Advice on Accessories for T41P: Backpack, Sleeve, etc.

[Tsuioku]

Finally saved up enough money to buy some accessories for my T41P (w/ 6-cell battery). I already have most of the items in mind, just looking for some advice/opinions on my choices and recommendations as to where to purchase (ebay OK).

BACKPACK [Budget: up to $55USD shipped]
Thinking about getting the Heys ePac (~$55USD shipped) - http://www.heys.ca/epac
Anybody own one or have other recommendations?

SLEEVE [Budget: up to $35USD shipped]
Deciding between these two (both IBM branded!):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Brand-New-11-1-12-Sl ... dZViewItem ($27USD shipped)
http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-Thinkpad-T-Serie ... dZViewItem ($32USD shipped)
Which would you get? IBM brand doesn't really mean much to me. I just want something that fits well and doesn't leave too much slack. Water-resistance/proofing is my main goal. Also considering the Bitolithic (see note below)

OTHER
Radtech Screensaverz http://www.radtech.us/Products/Notebook ... vRzPC.aspx
+ Omnicleanz (4oz) https://www.radtech.us/Products/OmniCleanz.aspx (~$30USD shipped for both items)


What else do you think I would need?
Your input is greatly appreciated.

PS Questions for those who own a Bitolithic Sleeve regarding the Screen Protector it comes with:
1. Do you find the Screen Protector too thick?
2. It appears that they are using a different material, or did they just change from a crinkle edge to a straight edge?
3. One user mentioned that it is a Shaggymac, can anyone confirm this?

Please state when you bought your Bitolithic if you remember.

[lowie]

SLEEVE [Budget: up to $35USD shipped]
Deciding between these two (both IBM branded!):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Brand-New-11-1-12-Sl ... dZViewItem ($27USD shipped)
http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-Thinkpad-T-Serie ... dZViewItem ($32USD shipped)
Which would you get? IBM brand doesn't really mean much to me. I just want something that fits well and doesn't leave too much slack. Water-resistance/proofing is my main goal. Also considering the Bitolithic (see note below)

Concerning sleeve/backpack decision, I recommend this thread about carrying cases, backpacks and sleeves. I use this opportunity to express my preference for be-ez sleeves (too bad I don't get a % on their sales volume )
I use a normal day-to-day backpack, in combination with a be-ez sleeve. Actually I am against backpacks that clearly show being designed to carry a laptop. enough risk already that your expensive equipment is stolen at school, on the train etc.

BTW, both eBay sleeves you refer to are fake IBM sleeves, with bad quality (i suppose). If you don't REALLY want the brand on it, I'd suggest to go for something else. Secondly, make sure the size matches your laptop; there are no 12" T-Series, so the sleeve from the first auction will definitely be too small!

OTHER
Radtech Screensaverz http://www.radtech.us/Products/Notebook ... vRzPC.aspx
+ Omnicleanz (4oz) https://www.radtech.us/Products/OmniCleanz.aspx (~$30USD shipped for both items)

Such a "screensaver" would be nice, and very practical. I think Crumpler has similar models. But I can't find them anywhere here (i.e. in Belgium) - going to look harder though

[Tsuioku]

I use a normal day-to-day backpack, in combination with a be-ez sleeve. Actually I am against backpacks that clearly show being designed to carry a laptop. enough risk already that your expensive equipment is stolen at school, on the train etc.

Good Point... the ePac would have been better if it didn't have that side load slot. The design is pretty day-to-day... but the slot just shouts out "I have a laptop in me". However, I do prefer something with a dedicated notebook slot to help protect against daily bumps and the occasional drop. I find sleeves to be more of a cover than for actual protection.
I guess I should keep away from some of the more dedicated laptop backpack brands such as Targus, Kensington etc... Any non-mainstream brand recommendations?

BTW, both eBay sleeves you refer to are fake IBM sleeves, with bad quality (i suppose). If you don't REALLY want the brand on it, I'd suggest to go for something else. Secondly, make sure the size matches your laptop; there are no 12" T-Series, so the sleeve from the first auction will definitely be too small!

According to the specs on the page, the 12" case should suffice (Internal Size: 31.2cm x 26.4cm x 3.0cm (13.3" x 10.4" x 1.2")).
Didn't know they were fake. I guess this would be the authentic one: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Brand-New-13-14-14-1 ... dZViewItem
Thank god for Thinkpads.com
I did look at the Be-ez sleeves but they cost an arm and a leg to get here (31 GBP one ebay!)

[mdarnton]

I have a CaseLogic sleeve I really like. It's cheap, fits perfectly, is made of their wetsuit sponge stuff, so it's nicely protective. But the best thing about it is that it adds almost nothing to the size of the laptop, and fits in anything. If I'm just going to work, I'll slip it in my shoulderbag. On my bike, I put it in my backpack. For risky travel, I slide it into a normal laptop bag, and feel like I've got double protection. It cost me about $25, and is the cover I use the most, though I have several other options. It's not fancy, but it's a good protective, dustproof (it zips completely up, unlike cases with flaps) skin for everyday use.

[lowie]

According to the specs on the page, the 12" case should suffice (Internal Size: 31.2cm x 26.4cm x 3.0cm (13.3" x 10.4" x 1.2")).
Didn't know they were fake. I guess this would be the authentic one: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Brand-New-13-14-14-1 ... dZViewItem
Thank god for Thinkpads.com
I did look at the Be-ez sleeves but they cost an arm and a leg to get here (31 GBP one ebay!)

To my knowledge, IBM never made sleeves for their laptops, if you set aside the Japanese giveaway and the TransNote "sleeve". So, I think I'll have to disappoint you in saying that the eBay sleeve you mention is *probably* also fake. Which OTOH does not necessarily mean bad quality, but... you might want to know.

And indeed, the be-ez sleeves are not too cheap, but they are of very good quality. I would also recommend a model with a zip rather than a folder-like sleeve (those are less protective IMHO)

[pae77]

For a backpack, despite the preceding comments, I would recommend the Targus "Matrix." It does say Targus on the back, but despite that, I don't think it screams that a laptop is inside. It has a very nice built in sleeve that protects the precious laptop very well and carries and organizes a ton of other stuff, without looking too big when it is not full. I only paid about $60 including shipping from ebags.com. Many favorable reviews of the bag can be found on that site. I am very happy with this bag for the modest cost.