[olePigeon]

Certified by me as perfect.

I've narrowed it down to three specific products after going through that ginormous thread. These are the products I recommend every PowerBook and iBook owner should at least have if they don't want to lug around backpacks or bags, or, want to use a normal backpack to keep their valuable notebook hidden from prying eyes (use an old Jansport instead of a noticeable laptop backpack.)

RadTech ScreensaveRz - For PowerBook G3, G4, and iBooks of all sizes.
RadTech Sleevz - For G4 PowerBooks and iBooks. Custom logo option available.
Tucano "Elements" Second Sleeve - For Aluminum PowerBook G4 and iBook G4s of all sizes. Includes optional matching cable pouch.

* Product descriptions below pics. Check out websites for additional images and descriptions.




The RadTech ScreensaveRz is a sheet of non-woven, micro fiber foam like fabric called Optex. It protects your precious display surface from abrasion caused by the close tolerances in today's ultra-thin notebooks by shielding the screen from oils, dirt and abrasion when closed. And that's just for starters. ScreensavRz also clean and polish your screen without sprays or wet wipes! Dampen the ScreensavRz with water, and polish away most existing light scuffing you may have!

The RadTech Sleevz for Notebooks elegantly protect the exterior finish of your computer from all of life's little bumps and grinds. Made from a heavier-gauge version of the Optex fabric, the case stretches on like a glove, hugging every curve. Extremely lightweight, flexible and durable like our popular ScreensavRz, the case weighs just 40 grams! This case folds up small enough to easily fit in your pocket! Protects exterior painted finish of PowerBook G4 and the iBook's polished plastic from your larger case's zippers and hardware, or anything else lurking out there. A great, hassle-free tote when you just need to take the 'Book. Elegant debossed "PowerBook" or "iBook" text on one panel, or a custom logo.

The Tucano "Elements" Second Sleeve is an Italian made, durable Notebook sleeve for your PowerBook or iBook. It's constructed of Neoprine, the same material as a wetsuite, with a second lip to protect it from the zipper. Unlike some other sleeves, these are made with the PowerBook and iBooks specifically in mind and fit snugly. They come in a variety of sizes and colors (black, grey, and sport red) as well as an optional matching cable pouch. Depending on the model, it will come with a Periodic style graphic for your PowerBook or iBook. The PB 15" is pictured above.

You will want to find a U.S. supplier if you are in the States for the Tucano Second Sleeve. I would recommend paying no more than $25. Make sure the description includes the cable pouch, as they are sold separately. They are very popular and are often out of stock. Below are the model numbers for a quick search through Google to find a supplier. Add "-G" for Grey, or "-R" for Red such as: BF-N-L14-G or BF-N-S12-R. Default color is Black.

BF-N-S12 - 12" iBook without Cable Pouch
BF-N-L14 - 14" iBook without Cable Pouch
BF-N-L15G4 - 15" PowerBook without Cable Pouch
BF-N-L17G4 - 15" PowerBook without Cable Pouch

BFPO-S12 - 12" iBook with Cable Pouch
BFPO-L14 - 14" iBook with Cable Pouch
BFPO-L15G4 - 15" PowerBook with Cable Pouch
BFPO-L17G4 - 15" PowerBook with Cable Pouch

PO-I - Just the Cable Pouch for iBook
PO-P - Just the Cable Pouch for PowerBook

[Randman]

I agree on the Radtech suggestions. Not sure about the last one. With a sleeve to protect from scratches, a second sleeve is a bit of overkill. A good case would work just as well.

