M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

Hey guyz,

Just like the Backpacks for Envy 14, here's another thread dedicated to backpacks for the R3!

To begin with, the R3 will definitely not fit into a Brenthaven Metrolite Backpack: MetroLite Backpack Titanium | Brenthaven.com. Nice bag, nice price, but no go. Guess I'll have to use it for books only, or sell it if I still want the R3 lolz.

Please use this thread to discuss, recommend, review, and share photos of any backpacks/bags/cases/sleeves/etc that will fit the R3.

*Note, if you do a review, please comment on the distance between the floor and the bottom of the laptop compartmet when the backpack is standing vertically, as to demonstrate the "buffer zone" a backpack offers the lappy in case of a drop (small drop like from a desk or something low obviously).

For reference, the specs of the R3 are: (W)16.14" (D)11.96" (H)1.77".

Thanks!

Useful links (WORKING):
Wenger "Legacy" for those looking for simple, plain, throwback, IT-guy lookin' sling bags : http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/560676-m17x-r3-case-wenger-legacy.html#post7255777. Looks decent, clean, and it's pretty well priced on newegg too. Thx to my boi X3NIA for the thread.

 

would love to know if an axio swift 2.0 will fit the R3

 

Title changed to 'Bags, Backpacks, Cases, Sleeves'

link added to Owners Lounge post #1.

 

Thank you thank you!

Anyhoo, I was holding my coworker's 17" Toshiba today. That thing is as big as my torso! The backpack he had, I forgot to note the brand was a nice size for me though. It wasn't big like those dumb Swiss bags that make me look either too geeky or like I'm going camping lol. Will post about it tomorrow.

 

It will fit in the Oakley SI Laptop baBag

 

somebody find the m15x backpack thread... may as well use that thread since theyre the same size !!

 

Bump for suggestions. My Brenthaven bag aint gonna fit this.

 

Since it's a little smaller than R2, any SLAPPA backpack should work perfect too. I own one and would gladly recommend it.

 

Thanks for this. I don't dig the lack of padding on the corners/edges of the lappy when inside the backpack.

Does anyone know of any sleeves that would fit a m17x r3?

 

Yes a slappa backpack works fine for my R2, had it for a year. Its durable and has plenty of room for other things.

 

Any slimmer profile backpacks that don't look nerdy/geeky/camping/hiking? I'm only 5'4", and most of the Swissgear and Targus bags are too giganto looking. I guess the Targus Groove is okay, but it's fugly.

Inb4 "Then whyd you get a 17" notebook", cuz I cut out a piece of cardboard to match the dimensions, and decided it's not that bad (even though its about the same size as my torso LOL).

 

Bump for updates/suggestions on good bags/backpacks/sleeves/cases

 

Hate to say it but this subject has been brought up MANY MANY times on here. I think the final verdict (last time I checked) was the Alienware Orion backpack (if you don't mind looking a bit geeky) From what I understand about the R3 its a bit lighter (havent seen one in person yet as they havent been released in Aus yet) but depending on how much lighter you may be able to get away with the shoulder version of the Orion. I have the backpack and have to say its the best laptop bag I own. I can easily fit my other 14.1" plus books and some gaming gear. Hope this helps

 

But how's the padding on the bottom/base? I've yet to encounter/read about even ONE bag that has any padding down there. People usually stuff a towel or sweater in

 

I've got an Orion messenger bag and it works great. Plenty of room, feels solid, and tastefully understated (unlike the Odyssey bag).

 

So folks in the Orion thread have confirmed that there's NO padding at the base of the backpack (the bottom).

Does anyone know of any backpacks that do? I know that Brenthaven does, but the one I have is way too small, and the one that's still sold is just a giant hiking bag that I don't need.

 

Hi, i have an R2 and got the following Belkin bag, which fits perfectly,

Belkin : Slim Back Pack for notebooks up to 17"

 

Does it have padding on the bottom (base)? I hope you know what I'm talking about.

 

If you find a bag you really like, couldn't you get some foam rubber from a craft store or somewhere and build the bottom pad yourself? I know it's not the ultimate solution and it would be great to find a bag you like exactly how you like it, but sometimes you can something you really want that's not quite perfect...and mod it yourself...just like a computer!

