Hel 80 Backpack/Sleeve and 9cell battery sizes

I've been looking for different backpacks (I don't like messanger bags) that have a section for a laptop, then room for a book or two and a notebook or two if needed and other pockets + water bottle holder, etc.
I've been searching the forums and online, but I can't find the size of this laptop with the 9cell battery in it or any really good recommendations of backpacks to use. I was even thinking of getting a decent backpack and just getting a sleeve, but I want the sleeve to fit snugly and not really loosely. It would have to be soft but protective.

Can someone measure the laptop dimensions please with the 9 cell battery? I looked on Powernotebooks.com, who I just ordered it from and I wasn't sure if that was the size with or without the battery under specifications.

Also, any backpack or sleeve recommendations that you guys could give me? I'd appreciate it!

 

I'd recommend the Kensington Contour series. They've recently released some nicely priced and attractive models. They should hold your HEL80. I'm not sure the battery is included in powernotebooks' measurements. It extends 3/4" out the back.

I'll go find some links I have to sleeve-makers. Some of them will custom make them for the tight fit you're looking for.

Here you go:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1576506&postcount=6

 

I use an OGIO metro bag without any problem.

 

I appreciate your reply. I did find that post of yours and I've been extensively searching those websites, but most of those bags are way too expensive around $150+. The closest sleeve I found was the $30 sleeve from tombihn. http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0374

The size 2 sleeve would be the one I would get, but the laptop is 14.25 not 14.15. Do you think squeezing in it there would be a problem? I wouldn't have to buy a new backpack if I got this sleeve. Other than that, I've been looking around, but I can't find anything that I really really want, but I would settle with one of the targus backpacks that would fit the size and is $69.99.

 

pyro: Where did you buy that bag from? I saw you posting that on another thread and I tried to find it, but when I searched I didn't see what I wanted. Now I searched for Ogio and metro bag and I found that bag. Do you use a sleeve with it? I'm leaning towards that bag.

Ohh, does the 9 cell battery fit on the laptop in the bag, or do you have to remove the battery from the laptop when you put it in the bag??

 

I like my North Face Surge. Lots of room for books, etc.

 

I use the Laptop Sleeve from sfbags inside a messenger bag from Timbuk2. The laptop sleeve is very well constructed and the laptop w/9-cell battery fits perfectly. I have the horizontal version, size 29-22. For the vertical version, they recommended a 30-23, slightly oversized, since they thought the vertical 29-22 would be too snug. I would email them to verify the vertical size. Their support was quick to respond to any questions. FYI, the dimensions I gave them were 14.25" x 11.25" x 1.25-1.5"

 

I use an Ogio Metroid bag for my Compal HEL80. It fits the HEL80. In addition, there is a LOT of room.

 

Depending on what the sleeve is made of, the 0.1" should not be an issue. Of the ones that I've seen in person, there is some give to them, but keep in mind that some materials will have more flex than others.

You'd hate my bag, it's a $300 Victorinox brief that I bought back when there weren't many non-computer-accessory-brand bags for 17" notebooks. I have to use the 17" sleeve I bought as the 15" sleeve that came with the bag is too tight and the material wouldn't stretch enough.

 

I bought mine about 3 years ago on ebay and the thing still seems new. I paid about $50 with shipping. I dont take the battery out. It's a snug fit, but I prefer to know its not bouncing around. I put the laptop in using the battery as a sort of handle. Angle the laptop in, angle the laptop out. I've had no problem toting two different notebooks around while owning this. I even use the main compartment to carry my work thinkpad sometimes in a pinch. I've carried engineering books for the most part, nothing small and fluffy.. its definatly held up well

 

Thank you for the replies guys.

chrisyano: You're right, I would hate your bag!

I think I'm going to go ahead and buy the sleeve for now, then ask for the metroid bag for christmas. I'll need the extra space for books or for when I travel around all the time.
I've been researching sooo much the past 3-4 days about different stuff since I've never had a laptop before so I'm quickly becoming an expert on the subjects

 

Metriod? Or Metro? They are two seperate bags if you didn't notice

 

Ahh... I see. Well the metroid is bigger, correct? But since you've carried books in the Metro along with the laptop, I'm guessing the extra ~$10 difference isn't worth the bigger bag because it's probably unnecessarily big? Most likely I'm getting the all black either way, so those different color options don't make a difference to me.

 

The Metroid is bigger. I prefer the Metroid tbh. I can fit a lot more stuff in it too.

Btw, some stores you might want to check out to buy it is ebags.com. I got it for $71.99 due to the Thanksgiving sale.

 

I just checked on amazon for "ogio metro" with gave both bags as results.. metro's start at $50, and the metroids started about $70...

I can carry:
my insulin case with injector, tester, vials, and two ice packs.
3-4 of my college books
a binder full of my certifications, extra resume's, letters of recommendation
documents from classes/work
50ft cat5, 10ft patch, 15ft rj12(telephone), 6ft usb extension.
3 CDRW's in jewel cases, a stapler, pens, pencils, TI-83+, 2 pen drives
this laptop
power adapter for this laptop
earphones
and I still have the top slot for a diskman, and room for more folders/papers, as well as the bottom section that I keep snacks in since I'm diabetic.

I dont recommend carrying that big a load, it will most likely damage your back.. I dont carry this much on MOST days.. I normally either have pure books, or laptop + a book or two.. (all the other stuff I listed is always there)

 

http://www.ebags.com/pakuma/akara_k3_computer_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=65310
This is the bag that I got for my HEL80 and I like it. With the 9cell battery it just makes it in the pocket, but it is a nice fit. The top pocket on the outside of the bag has a cd sleave holder in it. The bag has room for carrying a charger, books and some DVDs w/case. It is very comfortable to have on for long periods of time.

 

what do you guys think? will this be a good pack? http://www.targus.com/ca/product_details.asp?sku=TSB04403CA

 

fun thread. thought i'd mention my bag. it's a spire volt xl. The sleeve fits the notebook great, and there's a lot of padding. There's a decent amount of extra room too, though I'm not sure there's as much as pyro's.

 

I received a Metroid and I love it! There is definitely enough space for books and other things as well as mouse/cables/surge protectors and the laptop. The bag feels very well made and comfy. I will be using this for school and travel for now on!

Thanks for the great suggestion!

 

i went out and got that targus bag i linked earlier, good old future shop gift cards!!!