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selowitch · Jan 9, 2004, 04:51 PM

In general, do you folks think one ought to buy a laptop sleeve and keep it the laptop inside the sleeve within a larger bag? What are the advantages and disadvantages to this?

CeRtiFiedSkitZo · Jan 9, 2004, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by selowitch:
In general, do you folks think one ought to buy a laptop sleeve and keep it the laptop inside the sleeve within a larger bag? What are the advantages and disadvantages to this?

I have an iBook G4, and I decided to buy one those bags that have a sleeve like pocket built inside. I know for me it's better than a regular laptop bag because it doesn't scratch as much.

11011001 · Jan 9, 2004, 06:21 PM

Well, if you have a powerbook, it might be a little better on the latch. It's a lot less pressure I suppose.

Though, I don't know if it will really extend the life of your latch. The one on my 15" Al, just gave out.. but, since I have whitespots, the latch is getting replaced in the process. I don't use a sleeve btw, thought, seeing as how my latch gave out.. i am considering buying one.

selowitch · Jan 9, 2004, 09:58 PM

Interesting. How does a laptop sleeve preserve the life of the PB's latch? Is it because it holds the latch in an optimal position?

I'll bet those keyboard protectors probably help, too, because they let the latch engage without putting too much pressure on it.

PBAddict · Jan 10, 2004, 02:31 AM

I have a Toucano second skin for my 12 in pb, great for transporting in another Bag that is not a laptop bag, e.g carry on plane.

11011001 · Jan 10, 2004, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by selowitch:
Interesting. How does a laptop sleeve preserve the life of the PB's latch? Is it because it holds the latch in an optimal position?

I'll bet those keyboard protectors probably help, too, because they let the latch engage without putting too much pressure on it.

I can't really say for certain if it preserves the life of the latch. However, I can certainly see how it would help. My latch was doing well, since I bought the PB, but it gave out a couple of weeks ago. I can't keep the computer closed anymore (despite trying the bending solution).

The sleeves I have been looking at are a very snug fit. In this case, it would be the sleeve holding the laptop shut, rather than the latch.

If you are worried about scratching, or anything like that.. I can say that I have been carrying my PB around in a normal shoulder bag, along with my books, pencils and all that. No scratches. So, I wouldn't get a sleeve for this purpose.

danbrew · Jan 10, 2004, 12:18 PM

I've got a *great* Tumi laptop case that perfectly fits the 17". I love it - and use it 99.99% of the time. Whooooopppssss. I needed to go on a long distance trip and wanted to bring more stuff -- I have another bag (a pilot's chart bag) that will fit everything I need - including the 17" PB. I was a bit concerned about just dropping the PB in the bag. I called Tom Bihn and ordred one of their Mitre sleeves - it's awesome. The bag, and the computer, of course, fit right inside of the other bag. My big concern was scratches and all that. This sleeve obviates the need for any "scratch protection."

fwiw - I just landed in Moscow (14 hour flight) and used the PB 1/2 the way. The other 1/2 the way the PHB was in the sleeve and in the case. No problem. Although those fookers from AirFrance lost my checked bag. Again. Damn Frogs.

jimf_81 · Jan 10, 2004, 05:39 PM

Another vote for sleeves here. They really help in preventing scratches (Arrgh), and give you a little extra protection against drops and collisions. It may cost more to get a good case/sleeve to carry your PB, but it is well worth the investment.

I have a Volt XL bag from Spire (see case sticky), which comes with a sleeve (boot or dash). I can't say enough good things about this bag. When I first got it out of the box seriously questioned how much you can fit inside of it, but the bag expands quite a bit.

Freeflyer · Jan 10, 2004, 11:32 PM

Yeah, sleeves are the way to go. I use a waterfield designs sleeve and just drop it into my kelty backpack. Stealth man, no-one knows what I'm carrying. Best security you can get.

It's probably not as solid a protection as a dedicated case, but I don't generally throw my cases across a room. think about what you need, for me a sleeve works best.

J.