BOOQ VYPER XS3 13.3" Notebook Case Review (3820TG) (56K no way)

I havent been here long but i know that there are a lot of 3820TG owners who read this forum.

Being such a portable laptop with a long battery life, the need for a protective case or sleeve is sure to arise sooner of later.

I opted to buy the BOOQ VYPER XS3 Case which is actually made for the 13" Macbook as i wanted something that would offer more protection than a sleeve.

I also took into consideration when looking for a case the M3 composites 13" Carbon Fiber case(also available in kevlar):

Mach 3 Composites: Mach 3 Composites - 13" Carbon Fiber Laptop Case

BOOQ VYPER XS3 13" CASE for Macbook PRO 13"




I would describe the packaging as rather minimalistic as it is merely a piece of cardboard with elastic securing the case. I'm sure this is good for the environment at the very least. A very Apple-esque approach to packaging it would seem.

I purchased this unit from JB-HIFI in Australia. It cost $69.95AUD and is available for $49.95USD in the states.

Overall the build quality of the XS3 is very good It feels solid and has a very neat design. My particular unit has noticeable flaws at all which was a relief as I neglected to check it in store. It is constructed from high density foam sandwiched between an exterior of Ballistic Nylon and an interior of "scratch proof lining"

The "VYPER" logo seems to be stuck on very well however may peel off after extended use.



The zippers and zip appear to be high quality with the BOOQ logo made from metal on the zippers as well as the orange tag found at one end of the zip.

The hinge seems to be made from rubber and is stitched at either end. The BOOQ logo is emblazoned across the middle.

When opened the case is fairly symmetrical with the exception of the logos and tags.

The inside Tells a similar story.

Yet another BOOQ Tag can be found inside.

The "non scratch lining" has around 1cm of padding allowing the case to conform to different shapes when closed.



SIZE COMPARISON:
Here are photos of the case next to the notebook

And photos showing the clearance on corners with notebook inside



A fairly tight fit but the zips do not scrape the corners as they go around. It is interesting to note that the battery must be oriented away from the hinge in order to achieve best fitment.

There is enough clearance on the side to allow for a logitech unifying or similar sized receiver to be left plugged in.

I also managed to fit my iPod and iPod cable in however I would not recommend it as it would probably make the screen more susceptible to damage.

When open, the case allows for fairly comfortable operation without blocking the vents too badly however I would not recommend heavy or extended use like this.


When closed the case is approximately 5cm/2in thick

As you can see there is quite a bit of padding, the case feels quite sturdy when the notebook is inside.

Weight

With the battery installed the notebook and case weighs 2.21kgs

4 pounds 14oz in imperial measurements.

The case on its own weighs 396g

14oz in imperial measurements.

But the question everyone wants to know the answer to is.. just how strong is this case?
DISCLAIMER: DO NOT DO THIS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE YOU DO TO YOUR NOTEBOOK WHILST DOING FOOLISH THINGS.

Yes, the notebook is inside and I am standing on only the case, nothing else is supporting me. For the record I weigh ~75kgs

Here is a photo of the unbroken screen afterwards

So there you have it folks, if you want a strong, well made and attractive laptop case which you can stand on (for whatever reason you would want to) then I would suggest the BOOQ VYPER XS3. (also available in 15" model.) as I have found it to be perfect for my needs.

Update:
Just wanted to provide a followup on this case and comment on how well it has faired over the last three months.

To be honest all I can say are good things. I have taken my notebook to and from school 5 days a week for the last 11 weeks or so without a hickup. The case is in pretty well the same condition as I bought it in which is a true testament to its build quility. When in my bag, inevitably the case gets dropped and kicked around(as would be expected in a school environment.) My 3820tg Is running perfectly and something tells me that if I had opted for a neoprene or similar case I would quite easily have a cracked screen or something similar by now.
It's Hard to describe how confident I am with the protection this case offers.

To conclude, this case has truly proven itself over the last 3 months. As most students would know, broken laptops are a regular occurence at a busy school (at mine at least) and It takes some serious protection to keep them safe.

 

Nice review. I have had an original Booq sling-style bag from when they first hit the scene. They are well built and it has served me well; after 4 years of university though, its starting to show its age.

Mine was originally for an 11' ibook

 

Is it waterproof? The Zeroshock III has a lower price and is waterproof, shockproof and scratchproof. The Zeroshock has rubber on the outside to make it totally waterproof, and the inside has foam to absorb shock. It's very soft on both the outside and inside so I would not really worry if I were to drop it by accident.

 

Hi too456,
I take it you own the zeroshock III?
That is actually the other case I looked at however, the need for a case on the day and local availability were contributing factors which led me to purchase the BOOQ vyper. On top of this, the fact that I had a $50 JB hifi giftcard, made the vyper a good choice.

I think you will find the Zeroshock is water resistant rather than waterproof. The same is apparent with the Booq Vyper as the nylon weave resists water and it beads on the surface rather than soaking in. What makes both cases water RESISTANT rather than water PROOF is the zipper. No case using a conventional zipper will offer a water tight seal.

From my brief research it seems that the zeroshock offers more of a lip around the edge of the laptop for side impacts and a better price whilst the vyper XS3 offers a more rigid design and more protection for the screen from heavy weight and blows from smaller surfaces as it disipates the force better.

 

I am quite sure it's water resistant its my backup umbrella when it rains