survey: thinkpad case recommendations

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Binglehopper · #1 Post by **Binglehopper** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:47 am

hello all,

i'm looking to get everyone an idea of what people are using as laptop cases for the T42.

i'm hoping to find a slim, sleek carrying case, since i often carry my laptop in my backpack, but also something that could double as a carrying case by itself with a shoulder strap.

anyone have any recommendations on good cases they've found? (particularly for the T42 SXGA size laptop that I'm getting?

)

#2 Post by **JaneL** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 6:25 am

I use the same Silicon Sports backpack that I've been using since about 1996 (Silicon Sports was bought and killed off by Kensington years ago). It didn't have a lot of padding when I got it as the "gift" that was given out by a software company at their convention, and the intervening years of schlepping one or another TP plus folders, accessories, food and sometimes clothes for overnight trips on and off planes and back and forth to work daily have just about done away with any claim it ever had to padding. I just make sure to pack carefully so that nothing is pressing down on the screen and don't worry about it.

hominoidea · #3 Post by **hominoidea** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:02 am

I had the same thought when desiding myself. I ended up buing a Victorinox WebPak (v.1) that came with a CS2 sleeve (vertical).

http://images.google.com/images?q=victo ... a=N&tab=wi

That is fine for my T41 and suits a 15", or that's what they say. You can get one individually and a shoulder strap to go. Haven't got that strap, though. It does leave the top exposed and looking quite vulnerable when used by itself, but the build is excellent for my or any standards.

Edit: it might not be the thinnest or the sleekest of them all, but if you want protection...

jonathanlee · #4 Post by **jonathanlee** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:47 am

For my T42 I am using the ZERO SHOCK case I purchased. The medium size will fit the 14" TP perfectly. Here's a link to the case i'm referring to. The only problem is that they won't have any more medium's in stock till mid Sept.

http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=46

I also purchased the Targus Corporate Standard case from Targus. I hope that helps.

scot · #5 Post by **scot** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:38 am

I perchased the Timbuk2 Commute one month ago. So far, it has been perfect for my needs. It has enough room to carry lunch, papers, book, and a change of clothes. Plus, it protects my T42 well: Just 20 minutes ago I dropped it while on the bus. Nothing wrong what-so-ever (maybe it's because it's an IBM?

). What I also like is that few would guess I am carrying a laptop--which is not bad for walking around late at night.

If you need backpack straps, Timbuk2 has another model but I chose the commute because I prefer the horizontal, messanger bag orientation. While these bags are pricey, I wouldn't change my mind if I had the option.

EnsignRicki · #6 Post by **EnsignRicki** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:45 am

I use this.

HKILP7M8 · #7 Post by **HKILP7M8** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:14 pm

I use this:
http://www.casedirect.com/product_detai ... CK&menu=02
I got it at J and R Computer World in NYC for $19.99.

Binglehopper · #8 Post by **Binglehopper** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:43 pm

anyone ever try one of these?

http://www.sfbags.com/

the sleevecase w/ a flap and shoulder strap looks very interesting. a little pricey though...

vrs626 · #9 Post by **vrs626** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 1:46 pm

I also use the Timbuk2 Commute bag...it's a great bag and I would definately recommend it

Daniel · #10 Post by **Daniel** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 1:50 pm

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mercha ... ct_Count=0

Size 4 is a perfect fit for my T42P 14" with 6cell. It will still fit with the 9cell but it's tight. You can also slip the adapter, extra battery, and mouse on the stretchable mesh side part. They also have shoulder bags but I have no experience with those.

kanate · #11 Post by **kanate** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 3:28 pm

I use Caselogic EVA Laptop Shuttle Black Hardshell NPE-1 (no shoulder strap)

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?s ... 30201&sp=1

Cheap and perfect size for my T42 14.1" screen. I just keep my TP in this case and put it in any of my backpack.

