The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

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

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by joecait, Apr 29, 2011.

  1. Izekael

    Izekael Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I do not think it is a problem to fit in there at all. It bunches at the bottom when you slide it in, but a you have to do is lift the pack up and it drops all the way in. My g73 is bigger front to back then my m18 and it fits without getting caught on the zippers.
     
  2. Throbin

    Throbin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    401
    Messages:
    276
    Likes Received:
    107
    Trophy Points:
    56
    It is too small for me as the cooler will not fit in too.
     
  3. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    241
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    the pics by throbin are what most experienced on here and its clearly not a good fit at all , maybe Izekael , since you used it for the g73 or maybe because they made bigger beacon bags earlier , yours is able to fit , but most people cannnot get it to fit but I can also testify that the Targus XL fits beautifully along with a Macbook Pro 15 and both adapters and a ipod and other stuff :)

    If anyone needs pics , I can post them , though there are already pics on this forum , so not sure if i need to repost
     
  4. Radi324

    Radi324 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    480
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    31
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Could someone please add this bag to the list on the first page? Some people might be looking for a cheap, good quality backpack alternative to the monstrous Titan and Orion
     
  5. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    241
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I had bought a Titan from a fellow member , when i received it ...i found out it was the beacon and not the titan ........super disappointing ...........and since I have to travel ....i will have no choice but to keep the bagpack ..........................I can confirm the beacon fits the m18x and isnt a lot of struggle to get it in and out , infact it sits in perfectly ....though on the sides where the zipper is ...the laptop is exposed to bumps , since there is no padding there ......................overall it fits well , a little dissapointed with the space in the bag , i think the titan would eat up more stuff , but then the beacon is a bit pricier and no the zipper dosent touch the laptop or is any difficult to close!!

    photo (1).jpg photo.jpg
     
  6. Radi324

    Radi324 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    480
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    31
    Trophy Points:
    41
    If in the description it was explicitly stated that it was the Titan backpack, then please make sure you post about your experience with the seller in his thread. If it was a simple misunderstanding from either party, don't worry - you still have a great looking backpack and of high-quality :)
     
  7. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    241
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I would have but the seller is going through a family crisis and since we are all part of one family , I would accept the mistake as an honest one and will gladly keep it :) On the whole ...i like the beacon , just dissapointed a bit with the space constraints , considering the massive massive power brick of the m18x
     
  8. pantresazer

    pantresazer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    48
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Got the Everki Beacon and it was a pretty good fit but I didn't feel 100% comfortable with my 18xr2 in it........especially around the corners and as trooper1414 stated the sides felt a little exposed. Returning this to amazon and ordering the Titan or the Orion bag not sure which one yet....
     
  9. Glzmo

    Glzmo Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    476
    Messages:
    822
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Got the M18x Orion Backpack, and the M18x obviosuly fits like a charm. There is still plenty of room for even larger laptops in it and while the backpack looks rather slim, it's got huge amounts of space to put in other things. It almost feels like a black hole because of it. :thumbsup:
     
  10. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    241
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    The corners do worry me a bit but overall i am satisfied , on a day to day basis , it works like a charm and dosent attract any attention :)
     
  11. Throbin

    Throbin Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    401
    Messages:
    276
    Likes Received:
    107
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Go with the Titan, the Orion will fall apart in Afew months.
     
  12. pantresazer

    pantresazer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    48
    Trophy Points:
    41
    180.00 is stopping me tho for something I will use maybe 2-3 times a year for travel....
     
  13. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

    Reputations:
    37,255
    Messages:
    39,354
    Likes Received:
    70,777
    Trophy Points:
    931
    My Orion M18x backpack ( not the messenger bag) is totally awesome. It is extremely well made and has probably 100k air miles of travel. Other than collecting a little bit of dirt from the trail, it's still like new. It should hold up well, and it is reasonably priced. I cannot attest to the quality of the messenger bag, or lack thereof. It has been identified as having problems with stitching coming loose by more than one forum member.
     
  14. pantresazer

    pantresazer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    48
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Ended up getting the Orion M18X backpack the titan was way to much as I won't be traveling much at all :)
     
  15. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    241
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    That is why i ended up keeping the beacon , fits my m18x just right ....dosent look flashy ....and i got it cheaper then retail ....since i picked it up from a user ....and I like you wil be carrying it maybe 2-3 times a year ...that too on long flights :) (Titan was 100$ more for me ..and orion wasnt an option since it said , will ship in 2 weeks and i dint have enough time ...so it was either the beacon or the targus)

    So i guess for anyone who dosent use it on a daily basis the orion bagpack makes every bit of sense, since its designed for the m18x and its great on space ......I on the other hand settled for the beacon for a few different reasons :) But good luck with either :)
     
  16. macdaddy8000

    macdaddy8000 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    159
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I have the Dell M18X Orion backpack and have no issues with it- :thumbsup:
     
  17. AlienMike818

    AlienMike818 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    201
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I just received the Orion myself. I got it mostly because of what i read here and having gone through it now, I must say, I like it very much. It has all the storage I need and even cool places for all my tiny media SD cards etc. It is solid and armored in the right places as well as being comfortable on the shoulder. I haven't loaded it down yet but my next trip is coming up soon so it will get a proper road test.
     
