M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

I was lucky and found an ebay seller and got it for $50. MLG edition as well.

 

I´ve bought it through the UK official web, really didn´t look for at other site. Shipped for 99€ to Madrid. Fashion hurts...

Pd. My r3 is coming next week, i will review a bit more then, so my nails can regrow and i can type.

 

No. They gave me a $100 dollar coupon, then I used the coupon to purchase the bag from the Dell EPP store online.

 

Works with or without the sleeve. It is a snug fit alone so I do not use it myself. So far not seeing any sign of wear from it being put in and taken out of the backpack.

In truth I expect to eventually see some wear simply from the fact that this little puppy follows me from room to room and from place to place. Eventually it's going to show it somehow..

 

oh that's awesome....I may chosse between Astro and Slappa Velocity Matrix since they are of the same price level and both looks nice, my R3 is still on the way so I get plenty of time hesitating

 

I don't think anyone has mentioned this bag yet:

Ativa Mobil IT Ultimate Organized Messenger 1425 H x 1775 W x 475 D Black by Office Depot

Sold only at Office Depot, as far as I know, since I was told it was an internal brand. I picked it up for my 17x R3, and it works very well. The 17x fits snugly in the padded laptop compartment, which also has a padded bottom. I'm not usually one for messenger bags, but after seeing this, nothing else stood up. The most interesting thing is the interior is bright red satin, to help pens, etc. easier to find. I'm surprised they don't have more pictures of it online.

 

this looks cool, but I think most people here are more likely looking for backpack for M17 due to the weight (am I right? ...)

 

Yeah, I can't imagine a messenger bag with the m17x, It's hefty as hell.

 

Don't forget guys, Gryph's super macho---now he's gonna start making fun of us all for wanting backpacks

I must admit that it's pretty nice looking. Lately I've been looking at making my own padded sleeve. However, I may have a hard time finding a backpack suitable for a 4" thick sleeve.

 

Is it good for an M17x-R3 an old Alienware Orion Backpack?

 

Yeah, you're definitely not going to be slinging this over your shoulder and hopping on your bike with it. It is pretty massive.

I'm in engineering, so I'm always carrying lots of crap home with me and back, so wanted something that had enough space for more than just the laptop. Also was pleased that the laptop is snug, so I don't have to worry about it bouncing around in there. I have a Samsonite clamshell bag that I've used forever with my little M1530, but couldn't find one I liked the looks of or had the space I needed.

This one isn't perfect either. It has a little zipper with a handle inside if you don't want to sling it over your shoulder, but when you pull the handle out it is off center, so the bag tilts 15 degrees...dumb.

But, really, Dookie hit the nail on the head. I look macho carrying it around. I tell them I dyed the interior red with the blood of my enemies.

 

Hey guys, will the Astro Gaming MLG Scout Backpack fit the M17x R3 nicely? Thx !

 

yes, it even fits ps3s and xboxs

 

After over a month of looking for the right bag to house my r3 on it's daily haul, I finally made a decision - and a purchase: Slappa Velocity Matrix 17"

MATRIX 15.4" and 17" Laptop Backpacks
Configuration: SL-LP-26
Choose Laptop Size: 17"

I went with this bag because of the plush lining in the laptop compartment. My first r3 had issues with the finish peeling on all corners, so the lining quickly became a deciding factor in which bag I was to purchase. I was quite interested in the Ballistix PTAC messenger and the MASK KOA, but Dom told me via pm that the Velocity backpacks sport a lining he calls "...the softest of them all"

All being all Slappa products - not every product in existence.

Although the bag itself is just under $100 CAD, after shipping and taxes the total was almost $140 CAD - ouch! I was surprised to see a $20.00 shipping fee on "Canada ground shipping".

Dom, I hope I don't regret my purchase! Will report back once I get it, then again after I get my replacement r3.

 

I have the Slappa Velocity Matrix right now, but no R3 to go with it. I must say that the laptop compartment is very soft. I highly doubt that it would cause any peeling.

