VAIO Z Sleeves, bags and cases thread

Here is some photos of Z and CKSZ1 Case

 

Have anyone tried to use a screen protector to protect scratches from keyboard?

 

Thanks, More than enough and it's really great, will place my order right now.

 

Yup, I just put on an EXIM screen earlier today (ordered via eBay from a HK seller, free shipping ~$25USD). The screen protector is slighty smaller than the screen vertically (~1mm). Took me well over an hour to make sure everything was perfect and yet i applied it ever so slightly slanted...

It's actually quite glossy and in daylight might be pretty reflective (yet to see it in daylight)

It's interesting that the EXIM for the vaio had 1 removeable sheet from the screen protector where it normal has 2 (1 for mounting side and the screen side)



Current Accessories

Cheap thin laptop sleeve from Dealextreme (~$4), till my Zeroshock 3 arrives
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10334

LowePro Messenger Factor M
Nice messenger bag with a built padding for the laptop compartment, about ~1 inch think, might be water resistant too

Review
http://www.gearlog.com/2008/12/hands_on_lowepro_messenger_fac.php

 

It is “VAIO Z Series Leather Notebook Cover VGP-CVZ1”
Does anyone use it? How it is? Any live photos available?

 

Hey everyone,

I'm a few days away from getting my Z, and have been going mad trying to work out which sleeve/bag combo to purchase.

I'm thinking I'll get either a Crumpler Reginald Transfer, or STM Loft Small (13"). Now I need to decide on a sleeve for some added protection when traveling.

Who uses the ZeroShock III with their Z here? Any pics/feedback on how well it fits? Also, would it fit inside something like the STM Loft Small, or would I need to buy a larger, 15" bag?

I'd like to keep the setup very compact (I only need enough space in the bag for the notebook, charger, and a WD My Passport HDD).

Any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated, as I've read COUNTLESS threads on this topic online, and am more confused than ever.

 

excuse my french but screw Exim & their screen protector

I bought one off ebay for my Sony vaio Z and when I tried to apply it on my NEW, FRESH OUT OF THE BOX Vaio Z I applied it and somehow noticed airbubbles due to really small specs of dust that somehow got attached to the screen protector before i applied it

I tried MULTIPLE times removing the exim, washing it with water and blowing it dry with a hairdryer but the final result was an attached protector with (I'm not exaggerating) about 70 airbubbles all over the screen.

It is VERY ugly when the brightness of the screen is down & less noticeable when it is up

Exim emailed me asking me to place feedback on ebay, I replied & told them what had happend and they didnt reply

Stay away from exim..

 

Exim may not be in the same class as Clarivue or Martin Fields but it generally does what it's designed to do: protect the screen. After using my Z for the past few days I have to agree, the reflectiveness is quite noticeable but not unbearable though. Also I have to agree with you on the customer service, it's a hit or miss with them generally.

The reason I used the Exim was that both of the forementioned brands don't have a specific Z size.

Usually when I apply screen protectors and mess up I just trash the thing and get another one, I find it too difficult to wash / tape the dust off perfectly. It's like an art form, take it slowly and delicately.

 

I've used the Martin Fields ones on mobile phones before - they are great although tricky to get just right. I get there in the end though and it's worth it - although that's on a 2.5" screen. I can't imagine being able to keep a 13" screen perfectly dust free to get one of those things to sit perfectly. Well done anyone who has!

S

 

..Anyone?..

 

Here you go, got it yesterday.
(Sorry for the subpar pic quality, was in a hurry.)

Zeroshock III 13.3" Orange

 

Thanks for that Blaze. Greatly appreciate the pics.
Is it really worth ordering one of these (at AUD$65 delivered) over something like a Targus SlipSkin (@ AUD$29) ?

Secondly, I've been reading complaints about the foam on the inside of the ZeroShock leaving dark round spots on some people's machines. Any thoughts on this? How likely is it that this would happen?

Thanks again Blaze. Your case looks great in orange!

