VAIO Z Sleeves, bags and cases thread

@lao3hero

here's some pics of the Belkin they gave me with the Z. Good bag but as you can see it's way too big.

 

thx! i'm posting the pix of Vaio bag that I got when i purchase the lappy, for the benefit of the peeps who din get the same one (same ones I pm'ed u)

PS. Mouse I bought on my own

 

By the way I juz received my KB skin (not generic but for Z11) today. Here's some pix. It's "Good Fit!" ie. fits PERFECTLY and won't move AT ALL ^^

If y'all wanna order, it's US$3.95 at ENJOY Keyboard Protector

 

Not a bag or a sleeve, but I picked up one of these. I bought it just for my lap on the couch, but it is surprisingly cool.

The CPU idles under 30c which is very good.
Got it in black of course.

 

looks cute!

 

Can we get a real life picture of the lap desk with the Z on it. I have been looking at these for a long time, but am not sure if it is worth it.

 

It's a good idea but I feel it destroys the Z's beautiful aesthetics.

 

actually it isnt that ugly, it looked very opaque in my photos due to the angle then. When i have the time, prolly tonite, i will take and post some new pics

 

Its great for what it is. My wife has a lapdesk which has styrofoam in the bottom, while it it slightly more comfortable, this one looks a lot better and has more function. As you can see it is PERFECT on a coffee table, it is like having it elevated on a desk.
I only paid $18 CAD for it so you can't really go wrong there.
Dell has it for $20 in the states with free shipping.
BELKIN COMPONENTS Belkin CushTop Laptop platform : Parts & Upgrades | Dell

Enjoy

 

I am in Australia, but it is relatively cheap here as well. I was actually thinking of taking it on the bus. Is it really big?

Thank you for the fantastic shots.

 

here goes, not that ugly actually

 

Yeah, it doesn't look that bad, I think the main issue was that it's translucent, not 100% transparent...

I have another question: for the keyboard, just before I type, I place my index fingers on the 'F' and 'J' keys, that serves as orientation points for my other fingers. I can do it without looking at the keyboard because of the two horizontal bumps on those keys (which other keys don't have). Does the cover come with those bumps as well, or can you feel the bumps through the cover?

 

Thats looks good, maybe i'll get this. but perhaps its a bit too tight?

 

Wow thats amazing, and for less than $4?
Btw what is that, that your Z is resting on?

 

yeah, the bumps come with the cover

 

It's quite tight in the 'thickness' dimension, but not length or width. The reason it's tight is that it's stiff: if something hits the bag, it's not likely to bend inwards, and it won't bend outwards to accomodate the laptop. It's... "confidence-inspiring" tightness, you might not feel as comfortable about it as I do. And I've figured I can move the zipper out of the way as I put in / take out the laptop so it doesn't scratch.

I take out the extended battery before I put the laptop in, wrap the battery in a piece of cloth before putting that in the pouch so as not to rip it. The back pouch has also been useful for storing papers, I know they'll stay the same shape. And all of that fits easily in my bag.

Overall, I'm happier with it now than I was initially, my guts were right and I'm glad I kept it

 

wow keen eyesight; it's my second Vaio Z (see power button)



2 Vaios woohoo!

It's actually a 2-way lappy stand--cooler (1 side blows air & if u place lappy on the other side, it draws air)











Very silent fan

 

Looks good.
Btw those second pics with the keyboard protection makes it look totally different. For $4 bucks I might as wel get 2 for my Z to keep those keys spotless.

 

ya u should, it's cheaper than a Big Mac meal? (i dunno i dun live in the US)

 

Yeah too awkward for the bus as it wouldn't be so bad on your lap, just carrying it with you is awkward.
Its pretty much the size of a car booster seat.

 

I just ordered this case (Brenthaven Trek Sleeve) from Amazon.

Subtotal of Items: $16.77
Shipping & Handling: $6.41
------
Total for this Order: $23.18

Great price IMO. I got it because it is semi-rigid and yet not too bulky. I hope it fits as well as you describe.