 

Anyone has any experience with Everki bags?
They seem to have great, but limited reviews. They have lifetime, limited warranties and are not as expensive as some others.

 

I am planning out all my college stuff from now. I am between the Wenger IBEX or Pegasus backpacks. Anybody have any experience with these two swiss army backpacks (even better if they were used in conjunction with an R3)?

 

Damn, no modesty whatsoever LOLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ My hero

I tried one on at Frys. I'm 5'4" and lean, and imo the bag wasn't as big as I imagined. It's pretty nice looking too. Only thing is that it's a bit big on the depth, which is a good thing for some who are looking to stuff lots of things in there. Personally I want something that's tall and wide enough for the R3 but only deep/big enough to fit the R3 and maybe a 2inch binder or a textbook, cuz I don't wanna look like I'm hiking or in 7th grade with those humpback backpacks lolz.

You can see the Pegasus at Staples. It's big and the nylon is meh. The most disappointing thing is it's lack of adequate padding. You better either stuff a sweater in there, or get your hands on some foam to put on the base and sides, cuz the padding is severely missing. Kinda sad for an uber expensive backpack I imagine the Ibex is the same, cuz all the Swiss bags I've seen at stores are really massive on the outside, but really unpadded on the inside, especially the base.

 

Got any recommendations then? I'm going off to college this fall, and I'm likely going to be walking around quite a bit and/or on a bike.

 

Personally the padding isnt enough for me, so that's why I haven't purchase a backpack yet. Still searching. The closest (to my preferences) so far is the Beacon, surprisingly. If you buy it at Frys, make sure you get them to price match it. I think Walmart online has it for cheaper, so just print out the ad from their site.

Here are some bags I'm considering, but not sure if they fit the R3, and not sure of the padding of each:

My top choice cuz I have luggage from this brand: Ricardo Beverly Hills Essentials Laptop Backpack - eBags.com

Has good reviews online: BBP Laptop Bags - Hybrid Bags, Breathe Sleeves, Industries Backpacks, Industries Messenger, Expand-It Messengers, DSLR Slinger

Also has good reviews: Level8

And this one cuz it looks like it has room for some "modding" of the padding: Sumdex Impulse Full Speed Flame Backpack - eBags.com

 

I started with a Velocity Matrix, but the compartment was too small for my R3, so I went for a M.A.S.K. instead, and the compartment was definitely larger. I was already protecting the lining on my R3 with the original Alienware sleeve that came with it, but the compartment on the M.A.S.K. is still very well-padded.

Velocity Matrix is a very good bag and certainly recommended for anything smaller than an R3, but it wasn't quite right for me. The M.A.S.K. was roomier overall as well, which was also something I needed, but there is a definite difference in compartment sizes that should be considered.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the shoulder strap has a huge memory foam pad on it, unlike the usual strap pads that aren't really padded. It keeps it from cutting into your shoulder/neck.

I recognize that most folks on there are looking or a backpack, but if anyone is interested, since the website doesn't have any good pictures, let me know and I'll take some and try to post them.

 

So is it too small for STUFF when the R3 is in there? Or is it just plain too small for the R3 by itself? TYIA

 

That info would have been fantastic like 28 hours ago :/

 

kunekaden thanks for the heads up on this. Could you please clarify (because we've never tested this ourselves but have G73 and m17X users who have said they use the Matrix for the m17x)--when you say "it wasn't quite right for me" does that mean the laptop didn't fit in the dedicated laptop compartment OR that it was too snug for your liking? Again, I'm just asking because we haven't tested the m17x in the Matrix but thought it fit based on other user comments. Thanks so much!

Dom @ SLAPPA

 

Awaiting email response from Level8 to see if their Atlas backpack can fit the R3...

Hey Mr. Dom, can you give this review a quick read http://forum.notebookreview.com/acc...a-velocity-pro-matrix-backpack-lots-pics.html, and please let us know if the CURRENT version of this backpack has the same flaws (too small sized laptop compartment that doesn't cover the top corners of the m17x as indicated in the photos; the single zipper opening/compartment which is called "fast-access", but isn't really convenient a.k.a. missing a 2nd zipper so that we can just open it up slightly to stick hand in to grab something instead of opening the entire thing and letting it flap down?)

