Bitolithic laptop sleeve Review

[Jmmmmm]

I received my bitolithic sleeve a few days ago after it being recommended in this thead: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=14212

I was looking for a sleeve that would fit the 14.1" t43 very tightly, adding as little bulk as possible, while protecting it from bumps and scratches in my backpack with other books and binders. So is this the perfect laptop sleeve for my t43? Well, yes and no...

The positives:
-nearly perfect fit for the 14.1" thinkpad; fits with regular battery and stretches to fit w/extended battery
-well made and durable
-good zippers, protected from scratching the laptop by flap on inside
-adds very little bulk to the laptop, perfect for sharing space in a backpack
-nice bonus accessory bag; able to fit a number of things while still being pretty small
-cloth screen protector a nice bonus also
-good design overall; good color, etc

The negatives:
-pretty thin; it's bump protection doesn't seem too great
-cloth screen protector is too thick
-a bit pricey


When I opened the package, I was surprised at how thin the neoprene on the case was. The neoprene on the case logic sleeve I used on my dell 5150 is about 1.5-2x as thick as the bitolithic sleeve. So, while it was exactly what I was asking for in being thin, I am a little concerned about how much protection from bumps it will actually provide. Maybe I am underestimating the cushioning given by the neoprene, i dont know, but I do wish it was a bit thicker.

The screen protector is also a bit too thick for the t43. Maybe there is more space b/w the screen and keys on ibooks, but when I close the lid with the screen protector, I encounter some resistance. This leads me to believe that when I close it all the way, I am depressing some of the keys. This may or may not be a big dealt, but it's putting some pressure on the screen, which I can't imagine is good for it. Maybe it's fine. Either way, I don't plan on using the screen protector much.

Otherwise, the sleeve is just what I was looking for. I can stick it in my bag, still have plenty of room for other books and things, and not have to worry about my laptop getting scratched (and to some degree, bumped)

Given the $43 price tag with shipping, I don't think it's a steal. My case logic sleeve only cost $12, and I don't see why this one should cost much more, aside from the extra bag and screen protector. That said, if the bag and protector are important to you, they are probably worth the extra money, as they probably cost just as much to make as the sleeve did. There seems to be a paucity of sleeves that fit the description I wanted, and this one fit it well. I am happy with my purchase and would probably do it again if given the chance.

Here are some pictures. Sorry they're not the best quality, but they can give you an idea:

Regular battery:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... atttop.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... bottom.jpg

Extended battery (notice the protrusion at the top from the battery):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... atttop.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... bottom.jpg

Open:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... egbatt.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... edbatt.jpg

Screen protector:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... tector.jpg

Accessory pouch:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... access.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... access.jpg

Thickness with and without the case:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... ve0008.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... ve0009.jpg

Thickness with case logic sleeve:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ ... sleeve.jpg

Back:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Jmmmmm/back.jpg

EDIT: By the way, this was the 14" ibook sleeve.