BTW, the bag at that link looks pretty good to me...if I were in the market for a backpack. I've always preferred the messenger/briefcase style.

 

i have an orion for my r3. will get a slappa soon though. My orion does have padding at the bottom. its not the thickest but its thick enough for me. so far the last month my r3 has been perfect.

 

That's a good idea. Foam rubber comes in 1.5inch+ thickness, right? Is there an alternative to foam rubber in case I can't find any?

Can you comment on the distance between the laptop compartment and the bottom/base of the backpack? Most backpacks I've seen have at most a compartment "suspended" ~2inches away from the bottom, but when it's this "big" of a distance, the pouch is usually a flimsy nylon sheath, as opposed to an actual compartment with padding on all 5/6 sides of the lappy.

Thx!

 

Hi, yes it has a padded bottom, the laptop compartment is velvet so keeps laptop clean. There is enough space for charger and power cord including a few other items if need. It is a stronge bag but is only aroung 4 inches or so think.

 

I'm a new M17xR3 owner based in London.

This is also my first post on these forums so 'hi' to Dookie and all: have I won a prize? I'm thinking something rather unimaginative - like a replacement motherboard. And a free RAM upgrade. Perhaps Alienware do a fancy range in stress balls?

FYI my R3 was delivered 29-Jan - a week earlier than the EDD - and just before the whole Shady Bodge fiasco kicked off! (And yes Dookie - I've been following your marathon saga on the Intel press release thread, hehe )

Anyway I couldn't afford the downtime w/out a power lap so I decided to keep the unit: I spoke with Michael Dell over lunch yesterday and he's hoping to nip over to my apartment next week and fix it for me.

So (all lame jokes aside) I'm now in the market for a suitable bag and, having just cruised through the long-running Alienware Orion Backpack thread, haven't spotted many viable options yet.

Additionally, on many of Amazon's laptop bag reviews there are heaps of conflicting comments regarding whether a certain 17 inch laptop will or wont fit a certain bag whose makers claim supports a 17 inch laptop. It seems to me that some people are mixing their 17'' diagonal screen measurements with the width. E.g. my Toshiba Satellite has a 17'' diag screen but is 1'' less than the M17xR3 in both length and width - so I guess that could explain some of the confusion.

Right, so I'm specifically after a messenger bag/ shoulder bag with carry handle. My M17's usage is approx 60/40% split for private/professional time and a backpack just wouldn't be a particularly appealing look for the professional outings. (Clearly the backpacks offer better weight distribution hence more overall comfort than a messenger bag - so provided corporate /client-facing image is not going to be an issue then it's probably a more practical purchase for others out there.)

So I have three main requirements:

[1.] good all-round padding/ protection - esp corners
[2.] very comfortable shoulder strap/ thick padding
[3.] smallest overall dimensions possible w/out compromising point 1. Think friendly for:

• subway commuter jostle

• frenzy at the Gatwick EasyJet boarding gate

• airplane stow beneath seat in front

• restaurant slung over chair (or not leaving my site..)

• female client with her 9" featherweight Mac rig raises an eyebrow as my M17 case smacks down on the conference room table but elects to remains calm and certainly no derisory chuckles

• overall a minimalist look (Yeah, as if! "All M17 minimalists should proceed to Corridor Z for disembarkation via the ultra slow lane ..."

No really, the actual design and colour scheme certainly need not conform to some boring / sober corporate image - just so long as it's not too flash.

So just to clear things up for the younger folks then: The whole hipster-jazz sexy-commando surfer-jockstrap boogie-bandit ninja-turtle Crisis-candidate rough-rider side-saddle gipsy-hoodlum american-psycho fanboy-techno-hack assimilate-into-borg post-apocalyptic-cryptic cyber-punk-infected mad-Matrix-modified grass-roots-maneuvering street-wise-happenning not-so-fattening lightning-quick-shattering rip-rap-battering hot-dam-clattering under-the-boardwalk where the cool-cats-talk there-goes-a-dork stand-there-and-gawk 'look' is unfortunately out for this season. (Well For 2011 Q1-3, at least).

Err... oh yeah: some additional criteria (bonus points):

[4.] enough internal space in the laptop compartment to additionally fit a neoprene sleeve/case covering the laptop
[5.] I will periodically also need to carry by the handle like a briefcase - but robustly so (i.e. w/out the whole side of the bag sagging / bag cover riding up and deforming the appearance - know what I mean?)

