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

Good news on the sleeve, stinks it takes a month to get.

 

extra large garbage bags fit the 18, you know the orange ones from glad, for industrial use..

 

Yeah, I had to order multiple times to get the DuraGadget sleeve. Both attempts on Amazon failed with the wrong sleeve (too small) being delivered. So, I ordered two directly from DuraGadget in the UK and got the wrong size a third time. That was frustrating because it did take like a month or more. They only use "Royal Snail Mail" LOL. I ended up with two correct 18" sleeves in the second order from DuraGadget and they only charged me for the first two. They told me to keep all of them, which made up for the hassle. In addition to two 18" sleeves, I ended up with a sleeve that fit the M17xR2 like a glove and a third one that fits my wife's 15" Inspiron nicely.

 

I ordered the DuraGadget sleeve on Ebay and received it about 1 week later. Mine is purple color, because I think other colors are boring.

The Vindicator backpack is heavier than the Everki Titan. It's about 5 lbs. Something to note when traveling. Sometimes airlines weigh your backpacks.

With the sleeve on, the AW 18 doesn't really fit into the Everki Titan anymore. Since the Vindicator doesn't have pouch like the Titan, the sleeve with the notebook should fit fine. The Titan has better front and back padding, but the Vindicator has better bottom padding.

Another thing, you can lock the Titan up, but not the Vindicator. Either way, if someone shoots at you, the AW 18 will handily block a 9mm bullet. If someone tries to snatch from you, you can smack the person with the power brick, or smack them with the AW 18 itself.

 

I'll sacrifice my Invicta Venom or Grand Arsenal as brass knuckles before letting my 18 take the blow.

 

Strangulation with the mouse cord would also be equally effective without any resulting scratching, dents or blood stain blemishes being incurred by the 18.

 

I hope the backpack I already have will fit it, otherwise I'll have to save up and get the Everki Titan

here's an image of someone getting a 19" monitor into the same backpack I own though so I'm hopeful

Customer Image for Targus XL Backpack Designed for 17 Inch Notebooks, Black with Blue Accents (TXL617)

obviously it won't fit into the laptop specific compartment but I'm okay with that

 

Is it just me but you said there were pics and I don't see anything then again I am using Tapatalk so it could be me

 

Yeah, if people have suggestions for backpacks which would be good, please share. I wouldn't mind if I wasn't able to put it in the laptop compartment since you're limited to 2 backpacks pretty much (AW Vindicator or Everki Titan) and use a sleeve in the general backpack area instead.

I'm wondering if I should just try to use a large backpack and a decent sleeve instead, but will have to get it to see if it fits anything I have currently.

Anyone using the sfbags sleeve since they can custom size it?
Laptop SleeveCases - Laptop Sleeves - TSA Friendly - SFBags - WaterField Designs

Also like the Vertical Brain cell, but they don't make anything that large.
Vertical Brain Cell - Hard-sided laptop case. Sizes specifically for Apple laptops and PCs. - TOM BIHN

 

So I went through ultimately every large pack I could get my hands on, 6 in total - before settling on the Vindicator Messenger (not backpack).

I tried both the Everki Beacon and Titan (and also the commute sleeve - which does NOT fit the 18, so stay away from it). I absolutely loved the beacon - but the 18 wont fit anywhere inside so I moved on to the Titan. Titan is a super nice bacg, tons of room - however for me, I hated the aestethic. It was too plain for me, and when fully stuffed - became HUGE.

After the Everki line I tried out some Oakley packs - the kitchen sink and the mechanism. I loved the look of both these bags, but the padding was so minimal. I used a cheap 18 sleeve I found on amazon (forgot the name, it was mentioned in this thread earlier) and when I fit the 18 in each of the bags, it felt way too exposed for my own comfort. Both bags were large enough to fit the 18, but the corners protruded in each as well. I was worried I would definitely bump into something and damage the 18.

Next - I decided to go abstract - and picked up a hiking/camping bag. I found an awesome north face bag, which fit the 18 with ease - while also providing a very comfortable support for the bag (aluminum chassis built into the bag) - but again, not a single piece of padding. The hiking bags also lack multiple pockets, making it hard to carry alot of accessories and cables.

