Booq vs Tom Bihn Vs Sumdex

Ok I've been searching all over the net and i've finally narrowed my choices down to these 3 for a notebook sleeve. My laptop is the z70va and I growing old of the bag it came with.

After searching around, I figured the Booq Powersleeve XM http://booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.101/.f would be a the fit my z70va the best.

For Tom Bihn, I think the Size 4 brain cell would fit best. Im just disappointed that there's no vertical brain cell. Here's the link for the vertical http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=TB0390.

For the Sumdex, I'm pretty sure the 15.4 inch one will fit. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834998612

Now, I'm stumped because all of these are really nice. My budget was originally 50 bucks but now has grown to 90 bucks after witnessing the booq bags. What I want is a sleeve that will protect my laptop the most. From what i hear, Tom bihn wins in this category. I have never seen a booq bag in person but it is my favorite in terms of looks. The sumdex is nice and I noticed it gets recommended quite a bit on this forum.

The reason it has to be vertical is because of that fact I still have my old school jansport backpack still. My laptop only fits in my backpack in the vertical position. I also would love to just use the bag by itself on those occasions where I dont need much stuff and can just grab my laptop, stuff it in the sleeve and go . The booq is the one I'm leaning towards the most in this aspect in that I can put my mouse and power supply as well. I'm just worried about protection since by the looks of it, the Tom Bihn wins according to everyone who has reviewed this thing. If I'm forced to get a monolith I would miss out on the mouse + brick option of taking it with me. The sumdex, well is the sumdex and would be like the monolith.

Argh... Decisions decisions...

I'm tempted to buy all 3, do a review, and sell the one I dont need.

If anyone with a z70va like me can chime in on fitment issues as well that would be appreciated. I know coriolis had both the sumdex and tom bihn. Which size did you get on the tom bihn coriolis?

Anyways, let me know what you guys think!

 

I've got both a Tom Bihn brain cell and a sumdex sleeve, and I got the sumdex first, which is a bit of a hint as to what I thought of it. It's not a bad product, but it was too big to go into my bag, and it wasn't tough enough that I felt comfortable carrying it alone. The brain cell on the other hand is so sturdy that I don't worry about my laptop at all when it is in there (and since I can't afford to replace my laptop and it's essential to my classes that says something).

If you are going to be carrying the sleeve independent of your bag, which it sounds like you are, then the Tom Bihn is the way to go.

 

You're right. For those times when I dont need my backpack, the brain cell would be perfect. However, I figured since I'm paying alot of money for this, I want versatility. When it goes into my backpack, I need a vertical format and in that case, you're saying the sumdex will do?

You know what? Lets scratch the it has to be vertical from the list haha. I might just end up getting a new backpack for those times when I need more stuff and will use my sleeve + back pack.

When traveling to school though, I definitely will be sticking my sleeve in my backpack. The only time is when I'm going to study at the library or at a friend's house where I can conveniently just bring a sleeve like tom bihn.

Thanks for your response. Keep them coming guys. Also dont forget to post fitment and which laptop you have as well. I want to do it so people dont have to search forever to find the right sizes. This will make it easy for people who are like me in the future to search and find the right size easily!

 

My problem with the sumdex was that it was too big to fit in my bag properly, and it wasn't big and tough enough for me to feel comfortable enough with just that (compromise product that ended up with the worst of both worlds?) if it will fit in your bag, and your bag is close enough in size to the sumdex that it won't be floating around then you should be ok there.

The nice thing about the brain cell is that it is good sized and has hooks/clips/whatever you want to call them for one of their carrying straps, so you can just sling it over your shoulder.

If you really want a new bag you can do a lot worse than any of the Tom Bihn bags, I just got an empire builder to go with my brain cell and retired my old Targus backpack (which is an excellent choice if you want to stick with a backpack) and I've been even more impressed with that than I was with just the brain cell.

 

As I understand it, the Booq PowerSleeves only provide moderate protection.... although I'm not sure any of these types of cases are going to provide a ton of protection in and of themselves.... they normally are meant to be used in conjunction with a more protective larger case most of the time.

