Sleeves, Backpacks and Cases that would fit the Alienware M18xR1/R2/18

I've been using the Everki Titan for about 3 months now of HEAVY USE (which I define as, using to transport gear for ~30 minutes a day at full capacity, laptop, half a gallon of water, other peripherals, roughly 45 lbs. total). Monitoring strap wear, so far all stitching intact.

One thing that can be done to prevent undue stress on the shoulder straps, especially if your load out weight is heavy, is to lift the bag off the ground with the center handle/strap as it is of sturdier design, place bag onto table and then position yourself into the straps.

If you pick up the bag, fully loaded, and swing it onto your back as most people unconsciously do, then yes you are likely to accelerate the deterioration of the strap's stitching as now you have 30-50 lbs that, amplified by centrifugal motion, is more like 80 lbs., all on one strap.

You can also learn to grab the bag by both the straps in front of you with your right hand clasping the right strap of the backpack, left hand crossing the right and clasping left strap and while simultaneously lifting up over your head and rotating onto your back you avoid subjecting a single strap to the "centrifugal death spin".

Doing the above should extend the life of any backpack, especially when loaded to the gills.

 

Is the stitching on the straps an issue with the Titan? I've only had mine for just under a month and it seems pretty sturdy to me. I weighed mine packed with what I plan to bring on the plane and it was about 15kg. I have for the most part been using the handle to lift it up but I must say that I haven't been gentle with it by any means (took a wee tumble down a steep embankment off my bike). It seems pretty sturdy to me. My last bag was a Cactus brand and that lasted close to 6 years (fabric ripped around the zipper). I'm hoping this lasts as long.

 

It's happened to me, but can't say whether it's a general thing. I love the bag though, and Everki were brilliant about replacing (it arrived the same day as I got an email back asking for more details for my RMA). I can tell you I have been very gentle on the bag, and have done a left pirouette while slipping it onto my right shoulder each time, and that has completely negated any centrifugal forces...

OK, no that doesn't happen and if it did, would probably hit the news. I understand the point above about wear and centrifugal force, but the bag has got to be designed for it's purpose and general use. I would guess mountain biking with it is really pushing it, but I don't have much thought about planning my behaviours to minimize impact on the straps, especially when I am squeezing my way through the public transport system. I expect to be able to pick up the bag however I need to in whatever contorted position I have been squeezed to get onto a train, put it on my back and that's that. Sometimes that involves carrying it off by the handle, others by the strap(s).

The bag has never had more than 8kgs in it and has been used maybe 20 times and there were 3 completely separate areas where the stitching was falling apart. The quality of the bag seems fantastic though, so I have to put this down to poor stitching on my bag in particular. I will be using the replacement bag in the exact same manner, and will know in a month or two if the same issue has occurred.

 

Actually, now that I think about it more, i don't think the weight fully loaded is 45 lbs., its probably closer to 30, 35 at the most. To me it seems a very sturdy bag, you should be able to get a lot of life out of it. I've tried a few and this is my favorite bag, it is very spacious, metal zippers, durable stitching, wears well. Love it.

 

Just a quick heads up for anyone looking to purchase a bag:-

Amazon is selling the Everki Advance Laptop bag that fits the m18x for a discount, US$37 shipped.

I believe that's $13 off the usual $50 selling price. Doesn't seem to be a special time limited offer, I just came across it. for $37 I don't think you'll be getting any better bag for that price, especially since it comes with the Everki quality and finishing.

Don't sleep on it!

 

I've been using the Titan now for a couple weeks and I must say its one of the best bags I've come across. Great solid build, appealing to the eyes also. The only complaint I have is that there's so many compartment, I don't know what to do with them lol.

 

Just completed a 20 hour flight from NZ to Boston (layover at LAX) with the Everki Titan as my carry on. Superb bag, I had it loaded with just under 17kg of stuff (pretty much packed to bursting) and it still felt perfectly comfortable standing in customs for an hour and a half.

Also just an fyi for people planning to fly with Air New Zealand, they enforce a 7kg carry on limit per item. Best way to bypass it is to bring two bags, clear customs/security then repack everything into a single bag.

 

Power Q Laptop Backpack - Timbuk2 Bags

anyone know if this would fit ?

