M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

I ordered my Slappa M.A.S.K. yesterday. Will report on it when I get it and fill it to the brim.

I PMed Dom with my specific needs and he confirmed the M.A.S.K., which I'd already been slightly leaning towards, vs. the Everki.

 

is the R3 larger than a Dell XPS 1730 mine fits a targus bag but is tight on the corners, I'd be worried about the rubberised surface getting damaged if it is too tight, the targus bag is very very good and very durable but I'm just not sure now that it will be big enough


Hard to tell from the actual dimentions as they are different in all directions

R3 (W) 16.14" (D) 11.96" (H) 1.77".

XPS (W) 16.50" (D) 11.60" (H) 2.2"

they both measure total circumfrence the same but R3 not as deep by almost half an inch which is considerable

 

Funny man, eh? I'm not looking for a suitcase, bud. I just want to have the most protection possible in a backpack form. Here's a couple of actual laptop backpacks that interest me: Velocity Matrix and the Astro Scout backpack. Other than that, I'm looking for just a regular Jansport backpack and then putting the R3 in a custom sleeve.

 

what is wrong with the backpack that Dell sells for this laptop ???

 

Which one you talking about?

 

MOBILE EDGE Mobile Edge Alienware Orion Backpack - Notebook carrying backpack - 17.3" - black : Laptop Accessories - Accessories | Dell UK

 

I can answer that. Look at post #149. 10 posts prior.

 

Man...this has me thinking about dropping my Alienware Orion in favor of the Everki Beacon/Swift or the Slappa M.A.S.K.

Although I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Targus TXL617? Doesn't seem as padded as some of the others however.

 

I saw the Everki Beacon at Frys the other day. It's okay. Has more padding than any other bag I've seen in real life though. The base is kinda thinnish though. AND it was $129, which is a bit steep.

 

You can price match with walmart.com at Fry's if you want:
Walmart.com: Everki 18" Beacon Laptop Backpack with Gaming Console Sleeve: Computers

 

Just some pics of the Orion bag.
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First pocket and mp3 case/holder.
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The second pocket.
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The Bag.
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The bag opened with my extra padding.

 

As appealing as the Everki is, I have decided to stick with the Orion backpack. Though I do feel as if I'm now a walking billboard.

To be fair, how many people who would be looking to rob you know what that alien head represents? I know it's a rather large company but am I underestimating the recognition?

 

I wouldn't walk around with that bag on my back. It's inviting bad things.

 

I made a remark similar to this, but like you say-How many common people know what Alienware is? I mean everyone that sees my computer is amazed, but they always ask "What is Alienware?" They don't know any more than we would know if a person is using an iPod or just a generic mp3 player when he is wearing earphones. You know?

 

I bought a backpac off Dell for my 17" lappy, it was and still is a tight fit, I am considering buying this orion now as although the R3 will fit my current B'pack it will be tight I think, I don't want to damage the rubberised finish on the zipper, the targus B'pack is extremely durable and very well made, if the orion is anything like it I will be happy, as for the logo, not sure too many would have a clue you also have the option to remove it

good reviews http://www.simplyunfashionable.com/2010/01/alienware-orion-backpack-brief-look-at.html

http://www.gadgetoid.com/2010/09/19/alienware-orion-backpack-review/

this is the one I have

http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sn...r:ProductRec_default,g:AlsoUsed,rk:&~lt=popup

 

Looks good, actually. Can you describe your extra padding, and how you made it?

 

Don't laugh. Just some foam and duct tape. (That's how we roll in South Georgia) It is actually really nice. Has plenty of padding now.

 

No, I like it alot! What kinda foam, and where'd you buy it/find it? I'm planning to buy the foam that I posted pix of a few pages ago.

 

It's some kind of styrofoam that we had at work from a shipping of another computer. It's not as dense as regular styrofoam and quite flexible. Really, it does look and feel pretty good. Just gonna use some double sided tape to secure the bottom and sides and be done. I got another piece if you need it.

 

Well, I'll letcha know if I need it when I buy my backpack Thx mang!

