Tom Bihn or Waterfield (or something else)?

Hey all,

I just ordered the d820 and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. (By the way, thanks to Esoterica for his great review. It really helped me in my decision.)

I've been spending hours researching sleeves and have found a bunch that would work with the d820. But not having held it in my hands yet (and also never having owned a laptop before), I'm finding it difficult to settle on one. Basically what I'm looking for is a sleeve that:

a) Is sturdy and affords pretty good protection.
b) Is light and not clunky, so that I can just slip it in my backpack.

I would also like one that allows you to carry it alone when you don't need the whole backpack. I think my main candidates are the Tom Bihn Monolith and the Waterfield Sleevecase. My pros and cons for each one:

Tom Bihn Monolith:
Pros:

• Sturdy and very protective
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Lacks versatility - can't put it in a bag both horizontally and vertically
• Lacks a useful little side pocket

Waterfield Sleevecase:
Pros:

• Versatile - allows for either horizontal or vertical loading in bag
• Has a useful little side pocket (I've heard this is true although I can't see it in the pictures on their website)

Cons:

• Doesn't seem as sturdy or protective as the Monolith (am I wrong about this?)
• Pretty expensive when you get the flap and the strap.

I think I'd be persuaded to get the Sleevecase if I was sure that it afforded good enough protection. I'd like to have the flexibility to put it in either a backpack or a messenger bag. It would also be a bonus if it really does have that side pocket as I've heard it does.

If anyone can help me with any of these concerns I would most appreciate it. Also, although I have looked at a great many of them and basically settled on these two, please let me know if you have some other great sleeve that I haven't thought of yet.

Thanks!

 

I have the Waterfield Bag + Sleeve. See my review here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2688

After a couple of months of use, both the bag and sleeve still look brand new. They're as well-made as it gets. Expensive, yes, but you get a lot of quality for the money. As for protection - The sleeve is very durable, and has a good deal of padding. It slips right into a bag or case. When you pair it with the sleeve strap, it is very easy to transport. I find the shoulder strap to be very comfortable. Most of time, I just take the sleeve with me.

If you have any specific questions, let me know.

Chaz

 

Thanks for the reply, Chaz.

You mention in your review (which I had read earlier and found very helpful) that the horizontal sleeve was much easier to load your laptop into. I think I would want the horizontal sleeve too, especially since I think it would be more comfortable to carry my laptop horizontally than vertically. Would you say that, with the added-on flap, the protection would be the same for the horizontal and vertical sleeves when placed vertically in a backpack? The pictures make it look as though the flap covers the corners quite well, and I assume the flap affords the same level of padding as the rest of the sleeve.

Also, did your sleeve have a side pocket on it?

Thanks again!

 

I'd say that both the horizontal and vertical sleeves would provide the same protection. They're the same thing, except where you load the laptop in is different.

In my opinion, the horizontal is easier to carry - a bit difficult to explain in words, but it does make sense.

Yes, the flaps cover the corners very well. You can't see the edge of the laptop, even if you fold the edge of the flap over.

My sleeve does not have a side pocket in it - I think that was an option though. I have that piggyback bag, which works very well and has a lot more room than you'd think. It too is well protected and durable. I can fit my wireless mouse, power adapter, and a couple of other things in there easily.

Chaz