Alienware Orion Backpack

Not dropping it.

 

I'm having a really hard time finding a backpack that would be a good choice to fit the Alienware M17x R3 as well as the Caselogic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling inside the backpack. I didn't want to get a combo SLR/Laptop bag since I didn't want to lug a camera everywhere with a backpack. Any suggestions?

I assume it'd be something with a big middle compartment since the SLR Sling alone is 14.75" x 8.25" x 4.5" (not sure which side is which since I haven't picked it up yet).

It'd be ideal if it was also TSA compliant so you don't have to take the laptop out of the bag during security check.

I may just have to end up getting some huge backpack and hope for the best. It's annoying how a lot of backpacks don't seem to have much thick padding like those very old notebook bags from 15 years ago where you can drop the bag and your notebook rests on some 1" cushion.

 

This post makes me obligated to change my signature to reflect my opinion on Brenthaven bags. So much that I might get one again, myself.

 

I looked at their site actually after you mentioned it....

I didn't see anything though which will fit a 17" laptop with the big center compartment.

I'll have to check again I guess and see if I missed something. If you have a model number, let me know. Thanks!

 

Brenthaven ProStyle : Amazon.com: Brenthaven 2095 ProStyle BP-XF for Notebooks up to 17.0 Inches (Black): Electronics.

ProStyle III-XF is a nice one, if you're a tall guy (I'm only 5'4" so all these bags are too big for me lolz): ProStyle III-XF Shoulder Case | Brenthaven.com.

Triload III is nice: Triload III Shoulder Case | Brenthaven.com

Personally I'd go with the backpack out of those 3.

 

Thanks for the links! It seems like most of their stuff is made for Macs and probably a bit too small for what I am looking for (something big enough for weekend trips)...

Still hoping to find something that can accommodate a DSLR sling bag inside (Caselogic SLRC-205 SLR) as well as something like the M17x R3.

Anyone have anymore suggestions?

I'd also be open to just using a sleeve for the notebook too.

 

Tucano makes good a good laptop bag, which I'm planning to buy if I can't find a good backpack. But you're totally right: most companies are marketing towards Mapple and Mypods now (name that reference!). Brenthaven used to have several more "PC" bags.

 

I'm kinda in the same boat. I'm starting to look for a bag that can hold my M11x and my DSLR (T2i). I have a shoulder bag right now, but I'd rather have a backpack that I can put other things in as well. I go to the Art Institute of Michigan for Digital Photography, and there will be many days where I will be needing my camera and laptop, as well as other art supplies. I don't carry around many lenses, usually 2 tops, so I dont need a ton of lens pockets. Right now I carry around 2 bags, I have a larger portfolio bag with my supplies, and a messenger bag (see link below) for my laptop and camera. All the camera bags I'm finding are HUGE, and this bag is much smaller, but I'm wondering how well it will hold my camera.


My current camera/laptop bag:
Amazon.com: Tenba 638-221 Small Messenger (Black): Electronics

 

Is there a way to remove the alien head? I tried to see how it was connected but I didn't want to put too much pressure on it. Is it just a snap on or do I have to slide it in a certain direction?

 

Hey guys, does anyone have any experience with Superdry bags?
Superdry Mens Accessories, Laptop bag

I'm wondering if the m17x will fit

 

Nice bags. Too bad the photos dont really show the inside...and the one photo that does, makes it look really thin. I hope it isnt thin, cuz it's made in Nippon.

 

I'm thinking of getting an Astro Scout backpack. Anybody have one?

 

It's on my wishlist also, but it looks too much like a laptop bag. Don't wanna get jumped.

 

The M11x is pretty small so you'd probably have to decide which camera bag to get to protect the lenses and just put the laptop in a pocket. It should be a lot easier to find something that fits compared to the M17x R3.

I posted this on another thread, but maybe you can just get a tough sleeve for your laptop rather than finding a dedicated laptop bag.

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

Pretty pricey though

 

This is a great find btw. I may consider buying this and putting it in a backpack. Thx!

 

Yeah, I'm sure we're both still reading up on whatever we can find and I haven't even ordered anything yet! (Not a huge rush since no time to play/use it with work and very limited deals for me. Expect more later when the rush dies down).

On the website, there are various reviews...one said they were able to drop the bag from 5 ft up and no indentations were shown in a bag of sugar they put in the sleeve. The review is old, but I think the "Monolith" was replaced/renamed by the Brain Cell.

XtremeComputing - #1 For Hardware News And Reviews

I'm tempted to just get the horizontal bag since they make one in a very large size for the Alienware M17x R2 actually. Who knows which way a person or your laptop falls down anyways if you drop it.

Since it's bigger, maybe you could also just add some foam/cushion as well for even better protection than just front/back and bottom.

"The Size 2XXLT Horizontal Brain Cell has interior dimensions of approximately 17.8 × 12.2 × 1.9 inches (452 × 310 × 48 mm), exterior dimensions of approximately 18.4 × 14.5 × 3.0 inches (468 × 368 × 76 mm)."

Alienware M17x R.3: 16.14" (W) x 11.96" (D) x 1.77" (H).

With 1.66" on the width side, you could add .83" of foam, etc.

Whatever you decide on, let us know.

 

The Simpsons.

 

U know it

Can someone do what its.kvn did for us with his photo review of the Everki Beacon backpack, and post some pix of the inside of the Orion's sleeve/compartment, showing depth and thickness of padding? Also, please comment on the gap/space the compartment is suspended above the base/bottom of the backpack.

Thx!!

 

here you go:
Orion backpack review

 

COOL! Thx so much 4 this!!