 

I'm torn between this case, which was 120, now 20!?
Amazon.com: Sony VAIO VGN-Z598U/B 13.1-Inch Laptop TSA Check Point Friendly Classic Genuine Natural Soft Leather Briefcase with Shoulder Strap: Clothing
and the Brenthaven Trek Sleeve
Amazon.com: Brenthaven Trek 13" Sleeve for MacBook - Black (4547-TKSV): Electronics

Honestly if the Brenthaven had a strap I would of ordered it already...

 

i got the the brenthaven myself

 

ya i would order the Brenthaven too. can't a strap be added? or there are no 'loops' at all?

edit: nvm i just found another pic in google which shows that it has strap 'loops'

 

I ordered it, do you like yours? Does it fit snug?

I noticed that also, just have to find a strap for it. I'm excited to get it, I'm actually afraid to take this anywhere in the bag I've been using for my old laptop, (just an AE messenger type bag) I don't want to scratch it, but wow does it feel light.

 

It's on its way I'll let you know how it is when it gets here

 

looking for leather cover for Z. where to get it? is it available in US?
I've been using leather cover on my TZ for two years and i like the protection it provides. are there leather cover available for new Z?
thanks for any info!

 

Just got my trek sleeve today from brenthaven. I'm kinda surprised how tight the fitting is. Once you "forcefully" slide the laptop in, taking it out requires the same amount of force. The battery gets in contact with the ridges of the interior lining of the case and when pulling the notebook out, you can hear it. But above all, this case offers protection like no other

 

I have a Tom Bihn Brain Cell, but getting the Waterfield Sleeve Case for on the go.

 

The OEM one for the Old Z works, and Beyza makes (nicer imo) leather cases in many colors that fit the Z. I posted pics of mine a bit further back .

 

@sonus
Are you talking about cover or case for old Z? My TZ has this cover

 

THAT is nice!

Edit: know where can I get it? Thx!

 

I found VGP-CVZ1 on amazon but it looks like it might be for the older Z model. Don't know it it will fit new Z. Also ventilation might be a concern, that's why I'd like to hear others' experiences...

 

ventilation shouldn't be a prob ya? since the air comes out from the left
i found it in amazon too but they won't ship to Hong Kong.. And on other webbies quite expensive..

 

^
I bought one of those for another Sony but i didn't like it and sold it. For me they kind of defeat the purpose of a lightweight notebook. They come with this rubber adhesive that you need to stick to your notebook. They add over a 1lb to your notebook and there not intended to be removed every day.

 

i read that it's 320 gm but din know it matters that much..

 

I used an 11.1 one and these are leather and it felt heavier than 1lb to me. You may be right though and it might be 320g.

 

Agree with Rachel. I learned my lesson with the similar cover I bought for the G11. Adds pointless weight, bulk and turns an otherwise lightweight, svelte machine into an Apple in terms of it's relative ungainliness. Much, much better to skin the lid and sleeve the thing if you're worried about protection.

I usually these days just skin, and leave the protection to my bags.

 

I actually did want to buy one of those folder style covers for a loooooooooooong time, but eventually reviews like the few above convinced me not to.

As for it fitting the new Z, I really doubt it. Unfortunately it would be an expensive experiment as I was never able to track down a physical SonyStyle store that had one in stock. So there's little chance of trying it on your Z before buying.

 

Thanks! I was deliberating forking up approx US$100 for that..

 

Yeah - you know, it's like people who put huge leather cases over their mobiles which are not only giant and in many cases somewhat ugly - and add surprising amounts of weight too - but impede usability as well. I've always gone for 'playthrough' cases or Invisibleshields.

The same principle goes I think for these Sony covers, and similar solutions from other makers.

The only cover like this I have that I actually use is for my Macbook Airs - Vaja iVolutions, and that's because the Apples are chronically bendy and need all the bracing they can get. I don't think the apparently flimsier Sony's need such bracing, because I've dropped enough with the same sort of construction to know how tough the plastic VAIO's are in comparison to the apparently solid, but ultimately laughably noodly Apples.