I agree with you on looks though, I think the PowerSleeve looks the coolest of any of them. I do also like the functionality of the Tom Bihn brain cells and similar cases.

 

So you're telling me the Targus does the job for a backpack? My gripe with targus is that everyone will know you have a laptop in your backpack. Other than that I can see your reasoning for a targus. I mean, it's designed for laptop mobility after all.

So how do u like switching from a backpack to a messenger?

 

Personally if I were getting one of the Tom Bihn brain cells especially I'd get one of the backpacks or messengers bags that Tom Bihn makes to match (although granted, they will still work in other backpacks, etc.).

Btw, have you also taken a look at the sleeves and cases that Waterfield Designs makes?

http://www.sfbag.com

They have a lot of different options there as well, and are also well regarded for quality.

 

My targus is this bag:

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-CDB1-D..._17/002-3300280-2619216?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

so it doesn't scream "notebook in here, please steal me" quite as loudly as some bags do. I like the switch from backpack to a messenger style for two major reasons: first, it is much easier to pack in two or more large (phone book sized) books in the bag without bending covers or screwing up pages, and this is vital because I am in law school and need to be able to do this. Second, it can be worn/carried while wearing a suit without destroying the lines of the suit.

I used that Targus bag from 2001 until about a week ago, and the only things that have gone wrong with it are the zipper pulls for the front two pockets finally broke off after much abuse, so clearly it is a good quality bag, and it has kept my laptop working, even if I was nervous at times.

 

I can only recommend the Booq as I have one myself and love it in terms of look wise, its very simplistic, sleek and cool and extremely rugged and can stand whatever abuse you throw at it, but of course, I'm talking about the Booq Boa series backpack, not the sleeve. it has very thick padding for the laptop and room for lots of accessories, but have never seen the sleeve so can't comment on that. I have the XL size, which size are you looking for?

 

Shinza Zeroshock sleeve

http://www.Shinza.com

 

Waterfield is what I chose to pack inside my backpack..I also chose the vertical orientation for obvious reasons. I highly recommend them...1st class product and 1st class service.

 

Hmm, so many to choose from. That booq backpack is really catching my eye too now. It definitely looks liek the sumdex is out of the running and I'm replacing it with waterfield designs. All of these are of high quality and it sucks that I might end up getting all 3 and return the ones I like the least hehe...

 

In a different line of style is the chrome messenger packs which are a backpack version of their messengers. i think they're kind of neat, and of course theyre impeccably solid in build quality and waterproofness I have a chrome messenger but im not sure if even i can justify the price of booq bags.

 

Yes, thats true. My logic was basicaly the fact that I've spent almost 2000 on a laptop. Now would not be the time to sacrifice on the protection. Of course I know that sometimes the cheaper alternatives do just as fine. I'm just worried about the ultimate bag that will last me at least 5-10 years like the lucky owners of Tom Bihn that I've been hearing.

 

I don't think your logic is incorrect. This sort of reminds me of people who build their own PC's and spend a ton of money on the best graphics card, CPU, RAM, etc..... and then buy an el cheapo $30 power supply to handle everything.

There are definitely some things where it is not such a bad idea to pay for a quality product. First, as you mentioned, you're buying something to protect a very expensive piece of equipment.... outside of any sort of style issues, the biggest thing is that it can be worthwhile to at least pay what is necessary to get a high quality case or backpack with excellent construction and protection.

Outside of that, a bag is a very visible thing that you will carry around for a long time. There's nothing wrong with wanting something that looks good and cool to you. I've bought generic laptop bags that got the job done, but I can definitely see the appeal of something with a bit more style and coolness to it.

I think that stuff like Booq and Tom Bihn and Waterfield Designs is certainly on the pricey side, but it's not like you're paying SOLELY for style or something.... if that was the case it would be ridiculous..... but you are also getting a really high quality product that will look good and protect your equipment and ideally give you years of use. At that point, spending some more money for those qualities isn't crazy.

And that's not to say that anything under $100 is bad. There are plenty of lower cost cases that do a great job of protecting too, and if those fit someone's needs, it's perfect for them.