EDIT: Nm, found a few links/pics that show that it has 2-zippers. But please answer my first question regarding the size of the laptop compartment. Thx!
Thanks!

 

For those of you interested in the Scout backpack, this guy has 2 left on ebay for 49.99. I already copped one, figured I'd pass it on.


Major League Gaming Astro Scout Backpack | eBay


He has 97% feedback, should be legit.

 

Thx for letting us know. But sadly just for US.

 

Dom, UPS says the bag is en route to my house right now. I don't have an m17x-r3 anymore (returned due to defects and awaiting new system), but once I do I'll make sure to let you know.

Dookie, I still have a good mental image and feel for the size of the r3, so I'll be able to tell fairly quickly whether or not the laptop compartment will be (in my opinion) large enough, snug, or just won't fit properly. Again, this won't be 100% accurate until I get the replacement, but it should be a good general indication.

 

To SLAPPADom, Dookie11, and kunekaden,

I went into more detail into the differences for me between the M.A.S.K. and Matrix in multiple earlier posts to this thread, far more than 28 hours earlier.

The Velocity Matrix laptop compartment was smaller than the one in the M.A.S.K. to the point where I was barely able to seal the edge of the Velcro closure when inserting the R3 by itself, and if I inserted the R3 in its Alienware sleeve, it wouldn't close at all. The M.A.S.K.'s compartment is larger and there are no problems getting it to seal closed around the R3 in or out of the sleeve.

The M.A.S.K. bag as a whole is larger than the Velocity Matrix as well, taller and deeper, allowing me to store a second laptop in the second main compartment along with lots of room in that compartment and the multiple pockets for lots of accessories. I'm even able to get my Plantronics .Audio 995 headphones (cover-your-ears-completely large, non-foldable) in there as well.

I'm a tall guy (6' 3") so big bags are not a problem like they may be for others.

I did a pretty thorough (I thought) first impression review earlier in the thread. I have some photos as well, but still haven't had time to set up to post them.

Velocity Matrix is a great bag, don't get me wrong, but my needs were far better met by the M.A.S.K. (KOA I think, not sure). But those were my needs and may well differ from others'.

 

Given the title of this thread, this post belongs here. However, after reading every (yes, every) post, it is only talking about sleeves and backpacks. I did find the banter between Dom and Dookie quite entertaining

I transport my laptop with me constantly as a travelling professional. I use a Kensington roller bag to lug around my S.o.n.y. 17". I really fear it will not hold my soon to arrive (I hope) M17x.

Does anybody out there have a roller bag for their machine? Padding is not very important, as I am very careful. Plus, it's a roller bag for crying out loud!!!

I fear this might get lost in the currently exisiting conversation. But before starting a new thread, I thought I would give it a go here.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can lend!

 

I briefly considered getting a roller bag, just because often everything I carry is quite heavy, but decided against it. My wife has one for hers (also a 17"), not sure if the M17x will fit in it.

 

Damn, this bag is even more sexy in person than it looks online!

That being said, I can already see I'll have a tough time properly fitting the m17x-r3. The laptop pouch fits an XPS L501x exactly (in terms of LENGTH - not depth or width, there's LOTS of space in depth/width). I tossed in a stack of 11x17 paper and zipped it up and immediately saw what you (Roykirk) were saying about having to be careful zipping the bag closed.

I'm still inclined to wait for my replacement laptop before making a final decision - and the aesthetics of the bag are making it a really tough call to make!

EDIT: The inner lining is even softer - and seems more durable - than I had imagined: Fantastic quality!

 

Guess I won't be buying a Slappa bag, since it doesn't fit.

But out of curiosity, how thick is the padding on the base? The lappy slot? How much of a gap is there between the base of the backpack and the base of the lappy slot?

Thx!