 

Amazon.com: Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack with Gaming Console Sleeve, Fits up to 18-Inch (EKP117NBKCT): Electronics

I like the look and design of it and it has great reviews. They make a larger one that will 100% fit the M18xR2, but its $200 vs $90 for this one. I wanted to see if anyone could confirm that it fits comfortably or not. I was really hoping to avoid spending $200 on a backpack.

Thanks =)

 

I don't believe the Beacon fits, there is actually a specific thread for this here, I highly recommend Everki's Titan. I have it and absolutely love it. Its big!

 

I just ordered it. Thanks for the recommendation! I read a review that said the Titan was made of massacred muppets and that the fuzz is soft enough to sleep with. That pretty much sold it.

 

Beacon shouldn't fit unless they changed it...

Thread of bags/backpacks.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...backpacks-cases-would-fit-alienware-m18x.html

Some links seem outdated...Need to find some time to clean up.

 

Lolz, massacred muppets! Hilarious. This backpack is actually very nice, sturdy design, comfortable, plenty of room for just about everything, TSA/Stasi-proof and it even has a waterproof bag just in case.

 

LOL, I would get one if the R2 wasn't so heavy...I'm tiny...only 5' 3"...

 

bumped to merge

 

Would this fit?

Dicota 17-18.4 Inch Backpack Casual Case - Black | eBay

Interior notebook compartment size:

Mounting
Minimum screen size compatibility 431.8 mm (17 ")
Maximum screen size compatibility 467.4 mm (18.4 ")
Weight & dimensions
Notebook compartment dimensions (WxDxH) 445 x 300 x 50 mm
Technical details
Colour of product Black
Source data-sheet Icecat.biz
Other features
Weight 1.2 kg
Dimensions (WxDxH) 350 x 120 x 510 mm
Weight 1.2 kg

 

Radi324, I think that might be answered in one of the earlier pages. I recall seeing that Dicota brand name somewhere in this thread. It may even be in the list of confirmed fits in the opening post. Joe did a nice job of keeping that updated.

 

Hmm, it's not on the first page, so I guess I'll have to use Google search thanks for mentioning the mention though Brother Fox!

Edit - alas, it's a Dicota aluminium case that was mentioned here, not the backpack. Anyone ever used the Dicota Casual 18.4 Backpack?

 

Just ordered the Everki Titan for a trip to Aspen next week. Wore out the Orion and Targus XL. Hope it fits in a luggage compartment?

 

Yes, it does. I use it all the time while I am travelling.

However, I do not know if anyone mentioned this, but most of the backpacks now come with checkpoint friendly and I've realized that this is a useless + point. Every time I travel (atleast once a month), they still make me remove the laptop out of the bag even though I mention to them that the bag its checkpoint friendly and the laptop is absolutely separated from the other things in the bag. Some of the customs officers they look at me like I am hiding something or something is wrong with me. They cannot even understand what's the meaning of it... I hate removing it, but I like the faces they make when they see it. 'What is this? Is that a computer? I have never seen something like that!' That is the statement I get about the Alienware m18x R2

 

They never make me take mine out of the Orion M18x checkpoint friendly backpack. But, I only travel within the US. I even have the M18x inside of a sleeve for extra protection. It must be a difference with US TSA agents versus Canadian baggage screeners and their policies.

 

It's not only in Canada. Amsterdam, Dubai (they do not even bother to ask what you have in your bag, so, it is out of the question ), London, Paris, Mumbai and few others that I do not remember. In US don't remember since I haven't travel that side for a while now. But it makes sense what you are saying Mr. Fox, in US they are very much aware of all those things including locks, backpack, you name it...

 

I BEAR GOOD NEWS. I found a backpack that costs 18 euro (around $25), is well-made and the best part - the M18x fits perfectly in it. Here it is:

Dicota BacPac Move Backpack for Upto 18.4 inch Laptop: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

I found it at a much cheaper price on eBay. It arrived today, it's a tight fit but the zip closes without touching the laptop and there's plenty of space for the charger and a couple of folders and what-have-you. It's quite nice-looking too. If you want, I can upload pictures of it with the M18x inside. It's a great budget alternative for those who don't need to carry their whole household in their backpack, while retaining the backpack's comfort over a carrying case.

