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wavegroom · Sep 30, 2003 , 12:06 PM

First I liked my sleeve from waterfield design.... good quality, made in San Francisco, looks nice....

But I must say I'm a bit disappointed about the size

.
Today I compared it with a sleeve from zahara for the Titanium. The sleeve from waterfield design is much bigger!!! The width is like 2cm wider... and the new Alu is not 2 cm wider!

I have compared it with a 17 Alu (rev. a), it has the same size like the 17 without a bag...
I don't bought a sleeve for my 15 Alu, to feel like carrying around a 17 Alu.

I'm still waiting for my 15 Alu, so perhaps my final opinion will change.... but I don't think so.

The purpose of a sleeve is to be as thin as possible, and to protect your investment.
I think my zahara bag serves this purpos for my ibook.

So wich is the best sleeve in terms of size and protection?

Montanan · Sep 30, 2003 , 01:13 PM

Originally posted by wavegroom:
First I liked my sleeve from waterfield design.... good quality, made in San Francisco, looks nice....

But I must say I'm a bit disappointed about the size .
Today I compared it with a sleeve from zahara for the Titanium. The sleeve from waterfield design is much bigger!!! The width is like 2cm wider... and the new Alu is not 2 cm wider!

I also ordered a Waterfield sleeve for my new 15" AlBook, ... and i have exactly the same complaint about the product. It's a beautiful sleeve -- but it's too friggin' big for the PowerBook!! Grrr!

Mojo · Sep 30, 2003 , 01:58 PM

It isn't clear to me whether the problem is with the width of the SleeveCase, or the depth. Which is it?

Have you guys with the aluminum 15" Powerbooks and the too-wide SleeveCases contacted Gary at Waterfield and told him your concerns? The folks at Waterfield get consistent high marks for customer service, so I would expect a quick resolution to your problems, one way or the other.

Kindly let us know how Waterfield responds.

Montanan · Sep 30, 2003 , 02:22 PM

Originally posted by Mojo:
It isn't clear to me whether the problem is with the width of the SleeveCase, or the depth. Which is it?

Have you guys with the aluminum 15" Powerbooks and the too-wide SleeveCases contacted Gary at Waterfield and told him your concerns? The folks at Waterfield get consistent high marks for customer service, so I would expect a quick resolution to your problems, one way or the other.

Kindly let us know how Waterfield responds.

Well, the thing is a little bit too big in all dimensions, but the primary problem is the width ... the PowerBook can move around laterally a fair amount while its in the case, and that shouldn't happen with a properly-designed sleeve.

I'd already contacted Gary about the size issue, and received a couple of quick and courteous replies. Unfortunately, the only solution they offered was an "exchange," and replacing one badly-sized case with another wouldn't really do me any good.

Mojo · Sep 30, 2003 , 02:47 PM

How do you know that the replacement case will not be a better fit without trying it?

wavegroom · Sep 30, 2003 , 02:52 PM

so I'm not the only person with this problem... a least they must change something....

I'm mailed gary, lets see what solution he can offer....

the problem is that I live in europe, so when I send it back the shipping cost will be high

Montanan · Sep 30, 2003 , 03:05 PM

Originally posted by Mojo:
How do you know that the replacement case will not be a better fit without trying it?

Well, because Waterfield gave me no indication at all that the size of the sleeve was going to be corrected. And in the meantime, I'd be out the shipping cost, and I'd be without any case at all during the replacement process.

Originally posted by wavegroom:
I'm mailed gary, lets see what solution he can offer....

I'd appreciate it if you could let us know of his response. Thanks!

Mojo · Sep 30, 2003 , 03:26 PM

It seems like a simple thing to e-mail Gary and get a definitive answer about whether the replacement SleeveCase will correctly fit the PB or not.

If not, then return the SleeveCase and just accept the fact that sometimes mail order products don't meet our expectations, and that the cost of ordering from a distant company is the price of returning the item and a little time and inconvenience.

Sometimes a company will offer to reimburse for shipping, or will have a shipper pick up the item at the company's expense. It doesn't hurt to ask if they don't bring it up first.

The alternative is to always shop locally and accept the presumably limited selection and possibly higher prices. Considering how much I purchase via mail order, the number of times I have had to return something is insignificant.

After all, it is only a case, and the PB will no doubt survive a few more days without one while you find a suitable replacement.

Mojo · Sep 30, 2003 , 03:42 PM

It seems like a simple thing to e-mail Gary and get a definitive answer about whether the replacement SleeveCase will correctly fit the PB or not.

If not, then return the SleeveCase and just accept the fact that sometimes mail order products don't meet our expectations, and that the cost of ordering from a distant company is the price of returning the item and a little time and inconvenience.

Sometimes a company will offer to reimburse for shipping, or will have a shipper pick up the item at the company's expense. It doesn't hurt to ask if they don't bring it up first.

The alternative is to always shop locally and accept the presumably limited selection and possibly higher prices. Considering how much I purchase via mail order, the number of times I have had to return something is insignificant.

After all, it is only a case, and the PB will no doubt survive a few more days without one while you find a suitable replacement.

gostan · Sep 30, 2003 , 03:46 PM

Montann:
Is the SleeveCase going inside another bag like the Cargo, or are you using it as the sole bag? I would assume that if you are using the SleeveCase inside of a Cargo bag that a slightly larger SleeveCase would not be an issue as I have a medium Cargo and Sleevecase on the way.

wavegroom · 04:05 PM

Originally posted by Montanan:

I'd appreciate it if you could let us know of his response. Thanks!