After utter defeat I caved and went to buy a vindicator - but the bookbag style was a 6 week turnaround. I ordered the messenger bag style, and after having it for a few weeks I must say - I LOVE IT.

The vindicator messenger has so many pockets and dividers, ample padding and since it is a messenger bag - it has a full unzip laptop compartment (which is checkpoint friendly). I also found the messenger bag form makes looking for cables/cords/pockets - much easier than digging through a backpack.

I would recommend the vindicator messenger any day of the week.

 

Thanks for sharing your thought process and details...Is this the one you got:
Alienware Vindicator Briefcase - YouTube

The "Briefcase" version? The others I saw (slim) seems more for the 14 and 17" models...

Unfortunately, I don't like the look of the Vindicator Backpack and I'm concerned that I'd be a bigger theft target if it screams Alienware at airports, etc...Long term carrying is also a concern for briefcase/messenger bag styles.

I also looked at backpacking/hiking bags like you, but like you say, the padding isn't really there since they are primarily going for weight savings so most / all are made with the light material so you can carry more hiking/camping gear...

So tempted to try to make/design my own bag, but probably easier said than done. I wouldn't mind a slim backpack bag that can carry just the laptop an a few minor things since in the past, I've had to take my kid to school for some stuff and just have to wait so I had to bust out the laptop for some work/play...

 

It's the fault of Tapatalk. There are numerous photos, but it's an imgur album and may not display correctly using Tapatalk with your phone.

See if this link with work with your phone's browser instead of Tapatalk: http://imgur.com/a/VChcA

 

Mr Fox is the Alienware backpack water proof?

 

The Vindicator messenger will work with 18? They list being available only for te 14 and 17. I guess maybe if you aren't using the laptop compartment?

 

I have an 18 vindicator messenger - and I am storing it in the laptop compartment.

 

So I assume even though Alienware website lists it for 14 & 17 the 18 will fit?

 

Not sure how else to say this... I have a Vindicator 18. (Made for the 18) messenger.

Go to this link -http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/alienware_vindicator_briefcase?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&sku=A6897220&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch&redirect=1

The 18 is on the far right.

 

Oh, that's he briefcase you have not the messenger....

 

Thats my fault. I didnt know they had a messenger.

 

I JUST got my Vindicator backpack and it is AWESOME. Best backpack for the notebook and I have to say that it is VERY VERY good looking and of good quality. It's worth the price of admission. I think I shall go to more internet cafes "just because" so I can tug this thing around. I have absolutely no complaints about this product! I was close to getting the brief case but I am glad I went with the backpack. The protection is outstanding, and as Brother Fox said: "It screams alienware." It has JUST ENOUGH room for the 18 to comfortably fit along with everything you need to carry with it (disks, headphones, external drive, mouse, etc. Great purchase and buy with confidence!

 

I think the vindicator backpack is unmatched in quality and looks. The 18 fits perfect.

 

To add, if you are a new 18 owner, I would go with NOTHING smaller in a bag so be mindful of the dimensions. I have my bag loaded with the system, notepal x3 cooler, power brick, headphones, mouse, 500gig Slim Seagate USB 3.0 HDD (finally converted my computer movies to fat32 to plug and play into my ps3) and the bag is loaded.

If I would note one problem with the Vindicator (or any bag really) is that the straps are relatively weak and "standard" compared to every other part of the Vindicator. There is plenty of padding on the carrying straps, but the connecting straps that attach to the bag could be prone to breaking loose due to the overall carrying weight. I used to have a premium XPS bag for my old m1710 that I used with my m18x and eventually the straps broke right off. Hopefully this stays sturdy and lasts.

But yes. This thing is a quality bag and I don't see any competition or other bag that I would put my 18 and other components in. I think this is probably an even better bag for the m18x R1/R2 as there is a tad more room for it. I see some people mentioning a Everki Titan backpack that works well. My guess is that there are only a very select few that can really carry the 18.4 inch beast along with the 330watt PSU and peripherals. I think you need a bag with enough room for the notebook cooler and this is bag allows this. Once you add the power brick, headphones and other odds and ends....it's a tight squeeze!

