M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

I think I'll pick up the Orion backpack...It's $68 w/ free shipping on Amazon, cheapest I have found.

I have a $200 designer bag that fits my old 17" perfectly but this beast is too thick for it unfortunately....It's a really nice bag too, has wheels and stuff =/

EDIT: http://www.amazon.com/MobileEdge-Mobile-Edge-Alienware-ME-AWBP2-0/dp/B001GI5CSA Here's the backpack

 

Yah $69 is a good deal!

 

I can't relate. My m17x-R3 fits fine.

 

Does it slide right into the laptop compartment with no problems, or would you call it "snug"?

I got mine in about 1/4 of the way, but it was pretty much stuck at that point. I could have forced it in there, but the coating will get scuffed doing that pretty easily. What is your experience- does it go in and out easily? (this is what I was expecting for repeated use for the long term).

Again, I REALLY like the look and overall quality of the bag, and would love to keep it, but it has to be functional, otherwise what's the point!

Thanks for any help!

 

I'd have posted pix of my velocity but it seems that Kune beat me to it. For some reason my bag seemed a bit different--the zipper for the laptop compartment opens all the way to the base--otherwise it looks almost exactly the same. For whatever reason, my bag doesn't seem snug at all, and that's with the cloth sleeve included with the m17x. I am a little bit disappointed that the compartment for the laptop doesn't come up higher (about 2 inch gap).

Overall I like the bag a lot (spacious, good quality--short a few loose threads) very supportive) and the difference of compartment height would only be an issue of I was trying to drop my bag on the upper under-padded corners of the bag, which generally speaking wouldn't happen. So not really worth the trouble to exchange.

It took me a while to settle on this--if I am allowed a wishlist for bag it would be something barely bigger than the m17x with a compartment that fits the m17x's slanted profile with basically no room for anything besides the laptop itself, brick and mouse--with good straps, zipper and back padding with moderate laptop padding since I value the slimmer bag profile over it being drop proof.


Maybe Slappa's next product? : D

 

It is snug, but I'd have to say that's by design. Hence, the elastic straps on the sides of the compartment.

Are you putting it in the laptop compartment with the sleeve on it? That creates a lot of friction that makes it a lot harder to remove from the padding...but if I just put my laptop inside of it, I can remove it from the sleeve with one hand, relatively easily.

 

For the velocity, I folded the flap into the compartment, and just used the sleeve that it came with to cover the top. I'm not particularly worried about the top half banging against anything, but I did cover it to prevent any scratches that may form. Works for me.

 

Just received my Orion backpack yesterday, it's pretty sweet. It's the 3 compartment one, from the Dell AU site. Found that drink holder people were talking about, havn't put anything in it yet, but will start packing stuff in soon. Will upload some pics.

Looks VERY comfortable to wear, will comment on that once it starts weighing down a bit.

 

I tried both ways- with the sleeve (no way), and without (I got 1/4 way in before it was pretty much wedged). That is really strange- if you can take it out with one hand, it sounds like it fits just fine! I'll give it another try tonight...

 

There's a drink holder????? really??? Wooohoo!! I guess it's good compensation afterall

EDIT: Photos of my $9 sleeve have been added to my picasa page. Cheggitoutchall. Also, hanging it in my backyard to air out helps alot. Washing it in the washer 7 times doesn't help as much as airing out though, which is really weird.

 

There are a lot of foam-rubber type products that require a good "airing out" after you get them due to the wonderful chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process. Washing usually doesn't help, but leaving it in an adequately ventillated place for a while does.

I've seen many people complain about this sort of thing with things like memory foam mattresses and pillows too. They come off the manufacturing line and into sealed packaging so quickly it traps those vapors...and none of them are good for you.

Do not eat.

 

That sleeve looks pretty nice for $9 man!
How coarse is the interior texture compared with that of the alienware sleeve/bag thing?