 

There's more than 1 model of Slappa bag. Roykirk already said the m17x-r3 fits with more than enough room in the M.A.S.K. bag

Padding is exactly as advertised, and definitely adequate.
There are also plastic bars across the bottom, presumably to keep everything safe if the bag is placed on its bottom

I won't make my decision until after I have a chance to put an r3 in this bag. The bag looks and feels phenomenal and its construction is beyond that of any other bag/pack company I've come across. It's easy to see the results of the research put into the design of the velocity bags; critical areas that most other bags fall short have been properly accounted for.

ie - this bag's properly designed spacing and convergence of back straps combined with the giant Slappa hand pad make it extremely comfortable to wear. Doesn't feel like I have a straight, rigid notebook strapped on my back - rather just a bag with stuff in it.

Even if I decide to RMA / whatever for a MASK, gotta give credit where it's due.

 

I think the velocity matrix would be as big as I go though, cuz everything else will make me look like a 4th grader.

 

I guess.
I'm 6'3" 200lbs of whitey, and velocity matrix looks right at home on my back. If you're 5'4" azn twiggy or something, ...well you'll look retarded in any bag big enough to carry this laptop, no offense

It's a huge laptop, so it needs a huge bag lol
Better start taking sewing classes, Dookie!

 

Yes, I'm 5'4" azn twig, and yes I do look nerdy/stupid in all backpacks that are bigger than a regular Jansport school backpack

The Beacon I tried on was just monstrous at Frys. And all Swiss Gears make me look like a camper/hiker. So sad

The dimensions for the 17" version of the Matrix are 15" x 22", which is pretty big indeed. I wonder what the Astro Scout's dimensions are...

 

You're going to have to settle on something eventually man!
Maybe it'd be worthwhile for you to make a list of all the negatives for every bag others have suggested here (and you obviously didn't love since you haven't decided after like 6 weeks).

Whichever has the shortest list of bad stuff wins?

Wow, apparently wife is making me watch too many romantic comedies.

 

This is a hilarious idea

So far, the one that has the least negatives, at least for any bag I've seen in person, is the one I currently own: Brenthaven Metrolite backpack. The only flaws of it are 1) it's too small for my R3, 2) there's no padding on the left or rightside of the bag cuz my R3 doesn't exactly fit into the padded lappy compartment, and 3) my gf says I look like an astronaut with it on...

Next for bags I've seen in person is: the Everki Beacon, which has these flaws: 1) too expensive, 2) not enough padding on the base and in the lappy compartment, lots of wasted space/lack of padding, since it's more of a console SLEEVE rather than a PROTECTIVE(efficiently-padded) console/laptop backpack, and 3) too darn expensive.

For bags online:

I received an email from Level8's customer service dept re: the Atlas backpack. It's too small, and is only made for Macs. The dimensions of the lappy compartment are "1.25"d*10.75"w*15.75"h", which is pretty disappointing cuz this bag is pretty. Just missed it by like 1 inch on all sides lolz. She did mention that they're also the makers/designers of the Swiss Gear backpacks, and suggested the Ibex and Pegasus. Both happen to be really disappointing in person as well, with prices at or at least $100 each.

BBP Industries backpack is in the same class---it's made for Macs. Damn.

And another is the Ricardo Beverly Hills backpack, which looks good, but has a full-back lappy compartment, which inevitably means it has zero padding and is most likely just made of neoprene inside like any other backpack with a similar slot design. It's cheaper though, at $50something+tax on ebags.

Slappa and the Astro Scout are in the same category as they both have inadequately padded lappy compartments. Slappa does score some points for being narrow/slim depthwise (but still wide and long) though.

 

I think the point people are making (without just coming out and saying it) is that you're being pretty irrational with your demands for a backpack for your laptop.

You keep saying you want padding all the way around it. What do you plan to do with this backpack when your laptop is in it? Throw it around?

I think your padding issue is negated by simply being careful and having a little bit of common sense.