Foyle · #12 Post by **Foyle** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:11 pm

I purchased the IBM slipcase and the Shinza zeroshock. I was hoping to find a case which would fit my T42 (14.1" screen) like the old glove type sleeves, however niether fits the 14" T42 as snug as I would like, however the Shinza does fit inside the slipcase, which is how I now carry my T around.

eriqesque · #13 Post by **eriqesque** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:34 pm

Binglehopper wrote:anyone ever try one of these?

http://www.sfbags.com/

the sleevecase w/ a flap and shoulder strap looks very interesting. a little pricey though...

I have the sleeve #6(fits any 14" T with 6 or 9 cell battery) with the flap and the d rings for the shoulder strap.
Very nice sleeve very well made.

cyr0n_k0r · #14 Post by **cyr0n_k0r** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:36 pm

I have one of the SF bags coming in the mail. I also got the flap, but dont need the d-rings or shoulder strap. I'll let you guys know when it gets here in a few days and will take some action shots.

Binglehopper · #15 Post by **Binglehopper** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:25 pm

awesome, please do let us see some action shots of the sleevecase from sfbags.

and fyi, i've been talking w/ sfbags, and they have new sleevecases coming out very soon, and are in fact transitioning to a new model that has a small zipper pocket for a magazine or papers...i'll let you know if i can get a hold of some pics...

kenji · #16 Post by **kenji** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:34 pm

Many people ask the questions about the ideal carrying case for TP.
But didn't IBM include a carrying case with the TP? Is that carrying case
of bad quality or what ?

G-Man · #17 Post by **G-Man** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:40 pm

IBM only includes it with a special offer. I have a ThinkPad Nylon Carrying Case. Excellent building quality, and protection. More than enough folders and pockets. Highly recommended.

Regards,
G-Man

rhema83 · #18 Post by **rhema83** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:41 pm

IBM actually includes a leather carrying case for their Thinkpads in Asia Pacific (eg Singapore, Hong Kong). I find it weird that the case is not bundled in the Americas.

Anyway I took my girlfriend's case which was bundled with her X31. They are all the "standard" size which is too big for a X series. Quality is top-notch with a nice tri-colour IBM emblem. I also got myself a neoprene slip case for carrying it in the backpack.

kenji · #19 Post by **kenji** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:55 pm

Since I am going to buy a TP in America, it looks like I have to start seeking for a good carrying case for TP.

rhema83 · #20 Post by **rhema83** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 12:06 am

kenji wrote:Since I am going to buy a TP in America, it looks like I have to start seeking for a good carrying case for TP.

You could try ordering a case from the Asia Pacific (Singapore or HK will be your best bets). I think it might be cheaper even after you factor in shipping. It's a genuine leather case, not some cheap China knock-off with a logo pasted on it. From what I've seen, that carrying case is not on sale in America. I don't know why, though. Maybe it's import restriction?

nacy333 · #21 Post by **nacy333** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:41 pm

I second the poster who suggested the Booq cases. I wanted something just barely big enough to carry my t42p 14-inch. I wanted something that is just as portable so I got this:

http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=67

EnsignRicki · #22 Post by **EnsignRicki** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:16 pm

Nacy333, so the PowerSleeve14 holds the 14 inch T42p with 9 cell battery? If I had known that I would've gotten that instead of the PowerSleeve15. Oh well.

Binglehopper · #23 Post by **Binglehopper** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:18 pm

would you say the powersleeve 14 is small enough to slide into a backpack w/o any problems? and still have plenty of space for other stuff?

plucky duck · #24 Post by **plucky duck** » Fri Jul 30, 2004 11:36 pm

Curious to know if the Powersleeve 14 will hold the T42p with the extended 9-cell battery as well.

Rancor · #25 Post by **Rancor** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 12:30 am

