I need a (messenger-style) bag for a 15" T42...

[ZPrime]

Timbuk2's Commute bag was my first choice, but it won't fit the 15" T42s.

The laptop's dimensions are:
11.5" front to back
13" wide
1.4" tall

I'm looking for something messenger-style, but it MUST look professional. It also needs to carry a fair amount of junk - I have the thinkpad plus a ton of various cables, as well as some other spare stuff. For instance, I have a mini 10/100 switch in there, I carry a full-sized USB mouse, and I have a small-ish 24-cd case for the various software I need on the job. (I'm an IT consultant.)

One thing that i do NOT want is a "normal" bag with some sort of "removeable" laptop sleeve. That just means more things to open/close when I'm trying to setup or cleanup at a location. I want to be able to open the bag, throw the laptop in a compartment and velcro it shut, and then close up the bag again.

Anyone have suggestions? Remember that it has to fit the bigass T42, preferrably even hold it with the extended battery (which probably makes it closer to 12" front-to-back).

[RaysMD]

are you sure it won't fit?

I have the commute with the 14.1" and there's about 1 inch of room left. Check out the picture.

Timbuk2 commute


BTW, the extended battery is in there also.

[ZPrime]

Well, the "pocket" dimensions on the T2 Commute are already smaller than the measurements on the standard-battery 15" T42. I imagine it might FIT, but about an inch of laptop will stick out above the padding, I bet. The velcro will hold it in place, but the last thing I want is to drop the bag and have the laptop get abused because part of it was sticking out.

then again, i did add thinkpad protection for a reason...

[XCoalMiner]

From other thread two days ago, try Patagonia:

http://www.patagonia.com/store/luggage/index.shtml

Look under Shoulder Bags > Critical Mass Bag, it's designed as a bicycle messenger bag, and, owning one (but not for bike messenging purposes), it's got more than enough room for a 15" TP and more. Dimensions per webpage: 21"x12"x9".

[ZPrime]

From other thread two days ago, try Patagonia:

http://www.patagonia.com/store/luggage/index.shtml

Look under Shoulder Bags > Critical Mass Bag, it's designed as a bicycle messenger bag, and, owning one (but not for bike messenging purposes), it's got more than enough room for a 15" TP and more. Dimensions per webpage: 21"x12"x9".

That's not bad, although the reflective strip is not doing it for me. Will it stand up on its own power, even with stuff in it?

The "large" Waterfield bag (sfbags.com) looks like it might work, although then I'd have to use a separate sleeve. If there's a way i can leave the sleeve in the bag and make it behave like a built-in pocket it won't bother me though... I just like the looks of the Waterfield stuff, plus i've heard they're very heavy duty. I really wanted the T2 to be right, but after e-mailing their customer service and getting crappy, canned responses I don't know if they'll ever get my business.

[kiig]

Hi there. Got inspired by this thread, - so I went out and bought the Timbuk2 Commute bag today


"Timbuk2's Commute bag was my first choice, but it won't fit the 15" T42s. "....

I've got the a31p, - 15", - really thick and that fits.... It'll stick out like 5 mm., - so I shouldn't put the bag down upside down, - but apart from that, - it's a 'tight' fit, - but a fit.... I measured mine and didn't think it would fit inside 13".. but it did.

Kim Igel.

[First Light]

For anyone like me who has a T42p with the 9 cel battery and who carries his ThinkPad in a protective sleeve inside of a pack or briefcase, I just bought a great sleeve from WaterField Design http://www.sfbags.com/. This sleeve has a 3/16 neoprene liner and heavy duty ballistic nylon outer cover. Interestingly the sleeve that fits the T42p with the extended battery is one they make for a Toshiba - Toshiba model #8. Cost was $40, plus I opted for their optional flap/additional $15.

[XCoalMiner]

... Will it stand up on its own power, even with stuff in it?

It's what they call soft-sided, has no frames or metal in it, almost all messenger bags are like that. The stuff inside will form a central mass and the bag will take the shape, more or less, of what you've got in there.

[ZPrime]

For anyone like me who has a T42p with the 9 cel battery and who carries his ThinkPad in a protective sleeve inside of a pack or briefcase, I just bought a great sleeve from WaterField Design http://www.sfbags.com/. This sleeve has a 3/16 neoprene liner and heavy duty ballistic nylon outer cover. Interestingly the sleeve that fits the T42p with the extended battery is one they make for a Toshiba - Toshiba model #8. Cost was $40, plus I opted for their optional flap/additional $15.

If you use the standard battery, is the fit still decent or is there way too much extra space? I'm considering buying a standard, but i have a 9-cell now... i'd like a bag that will hold it well in either configuration.

[First Light]

Yes, it still closes snug with no battery installed.

[tjweaver]

Would the Halfmass bag from Patagonio fit a 15" T42? I really like the looks of them. The Fullmass just seems a bit too bulky for me.

http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION= ... 1&ws=false

[ZPrime]

I had the opportunity to handle a Timbuk2 Commute XL bag (made for the widescreen Apple TiBook) and it didn't fit with my extended battery. The Commute XL is .25" shorter than the standard Commute. The .25 would've let it fit with a standard battery, but it would've been tight. it does NOT hold the 15" with 9cell though.

I think i'll be giving sfbags.com a call... it just sucks to spend $200 on a bag, although it will probably last me through 4 laptops.

[adrenalincreek]

Hello everyone,

There are two sizes of the Shinza sleeve for 15" notebooks: A medium and a Large. I would greatly appreciate some feedback from someone who tried to fit a T42 15" with a 6-cell/9-cell battery into one of those.

Did the medium sleeve fit? or would I need a large sleeve?

Thanks very much!