Wallet/Travel passes/Passport (easily accessible)
Bluetooth mouse

... and on the odd (once a month or so) occasion I need to make an overnight business trip, enough room to squeeze in a clean shirt, socks, underwear, and a toothbrush.

Very few 17" bags have the dimensions for the 700 series, usually falling down on the 'height'. I like the messenger style such as the Tenba (http://www.tenba.com/products/Messenger ... ifications) and do not want something on wheels as that's not practical for my daily commute (car, ferry, then train). I also quite like the Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/ ... r-bag.aspx) but it looks lacking on the width. The Urban Disguise 60 lacks on the height.

I know it's not a particularly 'portable' machine - the power brick isn't much smaller than my colleague's netbook - but how does everyone carry theirs around?

Update: I also found this (http://www.bigbadbags.com/ultra_oversized_laptop_bags) but there are no pictures of the inside to view pockets, etc.

I don't carry around my W700(yet)...lemme know when you come up with a workable solution

I found this too, but not sure if it's going to fit: http://luggagebase.com/product/6061/Vic ... cial!.html

I have a Victorinox now that I use(d) with my old faithful T42P and the build quality is superb.

My bag fits the W700ds perfectly fine. Unfortunately it doesn't meet your criteria as it is much nicer, and has wheels. The pull out handle makes it much easier to move this machine around. It fits in the overhead compartment and still counts as a personal item as my carry on is much larger. If anyone else is interested.
http://www.wengerna.com/patriot-wa-7953-02

Thank you. I now know I won't ever want a 17" "laptop".

I dont think its ergonomically smart to carry around a W701 unless you are the size of Shaq. Have you considered a roller case? A lot of them have good cushioning and would save your neck and shoulder from premature arthritis or current fracture.

I'm not the size of Shaq, but I'm 5'11" and pretty sure that carrying something the weight of a laptop and accessories isn't going to kill me, but thanks for your concern. I've been carrying it for almost a week using my old laptop bag (doesn't really fit though) and it's fine. To be honest, I was surprised at the weight of the W701, expecting it to feel much heavier in comparison to my T42p.

I've looked at roller cases, but for everyday commuting I need something I can carry - rolling around a case when I need to climb stairs on and off a ferry, to and from train platforms, and on and off trains isn't practical.

I was in BestBuy yesterday and their Targus 17" bag would fit, just, but a tight fit and leaves very little room for anything else. Still looking ...

I'm following this thread with great interest. I just got the shipping notice on my W701 and I'm pretty sure it won't fit my bag. I'm waiting to see how you solve this.

Did you check ebags.com? You can enter your laptop brand/model on the laptop page and it will show you all they have that will fit. It looks like a good place to start the search.

I did check eBags and must admit their 'find a bag that will fit my laptop' was great. There are a couple there that look like they might work - nothing that grabs me as a 'I want that one' though. Seems some general interest in this thread - please report back if anyone finds something good!

I'm using a Timbuk2 Breakout Messenger bag. It swallows my W701 more or less perfectly. No height room to spare, but it's a good fit with lots of leftover area in the front two compartments for anything else. Until I got everything moved over, I was also carrying my T42p around in the bag at the same time along with paper pads and other sundries.

As for the wieght... aw jeez guys, it's just not that heavy. I walk with it in the bag down to my favorite coffeeshop every day.. That's a shade under three miles. I was at Streaming Media East last week in NYC and was carrying it around then too... back and forth between central park and Penn Station, NYU Law school, etc, all on foot. Ten pounds crossing half of Manhattan, big deal, didn't even notice it. Breaking in new shoes on the trip, now *that* was a mistake...

I fully plan to bike back and forth to work with it as well now that the weather is finally good enough up here-- that's 45 miles round trip. It's two pounds heavier than my previous thinkpad, and I've gained alot more weight than that since then myself.

NM

Ok great. Can you please let us know how you like your new machine? I see you have a W700ds, too? That means I have two questions.

One, can you please post as to how the screen differs between the two? And two, are you selling your W700ds?

I don't have my W701ds yet (estimated shipping date 6/17), but I do have a carrying case for it already.

I ordered it along with some other accessories (docking station, extra power supply) and received everything by laptop

The case seems to be ok, but I'm not sure how to fit accessories into it.

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-43R9117-Th ... B001GB2PVE

I'm considering getting this one, but not sure, if W701ds will fit into it.

http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/Pag ... =30322901&

lvit wrote: I'm considering getting this one, but not sure, if W701ds will fit into it.

http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/Pag ... =30322901&

I bought two '17"' travel cases that did not fit; the W701/W701ds is closer to a 19" form factor in reality. But it would be good to have a small list of bags built up that do fit

FWIW, it won't fit into any of the Belkin 17"+ bags. I tried about five at the local Microcenter, and had one ship as a discount deal with the W701 when I bought it-- which ironically didn't come close to fitting either.

Monty

I agree with you xiphmont, finding a good bag for this monster is going to be a problem. By the way, I was trying to get some additional info on inner sizes of that nice 17 Parliament bag directly from SwissArmy - they have no clue. I found the same bag on some site, which lists actual max size of a laptop (very helpful). I don't think it's going to fit .

Link

Victorinox Parliament 17: Laptop Dimensions: 10.5" x 15.4" x 1.5"

W701ds Dimensions:

Width 16.10 Inch
Depth 12.20 Inch
Height 1.63 Inch

Timbuk2.com has a 'build your own messenger' app. The large size appears to be able to hold a W700/W701. Not an endorsement, just an observation/discovery

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/bag ... &uid=40002


I took a quick look on ebay, searching under 'messenger bag' and found that there's a zillion of 'em.