 

thanks for the pictures, blaze. i was wondering.. did you get the macbook sleeve or the 13.3 widescreen? i think the macbook sleeve might have a better fit than the 13.3 one

edit: nevermind, i think they're the same dimensions, probably just a typo on their page

macbook sleeve:
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=105
13.3 sleeve:
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=75

 

Price wise I paid $36USD (about $55AUD) shipped to Canada from the US, Via eBay from yap2528 (reputable seller). I can't comment on the Targus Slipskin, but personally the Zeroshock 3 is worth the price. It's well padded and waterproof, plus the quality of the material is good.

I don't think the case will leave any marks on the bottom of the Z...but the case is pretty tight once you zip it up. The memory foam is rather hard (maybe because mine is new...) but I don't think it'll push the screen into the keys when closed.

I actually wanted black but it was out of stock lol, but I'm really liking the orange now.

Yeah same dimensions...If you put the Z on the edge of one side of the inner area you get 1.5" vertically and 0.5" horizontally of extra space, but even so, the Z won't shake around in the case once it's zipped up.


I actually order the Zeroshock III and a few other accessories from shinza back in early December last year and 3 months later plus several e-mails to them yielded no replies and my order still currently marked as "pending" (their site listed all my items as being in stock too). I called their contact number and it doesn't work....I can't even cancel my order since their site lacks that feature...I'd say stay away from this site but others have commented in the past that they got their stuff in a timely manner....

 

Ive got some pics of it on my Z.

 

Is it actually fixed to the chassis of the Z? How does it attach?

S

 

I imagine you can easily get the Z w/ extended battery into the Zeroshock case, so the little extra room could be nice for that ... I am also seeing that with the space and the tightness you describe, maybe those worried about battery drain could remove it [the battery] and stick both inside the case and not worry about the two knocking together.

 

On the top it is attached by a couple of adhesive gel pads, and on the bottom there are 4 little velcro stickers that you attach on to the chassis which stick to the cover.

 

So does that make it semi-permanent? Is it possible to repeatedly attach and remove the case? i.e. can it be used with the Z dock?

S

 

Yeh, the case is semi permanent. You could remove and reattach the case, however the sticky gel pads on the top cover would probably lose its effectiveness if removed repeatedly, so i wouldn't recommend doing it on a regular basis. On the instructions it actually states that this case can't be used with the Z dock.

 

OK thanks.

S

 

Hello,

I currently use a leather portfolio - legal notepad holder for my laptop which works well except since it has no handle it would be easy to drop but the size is perfect for the Z series. (However I have no space for the power adapter) - something like this http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-31956114521310_2045_37282365

I looked at what they had on their site and it is similar to what I'm using now - http://www.pocketables.net/2007/09/review-sony-v-1.html

I would ideally like something like - http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=KOS301 but in a much smaller size.

Anyone using something they would recommend?

 

On the "exclusive side" - tak a look at Montblanc bags ... they may have a small bag that fits your needs - but they are very expensive.

Cheaper, but agood company - Bree - they had a very nice small briefcase about 3 years ago - it was tiny . but nice.... I think you'd need to visit a shop then though.

My Wenger bag would be too large for your needs ...

 

Thanks - maybe I should consider nylon since I can't find much in leather.

 

I purchased the Targus Radius Messenger 13 inch vertical bag off of the Targus website. Costs $60. Perfect for what I was looking for. I must have spent 3 days searching for the best bag and canceled another order.
This bag was designed for the apple 13 inch, however, fits the my Z690 perfect. It is padded and has just enough extra pockets for what I need. It has a small side pocket that will accomodate a small 9x11 textbook, not more than 1 inch thick, it has small front flap pocket that unzips to reveal 4 elastic pockets fitted for my Vaio bluetooth mouse, my wallet, my phone and one extra. It has two small zip up mesh pockets for headphones and small USB cards etc.

The only thing that I was suprised when I received it, was that it seem actually bigger (more space) than what I was expecting. I expected that my vaio was going to be a tight fit and the bag would eventually mold around it, this is not the case. On the other side, the bag itself is very light~2pounds, it has soft protective inside and other side is a sturdy synthetic canvas, that holds it shape, one materials are pretty good quality (i have a few ~20dollar targus bags that are worthless and disposable) this bag is step up and the zippers, handles etc are quality. The zippers do make a clanging when walking which is annoying but preventable by not fully zipping together.. (this is the only negative I can think of)
The vertical form factor makes it easier to carry than other horizontal bags.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants something bigger than a sleeve but as small a bag as possible.

