M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

I've got the Messenger bag for my M17x R2, which is as heavy as the M18x, and it's a great bag...Very good amount of space, I usually put the laptop in the back slot, then the middle slot with the ac adapter, then the front slot with notepads, pens, a razer mouse, and everything else.

It's very durable, and I have never felt like the shoulder strap was going to rip off or anything. I travel for work, and it looks professional, aside from the alienhead logo, which noone can really notice.

I would definitely reccommend it.

 

The bag that I was hoping to use for the m17xr4 is here:

the wet coast pack | women's bags | lululemon athletica

But hoping to augment that with additional sleeve protection. After reading ALL the posts in this thread (and it didn't make me want a brenthaven or whatever ) the sleeves that I was considering are

Amazon.com: Belkin Neoprene Notebook Sleeve for 17-Inch Laptop (F8N049-BR): Electronics

and the slappa P-Tac:

P-Tac Matrix sleeves for iPad, Netbook, Macbook, Laptops and Gamer Laptops

Anyone have other suggestions or can vouch for one of these? I am leaning towards the slappa sleeve however I see that they have a 10% restocking fee + return shipping whereas amazon is free, so something to consider. Will let you guys know what i end up going with.

 

Hey guys I'd like to throw my 2 cents as well and ask a question.

I own the High Five M.A.S.K. backpack by SLAPPA (check it out here) and I am very happy with it. The make is superb. I have loaded it with 15 Kg of stuff when I moved to the Netherlands and I could not even notice any strain on the bag when I was wearing it. Well, my shoulders took a beating but that was natural. My M17x R3 fits perfectly with the original cover thingy that the laptop came with and there is still plenty of room for books and stuff on the front compartment.

My only problem is that this bag is huge!!! I am 1.90m tall (6' 3'' I guess) and it stills looks gigantic on me! So, for everyday use and - especially when not carrying the laptop - this bag is really impractical. I know that this can be subjective but it was my first impression.

EDIT: If the back and front compartment could merge into one (with an outlying zipper for example) I wouldn't even consider going for another bag for everyday use! So are there any bags that have this feature??

I have also done a hands-on test on a Targus 17 - 18 inch / 43.1cm - 45.7cm XL Laptop Backpack ( check it!). The laptop fits well and there is still some room for stuff, but less than the Slappa. The bag IS smaller in the end but better for averagely-sized humans!

Some of you say that the Astro Scout backpack ( here) is a smaller bag as well that looks more natural and can still take M17x R3.

What can you tell me about it if you have it and do you know of any others that could fit my criteria? Thanks!

 

Can anyone suggest a backpack that will be used to carry around the M17x and a few textbooks around a college campus on a daily basis? However, I'd prefer if it was stylish or decent looking and not too big so that I'll look silly wearing it (reason why I'm not looking at the Targus XL...). Budget of around 60 dollars, but could go over if it's a really good product.

Currently looking at this one:
Amazon.com: Case Logic RBP-117 17.3-Inch MacBook Pro/Laptop Backpack with iPad/Tablet Pocket (Black): Electronics

Any suggestion are welcome, and thanks in advance

 

I'm looking for a backpack that well be used for mostly travel on busy trains/cities , I was looking for something with the most protection and space and came down to the astro scout and the slappa mask would these be correct?

 

about to buy a new bag and narrowed it down to 2, the astro scout and the everki beacon. i like the beacon's pockets better and was wondering if someone would throw up some pics of thiers with thier m17x in it and maybe another one of their m17x laid on top of it. would be much appreciated.

 

I've had many packs over the past 5 years, and sadly none that were "perfect" for my 17" Dells. STM, and Booq make quality bags, but sadly they lean toward macbooks and hence size is always an issue.

For the past 2 years I've used a Booq Flow XL for my 15" ASUS and it was a dream; unfortunately around the M17x R3 it's way too tight, so tight that I was afraid the zippers would wear on the corners of the laptop so I bought the Astro Scout.