  18. vsg28

    vsg28 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    248
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I have the M18x messenger bag and can assure everyone that the newer batches are fantastic.
     
  19. AlienMike818

    AlienMike818 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    201
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I might have gone that way myself but there seemed to be issues. I would be very interested in your opinion of it after 6 months or so, maybe you can check back in and let us know how it holds up. I would have bought a roller bag if Dell/Alienware made one. These things are getting heavy and I am always taking at least 2 laptops when i travel.
     
  20. pantresazer

    pantresazer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    8
    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    48
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Amazon has the Orion m18x Backpack for 79.99 w/free shipping right now :)
     
  21. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    278
    Messages:
    1,948
    Likes Received:
    595
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Hi guys, I don't know if they changed the everki commute 18.4, but my m18xr2 does not fit into it. I also have the everki titan, which I love, but the commute does not fit, it sticks out from the top whichever way I put it into the bag. Just wanted to let other people know, I don't know if they changed the construction of it, but I saw the pictures here and it looks like it fits great in them, but for me it sticks out from the top and I am unable to zip it closed.

    I can take some pictures when I get back tonight to confirm.

    Also, if you wanted a laptop sleeve that will work in conjunction with the everki titan (the sleeve going into the laptop compartment on the bag) the caselogic 17 inch neoprene sleeve stretches enough so that it will fit snugly inside of it, and you can then put that into the laptop sleeve in the backpack for added protection. Only downside is it fits so snugly that it takes a little bit of muscle to get it out, but once you get it sliding it comes out right away.
     
  22. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    This is far the most ideal M18X compact NOT-over the shoulder type carry bag I have seen so far, and Im awaiting for on in the post.

    I have been using targus ~20" bag which is very sturdy and spacious but lil too bulky as I wouldnt stuff it so much to make it 100% useful... hence ordered this one!
     
  23. davidwhangchoi

    davidwhangchoi Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    79
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    16
     
  24. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
     
  25. davidwhangchoi

    davidwhangchoi Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    79
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    16
     
  26. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

    Reputations:
    37,255
    Messages:
    39,354
    Likes Received:
    70,777
    Trophy Points:
    931
    A 240W AC adapter will not power SLI or CF, so any bag won't hold the 330W AC adapter would not be a good solution for most M18x owners.
     
  27. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    so if my M18X has no SLI means I cant be M18X owner? :D
     
  28. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

    Reputations:
    37,255
    Messages:
    39,354
    Likes Received:
    70,777
    Trophy Points:
    931
    No, you could be an M18x owner with a single GPU or (no GPU for that matter... just IGFX if you removed the discrete video cards) but most M18x owners have CF or SLI and a 330W AC adapter. It would be sad for someone to purchase a bag thinking it would work only to find out that the side pocket is not large enough for their 330W AC adapter. That was the only point I was trying to make, and we need to get clarification on whether the 330W AC adapter will fit.
     
  29. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    I know bro, :) just teasing . I will be getting this bag in the post hope during this week and let yo all know about the charger fitting there or not. but having two power adapters at different remote locations helps you not have to carry one with you all the time.
     
  30. michael.konor

    michael.konor Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    106
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Ordered my Everki Titan too. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a SINGLE online retailer who would sell it to me since I'm temporarily in Afghanistan and my mail goes to the APO (Army Post Office). Even on eBay I could only find *one* seller who would ship me one here. One company even told me that they only shipped UPS, FedEx, and USPS as long as it didn't involve them having to fill out a customs tag. Note: I'm single and there isn't anybody in US that could have received and then re-shipped it for me right now.

    One place even told me that they have to charge me an extra $50 for shipping because I'm international. Couldn't get him to understand that its United States Postal Service using United States shipping rates. Then the Military takes control of the mail at whatever USPS Hub and moves it in the APO system at no extra charge.

    I do have to thank Cost Computers (eBay Retailer) out of *Australia* for selling and shipping me the Everki Titan to my APO Address. If I could give you a +1 for Rep here I would...
     
  31. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    it's a shame sometimes to get something
    simple like that done can take so much of an effort, but at least you got it sorted
     
  32. vsg28

    vsg28 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    248
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    eBay gets a lot of crap for understandable reasons but there are always stand-up people/organizations there that you won't find anywhere else. I am glad you were able to order the bag.
     