 

glomerulonephritis, thanks. If they slapped on a side pouch for the power supply this would almost be the right carrying case for me (it is just about an inch short - designed for 10" laptops - and yet the stuff for 13" laptops is usually an inch to 3 inches too big. - http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=CVR211 I may end up trying this one out - http://us.kensington.com/html/16569.html - it is a shame the case is so square - gives you about 3 inches of wasted space.

This is probably the best fit I've seen but from what I've read the construction quality or materials leave something to be desired - http://www.pinderbags.com/laptop_sleeves.html

 

Guys, anyone owned Targus TSM043US: http://www.amazon.com/Targus-TSM043...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238612613&sr=8-1

It seems great from protection point of view and having many places for accessories. Anyone has some well detailed pictures for that bag?

 

I am also planning to get one however all the sites i have gonne to there is only
2 pics of it.Anyway on Amazon u can read the reviews and judge by yourself

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-TSM043...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

Hi there!
Thanks for posting those pictures! I noticed that there were only 1 little strap to close the case, what do you think about this? I think it was quite unsafe to leave a bunch of space for your $3000 laptop to exposed=> scartch + dirt and it may even fall off too

 

Thanks - can you send a link for that model. I'm on their web page and I'm not sure I'm looking at the same one. It looks like it might be the coder.

 

The VGPCCB3 have a lesser width than the Vaio Z but the description says it can store laptops up to 13.3".

So my question is, does the VGPCCB3 fit the Vaio Z. If so, can it have enough space to store the AC adaptor as well?

I'm desperate to know the answer to this cause I'm going to get if it works out.
Thanks!

 

Yes, it does fit the Vaio, I have this exact bag. However, I would not buy it and I do not use it. It is very flimsy. Look carefully at the way the shoulder strap is configured, the eyelets are on opposite corners and when the bag is loaded, it does not fit right,
When I had the vaio, the mouse the AC cord in it, the contents all seemed to gravitate towards the center and bag does not keep its forms.
Sony makes some pretty good (and usually very costly bag) however this is not one of them.
that little side pocket does not fit the AC cord well, I had to put it in the main compartment with the vaio.
Part of my scare into getting a better bag was that after a couple of days, i noticed a marking on my vaio screen where the screen had rubbed against the ridge that separates the recessed keypads, I realized that this was from pressure against the laptop when the screen was closed. This bag did not protect it sufficiently. I even used a neoprene slip case over it and did not help. I ended up ordering the targus 13 inch radial messenger instead, and I am very pleased.

 

i'm looking for a reasonably cheap sleeve with rigidity for my newly purchased z... any recommendations? preferably with room for extended battery for when i get that.

 

Guys, I've 2 questions :

- Will the case "VGP-CKZ1" fit inside "Targus TSM043US Radius Vertical Messenger"? Since i'm planning to get both.

- Any website to get those 2 products as deals?


"Targus TSM043US Radius Vertical Messenger": http://www.amazon.com/Targus-TSM043...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238612613&sr=8-1

"VGP-CKZ1": http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ils?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1240080617&sr=8-1&seller=

 

VGP-CKZ1 13.2W x 9.3H x 2.0D
TSM043US 11.2W x 14.7H x 2.17D

 

Anyone know if the Zeroshock III will fit the Z with extended battery?

 

I don't know if any of you interested in neoprene sleeves but I found that the Belkin sleeve designed for the Macbook Air fits PERFECTLY. I bought it at my university computer store and got to try it out beforehand. There's no additional pockets but it protects well against cosmetic defects.

Here's a link: http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400033

 

Does anyone know of a low profile neoprene or other very light sleeve that allows you to use the computer while in the sleeve?

Here are a couple examples:

http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1556

http://www.shorelinecases.com/index_files/Neoprene.htm

Neither of these seems to have a size to fit the Z. Anyone know of something similar that would fit? I'd prefer thin and light to having lots of handles, padding or compartments. Thanks!

 

Finally I got this one:
http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Tucano_Cobra_Horizontal_Limit_Messenger_Bag_for_Apple_Laptops.htm

It's amazing for Z.

