Pelican Hard Case model for 17" gaming laptops?

Hi, I was thinking of going with a laptop backpack but I really would like a air tight hard case with foam padding. So I've been looking at pelican cases but am wondering which one would fit a 17" gaming laptop. I plan to put the w870cu laptop in there, along with the AC adapter. I want the case to be as slim as possible, but large enough to fit the laptop and ac adapter.

 

If I were you I will go look at some of the Samsonite models. Since you want foam padding, I'm guessing you want extra protection. Take a look at the Samsonite Proteo Office Case Plus. I have been using it for some seven months now, and it is absolutely amazing. It looks and feels elegant, offers protection like an armored vehicle and is roomy yet light and portable. check it out:
Welcome to Samsonite India.com

 

That looks nice, but I was thinking more of a hard case set up, like weatherproof...kind of like what the military uses to protect their electronics when they deploy. That's why I was thinking pelican.

 

IM2600 should do the job, and is the actual 'military style' as opposed to 'tough lifestyle case'. Pelican™ProductsiM2600Pelican Storm Case

However, bear in mind that the case itself is heavier than your combo, so you'll be lugging over 20lbs. I'd suggest going for one of the larger (the similarly sized IM2500 is too small to afford good protection with the internal foam for a large 17-incher) wheeled cases myself if you're determined to lug this around with any kind of regularity.

 

pelican 1495cc2 ($184) with strap and organizer or the more plain 1495 ($131) from environmental safety products. i have bought other things from them. as usual, the more common 15.4 and below cost less grrrr

 

Problem with the 'up to 17-inch' cases and the reason I didn't list them is that they won't accomodate the housebrick-sized adapters of most gaming notebooks, even if your notebook does fit in there with adequate foam reserve.

 

Ok, I really like that one but yah, where would I be able to put the ac adapter? I'll probably go with that one though.

 

Doing a quick calculation based on the ID of the case and your notebook's specs, that's barely an inch of foam above and below the machine.

Just an FYI in that if you intend to pack it in a case like this, unless you are a total poser (and remember kids, posing with a case like this is monumentally sad - for the true shower-sack in you, buy a Zero Halliburton) that might not be enough cushioning in terms of matching what the case is built for.

 

i am still debating about a hard waterproof case and came across the hardigg im 2370 for a similar price to the pelican 1495 at foamerica.com. the im 2370 is a little deeper than the 1495.

a number of the positive reviews of the 1495 at amazon.com are from soldiers who deployed overseas. i think that they would know whether something worked.

daphatgrant on this site wrote a positive review of the 1495 back on 28aug2008.

 

But the 2370 is lower in area. I can tell you for absolutely sure that a 17-inch doesn't fit in there with enough foam reserve, which is why I never mentioned it.

Bottom line is that both of the cases fit 15-inchers and low-profile paraphenalia fine. However for adequate accomodation of 17-inch notebooks (bar perhaps Apple due to its low profile - although arguably being one of the most fragile 17-inch notebooks out there it will need the most protection) and all accessories, I'd suggest looking at a larger, deeper case.

The other thing, from an everyday carry aspect I did touch on above, is that even these relatively compact cases weigh about 6lbs bare - e.g. the 2370 along with the 'executive' internals - and even a lightweight, more secure shoulder strap I commissioned - is getting close to 3.5Kgs / 7.7lbs. My heaviest everyday laptop case - a solid English hide document case with brass fixtures which is a shoulderful to carry all-day - is almost 2lbs lighter. And the Pelican is even heavier than the Hardigg. It's well worth considering if you intend to use this every day.

 

I have This that I got from my last deployment and I hate having to take it places (it is good for taking over seas though)

The protection it affords is offset by the hasle to carry it with me (so I don't)

I'm not sure what you do with your computer but I know personally I have always felt better served with a large laptop backpack (or sleeve inside my ruck sack)

Just my opinion but if you really want it nothign we say will change your mind

 

I think the more opinions like this pile in, the more we can help him stop wasting his money. I'm guessing from the tone of the OP's post that he thinks he wants military-grade protection for the 'cool factor', and hasn't considered the resulting weight and bulk of a solution that actually works in terms of accomodation of his stuff.