The following are NOT big issues for me:

[6.] Additional storage capacity. I would ideally prefer something with the smallest overall dimensions possible though still affording 'solid' protection. Think 6 gigs - not 8.
[7.] lots of pockets, sleaves and compartments - I don't carry many extra peripherals
[8.] Cost (up to $175 would be acceptable)

I've just realised that point 2 above (shoulder comfort) is probably not such an issue as I'm pretty sure there must be qualikty padded shoulder straps that you can purchase separately if the 'stock' ones prove inadequate for regular lugging around without discomfort.

Any recommendations appreciated - esp from existing owners of M17 range machines who can testify. I understand that some US products will prob not be available to order from here in the UK but I'm determined to get the best bag 'for me' and so i'll cross that sandy bridge in hoover dam time!
(That one's gotta be worth a gratis moose mat, eh?)

____________________________________________________________
M17xR3 | Stealth Black | 2630 cpu | 6 gb ram | 460M gpu | (2 x 320gb) RAID 0 hd | Blu-ray read | Win 7 Ultimate | Carry Case: Not Included

 

This post doesn't help You didn't comment on how thick the bottom padding is Velvet doesn't matter. Padding is more important on the corners btw

Try Brenthaven for the bag/backpack. I've had 2 Brenthaven bags, and both have the BEST padding I've even witnessed. I could probably throw a video game system in there, and then throw the bag, and nuttin. No mess. Also, lifetime warranty and ballistic nylon (whatever that means ) Also, try Zeroshock 17 for the case: zeroshock 17 items - Get great deals on Computers Networking, 17 laptop case items on eBay.com!.

Hope this helps.

Also, I really appreciate you following the madness between Dell and me.

 

Dookie - the Brenthaven bags are looking great!

I misread your first post on this thread and understood to avoid Brenthaven because M17x wouldn't fit - now I realise you were referring to one specific model.

The UK amazon.co.uk site doesn't stock many Brenthaven models but the US amazon.com has plenty: I've only rapidly checked the first couple of results for shoulder bags that fit 17'' but already this looks like just the thing I'm looking for: understated style though still eye catching, relatively compact but robust with excellent quality padding, which you have testified too, which really helps.

I'll update when I have a shortlist of my preferred bags: thanks for the top tip!

 

Glad that you like the Brenthaven bags. I was beginning to think that I'm their only customer Their backpacks are nice, if you need all the space. They have a slim backpack now, that's just a solid rectangle, which looks hipster n sh**, so I'm a bit turned off. But their older stuff (Metrolite, XF or watever its called) are all nice.

I had the Metrolite II: MetroLite II Jet Black Shoulder Case | Brenthaven.com, which I donated to my local thrift store because it was too big for my 14inch notebook. It was $22 on newegg.com. Currently, I have the Metrolite Backpack: Amazon.com: Brenthaven 2251 MetroLite BackPack (Titanium/Orange): Computer & Accessories, which is too small for the R3, but perfect for anything else. And this was $25 through brenthaven's site.

Have fun shoppping. I'm still trying to find an adequate bag as well. Leaning towards the Astro Scout or the Velocity Matrix though

EDIT: Astro Scout: http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/64/Scout-Backpack/ & http://forum.notebookreview.com/6337994-post133.html, and Velocity matrix: http://www.slappa.com/velocity-matrix-laptop-backpack

 

thinking about getting this for my r3, has anyone tried it yet?

Beacon Laptop Backpack w/Gaming Console Sleeve, fits up to 18" | Laptop Accessories | Everki

i'm torn between this and the astro:

http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/65/MLG-Scout-Backpack/

 

I was also contemplating on the Astro backpack. I have a Targus that is awesome, but have wanted to try out the Astro.

 

The Astro sure looks nice.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/560676-m17x-r3-case-wenger-legacy.html

Posted mine there as I didn't see the thread.

Wenger Legacy.. Small when it needs to be but it expands to like twice its size from some fancy, hidden folds. The laptop compartment even expands (I didnt get a pic of it, sorry)

Padded with thick, hard foam everywhere and for $55 shipped to your door? No brainer

 

i'll prolly get the everki beacon since it looks like it can hold alot more stuff, to bad they don't make the liner in a different color but oh well.