 

I have a timbuk2 laptop messenger (padded pocket for the computer)... will i need an additional sleeve to protect my Z? My only concern is lcd damage due to the flexible lid when there is other stuff in my bag.

 

bumpity-bump...

 

It all depends on how pedantic you are about keeping your notebook protected when out and about. Timbuk2 seem like they make quality bags, and the padding will probably suffice if you're reasonably careful.

Personally though, I feel a little more at ease having my notebook cocooned inside a Zeroshock III sleeve, which then sits inside an STM Medium Loft bag when traveling. I guess I'd suggest a sleeve for the notebook for some extra protection.

And if scratching the screen is a concern, I use RadTech ScreenSaverz. It's simply a sheet of thin fabric that sits over the keyboard preventing the keys from scratching the display.

 

Much obliged. I am hoping to get the VGP-CKZ1 for free with the mobility bundle, and I was already planning on getting either a screensaverz or a shaggymac for the keyboard/screen issue... anyone have a strong opinion either way?

 

So what's the verdict on the two Sony-supplied carrying options?

Which one offers better protection for the Vaio Z series: the VGP-CKZ1 or the VGP-CKZ2 ?

I know that the CKZ2 is leather and much more expensive, but on the box it states that this case is designed for carrying in day-to-day use and does not protect against shock. The CKZ1, however, uses "Vaio Smart Protection" and claims to absorb 1/3 of the shock (in the perfect conditions only, I'm sure).

So what to use?

 

I have the CKZ1 and as far as sleeve cases go its one of the best I've seen. Its got hard material on the front and back and the sides are protected by a thick soft material. I don't know just how much shock I would trust it to protect against but when I throw my Z in my bag I feel a lot less worry with the case on. If it concerns you at all, the case is also quite stylish and purty looking. Leather is overrated anyways.

 

Yeah I agree. From comparing the two products online, it looks like the leather CKZ2 is made for prancing around the office looking rich whereas the cheaper CKZ1 is made for actually protecting the laptop (and as you said looks better anyways).

So all I can conclude is that if you really really love leather (or really really hate cows) then the CKZ2 is the way to go, but if you really really love your laptop (or really really love cows) then the CKZ1 is the way to go.

But are the magnets on the CKZ1 really a good idea with the screen so close by?

 

The following may help in deciding whether or not to buy it:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...-1&productId=8198552921665486583&tab=Features

 

Read the review

 

I wanna give everyone here some love so here goes...

I recently went shopping for a new bag and found the PERFECT bag for a Z

Its a little on the expensive side but its top quality for a bag like this. I was originally gonna get a Manhattan Portage bag but saw this in the same store and was impressed with the quality. I'm a big fan of messenger bags so I wasn't too sure about its style but after a week of thinking about it, I decided its perfect size for daily needs.

Here is the part you care about:

-It fits my Z PERFECTLY, its snug and totally secure in there. It even has a strap that goes over the top to secure it.

-The inner pocket meant for your laptop is padded pretty well. It seems to be some sort of very dense foam. Its not super thick but seems very strong.

-The bag seems to be quite weather resistant and has reverse zippers like my North Face jacket that keep water from coming through, I would feel pretty safe with this in the rain (to a reasonable extent).

-There are a LOAD of pockets and pockets both inside and out, if you can't keep organized with this thing you're out of luck.

The only real downside is that this bag is expensive, but I can tell you from having it in my hands that the money is well spent. This is a bag that I can say is built to last and seems to be worth every penny. Sometimes you gotta pay extra for quality.

It almost feels like this bag was made according to the Z's specs, its crazy how well it fits. Especially when you consider how oddly shaped the Z is compared to other notebooks.

Here are some pics of it with my Z.

From Token

From Token

From Token

From Token

and the link....

http://www.tokenbags.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=28

Oh and the straps come off so if you wanna carry it briefcase style that works too. All in all I'm very happy with my new bag, even if it is more then I wanted to spend.

 

Just to add, theres also padding on the bottom of the computer pocket, this bag is ing amazing, such attention to detail. They even made the computer strap part elastic to keep it from being loose.

I've been using it for about a week now and I'm truly amazed at how awesome this thing is. If you dont need to carry a load of things this bag is perfect.