[mpancha]

any recommendations for an ibook keyboard cover (right now I'm considering the iSkin )

and also some kind of "wrist pad" to go to the left and right of the trackpad where your wrists tend to lie while typing. I already have wrist imprints there form 3weeks of iBook use . Others have suggested cleaners to use, but I'm looking for some kind of pad to place there. So far all I've found is this cork one:



any recommendations would be great

[Randman]

There are quite a few wrist pad covers on the market. I've seen a few of them (don't like them myself). The Magic Sponge does do wonders for making the iBooks look new again.
I can also vouch for the iSkins. I have one on my PB17 and one on my Apple keyboard. It takes a little time getting used to the different feel and the backlit is muted somewhat on the PB. If I want better feedback or the backlit, I take it off. Otherwise, they do wonders as a defense against dust, dog hair and other detritus from getting under the keys.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by Randman

I agree on the Radtech suggestions. Not sure about the last one. With a sleeve to protect from scratches, a second sleeve is a bit of overkill. A good case would work just as well.

The Second Skin is a thick Neoprine, it protects it from heavy objects hitting it, accidental drops, liquids, and other nasty things. The Radtech is great for covering the ports from debris and keeping the case scratch free, but if you drop your PowerBook it's gonna go crunch. The Second Skin is more like a formfitting laptop bag.

As mentioned before, it's perfect for sticking it in a normal old backpack so it's not obvious you're carrying a laptop with you. You can stick it in there with your normal school books.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by mpancha

any recommendations for an ibook keyboard cover (right now I'm considering the iSkin)

Your guess is as good as mine, I've never had a keyboard skin.

and also some kind of "wrist pad" to go to the left and right of the trackpad where your wrists tend to lie while typing. I already have wrist imprints there form 3weeks of iBook use . Others have suggested cleaners to use, but I'm looking for some kind of pad to place there. So far all I've found is this cork one:

I just use my RadTech ScreensaverZ shammy as my pad. Keeps the dirt and oil off it.

[Kristoff]

Wrong Topic for this thread.

[Randman]

I can see the point of the second skin. I have an STM bag
that is specially padded for the PowerBooks (I have a 17).
And while it won't protect from a fall as you said, the Radtech sleeves are pretty good. A few months I flew roundtrip SIngapore to LA to Phoenix to Albuquerque and back just using the Radtech PowerSleeve and a nifty (but underpadded) laptop case that I got from Apple when the iMac G5s were first launched. No problems whatsoever (the Sleevez are great for airports when you have to take the laptop out and don't want to get it stratched).

[olePigeon]

WTH?! This was in the PowerBook forum like 2 minutes ago.

This new Forum is wacko. Please move back to PB forum.

[mdc]

i advise the tucano notebook sleeves. i originally found them when i was in london and bought one for my 15" powerbook. i am very impressed with it. i have found someone on ebay selling them. a friend of mine bought one for her 12" ibook and it too fits very well.

i would not put a laptop into a backpack if it is not in a sleeve first. that extra bit of protection can't hurt.

[Chuckit]

Welcome to the Mac OS forum, thread!

(Seriously, huh?)

[tripletaker]

Does anyone know where I can buy this online from the US?

edit: The Tucano "Elements" Second Sleeve.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by tripletaker

Does anyone know where I can buy this online from the US?

edit: The Tucano "Elements" Second Sleeve.

Check my first post. I listed all the model numbers for the Tucano sleeve. Just enter that into Google surrounded by quotes and you should get some suppliers.

I bought my for about $22 (included tax) for the sleeve + pouch. Just don't pay more than $25 for the set.


Is this thread gonna get moved to the PowerBook forum yet?

[asodamiac]

i use my radtech screensavr as a wrist rug sometimes. i also have a iskin keyboard cover and dont really like the feel of it. had it for some time now, but i've stopped using it at home. if i take my pb with me, i usually use the iskin, but other than that, it stays in my waterfield sleeve.

[JoshuaZ]

iSkins makes a good keyboard cover. I also enjoy my marware powerbook case. Both are nice and handy.

[AndrewP]

Originally Posted by tripletaker

Does anyone know where I can buy this online from the US?

edit: The Tucano "Elements" Second Sleeve.

I purchased mine from Fry's Electronics. Check outpost.com and see if they have them on there.