 

Look! Bought one of these today at Target and the R3 fits nice. Snug, but nice. And it fits into the Orion very easily still. It's also easier to put in the neoprene case than to put in the AW sleeve that came with the lappy. And may see if I can extend the zipper so it opens 180 degrees.

I plan to have it embroidered with something. Need some Ideas???!!!

 

I just got my Slappa M.A.S.K. in the mail. FedEx delivered it yesterday but I just opened the box today. One word: Awesome.

As soon as my M17xR3 gets here I'll put together a review of the bag. It's nice though!!

 

I got my Orion backpack in the mail yesterday weeks before I get my actual laptop, haha. The bag is actually very impressive like most have said. The pictures on Dell's website don't do the bag justice at all. Decent size, very sturdy looking and seems pretty soft on the back.


Would like to pick up a sleeve, might try Target. Looks like a good find Pmassey!

 

I decided to go for the Orion messenger bag. Seen enough pics and review and seems it would fill pretty much everything I want/need.

 

This is pretty nice, cuz when I went to bed last nite, took me like 5 minutes to put the R3 back in the pouch haha. How much did it cost?

 

$17 USD! Can't beat that.

 

Meh, just tried to cram the R3 into my Metrolite Backpack. No go. Fits, but no space for anything else, and it won't zip up---only goes up halfway haha. They lied about it fitting up to 17" lappies...

Guess I'm going shopping. Will pick up that sleeve from Target tomorrow though. $17 total or 17 + tax?

 

Dookie, to be honest, I think you'll get tired of using a sleeve inside of a backpack. That seems like such a hassle to use your laptop.


I really think that if you pull the trigger on a backpack, you'll see that it fits your needs fine. I don't see JanSport being a good choice for this type of investment though. I have a Jansport bag that I used to use for school and my 13'' MacBook, it wouldn't fit much else, and is now primarily a gym backpack.

Every article I've read says that this backpack holds a laptop with an 18-inch screen. Maybe it's up your alley?

TRITTON Technologies Inc. :: TC200

 

Too bad there's nowhere that sells it... I tried most the links, and nuttin?

 

Amazon has a seller pushing them out for 60 dollars.

Amazon.com: Gaming Backpack: Electronics


Or are you specifically looking for a Brick and Mortar store?

 

16.99 plus tax. Takes like 15 seconds to put in the sleeve and it gives you even more protection from drops, bumps and such. I only move mine once or twice a day so it's not a hassle for me at all. I'm tellin' ya, well worth $17.00!

 

Either is fine. I've tried to look for reviews/photos but can't seem to find one... Can you share any links/photos? Also, $60 at amazon's not bad.

I might get one, then! I'm gonna bring my cardboard cutout to the store to cheggit out lolz. Ppl will be like, wat the heck is that guy doing lolz.

 

I actually took my lappy and bag and all in and tried it in the store. They don't care.

 

Hey guys, I recently bought the mobile edge securepack. It is by the same company that made the orion I believe. It will arrive next week, so I haven't examined it yet. Also, my lappy wont arrive for another couple weeks after that, so a review will take even longer. However, from the review on this site: SecurePack Laptop Backpack | Mobile Edge, it seems pretty good, along with great testimonials. I picked up a lightly used one on ebay for just under 40$, which is great considering the other ones were 62$, and it retails for 79.99$

Sorry if someone already mentioned the securepack

 

I just saw the Slappa Mask mentioned earlier in this thread. That looks like a solid bag as well.


Decisions Decisions.

If I had to choose a bag that looked awesome though, that Astro is steezy as hell.

 

So I take back what I said earlier about the R3 not fitting in the Brenthaven Metrolite Titanium... it fits, but very snugly. Can fit plugs, the mouse, and school supplies in the other pockets. But in the main compartment, I think you may only be able to squeeze in a notebook (not binder), and this would have to be inserted into the laptop compartment. The remainder space is for the lappy, and like I said, it's snug. It doesn't zip up completely, leaving one top corner exposed But at least I was able to use the bag today to go to gf's house.

