VAIO Z Sleeves, bags and cases thread

I just ordered the Targus Zip-Thru 13" Ultra-Lite Corporate Traveler case through Amazon for about $74. Here are links to the descriptions on the Targus and Amazon websites:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_det...sku=CUCT02UA13
http://www.amazon.com/Targus-CUCT02U...pr_product_top

I expect to have it early next week and will post my thoughts.

 

I received my Shaggy mac screen protector. The material is quite nice, but the size I ordered (12"x8") was a bit to big. The blended cylinder design caused the screen protector to be pushed out beyond the palm rest when the lid was closed. I cut it down to 12x7.5 and it seems to work fine. No marks on the screen yet.

 

thanks for that. may custom order a 12"x7.5" then.

 

I'm planning to order SGP Steinheil AG optical film for my Z. I'm using them on my iPhone and I believe they are the best. Does anyone have any experience with them on laptop? They are relatively pricey, but you pay for the quality.

 

Ok. I bought a sleeve on impulse from Microcenter as a lighter weight alternative to my outstanding Tumi 12" back that just so happens to fit the Z + albeit tightly an HP 15" laptop. However;

The while the Tumi is my best general purpose bag, nice small and very capable while light weight generally, I am a minimalist and if I ony want to carry my Z and those things only absolutely needed I wanted a neoprine sleeve type bag with handles. So here's what I got:

1. Level 8 13" sleeve with handles. No I didn't find it at a Sony Style store that would be wayyyy to obvious. The Apple store is where is was. Just sitting there waiting....

It has one very nicely high tech padded central opening that perfectly fits the Z and one zippered outside pocket that fits my kensington lock, kensington travel AD-80s power supply (its great) along with my mifi card and a usb cable (retractable).

The Kensington power adapter also has a USB port which is very nice.

In all the thing weights next to nothing, the lightest weight transport around. The bag's not cheap at 50 bucks but well worth it to have the handles. I didn't like the plain sleave......

Hope this helps everyone pick their minimalist bag. If you need a medium bag solution I highly recommend Tumi.

 

I got a Timbuk2 Q bag.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-backpacks/q-backpack

It's pretty small, with a good laptop compartment away from the rest of the bag. The problem is that it needs a sleeve to fit snugly inside the pocket. And it seems like my cats will have a field day putting their hair all over it.

Other than that, it's fantastic. I have three books for class (one big, the others tall but thin, and two books for pleasure reading in the big non-laptop case. I have the AC adapter, battery, external HD, and cords in the middle compartment. In the small compartment on the front of the bag, I have my Moleskine notebook and a couple pencils. It feels very light.

I have 30 days to play around with it...but so far, so good. And it's a LOT cheaper than the Waterfield (SF) bags (which I liked, but couldn't pony up the dough for, I don't think).

I don't particularly like the encase sleeves at the Apple Store, but I doubt I'll find anything else that's even remotely helpful for me. So I'll likely pick up one of those and be done with it.

 

I'm looking for a backpack, which i need to go around and move around. I found this backpack look cool. even its 17" but im going to buy a sleeve for my vaio Z series.

http://www.samsonite.co.uk/business...ck/product-en.htm?or=6540913244&od=7179434596

Any review on this bag?

 

I use a Beyza notebook case made for the MacBook Air (the Z and the Air both have the similar total surface areas) with my Z and ironically enough, a Beyza case made for the original iPhone for my Sony Ericsson Xperia X1.










And a Cole Haan messenger bag for day to day (I put the Z in a plain neoprene slip instead of the Beyza leather case when using messenger bag though)

 

I just received this Paul Smith case I bought from Apple Store (dont flame me). The quality is fantastic and has a good protective lining inside. What I like the most it the flap design so no scratches from zips!

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TW086ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=MTczOTU3Mzg

Its not that expensive considering its from a famous designer and really well made.

 

I got the Timbuk2 Q, as I stated before. And, so far, I'm happy with it.

However, I went overboard and got the WaterField (SFBags) Cozmo Mambo Combo. I think I got the flap with the sleeve, but no other frills. I think the ability to use this as luggage (pack two laptops + clothes), and also as a bag for school was a major selling point.

I am planning on keeping the Timbuk2 bag as a mobile bag (for bike riding to work, which I am going to start doing again). So, way overboard, but screw it. I think I'll be quite happy.

 

Looks good!

Does it have any Apple logo or name on there?

S

 

Nope I am happy to report there is no Apple logo anywhere on it just a very little Paul Smith pattern tag to signify the designer. If it did have the Apple logo I probably wouldn't have bought it.

