Beautiful sleeve (mini-review)

Just received the MacCase PowerBook Jacket seen here: http://www.mac-case.com/MacCase Jackets.htm

Looks: Very nice. It is much darker than the pictures make it appear - actually black, as opposed to the dark gray that shows up on onscreen. The front flap and pockets also have a nice sheen; it gives the case a bit of excitement without being gaudy at all. Overall, tasteful and attractive. I saw a post recently that reminded me that some guys are concerned with having stuff that looks especially manly. I'd say the chunky buckle and pockets give this a fairly tough appearance, but that the design is minimalistic enough, and the size small enough, that it's gender-neutral.

Fit: I have a Lenovo Z60M (15.4" screen), which measures 14.1 x 10.3 x 1.6, and the size 15 Jacket fits perfectly. Mine is a snug fit, but I use the word literally; I mean that nothing moves around much, rather than that it's hard to fit my computer inside. That would be "tight" and some people completely neglect the difference. My computer slides in comfortably, feels secure inside, and slides out easily. How it will fit yours:
Width (left to right of keyboard when in use): If yours is an inch shorter, will be fine. Much shorter than 12.75", and you might have to dig a little to pull it out. I'd say it can accomodate a machine up to 0.75" wider.
Depth (front to back when in use): I wouldn't choose this sleeve if your computer is deeper than mine). It should be fine with anything up to an inch shorter without feeling like it's too roomy.
Thickness: Mine is probably about as thick of a machine as you'll want to put in - maybe up to 1.75". It's actually designed for much thinner machines.

Note: It comes in 12" and 17" sizes. I can't comment on how those fit, obviously.

Padding: The front and back (two largest surfaces) are pretty nicely padded compared to other sleeves. The sides (long, narrow surfaces) are probably better-padded. The bottom is slighlty padded, but not heavily. I imagine that, fort this style of case, the front and back are the most important parts to pad when setting it down, and the left and right are the most important for in-carry padding (for fear of bumping into things). Because of the thick foam-rubber handle, nothing is going to hurt your machine from the top. The inside is lined with a super-soft, smooth fabric; it will last while preventing scratches.

Comfort: The strap is removable and adjustable. When I received it, it happened to be set to the perfect length for cross-shoulder use. Note: When carrying a laptop, definitely carry it over the shoulder of the side you are not carrying it over. This will completely prevent drops, and it will make a run-by snatching all but impossible. The strap also has a pad that is both sufficiently thick and sufficiently rough that it will be comfortable and stay in place. Because the back is padded, it will feel OK agaisnt your side. A clever touch is the use of a mesh overlayer on the back, which will allow air to circulate better when carrying it.

Conveniences:
There are two small pockets. While it doesn't seem necessary (there's room for cords to slide out), there is a cord port on one of the pockets. Each should fit an MP3 player, cell phone, or small mouse.
There is a mesh pocket just above these, as pictured. This is good for larger mice, external number pads, , writing utensils (though not sharpened wooden pencils), a portable USB hub, etc.
The front flap pocket is large enough for a power brick with a few other items. Should also be OK for a portable CD player, gum, glasses case, bare sunglasses, etc. It is lightly padded on the back to prevent its contents from hurting the Precious.
The back pocket is meant for papers will fit a 120-page notebook (that is, an actual notebook), though it is narrow and snug enough to fit loose papers, as well. This is lined with a bright green liner for easy visibility (and yes, it helps).

Durability: Well-stitched with a hefty buckle, sturdy nylon, low-loft padding, and steel strap connectors. It's built to last.

Price: $50-75

Overall: Very nice; 9/10. I would like to see thicker padding on the bottom, but that's because I need to carry it on my packpack. The flap is also too long for that use, but, since that's a personal issue, I really don't count it against the case too much. It also didn't get the 10 because nothing gets a 10 - ever. In case my girlfriend sees this, she is the exception. OK, and maybe my parents ... and maybe me. You get me, though.

 

Wow. Just realized how much I wrote. It really isn't mini-, is it? I wonder if I should consider writing one of the 15 papers I need to get in in the near future. Nah.

 

oh, an intersting find. i was looking for a laptop sleeve, but this type seems a little bit too intense for me. but hey, this is probably what other ppl need. if i didn't already have a laptop bag...