M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

Any screen protectors for the R3?

 

RRei here is a site where you can order a custom screen protector.
Just enter the width and height,simple as that.

Custom cut screen protectors Custom Cut Screen Protector from Clarivue.

cheers

 

Thx for the wonderful pix. You sir, have just romanced me in a matter of 2 minutes hahaha. Although I will definitely not be getting that gigantic bag, your post has kept me curious about Slappa bags, for sure.

Could you post pix of it? Also, could you tell us if you have the 15" or the 17" version? I'm def interested in the 15" version, cuz it looks slim and smaller, according to the pix and dimensions on slappa's website. TYIA!

Didn't watch the entire video, but it looks like the bottom has inadequate/thin padding, which is really disappointing. Also, wouldn't want to be jumped for lugging around an AW branded bag.

Also, can anyone recommend a slim/small backpack which will fit the R3? Smaller is better for me Also, if anyone knows any good backpacks that usually motorcyclists have, please suggest

 

This is what I have for my motorcycle. Great bags if you don't mind the unfortunate company name:

T-BAGS® BAJA :: Detail

I personally think that a person of your height is doomed to a messenger type bag for the M17x. If you consider that the basic dimensions are 16x12, the 18 x 13 dimensions of the M.A.S.K. are pretty close to the minimum that are going to fit, and we already covered the fact that it's a BIG bag!

If you don't want to be Ralphie, I'd check out the Slappa messenger bags. They have some hard-sided bags which look like the ultimate in damage resistance, and even some bags that have a loop which you could put over the sissy-bar if you have that type of bike

B

 

hmm, Slappa has the M.A.S.K. Transit bag coming out next month. I haven't found any videos showing the details of it though (few pictures are available though). I think I'll wait 2 weeks and see if it's any better than the High Five or KOA.

 

Not sure what a "ralphie" is, even after looking at urbandictionary You better not be poking fun at me >:O

No messengers, cuz the Brenthaven Metrolite II I had was gigantic on me, and its specs were: 12" x 16.5" x 3.5". Any backpacks with these (at most/maximum) specs: 13"x20"x7" would be fine--preferably something with lots of padding inside (No Swissgear, no Belkin, no Targus, no SOLO, no Mobile Edge plz)?

 

Just ordered my Orion backpack. Thought I posted already about it but.......I will do some pcis and check the padding for you too Dookie.

 

@dookie, maybe you can check out the Everki Swift..it's smaller than the beacon, but I'm not sure whether or not it will fit the r3..this is the detail Swift Light Laptop Backpack, fits up to 17" | Backpacks | Everki

Also in the video, they used a female as the model, so you can use it as ur size reference..

this may also interest you(check the specifications):
Inner Liner Material = Anti-shock foam

 

I meant the little kid who gets beat up on the way to school. Of course, I spoiled the effect by confusing "Ralphie" with "Randy":

YouTube - I can't put my arms down!

 

Yup, pretty sad that I have to shop for products modeled by a woman... Very good suggestion though. Here's the specs:
Length 31 cm (12.2 in)
Width 14 cm (5.51 in)
Height 47 cm (18.5 in)

I think it may be enough to barely fit the R3 in (in terms of the width (aka 12.2in length)). The padding looks very inadequate in this bag though. But I can always spend some money and get that kiddie arts n craft foam from Michaels/Joann's :/ The Swift is at a pretty good price range though : ~$39bucks total from Newegg.

Damn, even I want to jump that kid from his stupid voice. lolz.

 

Would that I had a camera that took pictures worth posting. Very disappointed in my Droid Incredible's camera. Expected better of a modern smartphone camera.

I'm looking at getting a high-end point-and-shoot soon, but not yet.

I got the 17" version. It's big, but not big enough for everything I'd like. The padding and design are almost exactly like those photos of the M.A.S.K. I've seen in some reviews. The R3 doesn't quite fit in the padded laptop area when I have it in its original thin sleeve. The velcro closure doesn't match up. If I take the R3 out of it's sleeve and then put it in the laptop enclosure area, the velcro does close, but the corners of the R3 stick out and could be damaged by closing the zipper if not careful.