 

Well, I tried messing with the Astro backpack again -and at least on mine- the M17x R3 just does not fit without wedging it in there. I couldn't get it past just before the half way point of the notebook, which is the widest part.
Maybe there is some manufacturing variation since others are reporting that the M17x fits with no problem, but in my case, it's going back to the mfr.
It sucks because other than that small point, I really like the bag!

 

I also bought the astro backpack. Although i wont say my laptop slide in smoothly but it does go into the laptop compartment without any excessive force. And i too can pull it out with one hand.

 

YGPM

His products look good, my old Kenneth Cole "trolley" (?) bag won't fit my laptop but it looks like he has a similar thing.

 

It's about as smooth as the neoprene on the outside. Feels exactly the same almost (it could be neoprene actually, but red colored?). It's a bit smoother than our AW sleeve thingies. I was always fearful that the AW sleeve would scratch, but luckily it hasn't. I don't think that the neoprene sleeve would

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the scratch on my lid, the one I photographed a lonnnnnggg time ago, has seemed to almost disappear. I think with age/air/use/oil on hands/, the rubber coating on my R3 has become more durable?? I've tried to purposely scratch the lid with my nail (with lots of force), and nuttin. Not bad. Therefore, I believe that the rubber coating is pretty darn good stuff Also, the palmrest is the same way, I just tried to scratch it with my finger nail, and nada.

 

The Orion is here!

It's pretty nice looking, and a good size surprisingly. I'm beginning to think that I fit most bags out there despite my petite size (5'4"). Made of higher (not highest like Brenthaven Metrolite II bags) quality. Jumbo zippers and the zipper pulling thingies. The foam/rubber X thing on the outside is really durable, and I tried scratching it with my fingernail and nuttin. The backpack is roomy enough to fit both of my R3s inside lolz---both in the 3rd compartment! WOW!

But...Padding on shoulder pads is a bit meh, and padding for your back is meh. Both are soft and squishy and do their jobs, but not as good as my small Brenthaven Metrolite Titanium which has more dense padding on both shoulder and the back area. It's comfy to wear though since it's squishier, so I guess that's okay. Padding inside is on the thinner side, but luckily: THIS BAG IS HIGHLY MODDABLE, given the roominess inside. This weekend I will be adding tons of padding with the foam rubber I got from a a few old Dell briefcases/suitcases that my office was tossing out, that used to hold projectors inside. SUPER DENSE STUFF.

Also found the water bottle holder lolz. It's a hidden zipper on the left side hAHA. So clever! The checkpoint friendly laptop slot: in the photos I've seen, I always thought it was cheapy mesh holding our computer in. WRONG. It's a nice, thick, high quality plastic sheet, similar to the Flywire material used in Nike shoes. GOOD STUFF.

The best part about this bag (besides being free), is that it's got a VERY slim profile when carrying only the R3 and your plugs. But if you wanted to fit lots of stuff, it'll hold

All in all, a B+ backpack. Definitely WAYYY better than any bag sold in any b&m store (with exception to the Everki Beacon sold at Frys). If you're short like me, you'll be happy if you get this backpack. Lastly, though it's a flat backpack, it won't make you look as nerdy or like an astronaut like my Metrolite, or any of the Case Logic or Targus bags lolz.

**Photos to be added prolly on the weekend**

 

Glad you liked the orion backpack. Show us some the modding stuff that you will do with it.

 

Yah, there's so little padding on the base, the sides, and for the lid and underside of the lappy. Gonna add padding everywhere, since there's tons of space. I do like that the edges of the backpack are straight and square, so adding the padding will be easy I think. I'm thinking of going with velcro and maybe stitching it to the sides of the backpack, and then sewing(wrapping) the foam in it sorta like a pillowcover and then sticking/stitching velcro to that and then sticking that to the velcro inside the backpack? (This method was how it was done in my original Brenthaven bag that I gave away long ago).

Main thing is securing the base of the backpack with lots of padding. Looks like I can fit up to 1.5" thick of padding down there.

 

True! I even placed a small towel under the checkpoint friendly slot.

 

Found this blog entry for slappa products and the m17x. Good information I think.

Oh, and as this is my first post, hello everyone.