Don't know much about any of these, but filtering through all of this would likely pop up something that'd work.

These laptops are just big enough to be out of the mainstream a bit.

For me this problem has two aspects: size and protection. I've been using Brenthaven bags for years and like the protective sleeves, but my W701 will now only fit in the bag if I remove the sleeve. www.tombihn.com has something called a `brain cell' which comes in a size big enough and looks like it will provide good protection, but there is no bag big enough for the sleeve. Right now I'm thinking about a hybrid, using the brain cell as a sleeve and getting a timbuk2 bag to hold the sleeve. I'm rather hoping I will find something better (or see something better on this thread before I loose patience and pull the trigger on this solution.

dsvochak wrote:Thank you. I now know I won't ever want a 17" "laptop".

The W701 is just unusually large. Most other 17-inchers are much more portable, e.g. the 17" MacBook Pro.

BTW, I am pleased to see that the subject word "hell" isn't censored any more. (Sorry for this OT comment!)

I am extremely happy with the bag I posted before. It's not that large a bag and yet I carry so much more than just the machine in there. It was a tight fit, but hasn't been too bad getting it in and out.

Did I mention I also carry my X60 Tablet in the same bag at the same time?

I loved the look of the Tenba Large Messenger bag - it's a combo photo/laptop bag. I wasn't sure that the W701 would fit but took the risk and ordered on from Amazon.

Bottom line, I love this bag.

Here's what I carry to work on a daily basis, and it all fits into the bag comfortably. I've the W701, power cord and brick, wallet, train pass, hardback book, DayRunner, work pass, Sony eReader, Blackberry, TouchPro cell, Bluetooth mouse.



The W701 fits into the internal padded laptop sleeve like a glove. There's no slop either side and the depth is just about right - sure, it could do with an extra 1/2" or so, but it fits.



As you can see here, the velcro top flap just doesn't fit over the top of the W701 - no biggie, just let it hang behind.



With the laptop in, the power cable and brick go in the front pocket.



Hardback book, DayRunner, eReader, and mouse go in the main section.



What do I like about the bag? The two front zipper pockets are great for my cell, Blackberry, and train pass.



Mostly though, I love the top zipper that allows access to the internals of the bag without having to open up the main flap. This allows me to access my paper notebook, eReader, and book quickly and securely on a crowded train.



The craftsmanship is second to none - top quality zippers, hardware that looks like it would support just about anything. The handle has a solid core that feels great to carry. Everything packed and ready:



It doesn't have much space for overnight change of shirt and a toothbrush, but that was always going to be a push on a laptop this size AND as an everyday bag.

So, if you like the look of the messenger style bag - I intentionally went with the chocolate colour for a more casual look - I would recommend the Tenba large messenger for a day to day bag - and yes, the W701 fits.

Very nice. I'd have to carry 3 of those to fit what I carry in mine and I mostly fly to work so it still has to fit in the overhead. Been real happy with the Wenger (Swiss).

No biggie on the too short velcro flap - go by a fabric store, pick up a short strip of velcro(they actually stock this stuff there) and either sew it on yourself or have a friend/relative or alteration shop sew it on for you.


Could you also post the model or stock number(or Amazon id number/url) for this exact bag? Took a quick look on ebay, where many sizes/colors are listed.

The link at Amazon is http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013G ... PDKIKX0DER

If that doesn't work, the one I have is 'Tenba Messenger Photo/Laptop Bag - Large' in chocolate colour.

Why not the "official" bag for the W701?

ThinkPad 17W Business Topload Case
43R9117

Or is that a silly question...the fact that this hasn't already been mentioned due to my naivety of something?

Perhaps because it was not available when the thread was started as the W701 wasn't even out yet. Was there an official bag for the W700? I never managed to find it when I got mine.

The "official" bag I'm talking about was presented as an option for the W701ds (and presumably the W701 as well) when I went through the online ordering process couple weeks ago. I didn't purchase it at the time figuring I'd evaluate aftermarket bags first. The 17" Lenovo bag can be found at lenovo.com by going to the Accessories/Carrying Cases page and searching for W701 related items. I've copied and pasted the specs for readers' convenience.

Features and Benefits:

Executive styling in an entry-level case
Fits up to 17-inch-wide notebook
Durable nylon construction
Padded shoulder strap with comfortable carrying handles
Slim file section for added storage
Advanced workstation includes accessory pockets, pen loops, and business card holder
SafePort PC compartment
Luggage handle attachment

General
Model name 43R9117
Description ThinkPad 17W Business Topload Case
Web Price $69.00*

Limited warranty
Limited warranty period Lifetime Limited

Architecture
Depth Metric 146 mm
Height Metric 394 mm
Height US 15.5 in
Weight Metric 1.62 Kg
Weight US 3.58 lbs
Width Metric 470 mm
Width US 18.5 in

I was presented with no such option when purchasing my W700ds. Oh well, I'm still pretty happy with my bag. I particularly like that it's guaranteed for life and I've known a few people that have had them replaced more than once with no issues. I also lke that it fits both computers and my router, plus a bunch of other gak. Not bad for $120.

I bought the official bag (43R9117) with my W700ds. There's room for the computer, power supply, mouse, pens, papers etc. but there's no room for overnight stuff. Together the computer and power brick weigh a ton so I've only carried it to and from my car!

One good feature of this bag is the ticket/passport pouch by the handle. There's a tab to pull it out and it automatically retracts into the bag after use.