BAGS FOR THE LAPTOP

Bags are irreplaceable on travel, especially for those who should take the laptop with itself in business trips. Besides, the bag reflects style, a prosperity and flavouring preferences of the owner. In the market female models of bags for laptops which have already turned to a stylish accessory also are presented.
Bags for resocks of laptops should possess durability, reliability, to provide the maximum protection of the laptop against damages and to be attractive by sight.
In our article the basic questions which can arise at a choice of a bag for the laptop are considered.

The basic characteristics of bags for laptops.
On what, first of all, is necessary to pay attention at a choice of a bag for the laptop? What parametres are important for considering at a bag choice? How to be guided in wide assortment of the diversified models?
The size of a matrix of the portable computer under which the bag steals up, serves as the basic criterion of a choice. This size is measured in inches. To settle down in a bag the laptop should freely, but thus not to dangle. If laptop fastens belts they should be tightened under its size so that fastening densely adjoined to the laptop.
It is necessary to consider, that the bag for the 15-inch laptop can quite approach both for 14-inch, and for 16 - inch models.
Usually the bag is calculated on all number of laptops with the identical size of a matrix, irrespective of model. However it is necessary to remember, that at different manufacturers laptops with an identical matrix can essentially differ on the size, and also have additional ledges (for example, the storage batteries of the raised capacity supporting the case of the laptop) on which bag can be not calculated simply. In this case it is necessary to specify the sizes of the branch under the laptop, and it is even better - to try on a bag.
Certainly, the measure is an ideal variant, however to carry out it not always probably (for example, at purchase through Internet shop). In that case, the unique exit is a selection of a bag according to the exact sizes of the laptop.
Dimensions and bag weight depend not only on the sizes of the laptop, but also from quantity of branches, and also from level of given protection. The bag weight directly depends on quantity of functions which it carries out. At a bag choice it is necessary to consider, that bags in weight less than kg practically do not happen.
Besides the size and weight, the most significant characteristics of bags for laptops are its protective properties, functionality and colour.

The bag main task is maintenance of safety of the laptop. Many companies are engaged in independent workings out of such technologies, therefore completely to list all existing functions of bags difficult enough. However by criterion of provided protection of a bag it is possible to classify on a following set of characteristics:
Water resistance (only for nylon and polyester)
Degree of protection of the laptop provided with branch for the laptop (the strengthened walls protect the laptop not only from blows, but also from a frost)
Metal accessories (if on it there are no instructions, means, plastic)
Rigid skeleton (concerns only bags from soft materials, such as nylon, polyester, an artificial skin, artificial suede, a natural skin)
Additional protection against lateral blows
Reinforcing (only for nylon)
Seams (only for nylon and polyester)
Density (only for nylon and some kinds of polyester)

It is necessary to notice, that additional protection gives to a bag rather notable additional weight.
Choosing a bag, first of all it is necessary to consider its special-purpose designation that is for what the bag, actually, will be used: for distant trips, transportations of the laptop from work home or simply for its storage. On a set of functions of a bag it is possible to divide into following types: "anything superfluous","mobile office", all"digital technics with itself".
Bags for portable computers can possess a following approximate set of the functional
Details:
Pocket / branch / a file-branch/3 section branch for official papers
Pocket for a mobile phone
Branch-organizer
Luggage branch / fastening on luggage
Pocket for audio-or a mr3-player
Place for the printer
Pocket for a handheld computer
Pocket for compact discs
Place for a power unit
The lock with a code or a key
Pockets for accessories
Pocket/branch for other digital devices

It is important to notice, that pockets in bags can be target and a general purpose. If it is precisely not known, how the bag will be used, it is better to get a bag with general purpose pockets.

Notebooks bag, womans only!

The interesting fact turns out: not only usual female handbags are subdivided on: winter, autumn, summer and spring, but also and notebooks bags (I mean, female notebooks bags). To any reasonable man the idea will not come in a head, to buy some bags of different colors and styles for the notebook for each season.
What to domake, we women - not always native to this planet. How it is possible to carry a bright summer bag in the autumn or in the winter when with a business suit it will be better to be looked a strict variant?
Unfortunately, the size of bags of a new autumn collection is insignificant and consequently in them of 14 or 15 inches will be placed only small notebooks. But we in fact not athletes to drag heavy 19
" laptops! We shall leave it to men. Bags from Knomo are trimmed with skin outside and nylon inside, to a bag the demountable handle through a shoulder is applied. At retail cost will make 55 pounds. The autumn collection is submitted by such colors: red, black and ash-grey.