 

A work in progress. This is rubber foam padding from an old suitcase/carrying case that my office was tossing out, which used to hold projectors. The foam is really durable, resilient, and kind of like a more dense version of memory foam. The top-right picture shows padding that I want to add for the top ends of the computer, since the padding I have is too short. The bottom-right picture depicts a sheet of padding, a few inches shorter and narrower than the R3, which I slipped into the lappy compartment in the Orion backpack. I'd like to find some time this weekend to buy some nylon or something to put these pieces of padding in, to make it aesthetically better, and also to prevent any accidental scuffs or something. Also, I'd like to somehow fasten it to the backpack so that they don't fall out when the lappy isn't actually in there.

 

Ok, if anyone hasn't noticed I added another product to my "premium" family of PC stuffs...Mind you, I would NEVER, EVER, EVER buy an Apple product, this was given to me to review and whatnot as a PC user...

With that being said...

I now need either a backpack/trolley/laptop handbag that I can carry my M17x in as well as a 15.4" MBP...The MBP is extremely thing so space shouldn't be a huge issue, I would like to put BOTH in separate neoprene sleeves to protect them in transit.

What is the recommendation for this? I am debating on SLAPPA but the owner hasn't responded back to me yet and I PM'd him about 4 days ago. I actually called their support number to get the full "Height" on the Aura Trolley after the handle is extended fully. If that works I will probably buy that as it would work well for "professional" meetings and whatnot.

It's a pretty expensive bag but it doesn't look gooberish which is what I need since I am spending some cash on it.

Would prefer to get the "neoprene" sleeves ASAP as both of these are getting quite dirty being man-handled to and from my house.

Thanks

 

Hey dood. Just tried this morning before I left for work, and SUCCESS: The Orion backpack fits both my R3 with all that padding mods, AND AND AND...Guess what else?? My PS3!!! All in the same 3rd section of the backpack too! Though I didn't try, I believe it should fit the R3's plugs, all the PS3's plugs, 3 controllers, games, you name it. I already had a mouse inside the backpack at the time btw.

With regard to a neoprene sleeve, if you want to keep it on the cheap side for the R3, try the one that I got from amazon. It'll stink when you first get it, but after a few washes, airing it out in your backyard for like a week, you'll be fine. It's thick and has no zippers so you're not gonna scuff anything. Only thing is, since it's so new, it's snug and needs to be stretched a bit. I'm actually not using mine, so if you want it, I'll cut you a deal (PM me if you want it). Remember, it cost like $9 total for me.

For your MBP, I'd recommend any product from Tucano (try their "Workout" bags. I have one for my dinolaptop and it's da bomb). You could probably find a cheap sleeve at Target also for like $17. I think the brand is Tuari or something. They also have a 17" version for PC's, which I think someone said fits the R3. It's 17 as well, and there's a $20 version that has a slot for plugs or something, which obviously wouldn't work with our megapowerbricks.

 

You posted this minutes after I just ordered a bunch of stuff...

Ordered these:

P-Tac Matrix sleeves for iPad, Netbook, Macbook, Laptops and Gamer Laptops one 18" and one 15.4"

and

MASK-High-Five-Backpack

 

Gosh...so expensive!!!!!!!

 

Hopefully they do what I want...We will see

 

Hopefully

 

Obviously this forums search feature is broke...I know ive read through some mentions of the everki bags, and even when searching thread for the workd everki it came up with nothing.....Anyways, I was wondering if anyone knows if the Everki swift light backpack will work for the r3? Its reletiveley sleek looking and cheap compared to these 100+ dollar bags. The only thing I dont like is no headphone compartment.

 

Returned Astro Scout last week...just ordered the Everki Beacon. I'll post impressions when I receive it...

 

Wat was wrong with the Scout? I think you'll definitely be happy with the Beacon though.

 

Just a suggestion, but it would be great to see the 1st page reorganized similar to the M18x page, as it's getting quite complicated and long.: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...eeves-backpacks-would-fit-alienware-m18x.html

Please don't be offended.