The padding of that enclosure is good. 1/4" by my estimate. And there are the two strips of padding on the bottom outside of the bag that you can see in photos in other reviews of Slappa bags.

I hope this was of some help.

 

Do you ever notice orange fuzz on your r3 after transportation?

 

nope,not at all..My r3 stays clean and elegant

 

thanks again its.kvn. went and got the everki beacon at my local fry's electronics, got them to price match the the lowest price i can find whick is $99.95. fits everything in my old bag which so much room left over it great so far.

 

Lol another happy owner of the beacon

You're welcome..Btw did you match it to newegg price or what?

 

walmart was the cheapest price i could find for the beacon, so they matched that.

now i need to find me a jeffery to enjoy this furry goodness.

 

LOL Okay BRB to Fry's to get some money back...

 

hahah yeah $30 off the original fry's price. love their price match guarantee!!!

 

I'm back! They didnt refund me the price difference 100%..Instead, they gave me 110% money back, so I got $33 back..LOL...

 

How many inches is the Beacon front compartment? The one where you normally put the gaming sleeve?

 

its pretty big. the sleeve dimensions are: 4" deep x 13" tall x 11" wide, so i'm guessing it could fit something a little bigger. if you don't use the sleeve.

 

oh sick, walmart has these? Time to hit up the canada website and check. There's like 3 walmarts within 5 minutes of my house, and the only thing stopping me from owning that bag is that i dont want to order from newegg
edit: no dice @walmart canada

 

you can prolly get it online at walmart.com and get it shipped to your store for free.

 

what you guys think for the custom alienware everki, hehehe goes nice with a custom rat7.

 

^^
Love modding generally!

 

This was funny

So what do you guys know about the Everki Swift? It looks smaller than your Beacons, and I'm hoping it'd have adequate padding too, if not adequate space to do my padding "mod." The Beacon has adequate space for modding, but unfortunately the bag is too damn big for my petite bod

 

Afte reading some of your guys/gals posts and recommendations, I saw someone mention Slappa. After looking at some of their bags I think I will get this:
Ballistix PTAC Matrix Laptop Shoulder Bag by SLAPPA

Or
HardBody PRO 15.4" and 17" Laptop Cases by SLAPPA

 

The Hardbody Pro seems incredibly tough. I am considering it as well after seeing videos of them trying to set it on fire, toss it in a cement mixer, punch it, etc...Definitely one of the hardest cases out there.

It's a bit pricey for me (since I still need a bag) and would be pretty heavy to put in another backpack afterwards, but if you carry it by itself, probably the tougher case than the bag above.

Here's a review from 2010:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/acc...pa-hardbody-pro-carbon-elektra-lots-pics.html

The burning fire one:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-news-reviews/236902-slappa-hardbody-pro-case-review.html

 

I trying to find a bag big enough for my M17x r3. I was wondering if this would be big enough?

- Laptop Compartment Dimensions 18"(L/R) x 13.75"(H) x 1.7"(D)

 

Man, those pictures definitely DO NOT do either one of them justice. I don't believe that either of them have thick/good padding inside. Especially the bases... Please share photos if you're decide to pull the trig.

Also, does anyone know where one can buy "ballistic nylon" or that THICKER nylon stuff they use for backpacks/bags/sleeves? I want to make my own sleeve after looking at all these overly priced/unpadded backpacks..

 

Dookie, I'm going to ask you to put your money where your mouth is, and I challenge you to make a sleeve better than our 18" P-tac sleeve and make it for less than $38. And I'll value your time at only $5.00 per hour. I'm 1000% CERTAIN you cannot do it! want to take the challenge? Take a look at our P-Tac sleeve--1680D Ballistic nylon, .25" padding, quilted inner ripstop lining, alloy zipper pullers and "D" rings, a rear outer pocket, the outer stitched pattern and a metal logo. Let me see you make a better sleeve and for less than $38 that meets or exceeds our 18" P-Tac sleeve and I'll give you any SLAPPA product we have.

 

I think that should be good. It might be a bit snug, but it should fit.