I will post the response...
But I think Mojo is right, it's always a risk to buy something you don't have seen.

But waterfield design was the only company I found that makes a 15" Alu sleeves.

Are there any other 15" Alu sleeves that fit perfect? Perhaps I will return it and wait until the local company makes a sleeve...
Or this would be a good time to startup a new bag/sleeve company

It would be so cool to have sleeves in the design of freitag. I know a tailor so perhaps, I will let her make my custom sleeve.... Which fits PERFECT!!!!!

to gostan:
My Bag looks really ugly with this sleeve in it..... The sleeve is wider than my bag.

Nelsun · Sep 30, 2003 , 05:00 PM

Regarding the problems with Waterfield's 15" Al PB sleeve:

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I just drove up to Waterfield Design to see and try the cases in person. They don't have a shop, it's a warehouse essentially and they take the orders there and ship them out.

Nice friendly and helpful people. I bought the Cargo Bag suite which includes the sleeve. The sleeve fit my new 17" Powerbook very snugly. You should call or e-mail them. They were really helpful and took time to help me decide. I really appreciated the customer service. They'll try to make you happy.

macxtal · Sep 30, 2003 , 07:18 PM

I have the Zero Halliburton Z3 case. It fits the TiBook and my new Albook 15 like a GLOVE. Absolutely perfect fit. I got some velcro to attach the power supply and accessories to the top (I removed the stock divider). It straps in very securely, and the grey powdercoat matches nicely.

I can post pictures if anyone would like.

My old Tibook went plinko down two flights of stairs in this case and didn't suffer so much as a ding. The case did though, but chicks dig scars, right?

hseikaly · Sep 30, 2003 , 10:53 PM

anyone have a good backpack suggestion? i was looking at the booq bp3 or the spire backpack... anyone have one of these bags and would like to share their opinions?

cc_foo · Oct 1, 2003 , 07:13 AM

Originally posted by wavegroom:

But waterfield design was the only company I found that makes a 15" Alu sleeves.

I bought the previous generation Spire USA Zoom backpacks, and like it a lot. I bought it for my Wallstreet. But it fits the 15" Aluminium well. No thoughts of buying a new bag. (Well, actually, I think of buying new stuff all the time.... )

Anyway, Spire USA does sell a Boot sleeve, which has a handle and straps. Also a Dash sleeve, which is simpler and cheaper.

I think both fit in the Spire backpacks. But can be bought separately. Comes in all sorts of sizes.

Just a thought.

nuraoar · Oct 1, 2003 , 11:31 AM

My booqpaq 3 is on it's way I will post a mini review once its here.

daniel999 · Oct 1, 2003 , 01:23 PM

I brought one 12"Pb sleeve in PCWorld in UK, it only cost me 5-7 pounds (cant remember the exact price.. but its under 10 pound)
Its shock resistance and it has a quite high quality as well
I prefer this one as its cheaper than those on the web as well as its nice!

Apple Elf · Oct 1, 2003 , 01:49 PM

Hey, I have a question regarding Powerbook cases. I figured i'd post it here instead of wasting space on the main board. Anyway, I was looking for a Sleevecase for an AL15" Powerbook but I wanted a sleevcase that had a pocket for an extra batt. and the AC adapter. Does anyone know where I can find one or have a like to a site? I looked all through the list provided but I cannot find what I am looking for. I don't want a case that has all these pockets for PDA's, Cell phones, Pens, Magainzes and such because I don't need them nor will I ever use them. All I want is a sleevecase with a slot for a batt. and an AC. :-( Nobody seems to make them though. Oh, and I was thinking about going along with a custom creation but then I thought of the price which more or less turned me off from the idea. I'm not looking for something that is completely insane in price. I'm looking to spend up to 100.00 POSSIBLY a little more if the product is right.

~Elf~

gostan · Oct 1, 2003 , 02:10 PM

I just received my new Waterfield Cargo Bag (medium) and Sleevecase (size 11) for my 15" AlBook. I am happy that I purchased the medium Cargo bag instead of the large as there is adequate room for all of my needs and I do not carry cameras and extra disk drives (although they would fit) too often.

I put my Powerbook in the SleeveCase for extra protection and then inside the Cargo bag. I have no issue at all with the size of the SleeveCase. It hugs the AlBook fine. If anything, the Cargo bag is a little too long for the new AlBook, but I think that it will work out fine.

The quality is typical Waterfield quality, and Gary and company should be commended for the high quality of their products. We pay for this quality, but sometimes paying the price for quality and receiving it, are at opposite sides of the rainbow.

machem · Oct 1, 2003 , 02:35 PM

I just got an email from Gary at WF Designs --- he doesn't know why people are saying that the #11 sleevecase allows an ALBook to slide around, as it is supposed to be a bit snug. He did say they have been buried under a slew of orders lately.

Rain · Oct 1, 2003 , 04:42 PM

Originally posted by Apple Elf:
Hey, I was looking for a Sleevecase for an AL15" Powerbook but I wanted a sleevcase that had a pocket for an extra batt. and the AC adapter. Does anyone know where I can find one or have a like to a site? ~Elf~

Is this what you're looking for?

ETA: okay, hope this new link works

Incase Design sleeve