With the many suggestion on this thread, I had narrowed it down to the Slappa M.A.S.K, or Astro Scout, eventually choosing the scout (used it for a week before returning my M3 for an M4). During the week I noted the following:

1) The model I received (newest model) had no pocket in the strap as seen on some reviews with older models
2) The fit was extremely tight (again I suspect that this is a newer model thing as only a few have noted this)
3) The bottom of the laptop pouch is not connected to the sides leaving it a little exposed to the main pouch on the bottom corners when fully depressed (this wouldn't be much of a deal except for the next point)
4) The main compartment (surrounding the laptop compartment) has no sidewall padding. Not sure why they didn't add this as it would have made this pack a lot better in my books ...especially if people are carrying around extra electronics in that section.

All in all, it's a nice light pack with excellent padding on the underside, and a decent amount of carrying capacity. It would have been better if they had fixed the items mentioned above and included a waist strap. I ended up cutting the elastic straps on the laptop pouch and reattaching them using Velcro; I also added padding on the bottom corners and now I'm satisfied with it for the time being.

In the near future I'll likely pick up a Slappa M.A.S.K as I like being able to carry some extra closes and such (for the odd weekend trip), but I had to take a chance on the Astro give the price and reviews. In retrospect I should have just gone for the M.A.S.K., but what's done is done ...now if only Slappa would include a waist strap before I get around to my purchase

 

So recently sent back the slappa matrix 18" sleeve - it was extremely well made just didn't quite the m17x to what I was hoping for. There was 1-2 inches of extra room all around. That said it was very reasonably priced for what it was. Has a few d hooks for throwing on a strap which made it reasonably portable. I would have liked for those straps to be on the edges like in the hard body, but it was still portable.

So, ordered a Scout because of the (hopefully) low profile - I hate having a thick backpack. Its coming in a week so will report if the R4 fits okay. Some people have been saying its tight so I hope that it fits.

 

That is like the only backpack I can find in Japan that fits the M17x, so if you get it, let me, us, know how it is. Thanks.

 

you could also look for the everki beacon. Not sure if its available in japan though.

 

The only one I can find on the three sites I can easily order off that might fit m17x is that Case Logic bag. Even Dell Japan doesn't sell a backpack to accommodate it.

So, if the Case Logic backpack doesn't fit, I will have to order from the states.

 

So I've been through about 15 pages of this thread and all I see is info on backpacks.

It looks like there are a few of us interested in sleeves. Does anyone know if the Belkin 17" sleeve fits the M17xr3/r4?

 

The 17" Belkin sleeves are excellent and should easily fit the R3/R4. I had one a few years ago with my XPS M1730 and while it was a very tight fit, the dimensions of that laptop were closer to the M18x.

I'll probably pick up another Belkin sleeve when my R4 arrives, but I've also been looking at these:

http://www.slappa.com/ptac-matrix-laptop-sleeve?sc=2&category=133

Apparently you need the 18" sleeve to fit the M17x but they look pretty substantial and Slappa has a great reputation.

 

Build quality on the slappa was awesome with tons of padding- it is very large however and somewhat loose on the m17xr4, especially in the length dimension - at least an inch or two of wiggle room. If it fit better would have been an absolute winner.

 

Thanks again for the advice, Majik. +1 rep for being so helpful.

I think I'm going to go with the Belkin. It should be a good match with my Tumi messenger bag. I'll report back on fit with the M17x once it arrives.

The Slappa sleeve just looks way too flashy. It just doesn't look like the business crowd is really Slappa's target market.

 

Astro scout came in last night- I agree the compartment is a little tight in the width department but in thickness there is no problem. Padding is adequate but not crazy thick.

Build quality seems excellent. The pockets and fuzzy fur lining are really nice, and best of all I don't look like I am carrying anything crazy or feel the weight of the laptop at all. Great styling all around.

 

Nice. Thanks for your impressions

 

Looks sick. I'm saving up for it. After purchasing my Alienware I have no $.

My bday is on June 11.. I'm feeling lucky! $$$

 

Looks good. How tall are you btw?