The Z fits perfect in fact they can probably sell it at Sonystyle and say it was designed exclusively for Sony Z.

As an added extra you get a dust bag with it for when you are not travelling and want to keep it clean.

I fully recommend it.

 

Concerning the Sony cases for the Z... does the CKZ2 also have those sturdy inlays the CKZ1 has? I like the looks of the CKZ2 very much but would only go for it if it offered a similar level of protection.

How do the CKZ1/2 cases fit the new Z? They seem to have almost the same dimensions as last year's model, so it should be okay that the cases have been around for some time now... comments and photos would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Peter

 

Kit9t9, do you think it fit with extended battery? Because im ordering my Z with extended battery.

I worry is because extended battery aare much larger.

 

Does anyone know if this ZeroShock III 13.3" case fits the new Vaio Z well?

I really don't want to scratch my Z when it comes in with the zippers and these are highly rated for preventing that, but i'm worried the Z will be too large and possibly end up rubbing anyways. Any opinions?

 

My WaterField bag arrived today. I have it out with me here at Barnes and Noble. I got the medium bag, along with the 25-16 sleeve.

The contents of my bag are...

- Vaio Z (in sleeve)
- Three books for class (one is pretty big, the others are regular books)
- The pouch that comes with it (housing my extended battery and my AC adapter, as well as my iPod USB cable, my external hard drive USB, and headphones
- Two Western Digital Passports
- iPod Touch
- Another book on the outside pouch
- Moleskine notebook in the other outside pouch

Now, it could not fit all this and my giant Mead Notebook + Filing Cabinet (which really has been a disappointment for this semester, I have to say).

The WF bag stayed compact, and the shoulder strap is well-designed. It still feels like a shoulder bag (which does not excite me in any way), but fitting all of this in (it does seem like a lot) and having it organized and fit very nicely inside the bag...very impressed with that.

The sleeve makes me very happy. Fits with the standard and extended battery. The flap makes the sleeve kind of bulkier, but not to the point of concern.

Overall, I am quite imrpessed.

I am going to keep this bag, and my Timbuk2 bag. In the end, yes, I'm spending much, much more than I wanted on bags...but for what I spent for this laptop, I want all the options available to me. I also have my Swiss Gear bag for my Dell SXPS, if I want to use that.

The wonderful thing about the sleeve is that it fits into my Timbuk2 bag easily and snugly. That makes me quite happy, as I can put it in there and have extra protection.

Giddyup.

 

I believe someone earlier in this thread bought that same case and put up pictures. Search this thread for "zeroshock 3" I'm also going to purchase this same case and i'll post my reactions as soon as I receive it

 

got my z yesterday with the extended battery. i ordered up a 25-17 from sfbags last week (they recommended 25-17 with the ext battery). the fit is really nice! so just my +1 to the list of recommendations already out their for waterfield. as the above poster said the flap does make it look thicker, but that's okay..i don't want random particles going inside the sleeve .

 

Hey there,

New to the forum and soon to be the proud owner of a new z. I usually use a backpack to transport my laptop and I was wondering if someone could suggest a good hard-shelled sleeve (not a soft neoprene; something that would resist the pressure of books and such) that will FIT the vaio z... Everything out there seems tailor-made for macbooks

I've stumbled across a few decent ones but the dimensions of most (and those "fits your macbook like a glove" words...) are pretty frustrating.

I've looked at:
Booq Vyper XS3
Axio Hardsleeve 13
Crumpler Hard Suit 13

Any suggestions or any opinions for hardsleeves? What would fit the best and preferably protect from bumps, pressure, short fall, and also be at least somewhat water resistant?

Thanks in advance!!

 

Hi Bryan I think you will be alright with the extended battery as mine still have room in the case so it's not very tight just comfortable (I sound like I'm buying clothes). Also I read somewhere the extended battery does not make the Z any longer and it extends downwards so I think you be fine.

I'm still really happy with the case. It combines style and very good protective funtionality.

 

Oh >.<. I totally forgot to check if it was already discussed... Well, I hope you get yours soon and I'll be waiting for your thoughts! I really want to protect my "baby" =þ

 

I am using that sleeve for the Z. Other than the fit, the sleeve is pretty good and is holding up well after one month of heavy use. I've tried fitting the Z with the extended battery into the sleeve and I've managed to zip that thing up.

Height wise, the sleeve is a lot bigger than the Z. Length wise, it's a snug fit but no worries about the laptop rubbing against the laptop.

I'll be glad to provide any pictures if needed.

 

Please do it. Thanks.

