VAIO Z Sleeves, bags and cases thread

For all you Z people, what do you use to carry your laptop around? I want to get a nice semi rigid sleeve I can put my Z in, so that I can drop the whole thing in my backpack and not worry too much about it.

I liked the Zeroshock III case on my previous laptops, however I'm worried the 13" might not fit and the 14" would be too big? The 13" model's maximum width capacity is 12.4", and according to specs, the Z is exactly 12.4" wide.

What do you guys use?

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665486583

It's not rigid, but it should be fine in my backpack.

 

got the same one, i havent received it yet, but i hope it fits nice in my backpack without being clunky

does anyone have pictures of it open?

 

i was just looking around google trying to fine other pictures, and i found a picture of a similar case for the SZ, it looks perfect for what i was looking for

 

I'm interested in this one too. I went sleeve shopping yesterday and came back with a free VGP-CKSZ1 case that PC World had but that their computer wouldn't allow me to buy... so they gave it to me! However, although it's OK, it's really for the SZ and is too big for the Z because of the Z's small back-front measurement (because of the 16:9). The VGP-CKZ1 should be much better as it's designed for the Z, but nowhere seems to have them in stock yet.

I ended up buying a Samsonite EVA Pillow Shuttle Case (or summat like that), with memory foam interior. The 15.4" widescreen size is perfect for the Z, power brick and mains cable together. It seems to provide good protection although due to the compressive/hugging nature of the memory foam, I'll definitely use a protective sheet in between the keyboard and screen I reckon.

If anyone finds a sleeve which perfectly fits the Z, please post links and pics!

 

I have this sleeve for the old S series but it's 13.3" so it's slightly too big for the Z

 

A little expensive... hmmm

 

just order the VGP-CKZ1 online

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665486583

 

faberge, since you live in the UK, this might be of interest:
http://wrappers.typepad.com/

I'm thinking about getting a Z and may ask them if they intend to offer sleeves that fit the new VAIO.

 

Yeah I like the idea of that... Is there something like it, but cheaper?

 

Sony's leather and non-leather sleeves for the Z look very nice, however they are very expensive. Are they worth their price?

 

I would say the leather ones probably worth it if you can get a deal on one - they have a real 'quality' feel/smell to them.

However the non-leather ones vary considerably. I got a VGP-CKTSZ1 (for free!) and it feels a little cheap IMHO. And it's got a very noisy velcro fastening, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. That said, I like the fact that it's relatively rigid panels give some decent protection while keeping it very light weight (the rigid front and back panels are an advantage over the 100% neoprene or Wrappers-style sleeves, I reckon).
Just a shame it's too big for the Z. The CKTZ1 is no doubt a much better fit.

 

Ended up going for another Zeroshock III case after measuring the laptop and realizing it's only 12.1 or 12.2 inches wide and not 12.4 as the specs say. The case can take a laptop up to 12.41" wide, so the Z should fit. Loved the Zeroshock with my past laptops, hopefully it works well with this one.

I'll post impressions when I get it, if anyone's interested

 

yes, please! where did you order? this thing is hard to find in Germany, so I am looking for an international place to order from.

 

I'm wondering if I will have problems finding a sleeve with the right fit for my Z with the large battery.

 

I'm getting mine off ebay. There's one seller that carries the 13.3" model ( http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZyap2528 ) and his auctions say he ships worldwide. I haven't had problems with that seller, so check that out

 

I found the same guy. So you are buying the 13.3 case or the 12.1? I didn't get that straight.

 

13.3". I think 12.1" would be way too small.

 

ok, thanks. i'll wait for your review and pics and order then if it is great.

 

hey there,

did you ask them if they offer sleeves for the Z-vaios?
how much do they ask for p&p to germany? (supposed you are from germany)

or have you decided to go for adifferent sleeve?

 

Yes, we're currently in touch. I'll let you know as soon as I get detailed information.

 

UK Wrappers:

My e-mail exchange ....

Q: Sent: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:37
Subject: Laptop sleeves
Will you have sleeves for the new Sony Vaio Z model with 13.1” 16 x 9 screen?

A: Is that a new one, we can make a sleve to fit if we don't already have one.

Debbie

---------------------

My concern is whether it will work with the large battery, however.

 

the SMART Protection bag works with extended battery according to the package (received it yesterday, but still waiting for my Z)

 

any news on the Zeroshock III?

 

im currently using the Smart Protection, it is very nice, sturdy and protects the laptop really well, however, there is a downside to it, it is kind of bulky and a little heavy. So now i can't carry my laptop in my bags laptop compartment, i gave to put it in the area where i would put my books and etc.

at least i dont haveto be concerned with bumps and scratches.

a nice thing about the smart protection is that it fit nicely with the extended battery and that the face is made of very nice leather.

 

I like the Smart protection too. It yields the highest usability/cost ratio to me.

 

It is still on its way. I'm hoping to receive it today, or tomorrow at the latest

 

just got the VGP-CKZ1 today, and i'm i bit disappointed.
for a product that retails for $70, it looks and feels just average/cheap.
I was expecting much more and i think it looks nicer in pictures.
besides quality issues, i have two main issues with this case:

1. The case consists of two stiff plastic plates surrounded by soft nylon padding that holds the plates together. Although the screen and bottom are well protected, the padding on the sides, bottom and top is pretty thin. Not sure how well the case would protect the laptop in case of a fall.