Bags for notebooks

Bags for notebooks are irreplaceable not only on long travel or a distant trip, but also in a daily life if, certainly, wish to preserve the portable computer and safeties. The review of modern, functional and convenient bags offered here for notebooks firms Sumdex and Samsonite, will help you with a choice of the optimal for itself a variant.
Let's be defined in the beginning, on what it is necessary to pay attention at purchase of a bag for notebook. First of all is the size of a matrix of a computer, differently the size of the screen. Manufacturers are guided by this characteristic, at manufacturing bags of the corresponding size. Itself notebook should be located freely in a bag, however, not dangling in it. The weight and the size of a bag also depend on quantity of branches, pockets, etc., and, that is important, from a level of protection.The basic characteristics of the bags, protection defining a degree notebook and to which it is necessary to pay attention at purchase, are the following:- Water resistance - such materials as provide nylon and polyester of which the bag can be made, or they are a part of furnish.- The rigid skeleton of the bag providing not only durability of a design, but also protection against lateral impacts.- For nylon and polyester such parameters are actual as reinforcing of seams - they should be in addition sheathed metal, or other, very strong strings; density of a fabric - the above, the better (average indices on density at such bags make 400-1000 DEN), seams should be sheathed so that a fabric, while in service, was not showered.- Choosing a bag for notebook, both firms Sumdex and Samsonite, and any others, it is necessary to consider its special-purpose designation, first of all. Differently, for what it is necessary to you. If, say, for transportation notebook from work home is one, for distant trips when all should be compact and it is conveniently placed in one place-, with a lot of branches, pockets, <> is necessary for all necessary digital accessories, and a high degree of protection already.
It is conditionally possible to allocate following types of bags for notebooks:- The case - reliably protects a computer, has a beautiful and prestigious appearance, however heavy.- The portfolio - optimum suits for businessmen, very capacious, but, however, heavy enough.- Actually the bag for notebook is a graceful and easy design, does not contain anything superfluous, however contains notebook and some necessary accessories.- Bags-carriages on wheels which are intended only for frequent and distant trips are issued also.- The folder or a cover for notebook - possess very small weight, inexpensive, are very convenient on trips. However they provide only protection against a dust and scratchs.All production of the given ruler of the goods of firms Sumdex and Samsonite is always high quality, stylish appearance, convenience and functionality of bags of all types. It is necessary to choose only the most comprehensible variant in which and notebook will feel a seed freely, and it will be convenient to you to transport it.

Notebooks Bags

There aren't many companies in the world that can boast of a fanatical customer base. Apple has their Mac-heads who live and breathe every Apple rumor and product announcement. Perhaps AMD-ATI and NVIDIA can make such claims about their customers too. However I think Crumpler has a fan base that rivals these tech companies... and for a company that makes bags, that's a big accomplishment. What am I talking about? Crumpler is an Australian bag manufacturer with a humble beginning making bags for couriers in Melbourne. They started with a small shop making bags on a sewing machine, and now they have stores all over the world including New York, Tokyo, Toronto, and Manila. Their brightly colored bags and their distinct designs are their signature, and their laid-back and whacky behavior has charmed customers who are bored of the standard black shoulder bags. While some other bag manufacturers boast of their sheer number of pockets and compartments, Crumpler is all about durable design, style, and strange antics (just check out their website!).

Top: The Skiivy (medium)

Left: The Dreadful Embarassment

Right: The Horseman

Today Crumpler makes all sorts of bags for your stuff, including bags for cameras and notebooks, ranging in styles like messenger bags and backpacks. We're going to take a good look at three notebook bags from Crumpler: The Skivvy, The Dreadful Embarrassment, and The Horseman. As you can see, the names of the bags are very unusual... but that's what gives Crumpler their personality. It just doesn't feel like you're getting another bag, rather it feels like your adopting a new pet into your family.

How We Review Bags

I know that testing a bag is fairly subjective, which is why I strongly recommend you to go out and try these bags on and see if it's enough for your needs. However, we don't always have that luxury so it is our hope to provide you with enough detail to make an informed decision.To ensure that we give the bags a fair chance, we used all three Crumpler bags extensively for two months traveling on the subway, in a car, walking, and shopping. Wherever we went, the bags came along.

Putting on your Skivvy

What the heck is a Skivvy anyway and what does that have to do with a bag? For those who don't know (don't be embarrassed if you don't!), *skivvy* is slang for underwear. Yep. That's right; Crumpler has named this bag underwear. So let me ask you this, do you wear your underwear on the inside or on the outside?The Skivvy comes in three different sizes (small for a 12" notebook, medium for 14" or a compact 15", and large for 15" and slim 17"), and a wide variety of colours. Between the three sizes, you can choose from 5 to 7 different colour coordinations to suit your personality. The medium sized Skivvy we have here today comes in 5 schemes, red being the one we received.

The Asus Z96J I use regularly is a beefy 15.4" notebook similar to a Dell Inspiron or an HP Pavilion. Though the Skivvy is advertised to accommodate a 15" notebook, and The Skivvy barely fit the Z96J. It was very snug leaving no slack for any accessories inside the main compartment. A 15" standard 4:3 aspect notebook would probably be fine in this bag, but not 15.4" which are more popular these days.
It should accommodate slimmer 15" notebooks like a MacBook Pro or a Sony VAIO, and it handled my 14.1" Compaq with no problems. Regardless of which notebook you put into the Skivvy, there isn't much room for other items. I guess with a name like "Skivvy" you'll be carrying just the bare essentials.

