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    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. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    $900 for a BAG!!!!!!!! (even the "cheaper" option lol) - are you completely out of your mind!!!! - why not just get the Orion M18x bag and be done with it.....heck, thats what it was made for at the end of the day....to carry the M18x by the people who built your laptop. You cant get much more "fitting" than that....if you want wheels, I can fit 'em along with a handle for alot less than that LOL.

    If you wanna toss close to a grand down the toilet, thats your business but personally, (and please dont take offense), I think your crackers..... :eek: - as if toting your lappy around in a case that costs close to a thousand dollars wont draw any unwanted attention.....your an absoulte loony if you think thats low key.......they might not scream "alienware" but they do scream " i got more cash than sense" and "please, steal me NOW"........sorry in advance if you do take offense....I just really couldnt sit here, read that and not comment.

    Get the Targus.
     
  2. JimmyC

    JimmyC Notebook Consultant

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    lol... I'd buy a whole other laptop for that :D
     
  3. Crabeye

    Crabeye Notebook Consultant

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  4. Djtbster

    Djtbster Notebook Enthusiast

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    will the m18x fit in the TSA m17x Orion messenger bag, just in the main compartment not in the sleeve.
     
  5. Red_Eye_Express

    Red_Eye_Express Notebook Guru

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    Just ordered my SFbags SleeveCase 36-26. Their website matrix of codes and what they relate to sizewise is a joke. I had to go back and forth with customer service to understand how to order this correctly. He did mention someone ordered the 36-26 and was happy with it (would have like to see pics of that).

    Was going to try and use my Spire Bags Boot 17, but I remember the 17xR2 was an incredible tight fit, its worth $60 to not rub the aluminium like that. I'll report back as to how it goes.
     
  6. joecait

    joecait Notebook Deity

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    It'd be great if you can post pics and your thoughts on how the fit is and how protective their sleeve is. I emailed sfbags way way back and the 36-26 was the size they told me as well. I've asked them about their codes and I have no clue as to what the numbers really mean. Sorta dumb coding system...

    Ideally, I'd like to just get an awesome sleeve and a nice BIG backpack, but still haven't found anything decent yet for my needs.

    Course, having some more money to actually buy the M18x would be ever better!
     
  7. MartinReyes

    MartinReyes Notebook Consultant

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    Gah, why does Everki make an 18.4 inch messenger bag but not a backpack? Grrrr...
     
  8. AirJordan

    AirJordan Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm with you there Martin. If the backpack was just a half-inch to an inch larger all around, it would fit the M18x perfect. :(
     
  9. hypershadowcat

    hypershadowcat Notebook Guru

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    Does anyone know if th M18x fits inside the Wenger 17" PEGASUS Computer Backpack??
    Link to the backpack.

    Swiss Gear Backpack
     
  10. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    It's doubtful. If you can even close the zipper, it will most likely be too tight to do a satisfactory job of protecting the M18x. I don't have the dimensioins handy, but the M18x is much larger. The XPS M1730 backpack that I purchased for that system is a huge backpack and the M18x will not fit into it. The M17x R2 was larger than the M1730 and just barely fit into it. The M18x is wider, deeper and thicker than the R2. The R2 would not fit into the sleeve pocket, but did fit behind it inside of a sleeve case... but just barely.

    I have to get a new backpack for my M18x. It's not an easy decision which one to get, even with photos to look at on this thread. There are not many retail stores that sell cases large enough for a laptop this gigantic and the chances of being disappointed with one that I cannot physically examine before purchasing are pretty great.

    I am having a hard time deciding on a case, but it will definitely be a backpack. I am leaning toward the Orion M18x backpack. A briefcase or messenger style bag would be a terribly uncomfortable thing to have to lug through airports if you are a frequent traveler, and I don't think anyone makes one large enough to accommodate the huge AC adapter and extra gear comfortably. With a backpack, it's not a problem packing the beast on trips.