  33. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    So I just got the 18.4" Everki Commute laptop carry bag trough the door that I have bought earlier last week, and its a one beautiful looking sleek design 18.4" case :)

    It will fit M18X nicely inside with well made soft protective bag side walls and has some good padding at the bottom of the bag too!

    Its made really well I can say no quality material spared and it has massive space on the side pocket as I have mentioned few days ago, so it will carry not only your 330W brick but may also fit your mouse or USB drive etc(havent tested that tho, but about the 330W brick im 100% positive)


    took one shot here stacking some 2.5" HDDs inside of the side pocket for size ratio reference



    one downside I can talk about, when its fully closed its handles stays inside the case, and otherwise it will be partially open at the top where if you want handles to be outside the bag compartment(however it has soft protective flap cover that goes out from the inside the case over one side of the case to the inside of the side pocket and there it catches the adhesive catch cloth and locks in place with the external pockets outside wall), other than that, shoulder carry strap is not an option here, it hasnt got one, but I cant see the reason why it cant be DIY'ed in to the case :) Im gonna be happy with it as its sleek and fits the M18X just fine.
     
  34. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    278
    Messages:
    1,948
    Likes Received:
    595
    Trophy Points:
    131
    I agree the materials that are used in the commute are very nice. I wish I could get mine to fit in it, but I love the titan as well and ill just use that instead. Im holding on to the commute even though my m18x doesnt fit for future use.
     
  35. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101

    Just an update:

    Tried fitting 330W Brick after laptop is fitted inside the bag, the brick fits just fine but its lil tight, but it fits for those who cares, slim brick fits even easier. However, if you want to carry your alienM18x over the shoulder it wont work for you, and if you like have fully closed zip, it may be lil difficult to carry as it would be so tight packed within its like one big sliding saucer with no handles, so you better keep it with your both hands, or tight under your armpit as it can get lil slippy
     
  36. gc83

    gc83 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I'm looking for something that will fit the m18 without being too bulky (I'm a small build). I won't be carrying much apart from the laptop, charger, mouse and a headset. Maybe the occasional change of clothes, and an ultrabook. While I like the Orion 18, it just doesn't look very high quality, especially compared to the Beacon, for instance. Plus, I don't necessarily want to attract too much attention with the AW branding.

    Can somebody recommend a good, compact backpack that will hold the laptop with sufficient padding/protection, and be reasonably priced (<$100)

    Also, if anybody has any extended usage experience with the 18x in an Orion 17, I would love to hear their inputs. I like the camouflage colored version, and it looks a lot more compact than the 18inch version.

    I already have a thread in the WTB section, so if anybody has anything that might interest me, I'm open to offers.
     
  37. michael.konor

    michael.konor Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    106
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I researched extensively on the various backpacks and having used the Swiss Gear IBEX, I found that I liked multiple compartments, comfort built in, and room to put a change of clothes because my trips often take me overseas. Like you, I looked at the various packs that would fit the M18x and found that the Everki Titan was the only one that fit the bill.

    I received mine last week and it's exactly what I need. It holds everything I would ever need to carry, is very comfortable fully loaded, and the felt lined compartments are a plus.

    The price is a little higher than I wanted to pay, but once I got it, it was worth it.
     
  38. Red_Eye_Express

    Red_Eye_Express Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    45
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Does the Titan have a way to bring down the depth of the bag. I.e: With my existing Spire , I can pull down 4 latch points and make it much slimmer. That helps me get it into over heads on CRJs. Is there any way to do that with the Titan? Gotta do something as my is starting to fail (the original model from 2005 I believe).
     
  39. zonearc

    zonearc Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    71
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Technically, yes, although the Titan is a very large backpack that although you can squeeze it down some you get my be an extra inch out of it that way . unlike some other model, it dodoesn't expand or contract through zippers it simply has a pair of straps that can be used to sinch it down in the middle.

    With that said, in every other aspect, this is The laptop bag to get. I carry mine every day with an M18xR2, the monstrous power supply, a tablet, etc and not a single cut, scrape, broken strap or Upper, etc has happened and I'm not easy on things that I own. This backpack has converted me in to an Everki customer.
     
  40. Red_Eye_Express

    Red_Eye_Express Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    45
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Yeah I hear ya, just I gotta know it will fit an overhead on a CRJ. You'd have to know what I mean by that. I typically carry the 18x, Dell d630, 10" android and Bose headphones which makes it pretty thick. The cinching on four corners helps so much, and also makes it look thinner so they dont try and make you check the bag.

    FYI, the maximum dimensions for overhead compartment is 18Lx14Wx7D. Can the Everki loaded down with the above minimize to 7" on depth?

    Travelling blows..
     
  41. sLOWRY

    sLOWRY Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I have a Kenneth Cole Reaction R-Tech "Urban Traveler", 18.4" Black Computer Portfolio .... But no laptop!