 

Scandinavia as well, they don't care if it is TSA friendly or not.. they were trained in "remove the laptop from the bag" and like any good muscle dog, they do exactly just that. I don't know if I am just preaching to the choir, but the 2012 Orion Backpack for the m18, is just great. I ride by bike to most places, sometimes +20 km rides, and it is just a pleasure to have on your back! I don't have that much experience with other laptop backs (2 others than the Orion) but it is the best so far, even if you just have to pull it out quick for lunch at the cantina to check mails or news... And here at the Technical University of Denmark carrying it around, it is like flashing your new rims in da hood ;-P

 

Yes, by all means, please photos of the backpack, including some with the laptop. Thank you for the information.

It's just under $40 in the US and takes 1 to 3 weeks to ship. Dicota BacPac Move - Notebook-Rucksack - 18.4" | Amazon.com

Long wait, but still not a bad price for a well made backpack.

 

Pics and a review would be fantastic. Also the link mentioned by Mr Fox currently states out of stock ....but here is an alternate link .... Amazon.com: Dicota Bacpac Casual 17 - 18.4" Laptop Backpack (Black): Electronics

Also shipping for the above link is 3-5 days which is standard amazon shipping

I am hoping you can provide a review ASAP , so i can order mine ...this is just the price range i have been looking at .

Also outside the US , no cares about TSA friendly ...i doubt if they even know what that means .....all they know is that the laptop needs to be pulled out of the bag

 

Sorry for not posting earlier, have been extremely busy in the past few days. As promised, here's a detailed review of the backpack.

Dicota BacPac Move 18.4

First of all, if you need a backpack of gigantic proportions such as the Everki Titan, this is not the backpack for you. While it is spacious and more than enough for the consummate traveller, it does not boast of the loading capacity of the Titan, hence it's lower price. Let's start off with a few pictures:



As you can see, it has a svelte outline, but with plenty of capacity inside. It has a no-nonsense black finish, and does not have a flashy AW logo asking potential robbers to take it. Here's a front picture of it (with the AW inside):



(Sorry, it's upside-down, just turn it around for a better look at it). Here's also a picture of the back of it with the straps - it has a mesh for comfort and the straps are sturdy enough. Wore it for a short hike and it was extremely comfortable, had the AW inside and some clothes and other odds and ends:



Now, for the innards of the backpack. The M18x fits comfortably inside, with a strap holding it securely in place. Unfortunately it's not TSA-friendly (or whatever you call it), so you would have to pull it out at checkpoints. That's one of its downsides, since we all know the M18x is hefty and taking it in/out can be a drag. It's made up of 2 separate compartments, with the first (and bigger) one having a foam-padded section for the M18x, with the rest of the compartment having ample space for other stuff. The charger fits comfortably in the first compartment, with lots of space for other things as I already said. The second compartment has enough space for other stuff too - I fit my headset and mouse there and it was a great fit. Anyway, here are the pictures (unfortunately I don't have a picture of the 2nd compartment with the mouse and headset inside, just have a few papers there):







http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9794/20130222113638.jpg

(Last picture was not allowed as an attachment due to excess attachments - see the link)

So, that's basically it. If you have any other questions, just ask. Here's the link of the seller from who I bought it:

Dicota Bacpac Move | eBay

That's less than $50, and it can be found for less. It's a great alternative to the Orion and Everki backpacks, with quality material and a slimmer outline.

Edit - be careful Trooper! That's not the same backpack, the M18x does not fit in that one. There's a difference between BacPac Move and BacPac Casual - the good one's the Move

 

Thanks Radi ....this is a brilliant find for those looking at cheaper alternatives .....i might still have to go for something else ...since i need to fit my xbox/mbp in it too

 

The MBP would fit in, at least I think it would. I tried fitting in an Acer 5742 (15.6") and it did fit in - just make sure you put it in a sleeve for peace of mind. Not sure about the dimensions of the Xbox so I can't give you a definitive answer there

 

Thats perfect ....the xbox can go in the carry on then Thanks again ...appreciate the quick response and mods can please add this bag to the list

 

So after going back and forth a million times and being slightly short on dough ....i decided to get the targus xl ....i am guessing not the smartest choice ..

