The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ECKS, Jan 25, 2011.

  1. Pot Of Jam

    Pot Of Jam Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Laptop in carry bag...
    [​IMG]

    Fully Closed (granted very snugly)
    [​IMG]

    Notepads you say... how about three of them...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Ready to go.
    [​IMG]

    Also in this bag was the 240w PSU and my Razer mouse.
     
  2. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Great bag. Does it have a backpack version?
     
  3. Pot Of Jam

    Pot Of Jam Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    With its third leg Stabiliser you kinda do wear it like a back pack. That, I can't get a shot of. But...

    Clicky
     
  4. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    My Considerable Embarrassment messenger bag has a third leg. I think it's so so in term of weight distribution. Can't really compare it to a backpack. M17x alone is 9lbs. Even with third leg stabilizer, it would be like you are killing your shoulder, literally.
     
  5. Pot Of Jam

    Pot Of Jam Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I cant comment but I doubt I will be moving it about That much, I brought it to take the laptop to LAN parties.

    TBH though I'm loving the laptop so much I'm tempted to ditch my desktop, and when your desk top looks like this:

    [​IMG]

    That's a serious statement!
     
  6. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I have to bring my laptop to school and visits my parents in Asia. So I need a backpack to get around the campus and airports haha.

    You mean to ditch your laptop? Ditching something means you want to get rid of it ;).

    That is a sick case. Some of my favorite cases are the NZXT Phantom White, Corsair 600T White or SS Raven RV 01 ( though I can't get to like its upside-right motherboard... ).
     
  7. Pot Of Jam

    Pot Of Jam Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Not ditch my laptop. Replace my desktop with the laptop as its more powerful! Lol
     
  8. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Hey guy's i am looking for a backpack for my R4 so i can keep it safe and carry it around places. I would like the biggest and best padded one i could get. I had a bag for my ASUS G51j (the one that came with it) it was small but nice....though there was one small problem. the bottom didn't have enough padding....i could easily add a little foam but its always nicer when its made well padded from the beginning. I have seen some reviews of the SPIGEN backpack but it doesn't state it fits a 17inch or larger laptop so i assume it most likely doesn't. I Also found this guy and it looks awesome but for $199 i'll pass it up because that is outlandish. I would like to keep it at 100 or less but if i have to go more i guess i dont have a choice. I don't mind getting something not ideal if it saves me from spending 200 bucks on a backpack

    Thanks,
    HF

    EDIT: I carry all of these 24/7

    m17x R4
    mouse
    3.5 in external hardrive
    R4 brick
    external brick
    spare batts
    cell
    usb cables
    cell batts
    maybe heatsets
    depending on some things these too
    camera
    power stripe
    ethernet cable
    router
    and several other things
     
  9. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

    Reputations:
    2,377
    Messages:
    5,040
    Likes Received:
    277
    Trophy Points:
    251
    I have the everki beacon at the moment and I can fit a ton of stuff in that bag. I've abused it though so its falling apart. Might buy one of the alienware backpacks this next go around and see how that one works. :)
     
  10. anseio

    anseio All ways are my ways.

    Reputations:
    1,940
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I have the Slappa MASK w/ High Five face. It fits my r4 with complete ease, is well padded, TSA friendly, and has buttloads of extra room for other stuff. Some of the masks (swappable fronts) have even more space than the one I chose. I went for a shallow profile.

    17" Backpacks By SLAPPA
     
  11. vsg28

    vsg28 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    248
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I am considering now the Slappa MASK as well, the one with the DSLR insert. I am contemplating it and the ThinkTank Shapeshifter bag for my purposes. Anyone had an issue with the "mere 180.day warranty" on the Slappa bags? 6 months is ridiculously short for a warranty period.
     
  12. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I got the Slappa MASK with the Jedi face. I personally like that face than the others. The others are kinda hideous ( IMO ).

    Build quality per se, Slappa MASK actually has really good build. So I really doubt if it's gonna broken soon.

    P/S: My friend has one of the AW M17x bags he bought with his R1. It's still going strong even today...
     
  13. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    i also found the giga office pack but i don't know what size laptop it fits. its by dueters or whatever

    EDIT:
    i like the dslr and KOA one but again they seem lacking in padding to me but i can change it up to add a little cushion. They are reasonably price and i like the fact i could buy the DSLR add ins and the KOA too. I still really like the TITAN but for 200 its a joke. need to look at beacon

    EDIT: alright i looked at beacon and its nice but for 150 i don't think its worth it. might as well go with slappa or giga at that point seems like you get more for your money. if i bought the beacon i feel as if the extra 50 would be more worth it for the TITAN

    Anyone have any experience with the dueters GIGA? I am leaning between giga and slappa since my fav is way over priced ^^ unless anyone knows of any coupons or sales they do

    EDIT:: well found beacon 120 on newegg and i think 105 or 115? on amazon so thats actually viable. I am looking for almost perfect solution for 90-115 dollars.
     