 

m17x R3 Dimensions

Height (front): 44.5 mm (1.75 inches)
Height (back): 45.0 mm (1.77 inches)
Width: 410.0 mm (16.14 inches)
Depth: 304.0 mm (11.97 inches)
Weight: Starting at 4.29kg(9.46 pounds)

That's the official Dimension (Alienware listed R2 Dimension as R3 but what i listed is the correct Dimension for R3)

 

Thanks. That helps out a lot. The R3 isn't quite as big as i thought it was. That opens my options a little.

 

This is funny. You're either a REALLY REALLY REALLY good sales rep for SLAPPA, and they're paying you commission for this post...OR, you're an e-thug aka bully, picking on the kid who doesn't have a factory or assembly line, or easy access to those raw materials sold (usually) to OEMs or sewing factories. I'll be honest with you though, Mr. Dom, I've been thinking alot about making my own sleeve And, obviously my one-of-a-kind design/end-product will be worth more than $38 (go search wikipedia Jimmy Chu and his story about how he made his own shoes, lolz). Don't forget that your products are priced for products produced in bulk, which are mass-produced probably in sweatshops somewhere in China. Seriously, I highly doubt that I can obtain materials that'll be under $38, mostly cuz I have no idea where to buy it ---so you might be right about me being unable to find stuff for under $38... I'll keep looking though, because of your inspiration

On the other hand, I challenge YOU, your company, AND ALL OEMs to make better bags/sleeves/cases. I went to Frys today, and everything I got my nifty little paws on was thinner than a baby's diaper... 1/4" of padding is nuttin, mang. You're gonna need more than that to protect a drop. We're all trying to find something which can protect against a drop. Doesn't have to be a drop from your roof or something, but at least a drop from the top of your desk maybe. I don't think your 1/4" padding can protect a 10lb computer from cracking, chipping, denting, or breaking. Unless you can show us proof that you can.

In a nutshell, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. I'll be sure to report back when or if I've completed this project. Dom, you're a pal, only cuz you've actually given me inspiration to make my own, and not buy yours. Good job, bud


EDIT: Just visited your website, Dom, and saw the PTAC sleeve: http://www.slappa.com/ptac-matrix-laptop-sleeve?sc=2&category=133. It looks about as thin as anything I saw at Frys today, Staples on Friday, and Walmart last week... Hopefully I can find some time to shop around for supplies.
-----

On a separate note, @its.kevn, I went to Fry's today, and saw the EVERKI BEACON. Good news! It's not that big! I tried it on, and although it makes me look like I'm going hiking or something, it's actually not that bad. Bad news though, the padding in it is sorely disappointing, for something which sells for $129.99 at Frys. I will admit though, it was a pretty nice bag, made of very high quality materials. And the furry orange stuff is pretty cool too! There was this other bag that was sold, brand was Impulse? or something? At the bottom/base of the lappy compartment, was a strip about 1.5" wide x the bag's width, and it had about 1/4-1/2" padding with a metal strip underneath it that was wavy, to absorb a drop. Pretty cool, but that was the only cool thing about it. Ugly bag too.

 

SLAPPADom, can I ask why you're recommending the 18" PTAC sleeve instead of the 17" version? Based on the dimensions I found on the Slappa website, it seems like the 17" version might fit the M17x a little better:

17" Sleeve Laptop Compartment Dimensions 17.25"(w) x 12.75"(h)
18" Sleeve Laptop Compartment Dimensions 18.25"(w) x 13.25"(h)
Compared to the M17x dimensions of 16.14" x 11.96"

I'm thinking about buying a PTAC sleeve for the M17x that I recently ordered. Would the 17" sleeve be too small?

 

R3 dimensions have been on the OP since day 1...

 

Chill out, dookie. I am pretty sure I have seen dom in the forums before as slappas rep. I don't think he meant to offend you at all. Just saying that their sleeve will cater to your needs with a nice price. No need to get so defensive. I think you should just get the ptac sleeve. I have been carrying my R3 in the sleeve it comes in everyday since I got it and it looks brand new still. I don't know how thick you expect a sleeve to be, but that's why it's called a sleeve lol. I am sure it offers more than enough protection for you in any backpack you put it in.