EDIT: Got the bag ............its a super snug fit , but it does fit as shown as pics in the forum. I dont like the padding on the shoulders though .........I would have preferred more padding.

 

I have been through a few laptops in the past 5 years but I have kept the same case. I started out with a company issue DELL D630 which if I remember has a 15.6 inch screen. Then I moved to a Sony Vaio F-Series which has a 16.4 inch screen, and my latest is a Custom Clevo P170EM which as you may know is a 17.3 inch screen.

In all this time I have kept the same messenger bag made by Briggs and Riley
Grow Expandable Messenger Bag, VB411X, Verb, Laptop Briefs| Briggs & Riley Official Site

I will say that the 17 inch fits snug but still fits comfortably. You cannot beat the warranty on these and the material really never frays or looks old. If you clean the bag every couple of years you will swear that it looks identical to a brand new one.

I will say though that one of the sew straps came undone and they covered it under their warranty (they cleaned it as well) so it really did feel like I got a brand new laptop bag.

 

I do not know why you have the beacon on the does not fit list. I was able to put mine i there. I was also able to fit my t400 for work in the front compartment and both power bricks. The m18 actually fits the beacon better then My g73.

 

Its not the best fit ......as pointed out in this link.........but if you are satisfied with the fit and think the zip closes fully ............do post some pics ...so it will help people

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-would-fit-alienware-m18x-22.html#post7623680

 

Got my Alienware Orion backpack today thing is freaking huge ... Looks to be amazing quality too ! happy :3

 

Congrats .......I have heard the orion is freaking amazing.

 

I'm nervous about the Orion, as I had one and I didn't feel it held up well over time (straps broke, seemed to wear quickly, etc).

Now, my experience was an Orion bought new with my Riley-cased system, about 4 years ago or more - so they may truly be much better now, but it makes me skittish of the Orion bags. I've been leaning towards Everki Titan.

(Please note: anyone considering the current Orion, don't stress too much over my hesitation - like I said, my experience was a good 4 years ago, and the issues I had may not exist anymore!)

 

Do I need to host the pics somewhere or does the site have a way to upload them

 

I think you can upload them (When you write a new post .......click on insert image) here but if not imageshack is another place to upload and they give an embedded link for a forum.

 

As someone that owns alot of backpacks (Volcom/Eastpak/Carhart) wich all take endless punishment from me throwing them around traveling and going to gigs i'd say the Orion is easily as well made and has tons of room pockets everywhere lol

 

If anyone is interested, I've got a new M18x R2 messenger back (the one you carry like a suitcase) for sale. It has been sitting under my desk since December 2012, I never had the chance to use it. Send me a PM if interested.

Edit: Sold!

 

Ok I'll do that. I will have something posted up when I get home from work tonight.

 

Here are the pics of the beacon with my m18x R2 in it.

 

This seems like a clear fit ...then why do people think otherwise

 

Guys would you recommend the Everki Titan or Beacon?

Im worried the titan is TOO BIG lol But im also worried the Beacon wont be big enough lol!

 

I am not sure, but there may of been a 17" model of the beacon at some time in the past. I have been reading around and it has been mentioned before. I never noticed when I ordered it but it does say 18" everki beacon.

Now you will not fit it in there with a sleeve like the commute, but the microfiber one it is shipped with will work.

 

I am able to fit the m18x r2 in the laptop compartment, with my iPad, a Lenovo t400 for work, and both power bricks in the front compartment.

That has to be close to 25 lbs of gear.

 

I just purchased the beacon, how is the build quality and everything? should arrive tomorrow morning

 

If you could confirm the beacon fits the m18x for you ... that'll be fantastic

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

I will take photos as soon as I receive the bag, should be here in the next hour or so.



All in all do not buy the beacon if you want to comfortably fit the m18x inside as it is a struggle to get in. Also I cannot fit everything I need comfortably in the other pocket as shown in the images. Go with the Titan if you wish to also take ur cooler with you.

I will say the build quality is really good and feels like it will hold up well, I would just not get one if you plan on taking your cooler around with you too, my old toshiba x500 will fit this bag lovely tho.