    By the way, congratulations on your system replacement. You really made out like a bandit on your M1730 warranty replacement. You'll love the M18x. Having owned two of them, I can attest that it is superior in every way imaginable to the XPS M1730.
     
  11. hypershadowcat

    hypershadowcat Notebook Guru

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    Man that sucks I love my swiss backpack :( its like it was made for the M1730 so I guess I'll have to get the Orion backpack .

    And thanks I know I did I feel really lucky! And is all because of this forum I was able to do it.
     
  12. Crabeye

    Crabeye Notebook Consultant

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  13. AirJordan

    AirJordan Notebook Evangelist

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    You must have missed all of the disappointment earlier in this thread... that backpack doesn't fit the M18x very well. It's an EXTREMELY tight fit that would ruin its corners over time.
     
  14. Crabeye

    Crabeye Notebook Consultant

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    Like I said ........ Merde.
     
  15. MartinReyes

    MartinReyes Notebook Consultant

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    Everki makes an 18.4 inch messenger bag, but only an 18 inch backpack. That's the frustration. That backpack was definitely my backup plan if I didn't like the Orion backpack, but now I'm not sure what I'm doing if I don't like the Orion bag. I'll probably just be stuck with it... although I hope I love it. I hope I can paint it too...
     
  16. FXi

    FXi Notebook Deity

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    Maybe someone could write Everki and ask if they'd make a plus size of their backpack and bump it up to 18.4" :) Never know, but at least you'll have asked.
     
  17. NYC Drifter

    NYC Drifter Notebook Evangelist

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    Dell sent the Orion Messenger Bag instead of the backpack. Obviously doing an exchange.
     
  18. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    LOL, I don't blame you. It would be murder packing this beast and its AC adapter in a messenger bag. Probably not enough room for other gear with the messenger in addition to being an ergonomic disaster with this much weight. Will be a breeze with a backpack.
     
  19. joecait

    joecait Notebook Deity

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    The Pegasus would have a tough time fitting the M17x R3 I think. I was considering that as well, initially for the M17x R3, but it won't fit the M18x.

    I'm still keeping a running log of what fits on the 1st message of the 1st page. Still very few backpacks out there.

    Slappa should make a larger Mask backpack I think to accomodate the M18x.
     
  20. Scrawl

    Scrawl Notebook Enthusiast

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    Might want to add the Dell Orion M17x backpack to the first post.

    Confirmed to fit here and here.
     
  21. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    Anyone using messenger bag?
     
  22. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    I just ordered this sleeve. LINK

    When it arrives, I'll comment on fit and quality and post some pics if it works well. If thin enough, something like this would work on backpack with a tight fit to avoid abrasion and scratches from zippers.
     
  23. AirJordan

    AirJordan Notebook Evangelist

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    That's good thinking, but it would probably only have a chance at fitting in the Orion backpack. :/

    Still, if the Everki backpack would fit the M18x, there wouldn't be any need for extra protection because of the awesome furry felt lining in the laptop compartment...I really wish that backpack would work. :( It's almost making me consider getting the M17x R3, but I don't know... I don't think I can sacrifice the performance and build quality for backpack aesthetics lol.
     
  24. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    I always use a sleeve for added protection, inside of the backpack and outside of the backpack. Even just carrying it around the house, a sleeve helps reduce scratches and fingerprints.
     
  25. BaboonBP

    BaboonBP Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've been using the messenger bag for a few weeks now and just got back from traveling with it. It has plenty of room for my nzxt cryo lx, power brick, laptop, headphones, and misc cables and my mouse.

    It could be awkward for someone smaller to carry this, but I was able to tote the messeger bag and my backpack around no problems, but the weight is not a concern to me.
     
  26. NYC Drifter

    NYC Drifter Notebook Evangelist

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    Is that the Orion MB?
     