  14. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

    Reputations:
    3,856
    Messages:
    3,074
    Likes Received:
    2,619
    Trophy Points:
    231
  15. CryoBolt

    CryoBolt Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    19
    Messages:
    258
    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    31
    The Alienware Orion bag isn't too shabby. I rarely use it to carry my M17x around (barely leaves the desk), so I mostly use it to carry around text books. It doesn't have a lot of padding (some, but no a lot) on the back like some other bags, but for me it doesn't matter too much since I am the only one that carries it.
     
  16. vic_doom69

    vic_doom69 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    87
    Messages:
    248
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
  17. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    125
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I carry pretty much everything the OP listed minus a camera but plus a PS Vita and charger. I've also been able to squeeze in my U3.

    All that in the Orion backpack that comes from Alienware. Had it since June 2012 and used it regularly. Even knocked around in the back of my work van on occasion and its as good as new still.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  18. Tsori

    Tsori Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Having spent weeks in the same situation, that laptop bag thread was a great help.

    I sought out each bag, be it in a shop or friends with them already and what i can see is the following:

    Everki is better if you have more than two laptops that need carrying. With room to spare.

    M.A.S.K is better protection, good amount of space, can fit 2 laptops and accessories easily

    Orion is ok.. its nice to have some associated "gear" with the alienware logo, but frankly the padding is too thin for my liking in comparisson to bags on the same price range.

    If you can get the orion for lower than £80 (which is how much it is over here from amazon) then it might be worth it, but i bit the bullet and got a M.A.S.K at £100, the extra £20 is worth the added protection. I can fit my alienware, coolermaster U3, Naga mouse, Keyboard and a Wacom Intuos 5 M, which is around the size of the laptop itself, all in with room to spare for books, drinks ect.
     
  19. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    for the beacon being 103 on amazon it seems the best for the price so i'll probably go that route since it looks the most promising for my current needs and in my "budget". Anyone know of a local store that normally carries a lot of these things? Also is there a common sale for these? Should i wait or keep an eye on a certain site for sales?
     
  20. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

    Reputations:
    2,377
    Messages:
    5,040
    Likes Received:
    277
    Trophy Points:
    251
    I got my beacon as a "gift", but I think the person that bought it for me got it from walmart. Not sure what the price is these days though.
     
  21. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I got my Slappa MASK for $100 + free shipping and no tax. A pretty good discount compared to the retail $140.
     
  22. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    mask is ~100 on thir store i thought and the beacon is 103 on amazon last i check plus 3% cash back so they are really equal. I personally think the beacon looks better for my needs from what i can tell. Several others are 100 bucks too but some don't give a size for laptop plus no one has them so i'll pass on those.
     
  23. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Haha okay. Make sure you don't have to pay taxes on this. Amazon has recently charged taxes on goods shipping to TX. I don't know about IL though.
     
  24. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    its still good for now.... if IL has to start paying taxes than my purchases from amazon will greatly vanish
     
  25. anseio

    anseio All ways are my ways.

    Reputations:
    1,940
    Messages:
    2,418
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Why would that be? It's always been the law that if you buy from out of state, you are to pay sales taxes to your state for the purchase. Though always the law, it's never been enforced.

    This once small loophole has been greatly magnified with the rise of e-commerce. If you don't want to pay sales tax on Amazon purchases, find a "used/new" seller who sells through Amazon, but does not have a presence in your state.

    States are beginning to close the loophole. It may suck, but it might give your local businesses a chance at competing again.

    Still love my Slappa. Sturdy and safe.
     
  26. jackgarcia7

    jackgarcia7 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    42
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I own an Orion and haven't had a problem since the purchase. I move around a lot with the laptop everyday and it hasn't let me down. I have school stuff and all my laptop accessories (mouse, brick, etc..).
     
  27. funkmasterta

    funkmasterta Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    209
    Messages:
    509
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    31
  28. alibaboolal

    alibaboolal Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  29. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    810
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
  30. Dolemite65

    Dolemite65 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    144
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I picked up this one. It's a little tight at the top corners when you zip it up. I was worried about it scratching paint, but I'm careful when I zip up. So far, no paint scratches, and it's a perfectly fine bag for my needs. Just tight at the top corners.
    Swiss Gear The PEGASUS 17" Computer Backpack
     
  31. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    125
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I tend to put my M17XR4 back in the red Alienware branded cloth pouch it came in AND THEN put it in the bag. Helps ensure no paint scratches.
     
  32. icemanuk4

    icemanuk4 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I got the Astro Scout - on recommendation from a mate who has an R3.

    The R4 is a VERY snug fit, but it goes in and comes out of the pocket OK. it's never going to rattle around - just let's say. Some guys on here say that they cut the elastic on the pocket sides (it's designed to compress the pocket side walls to tightly hold thinner laptops), but I'v e left mines as is.

    I had to go through like 6 or 8 airport visits with the bag (take laptop out, yadda yadda) and it was OK TBH.

    As the pocket is "fur" lined - there is no danger of any scratching on the case.

    The front pocket is designed to carry a PS3 / XBOX or such like and has a pocket for the controller as well - but it's also great for "other random stuff" :)

    The backpack is not huge - but if you have one M17x and associated "bits" - then it's enough. I would say it's as compact as a backpack can be and still be fit for purpose - Carrying a super sized M17x.