 

I went ahead and ordered the Case Logic RBP-117. I'll try to get some pictures of it and post and some point in the future.

It should fit the R3, at least according to one review on Newegg. I should have it tomorrow or at the latest Monday. Shipment is very fast here in Japan.

 

5'10" - Just average I guess.

Also at your suggestion Dookie I picked up that $6 thin neoprene sleeve on amazon... did smell slightly but nothing huge, and the lappy inside of the sleeve still fits in the Astro so I think that is what I will be rocking in the future. Very happy with the setup. Awesome thread.

 

I wish my Timbuk2 bag would fall apart already.. I want a new bag! 10 years and the thing doesn't have anything wrong with it...

 

The the 17" belkin sleeve came in yesterday and I tried it out today. I'm happy to report that the M17x fits. It is a tight fit, but the Belkin sleeve is a keeper.

 

Looking for a bag for the R4, as well as graduate class in the UK. I prefer a backpack, for the ease, and because I might ride a bike to school rather than drive. Any ideas?

 

I just put my r3 into the Case Logic RBP 117. It's a nice fit. The compartment also fits my Acer Iconia A500.

I'm really pleased with the bag. It's not so bulky, and seems really well built. It has some massive zippers.

I will hardly use it to transport my Alienware, but I will be using this on my bicycle ride to work everyday.

I will get some pictures up sometime, hopefully in the coming week, for those of you interested.

 

Don't know if someone listed this one yet, it's also nice IMO.
Asus Rog Shuttle Backpack

Gonna buy this one myself, goes well with my Nebula Red AW ;3

​

 

looks similar to my everki beacon. Let us know how it fits.

 

Light Bright Swig Backpack - Timbuk2 Bags

just share wif u guys....the webby says can fit m17xr3.....something to consider

 

I like the reflective strip!

 

Here are some pictures of the Case Logic RBP 117. Sorry for the poor quality, they were taken with my phone's camera. The first one is the R3 fit inside the laptop compartment. Not a lot of extra room, but the tablet will also fit too.

Here it is closed:

And upon my back:

It's got quite a bit of room on the inside while not feeling bulky. It also has straps to flatten it out. I am actually quite pleased with the back channels that keep a good portion of the back pack off my back while reading. I have been getting much less sweaty on the ride to work. In case you're wondering, I'm 175cm tall and weigh around 68.5 kilos, all torso... I am definitely happy with the bag even though I didn't have many choices to chose from.

 

I'll probably get a m17 r4 in the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed for some decent offer from dell australia), so i'm having a look at some backpacks as well.

So far the most appealing backpacks to me seem to be the Everki Titan and Beacon. Is the titan a good fit for the new m17 r4? I've found a few reviews of the Titan on youtube and it looks excellent. What's the main advantage of the Beacon, the gaming console sleeve? I'm not interested in that, I just need an insane amount of space for m17 r4,a 11,6" netbook, dslr, books\documents and that kind of stuff.
On Everki's website I've found some people suggesting the Titan for the m17, it's supposed to be a better fit than the Beacon (a bit tight).
Could anyone confirm this? ^___^

 

I'm going for the Beacon personally... the product video on Amazon basically sold it to me, very nice overview of what to expect from the bag. Now only if it was a little cheaper...

 

I have a astro scout backpack and the M17x R4 Fits fine in it. The M18x R2 Fits too but is way too tight and as far as I'm concerned makes it not work. The M17x is good though. I love my astro backpack.

My friends has a M17x R3 and we tried it and it fits too.

 

I dont have astro but i have everki bag and my R3 fit well and there is space left + the other compartments!

 

I got the astro backpack and to fit my r3 in I cut the elasticated straps on either side and now it's a dream bag. Before I cut them I thought it was a bit tight to get it in and out...

 

Ordered the Titan and my transaction got blocked by Paypal....I've been selected for a random security check, so my money will be on hold for a 5\10 days -_____-°

 

Targus XL new model is awesome, good materials, rain cap, and spacious.

