[vashti]

Hey, y'all! I was looking for some advice on what case to buy for my new 15" powerbook, to be delivered today. I've read the sticky, but need info more specific to me.

I'm a short woman. (5') I would like a messenger style bag that doesn't look too large and is light. I plan to carry my 15" pb, cord, ipod, palm pilot, phone, a novel, a folder or 2, & a few dvds when I travel. It's important to me that it looks cool.

From the browsing I've done so far, I've found several cases that look promising:

Tom Binh ID w/ Brain Cell

Timbuktu Commuter or Detour

Crumpler Crippy Duck or Wack-o-Phone

I'm also thinking of getting a Booq sleeve. It's small & attractive. It would be perfect for when I don't need much else, but too small for travel. Anyone know if it could fit in other bags?

Have opinions on any of the above bags? Know of others I should be considering? I'm traveling Saturday, so will try to order tomorrow (Wed) so I can get it in time.

Thanks for your help!

[viachiangmai]

Considering the size of the 15" pb, any bag you get to fit it will look pretty big on you. i would go for the Crippy Duck because it's longer vertically. If you're conscious about height, then try to stay away from something that is longer horizontally (like the Timbuk2 bags, or the Wack-o-phone).

If you add a sleeve, the bag is going to be pretty full and bulky. Again, a vertically longer bag will look better IMO.

i use a Waterfield Designs sleeve (vertical case with optional flap) because it looks great and is zipperless so as not to scratch up the pb's casing.

That's my take. Hope it helps! Congrats on the new 15 pb"!

[Spheric Harlot]

Two threads up, there's a HUGE frickin' list and discussion of pretty much all the available options.

You might want to read that for help.

[vashti]

Yep, I did. I've studied that thing for hours. But I wanted info about my specific needs that I couldn't find in the thread. Thanks.

[JCT]

Vashti,

I'm a small female as well ...no fun being dwarfed by your messenger bag.

I have a 15" PC laptop that I carry in the Booq sleeve (I prefer to carry my laptop separately when I travel by plane... easier to pull out at security). I also have a 12" PB that I carry in a marware sleeve inside my Waterfield Designs small cargo bag.

I own two Waterfield bags and they are the greatest. Cool, yet OK to use in a professional setting (I use a crumpler messenger as my stealth camera bag in NYC and I think it is definitely less professional looking, I wouldn't use it at work). My Waterfield cargo bags have been all over the world in the past two years and they still look new.

Waterfield Designs (SF Bags) Definitely head over and take a look. The owner, Gary is a *great* guy and the company is Mac-centric. If you email him (gary@sfbags.com)
and tell him what your constraints are he will help you pick out a bag.

Highly recommended.

JT

[Tomster]

Timbuk2 - it fits all of your criteria. Either get the Commute, or build your own and buy a sleeve insert.

Also, sfbags is fantastic, albeit a bit more costly.

[vashti]

Well, my research hasn't panned out so well.

The booq sleeve is stylish, but too big for the 15". There seems to be lots of room for it to move. Anyone have experiences with this one?

Timbuk2 bags just looked too big on me.

Waterfield's too pricey - also a little big.

The Tom Binh ID and Hipster are still in the running. I can't lay eyes on them in NY - and the measurements are similar to timbuk2, so probably too big.

Crumpler - Crippy Duck seems like the right bag, but is sold out everywhere. Probably won't be back in the Crumpler store until beginning of May. Wack-O-Phone felt too big. Anyone know where I can find a new or used Crippy Duck?

I leave town on Saturday, hopefully with computer and bag in hand.

Anyone have any ideas for me?

Thanks. I really appreciate the help.

_

[Tomster]

Originally posted by vashti:
Timbuk2 bags just looked too big on me.

Waterfield's too pricey - also a little big.

In that case, SpireUSA. Get the Endo. Bit too small for my taste, but it might fit you well. Normally, I would recommend goincase.com but they are re-doing their line right now.

[Ω]

I have the booq system, and unless the 15" has shrunk recently I am not really sure what you are getting at.

One thing I think you should remember is that all soft cases will offer a bit of protection, but I still would not be going around and dropping my sleeve everywhere. For real protection hard case is the go, but alas it looks gay and are typically too bulky for my liking.

[viachiangmai]

vashti -

Have you tried REI.com for the Crippy Duck? It's $90 and they have it in blk/gry or org/org. But to get it in time, you'll have to have it shipped overnite - and that'll cost you $25.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ry_rn=12353603

Again, i'd like to tell everyone how pleased i am with my Waterfield Designs sleeve. It's stylish and simple, and is a PERFECT fit for the 15" PB i got two weeks ago. i do, however, agree with many that it is pricey. But it fits well into my canvas, drawstring backpack (the bottom of which i reinforced with a half inch of neoprene from an old wetsuit) and shields my PB from the rest of the mac and audio gear i carry to school.

[Paul Huang]

Buy a good case without worrying about cost is the best policy. I have handled two BADLY damaged aluminum PBs. They are regretting it now. Fortunately, AmEx covers upto $1,000 in the first 90 days.