  27. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    OK, in addition to this sleeve, I've got the Orion M18x backpack on order. When I have both, I'll post some pics showing both. If the sleeved M18x fits into the backpack nicely, I'll demo that with pics as well.

    When you own something as nice and expensive as an Alienware laptop, you want it to stay looking new. I was carrying my R2 in a very nice sleeve inside of an XPS M1730 backpack and the R2 still looked like brand new after 10 months of very heavy business travel. There's no such thing as too much protection, but the M18x would not fit into the sleeve I was using for the R2 and the only way to zip up the backpack was by removing the cushion at the bottom that the laptop rests on. Of course, removing that pad would be flirting with disaster.

    I am mentioning this because I know of fellow NBR Forum members that have an XPS M1730 and are waiting for an M18x to arrive. If you're one of those people, you don't have to wonder any more. You may as well order a new backpack now, because your Dell backpack ain't gonna work, buddy. :)
     
  28. BaboonBP

    BaboonBP Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yep, including some pics to give an idea of it's size fully loaded. Thats with the m18x, nzxt cyro lx, corsair hs1a, the power brick, mouse and semi stiff mousepad, misc cables, and a microsoft usb 360 controller.
     

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  29. NYC Drifter

    NYC Drifter Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks BaboonBP

    Dell sent the MB to me by mistake, I'm determining whether to exchange it for the BP? I guess that they are pretty much the same although the BP will distribute weight over both shoulders and has an external beverage holder that the MB doesn't. Only advantage of MB IMHO is that it is more "mature"?
     
  30. Joce21

    Joce21 Notebook Consultant

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    IMO I prefer having a healthy back than looking more "mature" and scrapping my shoulders and my back. m18x is to heavy to be carried by a MB. Mostly if you're traveling alot with your laptop.

    That is my opinion.
     
  31. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Joce21 and Drifter - I couldn't agree with you more. What's the point in looking "mature" when using the MB is going to cause "premature aging" of the end user? Toting this beast and additional gear in a MB is an injury waiting to happen. The MB will cause fatigue and stress if transported with the handle or the shoulder sling if used frequently and for long periods of times. This applies to everyone, regardless of strength or build. RSD injuries affect even us big guys.

    I had back surgery almost 2 years ago. Both before and after the surgery, transporting a heavy 17"+ laptop in a backpack was a non-issue. The weight distribution is much better ergonomically. IMHO, a backpack is better ergonomically than even a wheeled computer case because of weight distribution and improved spinal alignment. (I'm not a medical professional. I'm just talking as a layman based on about 7 years of 50-75% business travel and transporting 2 computer systems and gear through airports all the time.)
     
  32. BaboonBP

    BaboonBP Notebook Enthusiast

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    I agree, if you only need one bag I'd recommend the backpack. I have to carry two carry ons when flying so the mb is my only choice. If your a big guy like me though the weight isn't bad as it has a nice shoulder strap which I tried to show in the pic.
     
  33. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Ah, the life of a Road Warrior. I have a large Samsonite computer roller bag for my work computer and other gear (power inverter, camera, office supplies, etc.) and a backpack for my personal entertainment hardware. I have a checked bag with my clothes and other items.
     
  34. Scrawl

    Scrawl Notebook Enthusiast

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    I spoke too soon. I ordered a M17x backpack from Dell AU and it's different to the one I tested last month.

    The 'Checkpoint Friendly' text is now solid and there is a thick foam strip surrounding the laptop pocket for extra protection. This makes it far too tight a fit for the M18x in regards to height.

    In the end, I removed the foam and the M18x now fits. Still feels a little tighter than the previous M17x backpack but could be due to being new.
     
  35. 0x29A

    0x29A Notebook Evangelist

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    Haven't read the whole thread so I may repeat what already has been said, but, what about a decent aluminum suitcase?