 

I just got my Waterfield SleeveCase from SFbags and I have to say, this sleeve is amazing. Fits the Z perfectly. I ordered the horizontal version 25-16.

 

Have this, along with the Cozmo Mambo. It's frickin amazing. The sleeve also fits perfectly in my Timbuk2 Q bag, which is a rather slim backpack. With these two bags, I have it all.

 

Is there a cheaper alternative to the WF bag? I need a low profile sleeve for my Z that I can easily slip into a messenger bag or backpack. Nothing fancy.

 

I'm sure there are. Look at Timbuk2. I have the Timbuk2 Q, and liked their sleeves.

As far as quality, WF sets a pretty high standard.

 

Any of you guys seen or use STM backpacks? Currently have a STM Rogue backpack, love it. But now that I got a Z, i want something more compact and gonna try a small messenger bag type, and STM has one.

STM Bags > laptop bags > laptop shoulder bags > alley small laptop shoulder bag

There stuff is really good quality. That bag is 40$, coming in monday

 

Has anyone here used any of the lcd, wrist, and case skins / protectors from SGP on their Z's?

 

Paint me crazy (shouldn't require much paint, really ), but I use Sony's 13" bag, VPG-CCB4/B (made by Targus and thereby backed with a lifetime warranty): VGP-CCB4/B | VAIO® Carrying Case | Sony | Sony Style USA.

I like it. I got it for $43, including shipping (free) and NY Tax by using my Education discount (5%) and the VAIOREG20 coupon (20%). I especially like the magnetic flap (top of front side in above link); it is spacious and underneath it are a couple of velcroed pouches and 3 pen holders. Best of all, it adds almost NO weight and maximizes lightness while allowing additional cargo.

Here's the complete list of junk that fits fairly comfortably into it:

1. Main (Middle) Compartment:
   
   • Vaio Z11 (with extended battery) - fits nicely with battery facing inward
   • Travel power supply (VGP-AC10V30) with it's pouch & cord
   • 50 caplet bottle of Tylenol
   • Portable multi-tool
   • My massive set of keys
   • A magazine (though it just as easily fits 2)
   • Sunglasses

   ​
2. Outer Zipper Pocket:
   
   • a month's of Faxed timesheets and their confirmation pages,
   • 8 envelopes, and
   • 20 page booklet manual

   ​
3. Bottom Front Pocket:
   
   • 2 pens,
   • portable first aid "kit" (bandaids),
   • spare cell phone battery,
   • travel dental floss,
   • travel sewing kit,
   • comb

   ​
4. Top Front Zippered Flap pocket:
   
   • 2 Epi-pens,
   • 2 bus schedules,
   • wad of folded tissues,
   • chapstick,
   • manicure kit,
   • travel wipes

   ​
5. Under Top Front Pouch:
   
   • ziploc of microfiber cloths (3),
   • earbud headphones,
   • 2 packs of Post-it Notes

   ​

Nothing ANYwhere is stuffed to maximum capacity (where you have to keep shoving stuff inside to zip pockets closed.

I'm Happy.

 

I just got one of these too, it's perfect. Really well made and a perfect fit. I also got the basic shoulder strap (might use it one day, haven't yet) and the extra pouch. All added up to about £90 with shipping to UK, VAT (17.5%) and handling charge from the post office to pay the VAT.

I'd definitely recommend it.

 

I totally agree with you.
When I bought my Z11 I immediately pointed out my eyes on VPG-CCB4/B bag.
Unfortunately it was not available in Italy and I didn't found any on line store available to ship in Italy.

Then I bought a Mac Tucano Work out bag: I was not satisfied with it (no supplementary space for nothing).
Next I found an unknown brand bag more appealing but very cheap: I bought it.
No completely satisfied.
I bought from a NY store a VPG-CCB4/B (ordered Sunday 23may, arrived at my home Wed 26may:fantastic service), I had to pay same price of bag for shipment then another 20% taxes, but it was worth.
Very nice bag.