For those who have the bag, where do you put your headphones out of curiosity? Anyone kind enough to show a breakdown of how they organize the bag? Mine is a jumbled mess

 

Yes, it should fit. The Orion backpack holds the new 18 and I am pretty sure the Orion messenger bag will also. It's a snug fit in the backpack, so unless the messenger bag is barely big enough for the M18xR1/R2 it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Yeah, I hate stuff being loose in a bag or backpack, especially where wires are concerned. Tangled wires are a pet peeve, LOL. I put everything I possibly can in a container of some type. Kids school supply boxes work really well for a lot of things, and they stack neatly inside of a bag or backpack. The Alienware TactX headset breaks down nicely. If you have a full-sized headset that doesn't fold up, have its own case, or something to make it more compact, it is going to be difficult to manage. Here is an old post from last year where I showed how I pack the Orion backpack and my Samsonite wheeled computer case for work-related gear. I haven't purchased containers for the new Vindicator yet.

 

Vindicator 18 is about on par with the Everki Titan. Both trade blows with each other. The Everki has slightly better padded straps. Vindicator has better front protection. Volume wise the Everki is slightly bigger, although the laptop compartment of the Vindicator is slightly bigger, since it doesn't have the slide in pouch. The Everki is checkpoint friendly, but the Vindicator is not.

 

I went ahead and purchased the Everki Titan. After watching the demonstration video on their website, I fell in love! All of the compartments, the water resistant cover, checkpoint friendliness, and the look of the bag itself? I just couldn't resist. I don't know if I'll be able to fit the AW18 in the sleeve or not, but I know for sure it'll fit in the bag itself.

I'm still on the fence about the new Vindicator 18, though. I don't particularly like the look of the bag and it's not checkpoint friendly (which probably irks me more than it should), but the positive reports listed on this thread still have me interested. I may look into purchasing it anyway, despite my problems with the bag. It was designed specifically for the AW18, so that's got to count for something. And who knows? Perhaps seeing the Vindicator in person will change my mind.

At any rate, I'll be sure to update this thread with my findings once my AW18 arrives, which will hopefully be soon! *fingers crossed*

 

Another thing the Titan has which the Vindicator doesn't, is the rain cover. If you like to drop the backpack a lot, the Vindicator is better. If you want to walk in the rain, the Titan is better. I have both and I will swap around based on when and where I will use the backpack.

And it's not everywhere the checkpoint friendly feature is useful. In some places they will insist you to take out the laptop anyway...

 

Is the Vindicator really about on par with the Titan? That would mean a huge improvement over the Orion bags, which hasn't seemed to be the consensus. I posted pics of the Orion vs Titan in the owner's thread, and the Titan was better in pretty much every way. The pockets in the old Orion were horrible and didn't make any sense compared to those in the Everki. The Everki's rain cover and power supply pouch were a huge plus for me as well.

 

Valid point. I feel like I'll be asked to take it out no matter what.

 

Oh well it depends on how you see it. I actually haven't used the Vindicator yet. Been staying at home after I moved back to SEA. The Titan definitely has better seams. The Vindicator is not the Orion. Maybe someone who has all of them can compare. Maybe Mr. Fox has all of them.

 

No, I don't have the Everki Titan. Maybe I will eventually get one if something happens to the Orion or Vindicator, but I am happy enough with both of them that I don't have a need at this point. From all the feedback I have seen, I'm sure I would be happy with the Titan as well. I think all three are excellent products and have no reason to doubt the positive feedback on the Titan.

 

I bought the Titan because I needed a backpack, and the ETA on the Vindicator wasn't until September. I called in, and gave them some pep talk, and magically I got the backpack very soon after that. Ended up with 2 now.

The layout of Titan is slightly better, and the positions of the pouches and the pockets are better designed. Just two cents for those people trying to decide.

 

So, the Titan fits the AW18 fine? Even with the PSU?

 

No problem. You could almost even fit two PSUs in the little pouch they send you to hold the PSU/cables in. And even then, you've still got room for two more 17s and their power supplies.

 

You can fit the 18 inside, then maybe the 17 too. Maybe the 14 could fit too.

 

I use the Everki Advance Laptop bag for my Alienware 18 (2013)
18.4" Laptop Bags

For my M18xR1 (2011) I use the Orion briefcase for the M17x - the M18x fits but not in the 'checkpoint friendly' pouch so I have to place it on top before zipping up. However the Alienware 18 (2013) won't fit at all even in that fashion

 

I am torn between the Titan and the Vindicator. Does the Vindicator has enough extra space to use a sleeve with the laptop? I really don't care much it being checkpoint-friendly (in EU you still have to get the laptop out of the bag).