Still gonna continue shopping around, I guess.

 

What is the one accessory that is a "can't live without" for the R3?

 

A bag or sleeve, IMO.

 

Don't know if anyone wants to check it out, but on whiskeymilitia.com there's a gravis 28L bag they're claiming holds a 17 inch laptop...

 

An update for the Metrolite Titanium backpack which I own. Now that I actually used it to put my lappy in, I've discovered that: Padding is about .75-1" all around. The actual laptop "compartment" is also about 1inch padding all around. The base has 1inch padding too, and is about 1inch away from the bottom of the lappy compartment. The back has padding for your back, AND some more padding for the computer to rest against! WOW.

Great backpack IMO. But I'm very disappointed that it doesn't fit the R3 All I need is like 1 more inch width on the left and right side, and about 1inch more height at the top, and the R3 would fit Too bad I can't stretch it out.

 

I received my Slappa M.A.S.K. yesterday.

First impressions, highly subjective, as I am not an engineer and care less about the measurements than how it works for my needs:

1) It's larger than the Slappa Velocity Matrix, but not that much larger. Height and width appear only slightly greater. The real expansion of carrying capacity comes from the increase in depth. There's definitely more room because of this.

2) Laptop compartment is larger than the one in the Velocity Matrix and I can close the velcro flap even with my R3 inside its original thin black sleeve, which I could not do with the Velocity Matrix.

3) My 15.6" Dell Latitude D820 fits in the next compartment, along with the humongous AC adapter for the R3, a CaseLogic rigid CD/DVD case that holds 24 discs, and a small 45-piece computer toolkit (I work in IT). This compartment has room for still a few more things should I need to stuff it.

4) The very front of the backpack is actually quite rigid, with three zippered embedded pockets that are well protected by the rigidity. I am able to stuff my Logitech MX Performance Mouse and many other smaller accessories in them. Definite room for expansion in there and I am pleased by how well-protected those items will be.

5) Looking at it from the front, there is a netted pocket on the left side that is open on the top. My AC adapter for the Latitude slips in there quite nicely and would be in little danger of falling out unless I turn the bag upside down. The right side pocket is zippered and has a place for pens and other similar office supplies.

6) All of the zippered pockets—three on the front and one on the right side—accordion outward when you open them, so it is very easy to insert and retriever the contents.

7) The two main compartments also contain multiple pockets, one large zippered one in each at the bottom, and 2-3 smaller velcroed pockets on top, again for small accessories like mice, USB sticks, short cords, etc.

8) The cushioned Slappa hand symbol that rests against your back is definitely thicker than on the Velocity Matrix, more cushiony.

9) Protection for the laptop does not appear to be any better than on the Velocity Matrix, but I was already happy with that aspect. There is the 1/4" padding in the compartment and the same two rigid pads on the bottom of the bag. The slight increase in height and width, however, allow for the zipper to close far easier and the securing of the velcro flap mentioned above.

10) I miss one thing from the Velocity Matrix: it had a leather-like, velcroed pocket that was clasped to one of the shoulder straps into which I'd put my iPod Touch, making it very accessible either when wearing the pack or having it next to me on a car seat. I may steal that from the Velocity, which I'll give to my wife.

No pictures, I fear. I still don't have a camera worth using.

I also haven't tried to stuff my NZXT cooler in there, but I'm pretty sure there's no way it's going to fit.

A definite improvement over the Velocity Matrix as far as carrying capacity goes, and good protection for more than just the laptop. I'm still curious about the Everki, but am quite happy with this bag. Over time we'll see about its durability and comfort.

 

My Velocity SPYDER PRO just came in a few days ago.
In my opinion, it's an awesome bag.
I'll probably put up some pictures when I get time.

 

I'm slightly leaning towards Slappa, not only cuz it seems like Dom cares about his customers, but because I've yet to find another bag that's big enough to fit the R3.