By all means...if you happen upon a miracle bag that fits your standards (which at this point, I don't think will happen.), then please enlighten us. But I've seen plenty of people try to help you, including the owner of a company, and you've shot anything down. I think you might be a bit overprotective of your new laptop.

You really have to consider the market for a 17 inch laptop. People here say that they're "portable..." but in reality, to the companies that produce these machines, a 17 inch laptop is anything but a portable computer. 17-inch qualifies as desktop replacement, and as such, outside of taking it somewhere in a backpack with minimal padding with the wires needed to plug it in, I'm sure companies assume this machine will spend most of it's time plugged in on a desk somewhere.

 

I completely agree. You won't find a backpack that fits a 5'4'' frame that also has all the extreme padding that you want. If you find one that is close to your needs then just get it and add the padding yourself. I still fail to see the need for more than 1/2'' padding all around, but to each his own.

 

Agree with extreme burrito and Jestare. It's fine to have high expectations, especially when you want to protect an expensive investment like an Alienware laptop, but it seems like nothing out there is capable of meeting your demands dookie. I think Slappa bags are some of the best you'll find on the market and I can't wait to slide my R3 into my MASK KOA. It's incredibly well made and I honestly think you'd be perfectly happy with something like that if you tried it out.

 

After reading these posts, I guess I have been kinda outrageous in my demands, and I apologize to each and every one of you. I have been humbled. Can't help but dream though.

Regarding my height, I don't mind a bigger backpack like the Beacon, cuz I've tried it in person. Also tried the Pegasus and that was okay as well. I just want one that has some decent padding though, and haven't been able to find one yet. The Beacon is close though, and it looks pretty decent. If only the Velocity Matrix fit the R3 properly, cuz I like the fact that it's a slimmer profile bag.

 

I ordered the Orion backpack on Amazon yesterday and it shipped, delivery scheduled for tomorrow. Will update with pics and a review once I get it.

 

Thank you Gundam Samrock (I know i know, your sn is samrock haha).

 

In Non-Backpack news, today on Crunchgear they posted about a bag you can configure to your own wants and needs. I don't think it looks very nice, but figured I would post it for others who might want something like this.

I don't actually know if it will fit this laptop either.

Official Website: Carmazzi 1Bag

 

Received my Astro Scout today. Sorry for the large pictures, and the room clutter. It's been a busy semester here at Syracuse University, and I haven't quite cleaned it up yet. (Though, it is cleaner than all my roommates rooms!)

The M17x is INSIDE the backpack in this photo. No apparent distortion to backpack shape from the corners, etc.


The M17x is outside of the laptop compartment here, but this was taken just to illustrate that the laptop seems to fit just perfectly in the back compartment of the backpack.


Took this one to show the material the laptop/console compartment is lined with, as well as the fit of the laptop in the compartment. It's snug, but that's by design. The sides of the compartment have thick elastic straps on there to make sure that any/all electronics are held securely. (Though, I also did put the laptop inside the backpack with the sleeve on it at first, and the extra bulk from the sleeve still fit fine.)




I will say, this backpack is incredibly misleading. It holds a crapton MORE than it looks like it can, which is awesome. It has an extremely slim form to it, and I'm surprised that it holds all the headphones and crap that it does, because my Dakine Campus LG backpack (In the top photo) has a footprint about twice as thick, and I have trouble fitting an xbox and clothes in there.

 

At long last I am posting some Slappa M.A.S.K. photos that I consider of good enough quality to show off the bag.

Full bag:


Laptop pocket interior:


R3 in its original sleeve and fully inserted into the backpack's laptop pocket, laptop pocket fully closed, and showing off the other pockets available in the main compartment:


Second compartment with 15.6" laptop and other items and other pockets available in that compartment:


Outer pockets:


Back with the pocket for my iPod I stole from the Velocity Matrix:


Bottom of the bag:


Hope you find this useful.

Dookie! Have you made a decision yet?!

 

Ordered an Astro Scout. I should get it in a few days. I'll let you guys know how I like it. Btw thanks extreme burrito, you really helped me solidify my choice for this bag.