 

Just received the Titan.

That thing is MASSIVE o______o

100% happy about the purchase, it can fit everything I need to take with me on a plane and it still has some extra space left. My 15,6" and 11,2" notebooks disappear inside the Titan! Looking forward to receive my m17x r4 now, but there's still so much space inside the titan I don't see how it would not fit.

 

I'm also looking for a good backpack (maybe messenger bags) for my r4 that's coming within a few days.

Since I'm on the short side, 5'5", I'm looking for something that's not too bulky looking, but can fit my laptop, a few notebooks, pencils, and a few small accessories.

I've been looking at the Astro Scout but since I live in Hawaii the shipping would be $53 dollars direct : /

Any help would be appreciated

Also any recommendations for good but cheap sleeves would be awesome too.

 

@joliver

Got to say loving the scout - its fairly low profile- but that shipping is quite steep! No way around it? Does amazon still have it? Maybe try eBay?

 

I was tired of all the poor choices for laptop bags, so I bought a nicer looking bag and then sewed in a laptop sleeve (added padding too). I'm have a m17x r3. I can fit in the m17x r3, mousepad, logitech g500, laptop battery, ath-m50 headphones, and an ipad pretty easily. If I was trying to stuff it, I could also fit in a Logitech g13 on top, but just barely.

Fred Perry Brogue Hold All
Fred Perry Brogue Hold All - Sale @ $124.99 Free Shipping - GearBuyer.com

 

Decided not to go for the beacon because I was getting the Orion 17" for $55 on newegg with some promotions lol. Win Win. If I don't like it I'm just gonna sell it off on ebay for around the same price since the original price is $99 lol.

Beacon and scout as backups though, you guys seem to love it

 

On the Astro Scout I noticed that the top corners of my R4 stick out of the laptop compartment a little, this seems to allow for the zipper to rub (on the inside) when zipped up. I suspect that this might wear on the unit over time, anyone else notice this issue?

 

My Astro Scout arrived yesterday. It's much smaller that I had imagined, though there is plenty of space. Excellent build quality - though I end have to cut the elastic straps to loosen the laptop compartment and fit my R4 in there comfortably. Definitely happy with my purchase though and would easily recommend the bag to others with gaming laptops.

Now I just need a nice sleeve. I assume a Belkin 17" neoprene sleeve will fit since I used one for my XPS M1730!? Any other recommendations?

 

I just bought a Nixon Shadow Backpack today (the bigger version, there's a mini version as well).

It exactly fit my R4. It was a bit tight to close at first, but eventually the zip loosened up and now closes easily. It's a really good bag, lots of room for essentials, not to mention that it looks pretty trendy too.

 

Anyone recommends a backpack for the vertically challenged?

I'm someone who's 5'5" and I'm looking for a backpack that's not to bulky.

Also the astro scout isn't an option, shipping is terrible since I live in Hawaii.

 

I am looking for a backpack style bag that will fit my new M17X R4 with a sleeve.
I'm looking for something that has a decent amount of padding for protection, and enough room for a laptop cooler (Cooler Master Notepal LapAir) as well the power adapter and other miscellaneous items.
I want one like the Astro Scout but with more features.

And if anyone has a recommendation on a sleeve for the M17X R4 please include.

 

Does anyone think the 17'' razer laptop sleeve would fit the m17x R3?

Razer Laptop Sleeve 17 Inches

 

M17x Dimensions:
Height: 1.75"
Depth: 11.97"
Width: 16.14"

Razer Sleeve Dimensions:
Height: 1.3"
Depth: 11.8"
Width: 16.1"

Just a hunch here, but no (but it might stretch)

 

Just curious, which Timbuk2 bag you're using for the M17x?

I love their bags. Recently got the Catapult Sling which carts around my iPad 2, PS Vita and 3DS amongst other bits and bobs.

Couldn't see any that would fit the M17x though.

EDIT: ahh http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/lightbright-swig-backpack/2114803