 

Oh wow, that's quite detailed LOLZ. If you're willing to gather the info or cross-reference with the 18x thread, I'll edit the OP. FYI: The R3 fits into the following bags (the first two I know for sure cuz I own them):

1) Brenthaven Metrolite Titanium
R3 doesn't fit in the original lappy compartment, but fits snugly into the backpack's main compartment where bottom padding and the lappy compartment's padding is adequate enough to shield it from much danger. Only caveat is that you look like an astronaut wearing it. The black version should be fine though for the R3, plugs/cables, mouse, mousepad, and watever you can fit into the lappy compartment which is meant usually for up to 17in MBP

2) Alienware Orion M17x backpack
R3 fits into the original lappy compartment. Backpack has inadequate padding on base, sides, top, and back. Please see my picasa page for padding mods. Backpack is big enough to fit your R3, plugs/cables, mouse, mousepad, school supplies, a second laptop if you want. Also backpack is large enough for all the above, and you can substitute the second lappy for a PS3, cables, plugs, and 3-4 controllers and an external hdd.

 

BTW Got my backpack in and the notebook sleeves, this is GREAT. The 18" one fits the M17xR3 perfectly but doesnt fit with it in the backpack and the backpack is pretty padded IMO. I use the 15" sleeve for the MacBook Pro and put that in a different compartment they both fit perfect, it's pretty heavy with both laptops...

Also have a separate insurance policy on the backpack's contents...just in case.

 

Anyone know if the Swiss Gear IBEX backpack from Best Buy will fit an R3?

Swiss Gear IBEX

 

What policy do you speak of?

 

I am saying I have a separate policy on my backpack...I have over $5,000 worth of stuff in it. It's worth more than the balance on my car haha...

$3,000 M17x R3
$2,200 15" MBP

 

I've been using a Orion 17" since my M15x days and after two years of rugged use, I can honestly say this Bagpack is worth it's every penny. I can understand you guys saying it has less padding on it but a Bagpack is not meant for throwing IMHO. After two years, my bag still looks new except for the few scratches in the Alienhead in the front and this metal is highly scratchable. Other than that, I've no complaints with it whatsoever. I've a three compartment scan-fast version and I can hold all my extra luggages in it like console,mousepad,powerbrick,external mouse and keyboard,manual etc etc ectc.

Btw, did any of you guys find the water bottle holder yet? It's strict one to find and i was surprised find it after 3 months of receiving it. Lol

 

Where does one obtain such a policy? I may be interested in getting something like that. Does it work like automobile insurance?

Yes. It's a very roomy backpack. I'm not so sure about the threads though. When I put my lappy, ps3, 3 controllers, and all plugs and stuff, along with an external hdd, the stitches nearest the zippers (the ones holding the zipper to the rest of the backpack) show. Seems like they're stretching and want to break, which makes me unsure. Might be cuz I'm stuffing the backpack though. Overall, really nice bag, especially when one gets it for free

 

I received the Everki Beacon 2 days ago, but have been down with strep throat , so no review yet. But I promise to post some pics and impressions soon...

 

If anyone cares, I bought this today and it does fit the M17x in the main pocket, but not the actual laptop area that it's designed for (M17 is too tall, won't zip). Still think I'll use the microsuede cover it came in to protect it from the zipper lining. Other than that should work fine.

It's an awesome backpack overall though.

 

I plan to buy the Everki Beacon, but please if you can take some pics and a few comments about it.

Orion or Everki. . . :S

 

Hi all…

I’m hoping to take delivery of my new M17X R3 in the (hopefully very) near future, and have expended some hours in researching suitable backpacks.

Ideally, I’d like a pack that could double as both a laptop-carrier, and as a reasonably usable hiking day-pack (I'd hope that this ought to be possible, as the pack's laptop-carrying duties would rarely extend beyond short walks).