Question: Do Slappa bags have padding on the sides (left and right) of the backpack? (I'm not talking about the lappy compartment.) Also, can someone share a picture of a slappa backpack with the R3 inside and fully zipped up? Just wanted to make sure that it doesnt have that squarish look that alot of bags have once the lappy is inside (don't wanna be attractive to burglars).

Thank you!

 

There is a strip of padding along the inside of the left and right sides, but it is not as thick as the padding around the laptop. 1/8" rather than 1/4" is my guesstimate.

No photos, but if you want to take my word for it, I am looking at the bag right now, with the R3 inside (on work PC doing this), and it's definitely a nice round look, a classic arch, very like these. The corners of the laptop inside are not pushing out the sides.

 

I can take some pictures of it with the laptop in it.
Soon. I don't know when exactly though.

 

Does this mean that Dom lied to me about it having 1/4" of padding? Also, 1/4" is pretty weak. My Brenthaven has like 1/2" of padding for just the laptop compartment alone. The bottom is like 1-1.5" of padding, and there's padding in the bottom left and bottom right corners. There's also padding on the left and ride sides all the way up to the 10lclock and 2oclock corners, but that padding is on the outer brim, as opposed to being the full depth of the backpack (I hope you know what I mean). So if it fell on the side, it would prolly hit the bare ground, cuz the padding didn't extend all the way from the inside to the outside of the backpack (again, Ihope you know what I mean).

Yes please.

@both of you: Also, your recommendations as to whether or not I should buy Slappa? I'm leaning towards getting this backpack, but I'm not entirely sure of the padding : Ricardo Beverly Hills Essentials Laptop Backpack - eBags.com, and not sure if the R3 would fit.

EDIT: Also, does the Slappa Velocity Matrix 15 inch version fit the R3? Or does one need to buy the 17inch versions of slappa bags for R3? Thx!

 

Slappa Velocity Matrix works great for my R2, so the R3 will fit in it easily

 

Pretty strong language there. I used the word "guesstimate" and mentioned in my initial thoughts post that I don't have hard numbers. My review was more subjective and descriptive, more about my thoughts on the bags. Others may differ.

I can't compare to Brenthaven as I've not seen that bag myself. My thoughts were more about comparing it to the Velocity Matrix and my previous Targus bag, and how it worked for me.

From your description of the Brenthaven it sounds like its padding is thicker. Why is it that you are looking to replace the Brenthaven bag? Your posts indicate you won't be satisfied with anything less in the way of padding. Brenthaven doesn't make a bag that will fit the R3?

I like the Slappas. They're the best laptop backpacks that I have owned. It sounds as if you won't be happy, but I can't tell you for certain.

The 17" Velocity Matrix wasn't large enough for my satisfaction—hence my move to the Slappa M.A.S.K.—so the 15" definitely would not fit the R3. This laptop demands a large bag. There doesn't appear to be a way around that, especially if you want adequate padding and protection. The M.A.S.K. feels like it's protecting my R3 better than the Velocity Matrix because of its larger size and the stiffness of certain portions of the backpack.

TL;DR I am pleased with my investment. YMMV.

 

I personally love the Orion backpack I bought from dell....unfortunately I dont have the laptop to go with it yet...I suppose I could just stick my GF in there for now or sumtin, that way I can keep something pretty in it until my laptop arrives

 

Okay, here goes nothing...
excuse the quality, It's dark out, and all i had was my droid to take the pictures with. =p
I'll explain each one underneath the link.
Oh, and This is the Slappa Velocity Spyder Pro, which so far I would highly recommend.


This is the inside of the backpack, with the laptop in it. Pretty simple. As you can see, it does zip the whole way to the bottom.


All i had on me was an xbox game, but it gives you an idea. The line going across through the middle is the bottom of the bag. There's quite a good amount of padding there, probably close to an inch.


The bag from the side, with the box the laptop came in behind it, and the mousepad in front for reference.


Front of the bag, mousepad for reference again...


My failed attempt to try and compare the bag to the M17x box, but it should give an idea. Ignore the messy floor.


Random picture of the bag from the side, but it might help.

That's what I've got.