Bit o help

Okay, I'm likely to be purchasing the Dell XPS M1710 notebook.

I need a carrying case. I also need a mouse.

I have my heart on the Revolution VX mouse. I already use a 800 dpi optical mouse for my desktop and I game with it, and frequently, I'm very content with it. So the gaming issue is out of the question. The MX 700 is my current mouse. Yeah I'm behind the curve.

So really mouse is not what I need help with.

But, a case is something I need and have little knowledge about. Off the bat the notebook weighs nearly 9 lbs. Not a big deal for me. Because during my engineering pursuit I was carry a backpack that weighed nearly 25 lbs three days out the week. So I know I can handle this, and to be frank my load since my switch into business has significantly dropped by like 15 lbs.

So what do you recommend? I'm looking for something that will not be soaked by rain, something that when dropped (from a reasonable height like a ft) can protect my laptop, and is under a 100 bucks, and built well to withstand lots of abuse. Also somewhat stylish or mundane, I don't like things that draw a lot of attention. Ironic since I'm buying an xps, but I plan on not running the led lights, and getting a black version. Yeah.

Anyways I'll be bbl I'm gonna go get hammered. Peace.

 

I'd suggest you start your search at ebags.com. They have a lot of options and will allow you to search for bags based on dimensions or your notebook model (I'm 99% sure they'll have the XPS M1710's dimensions in their database).

From there you can fine tune your search if you have some ideas as to what you like--especially if they don't have anything that you want to buy.

They do have a Samsung Sport Pack that is the same as the one Dell rebrands that I like. I have seen someone with it on the street though and could tell there was a 17" notebook inside.

http://www.ebags.com/samsonite/laptop_sport_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=41896

 

A lot will depend upon whether you like a conventional bag, messenger style, or backpack. For a 17" notebook, a messenger bag or backpack are the most practical as they handle heavier loads better. It then becomes a question of color, features, and comfort. The XPS is a large notebook, so I would look at the Targus Miami bag or one of the many Targus, Kensington, or one of the outdoor brands (Jansport, Northface, REI, etc).

Padding is important, as is front/back hard panels. A padded handle is a must when you have to carry the bag in one hand, and if a backpack, a sternum strap will help stabilize the load (hooks the two shoulder straps together in front of you). A messenger type bag will typically ride one either hip (rear portion), and a padded shoulder strap, long enough to go over your head, is very important. Avoid atraps the bunch up (seen many so called padded straps that form painful ridges), and if you live in a dry climate, a mesh water bottle holder is a good feature for any bag.

Avoid loading the bag with any heavy objects - should you drop the bag, the added weight would increase the force on the notebook. Be sure you have room for the ac adapter, mouse, needed cables, and other essential items, and if traveling by airplane, make sure it is easy to remove the notebook for security screeening.

Weather proofing is another issue. Most messenger bags have a flap over, which helps keep out rain/snow. Most bags are water resistant (Nylon, Canvas, Polyester/micro fiber, or leather). Backpacks are another problem, as most do not have water tight zippers, and rely on a small flap over the zipper to block rain/snow. Completely exposed zippers leak (even in light rain), and what is inside will get wet. Oh, there is a line of camera bags by National Geographic (the backpack version is large enough for most 17" notebooks - try yours out at a pro level camera store). The bags are made of natural (weather proof) fibers, have a water resistant lining and zippers, and have many pockets and divider options. The light brown color is not as business looking as basic black, but I like it. A big plus is the ability to hold a digital (or film) SLR with lenses too, making it great for vacations.

Hope this helps.

Wayne

 

Well I think I found one, but there's two of them. One is by Swiss Army Wenger which oddly enough is not listed on their site, but I found it at Officemax, it's not formal, but not gaudy enough to draw much attention. It has a different style, I would say sporty, but toned down. Very nice. 60 bucks.

The other is U.S. Luggage for 20 bucks ain't a bad deal. Apparently though US luggage has changed into SOLO. So there was two cases that were identical aside from the label.
http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Luggage-Expandable-Flap-Over-Messenger/dp/B000078ROB/sr=1-64/qid=1167348931/ref=sr_1_64/002-7780322-4009618?ie=UTF8&s=apparel

What I found annoying as one of you pointed out was zippers. Every bag, whether backpack or messenger all had the same problem. The coverings for the zippers were weak, especially on the Targus kinds. The flap would in many cases only cover so much of the opening, then the zipper would be exposed, but even further some of them wouldn't have zippers and the openings were still exposed but the flap would provide so some protection, but not enough if there was a heavy rain. Which during spring there is in Michigan, likewise fall.

Thanks to this journey I am now looking at a new keyboard and mouse.


Also this desktop mouse. Despite getting the notebook version.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2135,CONTENTID=12134

Which I am confused about. Because if both are wireless, and both are Logitech will they be mutually exclusive to their own receivers? Or will the Logitech keyboard interfere with the Logitech revolution mouse receiver, or the revolution mouse with the USB receiver of the keyboard?

I like the keyboard after playing with it for about two minutes, but the mouse sucks. The revolution is so much more comfy.

 

The Swiss Army Wenger stuff is nice, from what I've seen. I have a Victorinox brief that I bought but hardly ever use. It's real nice but expensive.

Try to see what frequencies the mouse and keyboard operate on. Although I would think they should be able to run side-by-side, it's possible they will interfere with each other.

 

I got this bag from REI (the black one):

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...5&parent_category_rn=12353603&vcat=REI_SEARCH

The interior of the flap has a rubberized or plastic coating to protect against rain, no exposed zippers or open areas, adjustable strap, and while it's not stylish, it's not gaudy.

 

Well I went to another store, Microcenter, purely a large tech retailer, like bestbuy, but a lot cheaper and more in depth. I found a another victornox, but it says it can fit 17 in laptops, but what I find frustrating is that a lot of times that yeah a 17 in can be fit but what about the power brick? It doesn't like it could fit a power brick. Too bad, such a nice case as well. This one though is mentioned on their site.

http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product.jsp?prod_id=9838&cat_id=14&cat_name=Wenger%20Gear&sub_cat_id=63

So yeah. I don't know. There is one more store I'm going to check out. Office Depot.

 

That can be frustrating. I ended up spending way more than I wanted to on my Victorinox because at the time I was looking for a bag for my 17" e1705. There were surprisingly few options that could hold the dimensions of the Dell 17" at the time. Most 17" bags were too small. I even had to spend $45 more to get the 17" sleeve since the bag came with a 15" standard sleeve inside. I'm guessing it's slowly getting better.

I now have a 15.4" system--so I could get by with a cheaper bag now. Still need to use the 17" sleeve though, so I guess it worked out for me.

 

You know, i think I may stay with my backpack and just get a sleeve. I was thinking about it. I had a messenger back for a semester back in highschool and I really didn't like it. Mostly because it would really dig into my shoulder. Now I don't want to carry two cases, a laptop messenger and backpack at the same time. That's a lot of weight.


So I think I may get a backpack to replace already torn up one and buy a sleeve. I was looking at this Columbia bag.
http://www.columbia.com/Product.aspx?top=7&prod=3622&cat=710&viewAll=False

or



Then maybe this sleeve.


or

http://www.sumdex.com/core/PUN-817.asp

I don't know. The messenger bags have this nice style to them, but I'm generally used to carrying a lot on my back, not on my per se shoulders.

I really like the sumdex sleeve.

What do you guys think?

 

sorry the two other links for some reason didn't work.

The other backpack was the Tumalo
http://www.columbia.com/Product.aspx?top=7&prod=3613&cat=710&viewAll=False

The other sleeve was a targus.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0471268