However, given that I’m dealing with a 17.3” machine, it’s little surprise that this has proven problematic…

I’ve had a good amount of positive experience in using equipment from ‘The North Face’ (though not in the laptop-carrying arena), and so was drawn to their potential offerings…

‘The North Face’ offer the ‘Borealis Laptop Backpack’, which some appear to suggest is capable of accommodating a 17.3” laptop, though this is unclear... hence my need for good advice...

So… two questions:

Can anybody advise me, with some certitude, as to whether the ‘Borealis Laptop Backpack’ either can or cannot accommodate an M17X R3…

And… (assuming not)…

Can anybody recommend an alternative option (one capable of laptop-carrying duties, but equally capable of day-pack hiking duties)?

Any advice greatly appreciated… Cheers

 

Go back a few pages. There you will see padding mods for the Orion, if you get the Orion. What I meantersay is that it has inadequate padding. It's a nice and roomy bag though, I'll admit. But make sure you "reinforce" it if you do buy it. The Beacon is about the same (I've tried it at Frys).

EDIT: Nm, I'll link you: http://forum.notebookreview.com/7479654-post374.html

 

Anyone with Crysis 2 backpack?, the one which came with the Nano suit edition.

does it fit with the M17 R3?

 

(I made a previous posting regarding a ‘North Face’ backpack for my R3… a daypack and a laptop pack – I’ve now discarded this idea – better to buy for specific use)

With this in mind:
I’m having difficulty deciding between the ‘ Mobile Edge Orion’ and the ‘ Slappa Matrix’ (which seems to be named also as the ‘Velocity Pro Matrix’ .

According to available reviews, both appear to accommodate the R3 with ease.

My priorities are comfort, laptop protection, and the ability to maintain a reasonably slim backpack profile when carrying a light load.

I’d value any opinions, regarding either of these models ( or others if you think that I’m ignoring better options).

As stated, any and all opinions would be appreciated... Cheers

(I am aware that both mentioned backpack models have been discussed on this forum previously, but I was unable to find any comparison between these)

 

I believe the Slappa is slimmer when packing only the R3. The Orion is very comfortable if I leave the padding stock, but it'll end up having inadequate padding. From the pics and dimensions that ppl (including Dom) have told me, the Slappa bag is also only moderately padded. If price isn't an issue for you, get the Slappa.

 

I haven't seen the Orion, but I bought a Slappa Velocity Matrix before I got the Slappa M.A.S.K. I now use for the R3. Based on your requirements, that bag should do you very nicely. The Matrix is a great bag, but it simply wasn't big enough for me—I happen to carry a supremely heavy load.

One caveat is the Matrix's laptop protective chamber isn't quite big enough for the R3. I couldn't get the flap to close with the Velcro if I left it in its original Alienware sleeve, but it was still protected. Without the sleeve, the flap would close.

 

At least that compartment is "padded." The Orion's compartment for the lappy is a hard piece of vinyl, and the padding around the bag is pretty thin (1/4 - 1/3" all around). Also, the Orion's compartment for the lappy has zero protection for the top portion, so if your backpack falls and hits the top, then you're screwed.

 

I’ve been very diligent in watching this thread. My Alienware is the first laptop I’ve bought for myself and I am very interested in seeing how folks are protecting this investment. Our fearless leader on the thread may have seemed difficult at times but I have been led to something that works. This would have been a disaster if the thread was only 30 messages long!

I bought the Slappa Ballistix PTAC Matrix Sleeve in the huge 18 inch size. This isn’t cheap but it does look like it offers a fair amount of protection. Then, I ordered the Orion 18 inch backpack. The M17xR3 fits easily in the sleeve and that loaded sleeve fits easily in the 18 inch Orion backpack. Life is good!!!

Now this won’t work for our fearless leader as the bag is too big. Since I am 6’3” and substantially larger this isn’t a problem for me. I will miss the Swiss backpack that carried my 15” laptops for years. However, I think I might have found a new friend with this configuration. Besides, the sleeve will come in handy when bringing my beast to meetings at client sites. I was never comfortable carrying a laptop around just to get to a meeting in a conference room 30 yards away. Now I can rest easy (and sleep through the meetings like everyone else).