Beware when buying ThinkPad Expander Carrying Case

Just bought ThinkPad Expander Carrying Case (model 73P3597) and though it is written on official site that it must be good for ThinkPad model NH365US (15.4" screen) - it is too small.

You must almost push notebook with force to place it in the bag.

 

I have the same "problem" with my brand new T61 and a previous laptop-bag that i had. Although it was stated to be able to curry a 15.4" notebook, i still have to press it to fit in the laptop compartment.

I tend to think that this is by design...

 

Does your battery stick out?

 

No. I have 15.4" with 6cell that is flush...

I bought ThinkPad Expander, 'cause I wanted to have all IBM accessories:
DockStation, Mouse, Bag...

 

I only had a similar case with a zipper slip-case I wanted for my 2nd notebook. It was also initially too tight for my notebook because it was NOT designed for widescreen. So, I finally bought the slip-case 1 size larger instead.

Just an honest speculation; your bag though stated as for 15.4" may not be meant for widescreen so it is too tight for your machine. I saw that advertisement print "... up to 15.4" wide"; but that " wide" is obviously not compatible with your " widescreen".

You do not need to agree with my point above. I already mentioned it is just an honest speculation.

Whatever the case be, you have valid ground to request for exchange for a bigger size, or a refund.


rgds,
Benjamin Chin
23 Oct 07

 

The Expander case works perfectly with my t60p widescreen even with sleeve ....weird

 

If that was their explanation, that's more of a cop-out then anything. 15.4" is the form-factor for a widescreen laptop. If it fits, but fits too tightly, that's still a problem, especially if a company is going to purchase a model of bags specifically for their line of laptops. I went with Lenovo's 15.4" Laptop Messenger bag but found that to be a very inferior product as well. The shoulder strap hinges don't swivel so there's been several occassions where one of the shoulder strap clips pops off the D-ring sending my bag with laptop plummeting to the floor. Luckily I've caught the bag by the top flap on both cases, (there is no handle on the messenger bag) but it seems like these 'Lenovo-brand' bags are far from garnishing the same reputation of their Laptop counterparts in terms of durability and functionality. For what it's worth the Lenovo Laptop Messenger did fit my T61p 15.4" (with 9-cell) very well without it being too snug or too loose. Nevertheless, I now have a Lenovo laptop bag I'll never use again and a TimBuk2 Hacker on its way to replace it.


I guess you get what you pay for...

-Jon

 

Strange.

My T61p fits perfectly into the Expander Carrying Case. It even has the 9 cell battery jutting out the back.

 

well, I think I'll take some pictures of my laptop in this bag and post them tomorrow...

 

here are the pictures that I promissed of,
sorry for the delay, I was very busy

 

that sure does look like a tight fit. I would RMA it if I were you.

 

Wow that's like squeezing a size 10 foot into size 9 shoe. What the hell is wrong with lenovo?!

 

I also got stuck in this trap. Since the bag came right away and the WUXGA screen was back ordered. When the laptop came, I'd had the bag for > 3weeks so Lenovo wouldn't take a return. Nice way to treat a business customer and someone who has a sizeable IT budget every year Lenovo! I guess my dell rep is getting a bigger bonus this year. ;-)

Still looking for a bag/briefcase if anyone has suggestions. Don't need fancy or huge, but do need to carry cables, mouse, etc + it needs to also hold brief case items for flights files, mags, book or two.