    I've had this bag for a month. Cancelled my M18x R2 and just yesterday ordered an M18. Reviews on Amazon ($29.00) say that the 18x fits with the 330 brick so I'm crossing my fingers. I skimmed through this thread but didn't notice anyone using this particular bag. So I'm rolling the dice!

    I went with this very plain looking bag because I'm going to be carrying my laptop with me on a near-daily basis. Personally, although very sharp looking, I think the Orion and Vindicator bags offer way too much advertising to what extremely expensive hardware lies comfortably inside. Sorry but the last thing I want on my bag is an Alienware logo.
     
  42. CrysDark

    CrysDark Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    11
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I went with the standard Orion 18inch and it has served me well through my two years of travel. Solid bag; solid!
     
  43. UltraGSM

    UltraGSM ...so many Alienwares...

    Reputations:
    714
    Messages:
    1,629
    Likes Received:
    431
    Trophy Points:
    101
    well that looks like a beautiful bag fellow ;) I get your concerns too, and I too prefer discrete looks more than flashy advertisement on the bag

    I have Everki Comute right now and it serves me very well, but I do miss the shoulder strap, so I have ordered Everki Advance 18.4 briefcase and from the looks and specs I feel it will be "The One" for me :)
     
  44. Vidien

    Vidien Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Does anybody use a sleeve to help protect their beast while carrying it in your backpack? I have been looking for some online and all I have found so far is this for the 18.

    Amazon.com: Splash Resistant Neoprene Laptop Case For Alienware M18x 18.4" By DURAGADGET: Computers & Accessories

    Does anyone have any experience with this sleeve? Or any other sleeve for that matter? To use in conjunction with their backpack and/or cooler. I have ordered an Orion backpack and want a sleeve to help protect the beast while inside the backpack from scratches. I have also chatted with dell and asked if there were any plans to introduce a sleeve like they have done for the 14 and 17 and was told that there was no plan to make anything similar available for the 18.
     
  45. dandan112988

    dandan112988 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    550
    Messages:
    1,437
    Likes Received:
    251
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Use the cloth pouch that it comes with from the factory. That has worked fine for me.

    Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
     
  46. Vidien

    Vidien Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Only problem with that brother, is that the New 18 doesn't come with the cloth pouch and I cant find any online.
     
  47. sLOWRY

    sLOWRY Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Then maybe a pillow case?

    Don't laugh! It works.
     
  48. Spudinske

    Spudinske Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm thinking maybe the same backpacks that fit the m18x but the 18 is almost an inch wider and inch longer. Would backpacks that fit the m18x be able to fit the 18? Does the Everki Titan fit the 18 well?
     
  49. vulcan78

    vulcan78 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    590
    Messages:
    1,523
    Likes Received:
    352
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Does anyone know the dimensions of the M18x R2 compared to the M18x R3 or "18"? If they are similar, meaning within a few centimeters in width and height then maybe. There is a small amount of room to spare length wise.

    I have the Everki Titan and have owned the official Alienware Backpack from Orion and I feel that the Titan is far superior in terms of build quality.

    With my Orion bag I was carrying around an M17x R2, 240 W PSU (MUCH lighter and smaller than 330 W PSU) a half gallon of water in a steel bottle, a tea cup, extension cord, few hygiene items, total load-out weight: ~30lbs. That bag lasted maybe a year, and I should add that the college I was attending then had parking that was closer to the facilities where I would set-up, so shorter walking distance = less time actually bearing weight.

    The plastic zippers were the first to go, and then one of the straps started to lose over half of its stitching around 4-6 months later and i didn't feel confident with a $3k laptop in it.

    I have had the Everki Titan for over a year now, and I have no problems with any of the metal zippers and the straps show no sign of lost stitching. I am now "attending" a different college, with a foot distance probably double or triple that previous, and the total load-out weight has increased probably 5 lbs between the heavier 330W PSU and a 9' extension cord. And the Everki Titan carries a life-time warranty. It also has a really neat waterproof bag at the bottom of the front compartment, in case you find yourself caught in a downpour without an umbrella.

    IMO this is the best solution at the moment for those who are really mobile with their ware.

    Edit: I missed the part where you state the 18 is an inch longer and wider. It might not fit the Titan with the added width, but I am not positive. You should contact Everki.
     
  50. Hybrys

    Hybrys That Damn Cactuar!

    Reputations:
    976
    Messages:
    1,283
    Likes Received:
    130
    Trophy Points:
    81
    The Everki Titan Checkpoint, Everki Titan Beacon (EKP117NBKCT), Targus XL (TXL617. I have experience with this backpack, and while it is snug, it does fit an 18.4" laptop.) are all great choices.

    The Everki Lunar EKB417BK18 is a good messenger bag/briefcase option as well.
     
← Previous pageNext page →