 

Dookie let me clarify a few things:

(1) I own SLAPPA -no one is paying me to say anything. I started the company, have built it over the course of 7 years, working 16 hours a day -EVERY SINGLE DAY (even today) and run it with great pride because I know we do things differently than most every other brand out there. The only reason I heard about this particular thread was because I got an email inquiry yesterday and they pointed me to this thread. We've been "around" notebookreview.com for 6 years and never use these forums to "sell" ourselves--we do come in here to answer questions or clarify statements (like now)-most all of our communication in here is when people send us a PM.

(2) we are not found in mass retail stores because of the model used by most mass retailers. Most all want VERY high margins for themselves (60%+) they want the vendor to pay to ship to their distribution centers, they want open return policies and they want advertising dollars. So what you are seeing in your Frys store for $40 is probably costing about $5 to make.

(3) your comment about us making our products in sweat shops is flat out wrong and really, it's personally offensive. We invest in a high-quality factory in Southern China and also have provided excellent working conditions at the production facility we use.

(4) in all honesty, you are not going to find a sleeve that will prevent your laptop from being damaged if it fell from a desk--for that you'll need a case, and a damn good one.

Your challenge is accepted (we accepted it before you even put it out there). SLAPPA has always been focused on making "better" quality products and offering excellent service. It sounds like what everyone else says, but if you read what our customers say I think you'll see that's what we're all about. Since you are shopping at Frys I can understand why you are so disappointed in the quality of product you see in the market, but I suggest you venture past Frys because there are lots of better quality products than what you will find there

The challenge to make your own sleeve was not because you are a kid who cannot get the materials--I could easily point you in the right direction. It's because you blindly lump SLAPPA in with all other brands, saying we are overpriced and lack quality, and you make these statements without having ever seen or experienced our products and assume you can build a better product than what is on the market-a silly statement when you have not seen everything on the market.

Simply put, I'm very confident that our $38 sleeve is of a much higher quality than anything you are seeing in this price range at Fry's (or any other mass retail store).

That's my $.02

Dom at SLAPPA

 

darkrider, either the 17" or the 18" will work. We've experienced a number of folks who like to have a "less snug" sleeve fit and prefer the 18" and have had those who like the 17" fit (and the 17" is sized to fit the m17x). With all that said, one thing I will point out is the P-tac has an outer pocket on the rear panel that could fit the power brick and cord, and if you want to add that in (without the entire sleeve feeling too tight) then I would suggest the 18".

If there is anything else I can help with please feel free to PM me--I try to communicate more via PM just so it doesn't look like I'm using the forums to "sell"

Thanks

Dom at SLAPPA

 

This is getting interesting.

@Dom, as you may know, I'm not only looking for a good sleeve, but mainly a good backpack that will prevent scratches, knicks, dents, and protect it (hopefully) from a drop. Most likely not from a desk, but lets say from like a 1-2foot drop, like if I accidentally dropped my backpack while getting out of my car. Do any of your products aid with that? You're completely right in that all the backpacks at the brick n mortar stores are what I've been looking at---that's only cuz I can't touch the ones I see online, so I think my justifications arent too crazy so far . I'll be honest with you, I really like the design of the Velocity Matrix PRO, especially cuz it is a slimmer profile than most bags are. However, my question is: how much padding is in the base? (Please exclude the rubbery lines on the outside). And I'll also be honest with you: if I can't really find a good sleeve out there, PTAC was a bag that I bookmarked a while back (So in conclusion, you're a pretty damn good salesman, and you've almost got me hooked ) I'm still gonna try to make my own sleeve if I get a chance though!

EDIT: Also, someone (besides Dom), please let me know if I'm being unreasonable, and if it's just impossible to save a lappy from a drop like the ones I suggested. That way, I can save my headache and time The only thing I can think of that will absorb a drop like that might be memory foam, or just downright-- lots of foam.

 

I've been looking around for bags and sleeves, and really haven't been swayed toowards any particular brand yet, mainly because they're all out of my impulse buy/cheap territory. But this right here has really convinced me to look into SLAPPA bags. I have a feeling that as soon as I get up the cash to buy a bag, I will surely strongly consider a SLAPPA bag.

 

Very helpful -- thanks Dom!

 

Guys, I really don't like to answer questions on the public forums because it does make it look like I'm "selling" what we do, and really that is not what I wanted to do here--it was to clarify some of the things that Dookie had suggested.