 

I received my Zeroshock 3 case! As quelle mentioned, the height of the case is a fair bit longer but the width is perfect. The best thing about this case is the inside padding. It reminds of of those tempurpedic pillows that mold to your face

I've attached photos. The last photo with the sticky notes and 2 dimes indicate the amount of space left when the Z is in it.

Overall, I recommend this case. I was looking for a hardshell case but wanted something more cushiony. The Zeroshock definitely adds sufficient padding and can absorb some impact if it falls. I'm mainly going to be putting this in my backpack so I wanted something a bit more thick than a regular sleeve.

 

Ahh thanks a lot Skull333! After your thoughts on it, I think i'm gunna get one of those now, I was worried it wasn't protective enough despite the reviews so it's always nice to have a fellow Z owner reconfirm that. =) Now, I just have to wait for my CTO to come... apparantly the i7's have been backordered again...

 

There is, in my opinion nothing better for our beloved z than the brenthaven series of sleeves and bags. The trek sleeve (which I just bought) is super light, has a handle, can fit the power cord and a mouse AND - you can literally drop the laptop in this case and it won't break. It's not as small as a neoprene case, but seriously, without some sort of hard body, the smaller sleeves will just be there to protect the laptop from scratches/stuff inside your bag. There is a rigid layer within the case which protects laptop from side impact (very important with the Z). It is a perfect fit... to top it all off... I just checked, you can get them for $6.93 from amazon. A $30 case.. quite the deal.
Amazon.com: Brenthaven Trek Sleeve Laptop Sleeve: Clothing

Laptop Bags - MacBook Sleeves & Cases | Brenthaven.com

 

Not complaining but they increased the shipping price to compensate

 

What size is this coder timbuk2 bag for the Z - S or M?

 

For the Timbuk2 Q bag, I use a medium with a WaterField sleeve.

 

I bought one of these. Its a great price for a nice sleeve.
Nood Furniture & Design - cityline laptop sleeve

It fits the Z, there is a little bit of space inside as the Z is smaller than normal 13" laptops. There is neoprene covering the zipper so as not to damage the laptop. No brainer for $10. They ship fedex too

EDIT: Just saw that Brenthaven case thats a nice deal. Even better than this one!
EDIT2: Brenthaven sleeve doesn't ship to Canada

 

Can anyone report if any of the cases used have a carry handle? I've looked at the zeroshock, the nood cityline, the apple envelope - as many links as I can see in here and none seem to have carry handles!

 

the brenthaven sleeves have handles and also metal loops on both sides so you can connect a shoulder strap.

 

guys, u gotta trust me on this: best bag for our precious Zs! Fits snugly

hellolulu.com

 

Looks great, but no price and a little girly for me...

 

price about US$57 i think

 

I bought one of these: Higher Ground 13" Vert



Amazon.com: Higher Ground 13" Vert: Clothing

I hope the extended battery fits, I'm kind of flying blind here. It has pouches at the side, and a handle as well as strap. Since it looks slim, I hope it'll double as a sleeve and I can put it in my bag.

 

looks nice

 

Thanks I'm a little concerned about the 'bells-and-whistles' the bag has, the more features it has, the more things that are breakable

 

I'm still a bit amazed this thread got so big, but since it seems to be a popular subject, here is a summary of the items I purchased from WaterField Designs.

Here's what I purchased:


Specific items (don't ask me which one I got, it is right here)

Code:

 Item    Price  Qty. Description
G1MDLD  $22.00   1  -Gear Pouch-
                    -Medium-
                    -Lead Indium-
G2MDLD  $22.00   1  -Cableguy-
                    -Medium-
                    -Lead Indium-
MZ13GC  $239.00  1  -Muzetto-
                    -13" Laptop Size-
                    -Green (replaced by copper)
SJS313  $29.00   1  -Suede Jacket-
                    -Vertical Sleeve-
                    -13" MacBook Pro

On the day I placed my order, a lady called to say they were out of the green color I wanted. I opted for copper instead and, as it turns out, I love it.

Starting with the "Gear Pouch," nothing special here. Just a main compartment and a front zipper section that may be OK for DVD's or something. Seems to be OK for the Sony 19V AC adapter. Stays nice and flat.

Dongle, the cat, seems to have a thing for bags.



Next up is the "Cableguy." It has a zipper compartment with mesh pockets on both sides. I think I'll end up using this one instead of the "Gear Pouch" since they have about the same storage volume, but the Cableguy has internal pockets. It fit my power supply and portable mouse while remaining mostly flat.




The "Suede Jacket" isn't anything special. It's just a pouch with finger straps on either side. The 13" fits fine, if not a little bit loose.