All I care is value for money (Titan is 40+ extra ponds) and be able to carry my AW18 plus a console (most likely the XBOne).

 

Everki makes some of the best bags/backpacks I've seen, so, I'd choose the Titan over the Vindicator, any day. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, if it should tear.

For something more in your price range: check out the Everki Beacon. It's supposed to be the same size as the Titan.

 

Personally not impressed with Everki so far. I like my Vindicator 18 bag so much I order the 14 for my AW14.. They have enough padding to hold my OCD'ness at bay. The accessory bag for the AC adapter is a great addition, carry my mouse, n52, mouse pad, cooler, headphones, keyboard, external blueray burner and a few other odds and ends. The 18 fits perfect with not a whole lot of wiggle room and padding is excellent and well fitted to the laptop.

 

Don't really like Beacon's design! Plus other people in the forums said that they barely can fit their 18 in it... I am tempted about it. The main downsides of the Titan are the price and that the 18 can fit, but without any sleeve in it...

Does the main component got enough space for a console? The extra space in the laptop component, is it enough to fit a sleeve?

 

There is enough room for a sleeve and I think Mr. Fox demonstrated that with some pictures a page or so back. I large console would be a tight fit, but if it is one of those new slim consoles i think it will fit ok. I dont have any consoles to test with (not a console kinda guy).

 

I saw those pics, just Mr. Fox has the m18x which is a bit smaller than the current 18

Hmm the new xbox is a bit bigger than the oiginal 360. I guess it should be ok...

I also prefer PC-gaming, but some exclusives are too good to resist ;P

 

You have the Everki Titan?

The seams is of better quality on the Titan. I'm already seeing threads that come off on the Vindicator.

 

He posted pics of the 18 in the duragadget sleeve and the new vindicator backpack in the new 18 bag thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/725321-what-backpacks-can-fit-alienware-18-a-5.html

 

Had one before I tried the Vinidcator, sent it back to Amazon. Not as much padding in my opinion. I did orfder the 18.4 sleeve from Everki and the 18 does not fit. Ordered the one off amazon waiting for it to get here via row boat from UK...

 

so my Alienware 18 was delivered today and I tested it out with my Targus XL backpack (supposedly for 17" and under) but the AW18 does fit!

Amazon.com : Targus XL Backpack Designed for 17 Inch Notebooks, Black with Blue Accents (TXL617) : Electronics

I tested it both in the main compartment and then on a whim tried the padded compartment meant for laptops and was amazed to find the AW18 not only fits in it but you can still zip the backpack closed

I've been using this backpack since January of 2010 and it is a really great backpack, it might not have as many bells and whistles as the Titan or Vindicator but it's also less than 1/2 or 1/3rd the cost of them so I thought I'd just pass this along to you all

 

Can you post a pic of the 18 in the laptop compartment? Like you say, for the price, I might jump on this as well since I am backpackless currently...Anyway you can use a sleeve as well for added protection?

 

I ordered the Duragadget sleeve but it won't be here for another week or so yet, I will take pics later today and update this post with them

edit: sorry about the delay but here is a pic

 

That Targus looks like a quality bag but appears to have the same mechanism around it's straps that the AW has. I'm typically a bang for your buck kinda person but I have to say the Vindicator backpack sure is a SWEEEET looking backpack. I figured since I paid this much for the computer, I may as well spend the money on the carrying case which I do intend to utilize. I can't do a better pic demonstration that Mr. Fox already has so I won't bother. However it's just plain cool. I had a 5% gift card to use so I bought the Vindicator backpack and a USB 3.0 500gig portable Seagate HDD. I'm happy with both. Sadly, after formatting the HDD to fat32 so I could just play a ton of movies from my PS3....I had a surge at my place and my PS3 HDD bricked so no more playstation. It is not worth upgrading really since PS4 is a few months away I don't even want to bother with a cheap HDD for the PS3. Such my luck!

 

Here's a great review of the Everki Titan, which is on sale on Amazon right now for $179.99. I decided to buy one for myself. :thumbsup:

It holds a cat as well as your 18.4" laptop, LOL.