    Dicota Alucompact is very well made and has exactly enough space for m18x.
    [​IMG]

    Remember Alienarmor? :D
     
  36. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Where are you going to put the AC adapter and other gear in that very nice looking briefcase?
     
  37. FXi

    FXi Notebook Deity

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    http://everki.com/index.php?/Briefca...p-to-18.4.html

    Confirmed this bag fits the M18x easily and the PSU fits in the front compartment along with the manual and disks, so you can update the front page for the "confirmed to fit". It's holding my M18x right now.
     
  38. 0x29A

    0x29A Notebook Evangelist

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    in the briefcase's lid compartment. the briefcase is twice as high as m18x, so the laptop fills the whole bottom part taking 50% of the briefcase, leaving the whole under-the-lid space empty. there are pockets and stuff there to hold everything tight.
     
  39. joecait

    joecait Notebook Deity

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    Was this the luna or the advanced? Couldn't tell from the link.
     
  40. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    It would be awesome if you would post some photos for us. I'd like to see how it looks and how well everything fits.

    Yes - please confirm which one you are using so nobody accidentally orders the wrong one.

    That's pretty cool. I need a backpack because I do too much travel to lug a briefcase that heavy, but this is a really awesome looking case. (I'd end up with one arm 3" longer than the other one and probably end up with scoliosis, LOL.) Can you please post photos of yours while loaded with the M18x, AC adapter and other gear. I'd appreciate getting a closer look at it in action. Can you also provide a link where you purchased this and how much it cost. We may want to add this to the main page listing of confirmed fits. (I found the link to the manufacturer's web site http://www.dicota.com/start.php?page=page_productDetails&office=8&ds=344.) I did a quick search and did not notice a vendor selling these in the USA. It looks like Sears used to have it, but appears they don't sell it any more.
     
  41. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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  42. joecait

    joecait Notebook Deity

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  43. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    Anyone own m18x messenger bag? mind sharing some photos? I wanna know if its grey or black?
     
  44. MartinReyes

    MartinReyes Notebook Consultant

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  45. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    lol ok I'm blind lol , I actually saw that but never clicked it. Thanks thou.
     
  46. MartinReyes

    MartinReyes Notebook Consultant

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    hehe, no problem. :)
     
  47. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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  48. SidneyLeeJohnson

    SidneyLeeJohnson Notebook Enthusiast

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    http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4063099

    My quest for a hard case spinner that fits the M18x has ended with the Tumi Vapor.
    Technically I bought the black one but you can occasionally find different colors on sale after each season.
    This season's color is bronze...so one might expect that to go on sale in the winter season.
    Yeah depending on color this 2-4 times as much as the Orion but by now you must realize that there is a real case for considering wheels especially 4 of them... the laptop rests on 4 corner ledges leaving it suspended at the midpoint of the case. The zipper just makes it around the laptop to close.
    bottom line is I'm not Rambo and wheeling this monster around is worth every penny. Sure if you have "guns" for arms go for the Orion but for us mere mortals we need WHEELS!
     
  49. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    My Orion M18x backpack was ordered on the 25th and still shows "In Production" because they are temporarily out of stock.
    I called sales yesterday and learned it could potentially be as long as another 2 weeks for their stock to arrive. :(

    I received an email that the sleeve I ordered a day or two before the backpack was cancelled because it's out of stock as well, and the vendor does not know when more will become available. :(

    I'm not very good at dealing with anticipation when it comes to this sort of thing. Waiting blows.
     
  50. Se4nH4x

    Se4nH4x Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have both the m17x TSA messenger bag and m18x TSA backpack.

    I'd say go with the backpack because it's both comfortable and less likely to break.

    messenger is comfortable don't get me wrong...but back pack makes it feel like I'm carrying nothing.

    also, the strap design on the messenger bag blows. every time you use it you put strain on the hooks. eventually one end of the strap ripped off the bag due to the weight (only a few months of daily usage to and from work by bus)

    ps I'm referring to the orion bags
     
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