    IMHO - I would NOT recommend carrying an M17x in a messenger bag - unless its form the car to the office type idea. Long term carrying like this will cause some shoulder / back issues, as the laptop is simply too heavy to be carried in this way (just IMHO as I said before any "doctors" shoot me down :) ).

    Iceman.
     
  33. crzychinook

    crzychinook Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    60
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    EVERKI TITAN .. the last backpack youll ever buy!! its pricey but well worth every penny!!
     
  34. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    i would have to agree but 200 bucks or get something that will almost be perfect for 100.....right now i had to choose the 100 dollar option. Down the road most definitely.
     
  35. roughavoc

    roughavoc Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    101
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Can I ask if you would know if the Belkin Impluse Line Slim would fit the R4? If youre messenger fits it, surly it would fit it too?
     
  36. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    i would have to agree with Denni....a messenger bag for the R4 would be uncomfortable as all get out. I think a messenger bag is great for like a zen book but a gaming book? your poor back mate....your poor back!
     
  37. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    810
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Yeah I was looking at that one, the dimensions listed say it wont fit, but a few reviews says similarly thick laptops fit, but no guarantee. It would be a very tight squeeze though, even the messenger style of the same bag was quite awkward to get in and out of.
     
  38. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    125
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554282.484176.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554292.549347.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554303.998729.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554313.765930.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554328.499389.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554340.265969.jpg


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  39. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    125
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554368.498820.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554377.665643.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359554389.348616.jpg

    Finally got round to taking some pics of the Orion.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  40. Dolemite65

    Dolemite65 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    144
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Too lazy to scroll back for your previous posts.
    I've seen the Orion bag a lot (nice targeting, Amazon) and have wondered about quality. From your pics (thanks!), it seems not to be a concern. Looks pretty well made to me. Would you say the quality of construction and materials is roughly equal to a Swissgear bag? That's the bag I chose, and while I'm happy with the quality and design, it's a bit tight at the top corners. I worry about rubbing off paint, which seems not to be a problem with the Orion.
     
  41. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    810
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I have the orion, in terms of materials quality, the swissgear (old 15.6 bag i bought couple years ago) seems just to use slightly thicker materials, could be just me. But the orion bag is very close in terms of build quality, tbh I'd rather have the bag lighter as the laptop is heavy as is.
     
  42. Chris_c81

    Chris_c81 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    125
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    My wife has a Swissgear backpack for work and both bags have a similar tough fabric.

    Meant to mention what I store in the bag to give some idea of space:

    M17X (and power pack )
    CoolerMaster U3 (and fans)
    Razer Naga Epic (mouse, base and cable)
    Creative World of Warcraft wireless headset
    Google Nexus 7 tablet
    Sony PS Vita (and games storage case)
    Wrist rest
    Mouse mat
    Mixture of USB cables and LAN cables
    Handful of USB sticks and keys
    Pair of glasses in case
    Screwdriver
    Box of DVD'S and sleeves
    System discs

    Think that's it.

    It weighs a fair bit but the bag is comfortable on the back. No issues with rubbing edges even when the U3 is in there as the interior edges have some padding.

    Great bag, love it.

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
     
  43. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
  44. ehau

    ehau Newbie

    Reputations:
    23
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  45. HopelesslyFaithful

    HopelesslyFaithful Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,552
    Messages:
    3,271
    Likes Received:
    164
    Trophy Points:
    0
    unfaix said it was good but didn't fit a g73 or x7200 (I think the latter is obvious ^^)

    here is where he made a comment
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/not...iss-gear-bag-40-bucks-17-inch-laptop-bag.html

    nm still got 5 hours left with link in thread

    what the heck lol....how did i think there was only 35 mins left lol. I guess it is one of those nights -_-
     
  46. vsg28

    vsg28 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    248
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Is there a good review for the Orion 18 messenger bag? I am contemplating using my dell gift card on that. I have multiple backpacks and would only use the messenger bag for formal meetings or other similar things. On amazon, people have complained about the poor build quality.
     
  47. Dolemite65

    Dolemite65 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    144
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    For $40, take a shot, I say, but it looks like I'm late to the party as it's back up in price. If you didn't end up getting it, seems like the Orion is perfectly fine. Chris_c81 posted his thoughts and some pics on his Orion. He seems happy with it. I have a different Swissgear bag. It's a bit tight at the top corners. If I had it to do all over again, I'd go with the Orion.
     
  48. phillay

    phillay Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    hi all, just got my m17x r4 was looking at the orion bag but I don't carry much other than the powerpack, mouse and the unit itself so I bough a herschel little america bag. hopefully fits, the seller says it will just fit but if it doesn't I could return for full refund
     
  49. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    810
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    66
    was having a look at them in person, unfortunately didnt have my laptop with me so I didnt buy it. From the specs, it wont fit in the laptop pouch of the bag (laptop is too thick), I liked the style as well. Let us know how you get on anyways.
     
  50. ehau

    ehau Newbie

    Reputations:
    23
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I bought 1 :)

    My Orion from Dell is coming on the 20th Feb 2013.
     
← Previous pageNext page →