 

Both are pretty well reviewed units. I also have the Astro bookmarked. But upon thinking about it, it's too obvious that there's a laptop in it. I think I really am just going to try to find a regular backpack and find a decent pouch/sleeve/case for the R3. Will update when I find something.

 

I'm surprised no one uses a Spire Backpack.

Spire: TSA checkpoint friendly laptop backpack for travel



I've had one for over 5 years now, it still looks like its new. Its been to Germany and back twice, and used for hiking on the weekend. It can be used with or without the waist belt. It has a handle so it can be carried on its side. When cinched up, it can be quite small, or expanded to take everything in your travelling life. I carry a m1730, d630, spectrophotometer, noise cancelling headphones, etc.

I had an R2 for a week, and found it to be an extremely tight fit with the 17" sleeve. I'm hoping that the slightly smaller dimension on the R3 will be the little bit that I need. By the way, the m1730 always fit in it. I will report back on how the R3 fits after all.

 

What sleeve do you use?

 

Well they've changed the sizing through the years, mine is 4XL which I would assume would correspond to 17" PC. Again, once I get my r3 I'll post how it fits. Cant say enough good things about Spire, great American made bag.

 

Newegg.com - Mobile Edge Urban Camo/Orange 17'' SecurePack Backpack Model MEBSP6

I got this one... I liked that it opens opposite of most cases, and other people have said it will fit the computer!

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I was wondering if there was a large compartment since I would like to put a Case Logic SLRC-205 sling bag inside my backpack as well.

From looking at the boot sizes, none of them seem to fit the R3 measurements (too small). There's a new version coming soon so hopefully, it's even better.

Looks promising so far.

 

Right on, I'll let you know how it fits by the end of next week. I'll have to see what they do with the new bag. If you take a moment and read the reviews, you'll see its honestly 5 stars all the way down the line, this bag really rocks.

 

Yeah, I am reading through some other reviews and this bag looks massive!

 

Man. I'm on a mission to find the smallest bag that'll fit this thing. I suspect a certain backpack sold at Walmart, made by Outdoor Recreation, will fit. It's a bit on the thin side and crappy construction, but it's really slim and not giganto, nor looks like you're a bookworm or going trailblazing in your local forest. Will letcha know if it fits after I receive my R3 and go buy the backpack.

 

Heh, after looking at tons and tons of backpacks, I'm starting to think it'll be easier to just get an extremely tough laptop sleeve and consider non-computer laptop bags. Some bags like Patagonia ones on zappos or ebags look pretty nice and roomy.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a super tough laptop sleeve which would fit the R3, but also fit inside a backpack?

 

This is a tough one, cuz we're buying a 17inch computer. Just confirmed the other day that the ZeroShock 17" one will not fit ours. It's made specifically for MBP17" BUILT might make something. Tucano's Workout bags work well for sticking it in your backpack, but once again, not sure if it'll fit the R3. Brenthaven makes a good sleeve, but it looks flimsy. Also, SLAPPA makes a thick looking one, but not sure of their qualities.

 

Yeah, it seems like most companies focus on the Mac...Here's another. This is something I'd like, but it looks too small again. Like the foam mixed in with the air pockets.

TOM BIHN Laptop Bags > Vertical Brain Cell
The Vertical Brain Cell Laptop Bag by: TOM BIHN

Actually, I think their horizontal TOM BIHN Laptop Bags > Vertical Brain Cell may fit...have to read more...

 

Weird looking. haha. See, Brenthaven makes this one, but it's flimsy unlike their other products: Ecco-Prene III BLK | Brenthaven.com.

And this is the zeroshock III 17" Amazon.com: Zeroshock III 17-inch Notebook Case: Electronics. But it's too small.

 

M.A.S.K. Laptop Backpack

I think this looks like something to look over.

 

No thank you. PMed the SLAPPA guy here on nbr, and I wasnt assured of their bags' quality. Apparently, the bags don't have adequate padding on the bottom... And hell no, I'm not paying 130$+ and still need to stuff a sweater down there.

 

this one is the best guys, I've bought one and it fits the r3 very very well..not to mention the suede inside the laptop compartment so that you wont scratch the r3 when you put it in or take it out from the bag..

Everki backpack