I have been browsing this forum for about 4 months now, i just get nervous about posting so this is my FIRST official post. Hello all. I figured this was a good subject to come out of my shell.
i bought
http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=44
and received it today
the system came with the powersleeve 14 (you can pick 14 or 15 and 12)
http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=67
it is AMAZING quality
the shoulder strap on the powersleeve is a seatbelt like material- feels VERY durable.
the shoulder strap has a decently thick slide-able pad on it. Not too thick to where the bulk is a nuisance, and not too thin to be useless.
everything that is plastic on other packs is metal (except for the buckles of course)
very durable nylon
lifetime warrenty
i dont know about the 9cell though
i bought my T42(2373-8XU) through school (33% off!!! http://www.msj.edu/merlin/04-new/choices.htm ), and dont get it till the 20th at 10am during orientation (i am not counting the hours or anything

i can try to put up some pictures if anyone would care to see them
The Powersleeve14/15 seems to be exactally what your looking for
it also has a zipper on the front flap
and a zipper on the back
for a few magazines/papers or whatever
the clips are metal also
well thats all...if people want me to post pics of my backpack/sleeve i can try to do that for ya
just say of what (front/back/zippers/inside/whole thing) whatever ya want
i wont have my t42 to show off yet...i will have those pics up on the 20th:)
-Rancor

plucky duck · #26 Post by **plucky duck** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 1:11 am

Closeup pics would be awesome as the pics on that site really doesn't tell much

flounder · #27 Post by **flounder** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 2:47 am

Any recommendation for a bagpack for use on the campus, and in which you can throw in an extra book or two?

Cheers

would · #28 Post by **would** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:10 am

tecair new york

Rancor · #29 Post by **Rancor** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 7:21 pm

edit: well crap..shoulda checked this before i went through all the trouble
anyone able to host around 44 .jpeg files that are around 250-350kb each?

I would make this its own thread...but i dont know if that is necessary.

here are the pictures that were requested:
they range from:
http://www28.brinkster.com/planetsidein ... %20001.jpg
to
http://www28.brinkster.com/planetsidein ... %20044.jpg
just change the number.

PICTURES 31 and 34 DO NOT EXIST- didn’t feel like renaming all the rest after renamed them all once and chose to delete pictures 31 and 34

Pictures of the backpack are from #'s 001-005 and 020-039
Pictures of the Powersleeve14 are from #'s 006-019 and 040-043
Picture of Cell Phone and PDA holder is 044

Picture 013 shows the O clip where the shoulder strap (014 - 015) is metal. As well as the clips on the shoulder strap itself, these clips also swivel when twisted.

Picture 015 shows the durability of the shoulder strap, feels just like a seatbelt.

Pictures 018 and 019 show the pad on the shoulder strap and how thick it is.

Pictures 027 and 028 show the material that lines the inside of the back pouch where the backpack is kept. The material is VERY soft, and will prevent scratching. The same material lines the inside of the Powersleeve14.

Pictures 029-030 show the very durable zippers. I purchased a laptop backpack a while back (from ibm) and after 3 months i had to replace all of the zippers with paperclips because they broke off.

Pictures 035-039 show the backpack with books AND the powersleeve14 WITH a laptop in it. No visible sign of strain on zippers and still as easy to close as it was when it was empty. To show Flounder what it looks like.

Pictures 040-043 Show that 3 magazines can fit in the Powersleeve14 with room for a few more without putting strain on the zippers.

The packback has a tremendous amount of padding. About an Inch just on the bottom alone.

The Powersleeve14 with the laptop in it, slides in the backpack easily with little force or effort.

Anyone in need of a laptop i would suggest the BP3 System ( http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=44 ).

I plan to have my laptop in my power sleeve which will also be in my BP3 for added safety.

Any other picture requests or questions, feel free to comment/ask;)
-Rancor

RamonesFan · #30 Post by **RamonesFan** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:54 pm

First, I'd like to thank everyone for posting their case recommendations/experiences. I just received my new T42 (2373-JXU), and am now trying to figure out what kind of case to get for it. The information/opinions provided thus far have been invaluable.

I would, however, like to pose a follow-up question to people who have posted (or anyone who has some expertise in this area. How water-resistant/waterproof are your cases' exteriors/zippers? What type of material should I be looking for?

My thinkpad will be living in Portland, OR, and commuting frequently to Seattle, WA (neither of which are the driest spots on the face o' the earth), and understandably, I'm worried about keeping my thinkpad dry during inclement weather.

Any input appreciated.

-RF

survey: thinkpad case recommendations

survey: thinkpad case recommendations

Timbuk2

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pictures of BP3 System

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