2. The magnets that hold the lid of the case closed are REALLY weak. Snaps or a zipper would be much better, and unless the case is a snug fit, i'd be worried that the laptop will fall out if i hold the case upside down by accident.

I still don't have the laptop yet so i don't know how well it fits, but the case on its own isn't so great. a positive is that it's fairly light, though it is on the bulky side. overall i don't think it's worth $70, maybe $20 or $30 at most, but since i got it for $27 with the discount, it's not so bad.

 

I'm thinking of trying a Fabrix case when I get mine. Apparently, they can make a custom case with custom measurements so it should be perfect for the Z.

 

Thanks for posting that. I was curious what the quality would be like on that. Was contemplating buying the equivalent SZ case because it was on sale for $20 locally. Guess not though..

Unfortunately my sleeve hasn't come yet, so most likely it'll be here tomorrow

 

I am using a sfbags.com case.. I have been very very pleased with them over the year, excellent quality and great customer service. The one they have for the Z doesn't fit perfectly though so they are making one for the Z that will fit right, should be out in a week or so!

 

CKZ2

 

I bought a Schooly Hymn from Crumpler (13")


It's very good. Its water resistent, have a hard case and inside its soft ^^
I payed about 26€

It fits perfect ^^

 

I have the VGP-CKZ1 ("smart protection"). It's a great case, but kind of a pain to get the laptop in and out of it. However, it does feel really sturdy, and I feel like it would be hard to do any damage to the laptop while it's in this case.

 

I completely disagree with you, the case does not look cheap at all, just compare it to the normal neoprene cases, it has nice leather detail and it just feels sturdy.

i think using magnets is a plus, as there is no obnoxious zipper/snaps noise, it is just more elegant, and they have never accidentally opened.

the laptop just fits in snugly with no extra space so that it won't swim around the case

 

The best slip cover is still this one that StrongerThanAll posted a picture of. I bought this for my S1VP (good old days!) and it's great for people putting their laptop in a bag because it's easy to get out. The problem is that the Z is about an inch less deep so it knocks around a bit in there

 

I bought a CKZ2 when I got my Z11VN in London.
It's very expensive at £100 but definitely provides very good protection and is classy .

 

QUESTION:

will that CKZ2 work with the LARGE BATTERY??

 

Yep, will fit.

http://conics.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=277

 

I also use a vaio smart protection case, it is the SR version...which is the EXACT SAME case as the Z version, because they have identical dimensions and size/shape, etc.

It is a really sleek, light weight, sturdy case, that gives it some real protection! Also, it looks really slick, very professional looking. But in all seriousness, the protection technology in it is pretty solid, it has a honeycomb design against the walls and foam surrounding edges. It absorbs 1/3 of shock. All this is shown on the actual packaging for the case, but not on the sony website for some odd reason. It's definatly worth the 70 bucks, but there is a nice looking messenger bag as well for 60 dollars to check out...

 

are you sure about the dimensions?
they are pretty similar, but i doubt they are exactly the same, as my Z fit in pretty snugly, i doubt the SR would also fit in mine

 

and you would be correct...the dimensions are SLIGHTLY different. Sometimes when im posting comments at work, i dont read over what i type before posting. The Z has a slightly wider screen, but the dimensions are in essence alike, my point being that its the same case type, maybe slightly wider screen, which only really modifies the screen heigh and width.

IF you see photos of the two side-by-side, they are the same size, essentially, but the screen height is changed due to the 16:10 vs. 16:9 screen ratio. My point more so related to the fact that i have the SR version of this case and it's absolutley fantastic, i can't say enough about how great of a case it was. But, i also didnt buy full price as i took advantage of the student bundle, but now handling it and using it, i would pay 70 dollars for it.

The only thing that i would note, is much like sony computers, they may be durable, but not towards cosmetic damage, the case is very sturdy and tough, but the soft nice material on the outside of the case feels almost likely velvetty leather, but its i believe polyeurathane. Eitherway, not sure how easy it would be to clean if it gets dirty...that shouldnt really be a concern for most of us.

 

Who makes this case? And what's the cost?

 

Ok... have the Zeroshock here. Upon first glance it seems cheap but once you handle it, it's actually very well-made. The Z fits perfectly, though there's a space left on two of the sides (front and back) because the laptop is not very deep. Here are a few pics. As you can see, there's enough space in the sleeve to fit the Z. The overall thickness with the laptop comes out to be about 1.6".

 

That was the case for the old S series, the VGP-CKS1.

 

Ok Thanks, That's a cool sleeve, if only they made one for the Z.

 

I can confirm this as well. I'm using the SFBags.com (aka Waterfield Sleevecase 13-1) model and it ended up being about 1" too tall. I sent them photos of the space discrepancy so they're building two custom prototypes for me to try.

I should get them next week and if it's a good fit they will carry a custom sleevecase designed specifically for the new VAIO Z-series. The VAIO Z on their website refers to the original VAIO Z1 14"-series from several years ago.

These are really high quality and well designed cases so if anyone is interested I will be reviewing the final prototype and will report back here with details.

 

You bet I'll be interested

 

I too will try to do a review when my prototypes arrive as well. I sent them pictures and measurements of the Z in both a 13-1 and a 13-2 and they said the new one should be ready sometime this week or early next.

 

Are you talking about the Z with the "normal" battery? I'm concerned that the "prototype" won't fit my Z, which I ordered with the large battery.