M11x Case (thinking of going home-made..)

I'm poor, but I've been saving up what extra money I do have to buy an M11x. Thing is I'd like to keep all costs to a minimum though, and I've noticed that the M11x comes with a little black velvet (or whatever) case when you first get it. I'm thinking of somehow using this to make a home-made case - perhaps making some kind of cushioned encasing to go over the top of this case, so that the provided case provides scratch & smudge protection while the cushioning provides shock absorption (since I'll be carrying it around in my backpack, which tends to get thrown around). Anyone done this? Any ideas?

 

so you're talking about a neoprene sleeve?

 

No, not the neoprene sleeves you have to pay for... I'm talking about the thin black sleeve that the M11x comes packaged in (i.e., taking that and adding extra cushioning while using it for the inside of the case to make a kind of home-made case). Although, is there a good case (neoprene or whatever else) that's relatively cheap and protects the M11x well from both scratches/smudges and shock protection? Because if there is, maybe I'll just shell out the money...

 

Sure, under 20 dollars if you can spare it:

Mobile Edge, Inc. Alienware Netbook Sleeve

 

The cloth sleeve doesn't strike me as being terribly durable, but a couple of people say they use it for daily protection.

 

well the neoprene sleeve helps with both issues, however, if you're good at sewing you could just buy foam and sew on another layer of cloth to the outside of the sleeve that is provided with the notebook.

but in the end i think a homemade method may cost you more as you should be able to find 12-13 inch sleeves for 10-20 USD.

shock protection isn't going to happen really with foam or a sleve casing. your best best would be to buy a nicely padded backpack. unfortunately, many well made backpacks like that are expensive, but my current backpack was $49.99 when i bought it, and that isn't too expensive for computer backpacks.

i got the Dakine Transfer bag and i could not express how pleased i am with the quality of the bag - it's extremely well made.

each of their computer bags have a fitted and padded compartment meant only for the notebook, and mine fits the M11x in there perfectly with a bit of room to spare. currently the MSRP for the Dakine Transer is 70 USD, which may be out of your requirements.

the current sleeve is sufficient enough provided you're not really transporting the notebook only with that sleeve. if you have a padded book bag, then you should be well off.

does your book bag have a padded compartment for a notebook?

 

Amazon.com: Sumo 12" Nylon Sleeve: Electronics

This thing feels like it's made of Kevlar. Very durable material, well made, and great padding. I feel it would do well if you were to ever drop it...but honestly, you should still refrain from dropping/testing

 

That's a good price for a case, but like what Levenly said I'm afraid that wouldn't do much for shock protection.

No sadly my backpack not only doesn't have a padded notebook compartment, it has zero padding of any kind. And yeah I really can't afford a $70 backpack... so this is why I'm thinking of trying to make a homemade padded compartment. Sadly I have no idea how to sew tho :-X... is it hard to learn? Or actually, I could probably use a new backpack... maybe there's a good cheap backpack that has a padded compartment out there somewhere..

 

Hm.. but, nylon? That just doesn't look like it has very much padding.
And are you sure it fits the m11x? Is this what you use?

 

mbrington91, what price range would you settle for, for a new book bag? i'm sure we could help you find one suited for your needs.

 

The outside is nylon, the inside is actually corduroy--but still very soft, and won't harm the laptop. The padding is actually insane on this thing--it's just not easy to tell from the pictures (someone else on the boards posted a picture, I'll see if I can find it...)

And yes, I own and love this thing.

EDIT: Check a few posts down for some pictures: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/466009-what-you-using-carry-your-m11x-around-17.html

 

Just the cheaper the better, I guess. If I had to give a price range I'd say up to around $30 or so? maybe 40 if its worth it

Hm that actually looks pretty good... feel up to doing any drop tests with it? :] haha, i kid

 

Well my EeePC 701 lived in a jiffy-bag for ages, and a reused one at that.

Not sure if you will be able to find one to fit the M11x is but maybe two + some gaffa tape?

 

I use it, and yes it fits it fine.

 

The real problem is that the 11 is fairly dense and heavy for it size.
I think almost any case without some type of active suspension will be bad if the thing is dropped?
I really like the idea behind the cases that suspend the machine on a sling above the bottom so if dropped the sling can bounce with the machine never hitting anything solid.

Tough Protection for Your Laptop: the Brain Cell Laptop Bag by: TOM BIHN

Look at the cross section pics and you can see what I mean.
If I were trying to make my own,I would try to do it like this somehow.

Ed

 

Well I definitely wouldn't buy from them just cuz they're so expensive, and also if you notice towards the end of the product description they mention that you need to use it horizontally in order to get full protection - which is pretty dumb, because even if you were always able to orient it horizontally, what happens when you drop it and it rotates into a vertical position mid-air before impact?

I think that if there was a hard case with a soft inside that fit the m11x, that would be perfect - but the problem (like Ed mentioned) is that the m11x is unusually thick / heavy for its size, so typical 11" cases won't fit, and with a hard case you can't just buy a slightly larger size to accomodate for this - the case has to be the right proportions, which usually means it has to be a case that's marketed to work with the M11x (unless there's some other laptop out there with similar dimensions).

 

I mentioned on a different thread about cases that I have found any case for a 12" Powerbook is about the right size for the 11.
I know because I had several of these from having had 12PB's and they all work well for the 11.
Especially the Bihn with the suspension. I agree the suspension works in one orientation better than others but they are also heavily padded on all sides.

You might be able to find a knock-off photo gear case with hard shell and foam all around for your price?

Otherwise I would just try to not drop whatever you find,not that we would drop it on purpose.

Also I have a bunch of different expensive cases purchased for a fraction of the cost from Ebay,Craigslist,etc.
It just takes some searching.
I think I paid $20.00 for the Brain Cell I linked to.

Ed

 

i think it would be cheaper to buy one. if you make one you could always mess up. Plus add in the cost of supplies/ your time.

 

i use the same sleeve. its perfect. very cheap (got mine for $15 including shipping from amazon) and very good protection for the money. much better than standard neoprene sleeves. it doesnt look like it but it has good padding on ALL sides(top and bottom included) i was originally going to buy A pelican hardcase but thought id try the sumo just for the heck of it as someone had recommended it. i was pleasantly surprised when i got it and have now decided to use it instead of going for a pelican. of course you wouldnt want to throw it around in it, but for regular use like slipping it into a backpack its perfect. as for drops, well if it was on carpet im sure the m11x would survive fine but if on a harder surface, im afraid the m11x is just too dense and heavy.

 

I ordered the alienware sleeve from amazon last night. I tried getting it to fit in an old sleeve i had for my 12'' powerbook but it was too thick. Total was 23 bux after shipping.

 

Wait there's a hard case out there that fits the m11x?? I want this... :-O