 

Isnt this the first version of the orion backpack? I noticed it because it doesnt have the transparent laptop holder.

 

No problem, enjoy!

 

Yep, thats the first one. Its the one I had that I pitched to go back to my XPS bag since the bottom gave out in it.

 

Oh. Hopefully the 2nd version i bought with the scanfast doesnt do that.

 

I have this backpack and I like everything about it except when fully opened (as in going through an airport TSA scan), the AW head can get scratched easily.

 

Personally, I'd pick it off on the first day. Too easy of a target for robbery/burglary/getting jumped.

So what's the deal with the "checkin friendly" lappy compartment? Why's it transparent and got like ZERO padding? Is there adequate padding on all six sides??

 

I certainly hope that they'll be putting out a new backpack for the arrival of the m18x. There aren't a whole lot of backpacks out there that can handle a "package" that big.

...at least that's what the girls tell me.

 

Got mine in today and it looks nice but has a busted zipper.

 

The orion backpack that i got with my m17x r2 is big enough to fit the m18x in it... just

 

Bump for advice.

 

Unfortunately the padding you wanted is not what will you see in the orion backpack.

 

D
A
M

Is what beavers build.

 

Been thinking about getting this if i get the m17x R3 either this or the messenger bag.

 

Anyone with pix??

 

I have been researching these for awhile. It seems this is the one you want if you get this bag.

Mobile Edge 17.3" Alienware Orion Backpack- ScanFast - eBags.com

Not this one which newegg and the majority of sellers are selling..

Newegg.com - Mobile Edge Black 17" Alienware Orion backpack Model ME-AWBP2.0.

Both links have pictures you can click on to see more up close. Basically the first link is the one i have been reading reviews of where most people are happy with do to good quality stitching and other durability strength. The one from newegg is the bag I have read many different places where the people keep complaining that the straps are ripping and or coming undone. Also that it doesnt seem to be as durable.

On ebay you can find both and the better bag seems to be a little more but what concerns me is that some have mentioned that they ordered the 2 zipper bag and got the 3 zipper bag and vice versa.. I think it would be very important to confirm with the ebayer or the store if the bag you will receive is what you see on the picture. The quickest differentiator is that the good bag has a little tag in the front that says scanfast, which the lower quality one does not. That signifies that the bag can be opened completely flat to go thru the airport quickly. The low quality bag only opens half way as you can see from new egg. Keep that in mind.

I am prepared to buy one but am now going to use this info to get the good bag.

 

I have the first 1.

The difference I can see between the two is the material the thing which holds the laptop is made from.

The first is a see through type, while the second is a thick black type.

Dell sells the first.

GREAT build quality. GREAT company making the bags with excelent customer service.

Would purchase again. Holds my R2 Great. I take the R2 (with charger brick + extra battery + a book) daily to uni. Comfortable and secure (although it is a bit big).

 

Just ordered an Orion Backpack from Dell Australia, hopefully it'll be good enough protection for my m17.3 and enough space to fit my PSP,DSi,Power brick, Mouse,Pad,anything else i throw in there.

-Without looking too bulky that is.

 

M17x, PSP, AND a DSi? My, you have a lot of mobile gaming to do!

 

Haha well I'm an MMORPG player who likes final fantasy, the PSP was to play crisis core(and dissidia when that came out after), and the DSi I won from work. Lol. Of course the m17x will be my main gaming toy.

 

I keep the M17x R2, Charger, Extra battery, Nintendo DS + occasional University text books so you should be fine

 

You have to remember also the second bag doesnt open all the way or unzip all the way. ONly halfway where you would have to slide the M17x in and I dont see how it would qualify for easy TSA scanning, since it doesnt lay open.

 

It's been over a year and this bag is still in practically new conditon. I'll be taking it to university with me this Fall where it will be my bikes best friend.

 

I still can't see myself getting it unless it's around $60

 

Hey guys, I have an m11xr1 and was looking at getting a backpack that would also be great for carrying my laptop. Would you guys recommend going with the 17in backpack for it to also get more space for everything else, or go with one of the 14 inch ones for a better fit or something? I have a small messenger bag carrying case already but I'd prefer to get a nice backpack and just have that one thing for everything.

 

Hey all,

Been following the forum and just basically lurked but thought i'd admit to probably buying an AW Orion Backpack at the end of the month.Basically,i'll be travelling to US next year and i pretty am going to pack it with an Asus G51 and an M11X..man,i hope it fits.

 

Both the M17x and the M18x versions will fit your laptops easily.

 

man i hate dell (basically the orion bag) and i bought it with such enthusiasm,

i have had a run with the m17's r3, and must've used the orion 17" all in all 10 times, and the zip locking the M17x compartment just folded , without any due force, and the bag pulled apart at the seam, again with the compartment holding on to the 17xr3...all of this within a span of 1yr and barely used to transport a 9 pound laptop with its adapter and an iphone 3gs

 

I have one and I love it!!

Funny though, the backpack by its self is almost as heavy as the laptop! D'0H!!

 

Hmm, do you have the messenger bag or backpack? It should be covered under warranty. I think you can get it replaced for free. If you have the backpack, it must have just had defective stitching or something. If you have the messenger bag, they have been noted as not holding up very well.

I love my Orion M18x backpack, too. It's built extremely well and has seen many very hard travel miles in the last year or so. It still looks almost new. I travel extensively for work and my M18x is in the Orion backpack everywhere I go.

 

I have the backpack

I talked to Dell Australia (which means china/malaysia or singapore)and these guys stated it's out of warranty as it only comes with 60 days of manufacturers warranty