Dookie, as far as sleeves go, again you aren't going to find a sleeve that is going to protect your laptop if falling from a desk (that's about 2.5'-3' drop). Let me rephrase that, it will protect it depending on how it hits the ground. My point is, sleeves are typically for protecting against bangs (like banging into a door) or scratches. We do use .25" padding in our sleeves and they are, as far as sleeves go, very protective-but if you are talking about a 2'+ drop then you should be looking at cases or backpacks. Our M.A.S.K. and Velocity backpacks have .25" padding in every wall + the laptop compartment has .25" padding in every wall (so your laptop would have half an inch of padding)+ on the outer bottom of our backpacks there is a very hard plastic underbelly strip. We do 5' drop tests on these bags. You've done the right thing with regards to asking users for their experience--that is always the best way to get a good read on any product.

I definitely encourage you to make your own sleeve because that will give you some idea of what needs to go into building a sleeve (good or bad) and you will then truly appreciate what it takes to build a good sleeve.

I'm really not trying to "sway" you guys...I do appreciate the positive feedback, but really we let our products and service (and customers) do the talking for us.

Dom @ SLAPPA

 

Just to let you (and everyone else here) know, I was never offended by any of your responses. I actually really do appreciate you taking the time to come on NBR and refute any of my points, and actually being fair in providing advice too. I'm kinda clumsy, which is precisely why I've been careful in my shopping for bags. Unfortunately, I've yet to find a decent bag with "decent" padding. And to clarify, I'm actually looking for a good backpack, which has padding on the base/bottom, cuz that's the spot that truly matters, and alot of companies skimped out on that for some reason... The only reason why I even devised the plan of making a sleeve is cuz I've been unable to secure a good prospect for backpacks. Additionally, I'm looking for the smallest backpack possible for my 5'4" frame.

Please let me know if your 15" version of the Velocity Matrix PRO fits the R3.

Thx!

EDIT: Please see the green arrow in attached photo. (Photo borrowed from Laoiyah's post in the Backpack for m17x thread Thx bud). There is no "buffer zone"/space there, to absorb impact of a drop. That's what concerns me with all brands of backpack. Please comment on this Slappa bag's effectiveness in absorbing something like that. Thx!

 

Dookie, I don't know of any 15.4" backpack that would fit the 17" m17x R3.

With regards to your comment about "lack of buffer space"--there is about .25" of space between the laptop compartment and the bottom of the bag and (again) there is a little more then .5" of padding on the bottom of the M.A.S.K. (the bottom wall + the laptop compartment) + there is the hard underbelly runner. We've sold more than 1200 of these backpacks directly just at the USA website and haven't had an issue with the protection, but as I said earlier you're better off asking customers how they feel about the protection of the M.A.S.K. (or any product)

 

Could you please comment on the padding of the Velocity Matrix? The MASK is a bit big for me, and I won't be needing to carry that much stuff besides the computer and maybe a notebook. Thx!

 

Link??? Though I know you aren't trying to be a salesman. I'll hunt it down.

Are you planning on throwing it off of a building? I mean, if you are carrying around a $3000+ computer, most of the time you don't worry about a lot of padding bc you have a death grip on it making SURE it doesn't fall. Most back packs are just fine for day to day lugging. Sure, some are better than others, but most give you the protection you need for general hauling.


As for the Orion backpack-not too impressed. It is easy to carry, the laptop compartment holds it very snuggly with about a 3/4 inch buffer before you even hit the padding. I do like the way it opens 180 degrees to put your lappy in too. There is about 3/4 inch padding on the bottom but you could cut something to go in it if needed-there's room for that. There really isn't a lot of storage room for USB drives and the mouse pouch is barley big enough for a mini travel mouse. Don't get me wrong, I like the bag, but I had this ONE and consider it just as good-if not better. More storage and like someone said-Not advertising you have an Alienware computer.

I will try to get some pics tonight.

 

Check this Dookie Look! Bet it costs more than $38 though!!! LOL

 

With backpacks, I think you're limited in how heavy/protected you can really go. If all you really need is to carry a laptop and tech gear, then probably a hard shell case is the thing to go with. Slappa makes one and Pelican I think which makes a ton of tough cases, and I'm sure some others would be good choices.