 

I've given the waterfield ones a thought as well, and man... they are growing on me. Is there anyway to update the poll to include it as well?

Also, can anyone with an asus z70va refresh chime in to the sizes and/or fitment issues with their Brain Cell, Waterfield?

I'm almost pretty confident that I can consider sizes made for the Powerbook 15" according to a member on here who confirmed that a Powersleeve 15 fits perfectly for his z70va. I would like thoughts on how well they fit if you dont mind for those of you with this laptop .

Also, how comfortable are some of these backpacks; say for carrying a few notepads, 2 books and a laptop everyday?

 

Waterfield Designs has a sizing chart..... according to them, the sizing for the Asus Z70 is 29-22, which would be the following sleeves and cases:

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sizingpages/29-22.htm

 

Thanks zadillo. As always, I appreciate the fast response. Any ideas on updating the poll or thoughts on comfortability?

 

Comfort should generally be fine with any of these cases. Note that some of them though do offer "upgrades" for things like the shoulder straps that you might want to consider for a few dollars more.... i.e.:

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/images/prod_sleevecase_detail_7_lg.jpg

Tom Bihn also offers a choice of shoulderstraps. I.e. the Absolute Shoulder Strap:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/ACC/TB0505

Regarding the poll, one thing I'd mention is to make sure you are looking at the Vertical Brain Cell, rather than the Monolith (the Monolith is an older Tom Bihn design).

 

well, since this has been rescued from the stacks, I will say I have a Bihn bag with an Ultimate Shoulder Strap...hands down the best strap EVER...if you carry a fairly heavy bag or even a lighter bag and simply want comfort this strap is AWESOME.

I have heath issues that extend to shoulder and hand problems. With this Ultimate Strap I can actually carry a fully loaded Tom Bihn Super Ego with about 15-20lbs. in it. I can easily carry the bag for my 1-2 mile AM walk to Starbucks or the park and still be able to carry it back. Without that strap I cannot carry any bag that far...let alone the round trip.

 

The Booq looks technical and detailed - got my vote.

 

I own the older version of the Booq Mamba S and I love it. Build quality is excellent aside from a couple design flaws imho. On my recommendation, my friend got a powersleeve which was suprisingly cheap feeling compared to my mamba. The material used seemed to be thinner and not as rugged. Anyhow, Booq is now having a closeout on the current Mamba models which look to be excellent.

 

Personally speaking, after looking all over the 'net, the Tom Bihn Horizontal 2XL Brain Cell looks like it will finally be the right fit for my Sony Vaio AR Series monster. *Whew!* Problem is, I'm in love with the ID bag Tom Bihn makes, but it doesn't come in the 17" size. Blah.

So...I've got the laptop sleeve I want (the 2XL Brain Cell) but not the right messenger bag.

TOM BIHN, please hear my cry -- MAKE A 17" ID BAG TO FIT MY 2XL Brain Cell!

I love the style and pockets of that ID bag. Dangit.

Plus, hey -- it's Tom Bihn. At least I found a great sleeve. I suppose Crumpler could work for the messenger bag...

 

Can't hurt to e-mail Tom Bihn and ask them..... they've always been very responsive, and they seem to develop new products in response to customer feedback.

 

http://booqbags.com/s.nl;jsessionid...eTaxePaNqNe34Pa38Ta38Lb3f0?sc=2&category=1090

A link to booq's closeout section (incase you missed it).

 

i was gunna buy the vypers at $5 each u can use them for other pusposess

....then it says it costs 90 something bucks to shipping to australia.

pfft. go environment shopping bags!

 

Hey, for all you Sony Vaio AR150G owners out there: go get RoadWired's 17+ bag. It's the only laptop bag I could find amongst the sea of sites out there that was effectively protective, designed for the best use of pockets, durable, and perhaps more surprising: it makes ya look good! Great bag! Run out and get one, if you haven't already, my fellow 17" laptop owners!

Woo hoo!

 

I bought the vyper xxs for just 5 bucks but shipping costed $8 something. still a great deal but shipping was just murder.