Laptop sleeve for backpacking

Hi

Been lurking about for a while, and used this site to decide on buying my Asus UL30VT-A1. You guys have a great thing going on around here!

I do a fair bit of traveling, with a large backpack and i stay mainly in hostels...so let's just say that i 'rough it' a bit.

I NEED to take my laptop with me on the road this time around (i would take a disposable net book if a laptop wasn't required) and i would like some advice on sleeves/cases that are going to be tough enough to withstand having shoes right next to them, being thrown onto buses/trains etc without the laptop getting damaged.

I suppose the best option would be to take as my day pack, a proper laptop backpack with adequate protection, however, as most travel backpacks allow, my day pack attaches to my main bag, and i'd like to keep it this way.

The only 'sleeve' i've been able to find so far is the Thom Binn 'Brain Cell', but i haven't heard any reviews of people actually testing it, most of them just say 'yes this is nice'.

I'd really appreciate any of your suggestions

Thanks!

 

I have the Brain Cell sleave from Tombihn.com. I went with the vertical version, has the ziper on the shorter side for using it in a backpack. I'm very happy with it. I bought is so I could carry my laptop in a backpack and never have to worry about it getting damaged.



This pic below shows the padding right next to the laptop with a hard shell on the outside.


This pic below shows the additional padding on the bottom edge, so you don't have to worry about setting the backpad down on the ground too roughly.


Tombihn.com has lots of user reviews, there may be a sleave review in there, or elsewhere online.

I haven't tried this but I'm sure that the BrainCell sleeve would protect my laptop from being dropped from a height of 6feet. I use a thinkpad though, they're pretty sturdy to begin with.

If you're traveling, and packing things like shoes in next to your laptop, I'm sure the BrainCell would offer enough protection to keep it safe.

I also use the Tombihn BrainBag backpack. I chose it because the two large pockets on the back can hold a 1L nalgene water bottle. Northface also makes nice backpacks.

Here's another backpack I like. It does look rather militaryish though. Not sure if I would buy it or not.
Maxpedition Vulture-II Three 3 Day Assault Pack Tactical Backpack 72 Hour Ruck - MAXPEDITION HARD-USE GEAR Tactical Nylon Gear for Military, Law Enforcement, Tactical Concealed Carry; Tailored to Perform Tactical

 

I should mention I think using the BrainCell sleeve would be better than using a "laptop backpack". It's more discrete, and offers more protection than any laptop backpack I've seen. The extra padding does take up a little more space than thinner sleeves, so that's something you'll have to consider.

 

Thanks for the great response.

I'm definitely looking for discretion that i have a laptop with me when staying in pretty unsecured accommodation. I'm glad to hear that you think highly of the Brain Cell sleeve. It seems like it could be the best option.

When you say it is a bit bigger than a normal sleeve. Is it significantly heavier? or just bigger physically? I'm not too concerned about size as i pack very lightly anyway, but weight is always an issue.

If you could let me know the weight comparative to a normal neoprene sleeve that'd be great.

Thanks again.

 

Weight is not an issue with the TomBihn BrainCell sleeve. It is very lightweight.

I don't have a scale, but it feels the same as my Sumdex Impact guard sleeve, which weighs the same as a regular neoprene sleeve. Sumdex uses the same memory foam as NASA (I think, might be just marketing BS). It's a great sleeve for when you need to just carry your laptop in a small briefcase.



http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/3585.jpg

Got it from these guys, a canadian site. Don't know how reliable they are though, as their site is kind of lame looking.
PC Toy Shop - Computer accessories, supplies, and peripherals in Canada

 

And if you want to get obsessive, like me, you should get a ShaggyMac cloth. Despite the name it's not just for Macs, it's a microfibre cloth that sits on your keyboard when the laptop is closed. It protects the screen from the oils on the keyboard. The screen can get pushed into the keyboard if you over pack your bag.



Get it from:
PC Laptops : ShaggyMac, Laptop Screen Protector & Keyboard Cover, Laptop Cleaner & Accessories

 

haha thanks for the heads up. only problem is the tom bihn 6z (the one i need for my UL30VT) doesnt ship until late may! kind of need it before then haha.

might have to pick it up when i get to the states or something

 

Phone TomBihn if you didn't already, maybe they can find one for you.

 

I use Zeroshock III. Great protection for my machine while i carry my school books in my backpack.

 

When Travel Laptops became so small and powerful, the negative buzz regarding size and weight subsided. Laptops swiftly became practical for some, and now receive growing recognition as a nifty piece of travel kit. Toss in internet connection and it becomes the traveller’s ultimate communication and research tool…and a shiny gadget to watch movies on over a luke warm beer. braindump