Close up of the material


Fits the Z1 with some room to spare


If you want to get fansy....



The "Muzetto" bag is very basic, but uses high quality materials. The leather is as soft as it looks and all the seams are expertly done.







I put in all this junk in the bag for the remaining pics. I think you can squeeze two or three standard-sized batteries with the horozontal space remaining.







If you are curious about the Energizer thingy, go here. I love the thing.

 

@Zoinks

Great post but why so amazed?! The Z is all about two things:

1 - Portability - so people will be interested in protecting their toy
2 - Premium power - another reason to protect it from scratches on your travels with point 1!

God I love my Z.

 

Higher Ground 13" Vert bag came a week early:





Pros: The sides are stiff, all sides. I think it's just slightly more flexible than the laptop itself It's quite well padded, it feels like if it's dropped, it'll protect the laptop pretty well. Seems quite well made, laptop fits really snug, zero movement. Can definitely function as a slim sleeve.

Cons: It's really, REALLY snug. I tried it with the extended battery just once, I don't want to do it again The zipper on the side of the handle (in the photo) needs to be handled so as not to come into contact with the laptop as it enters / exits the bag. The pouch used to hold the power supply (first photo) feels thin and likely to tear with any jagged edge. There's another pouch on the other side but it's more suitable for a couple of papers rather than something bulky.

I feel like keeping it, which means I'll either (1) buy the standard battery, or (2) remove the extended battery before putting the laptop in the bag. With the relatively sharp edges of the battery, I'm afraid it'll tear the pouch

More thoughts: the zipper goes only about 1/6th of the way down the sides. I'm wondering if that's to maintain the stiffness of the case down the sides.

(Later...)

This is one of the most interesting bags I've seen. I can, er, dismantle it. The stiff padding inside is secured by velcro, and I can pull it out. And the zipper issue has gone away...

 

Well these 2 following pix are to show how snug my bag is and how comfy the lappy will sit inside

Cons: so snug and slim that u cant fit a mouse or adapter inside

 

Interesting development today. One of the handles to my zipper came off this morning (this is for my new WaterField Cozmo Mambo Combo). I sent them an email asking how to get the little plastic module open, and if I should worry about this being a common occurrence.

The company's owner, Gary, emailed me. He does this, apparently, for every bag ordered, and he had emailed me when my bag sent. But I was still surprised to get him, instead of regular support. He apologized, said it sounded like the handle hadn't been heated and sealed properly, and said he was sending me some new handles and stuff for the bag.

I have been using this bag exclusively since I got it; my Timbuk2 bag, while also excellent, has been shelved while this bag goes to work with me. I really have liked it very much. My girlfriend saw how much was in it today and picked it up. She said it was lighter than she thought it'd be.

I will take pictures of everything soon; I just haven't had the opportunity. But this is a plus for WaterField.

 

Here are a few pics of my new incase 13.3" macbook bag.
Fits with an inch to spare. Has pockets to hold items and it is very small and lightweight. Perfect for our vaios!
Here is a link to purchase it: http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW207ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY
I hate apple so i didn't buy it from them but others may not share the same disdain I have.





PS. Not that i'm not secure with my sexuality, but that's my wife's prs 300

 

This is the one I want, the Zeroshock IV. Looks a lot bulkier than the III but affords more protection.

[News] ZSB-IB025series,ZSB-IB026series,ZSB-IB027series,ZSB-IB028series

Basically I have lots of different bags I use for different occasions so I'd like a super tough sleeve which I could then put in any other bag.

Anyone actually seen one of these? They're pretty hard to get. I'm going to ask a friend in Japan to buy it off the Japanese Amazon and post it to me in China.

Amazon.co.jp： ELECOM ZEROSHOCK ADVANCED 13.3インチワイド ブラック ZSB-IB026BK: 家電・カメラ

EDIT: Here's a good video of both the III and IV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EtJZ1-_S_k

Think I might just stick with the III

 

Do they make them for the Z or will you have to cut it to size?

Do you have a link please? I think I might order one too

 

Here is a link,
http://www.sgpstore.com/product_info.php/cPath/23_37/products_id/1287

 

Mr Eastwood, even if you dress up like a fairy and carry a wand, nobody is ever, EVER, going to doubt that you're secure with your sexuality.

 

Thanks i'm ordering a lot of stuff from amazon, I'll see if i can find this model number there

 

New bag just arrived for my new, proud of it, Vaio Z11: very satisfied of this bag.

Despite the extended battery the bag does his duty.



Tucano bag Work-out model for McBook