There are plenty of cool-looking bags and cases which with a sleeve will afford reasonable protection while not giving you a hernia.

 

It's pretty big. Bigger than I want that's for sure.

 

I don't mind the weight, but I don't want it to be bulky. Needs to be something that I can carry over my shoulder like a regular laptop bag. Weight isn't an issue, it's the size. I don't want this to be too wide. One-inch foam padding is better than no padding of a regular laptop bag I suppose. So that storm case won't work?

 

These things are bulky by design. And one-inch foam padding with a heavy machine in a super-hard case is no better (for the machine) - indeed, perhaps worse - than a regular padded laptop bag if you happen to drop the bag.

And before you dismiss the weight concerns, I'd suggest slinging ten kilos (because that's essentially what you'll end up carrying with a neavy 17-incher, paraphenalia and the heavy-duty case) on your shoulder and see how that feels day in, day out. Honestly, consider backpacks and a heavily padded sleeve if you're actually going to be mobile with this. And if you actually need protection of your machine to the level that the cases are designed for, get one of the larger Pelican/Hardigg wheeled cases as I suggested first with an adequate foam reserve (more like 2" w x d, 1" h given the weight of the clevo) around the machine.

 

Has anyone found a hard case with foam padding that will fit (and adequately protect) an Asus G73JH? I'd love to go mobile with it, but...

It needs to be protected during frequent airline travel, time on rough roads, and being moved about by a clumsy, butter-fingered oaf--yours truly. I will drop it, slam it into doorways, and maybe even accidentally kick it if I take it somewhere, so the case needs to be good enough for that.

While it's ridiculousy overengineered for my needs, I've looked at the Pelican 1510, but it just doesn't seem like the G73 will even fit in there, let alone have any foam.

Don't worry! When it's on a table at home it's pretty safe. Well, barring an overly rambunctious Lab...

 

For true oaf-resistance, you'll need about a 2" minimum foam reserve around the notebook especially for heavier machines.

So just calculate the total W + D dimensions based on that and look at Pelican's site.

 

Thanks Vogelbung! Working away at finding something good. These are expensive...but maybe I can convince someone it would make a good birthday present.

Does anyone have personal experience with hard cases, foam, and the g73?

 

The biggest question will be, would you use it? We do use these types of rotomoulded cases for computer / etc transport, but they really are pretty darned heavy, bulky and to be honest, a pain in the butt if you're travelling around - you really have to need the protection. For unloading straight from the back of a Land Rover to an IL-76 and for the bouncy journey to its eventual destination over dirt roads then wheeling around at site, sure. In the civilian airport lounge? Guaranteed in-the-wayness.

 

well i know this isn't a hard case, but it is way more bad hiney: GEAR — Catalog Products — GR 2

Also here is how you can get one at a discount ($250 instead of $400): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR8vnFY675w

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Got a Pelican 1600, and it works great. Foam was easily modifiable, has about two inches clearance on the side, and the lower level holds charger and accessory just fine. Keeps out dust and animal hair, no problems with road vibration so far, and easily survived being whacked against a metal doorframe.

It's also not so bad, portability wise--and I'm a little guy. If you've ever carried a suitcase in your life, this is no real problem. Then again, I consider the g73 easily portable, so my judgement isn't in line with most people's regarding these things.

Thanks again for the help and advice.

 

WRONG. I use the 1495 CC1 and I fit my M17x R3 and the huge power brick in there.

 

I am a soldier and I have deployed twice. I can't say enough about pelican products. My 1495 CC1 ended up on the bottom of an Air force pallet, and lots of other heavy bags stacked up over 8 feet tall on it, and my computer made it just fine. My case has undergone some harsh conditions and has always protected my computer.

 

I won't argue with you - but I have an idea what adequate foam reserve should be if you actually use these cases as they're supposed to be used. i.e. my experience isn't based on one case lugged around by one guy.

I still think they're way too bulky for any sort of use beyond being genuinely tossed around, but if it works for you Victor, I'm happy for you.