The Asus Z96J barely fits into the medium Skiivy.

The Skivvy has a simple compartment design with no pockets or zippers aside from the one for the outer-most compartment. Very basic design for someone looking to travel light and quickly.

Skivvy Specifications (from the Crumpler website)

• Compact padded laptop sleeve tailored for 14 & 15" laptops and a few accessories.
• Water resistant 900D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining
• Padded laptop compartment
• Large external gusseted zip pocket
• Adjustable & removable main strap
• Carry handle
• Velcro release flap
• Fits most 14 & 15" laptops (14" or compact 15" laptop, also fits 13" & 15" MacBook Pro, power supply and mouse)
• It's also a versatile equipment bag due its 'tennis ball' seam, easily masking the shape of bulky objects carried within

Physical Dimensions:

• 35 x 34 x 7cm / 14" x 13.5" x 2.5"
• vol 4 litres
• Laptop size: 32.5x30x5cm / 12.8x11.8x2"

Our next bag is called the Dreadful Embarrassment and is a much larger bag compared to the Skivvy. The Dreadful Embarrassment is a fair sized bag able to hold your 15.4" notebook, accessories, and your belongings.

On the outside of the bag, you will not find any exterior pockets which is a common thing on Crumpler bags. Crumpler prefers to keep their contents concealed inside the bag rather on the outside where thieves can grab it, also and it makes the bag look a lot tidier.
The strap on the Dreadful Embarrassment is adjustable and comes with a thick shoulder pad for comfort. This is great because nothing sucks more than a strap digging into your shoulder while you're waiting for a plane or running to an appointment.
The cover is held in place with two very large Velcro pads and by two adjustable plastic clips. I found the Velcro is enough to keep everything secure, though the clips do add some extra security.

The front of the bag also has an interesting pleat which at a first glance is just for style, but actually conceals thoughtful design. Taking a cue from luggage, the pleat (which Crumpler calls the "Tennis Ball Seam") is actually an accordion pouch which expands and extra 2 inches if needed. So if you're loading up the Dreadful Embarrassment with a large amount of stuff, the compartment inside actually expands a bit to give you extra space.There are three main compartments inside The Dreadful Embarrassment: the padded notebook compartment, the middle compartment, and the front compartment.

Unlike other computer bag companies who pad the entire bag, Crumpler only pads the notebook compartment which is roughly 1/3 of the space. This may seem a bit odd, but it makes the bag lighter and more flexible so it can carry odd-sized objects. Is there a need to pad the entire interior of a bag when the only valuable and breakable component is the computer itself?
The computer compartment is just a simple sleeve with a Velcro strap to keep it snug.
The middle compartment is the largest area capable of carrying another notebook if you choose, and the power adapters for both systems. There are pouches and pockets on the inside panels to hold pens, a small MP3 player (like a Nano), keys and other small objects.

The outer compartment is just another place to put more stuff and has a nice meaty zipper to keep it shut. The zipper is worth focusing on because it feels very well designed - the fabric, the teeth, and the tab all feel sturdy and strong.My only beef with The Dreadful Embarrassment is that it does not have a carrying handle of any sort. A handle would be very useful in helping you navigate through tight spots like through a crowded place or when exiting a car, instead this bag requires you to have it over your shoulder at all times.

The Dreadful Embarrassment Specs (from Crumpler's website)

• Water resistant 900D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining
• Padded laptop compartment with 6 pocket organizer
• External zip pocket
• 3x internal front pockets
• Adjustable main strap & shoulder pad
• Clip & Velcro release flap
• 15" and compact 17" laptops and A4/Letter-size documents & magazines, plus accessories. Works with the 15" PowerBook & MacBook Pro, and the 17" PowerBook & MacBook Pro.
• Converts to photo/video equipment bag with optional extra Bucket BU-02A insert.

Physical dimensions

• approx. 45x30x17cm / approx. 17x12x7"
• vol 16 litres
• Laptop Sleeve: 39x26x4cm / 15.4x10.2x1.6"

The last Crumpler bag we are looking at today is the largest of the three. The Horseman is a legendary sack that is capable of carrying all your stuff and more. Like all the bags we've looked at so far the Horseman is simple in design which carries with it the same pros and cons. The advantage is that you get a bag that's functional and simple, but on the other hand, you compromise a bit by not having any readily accessible exterior pockets.The shoulder strap is a little different from the other bags because it uses a locking buckle-like mechanism, called a Quick Flick buckle, in which you pull the excess strap through like an airplane seatbelt. It makes adjustments a bit easier to do.

The Horseman also has something called a 3rd Leg (yep, you heard that right) which is an extra strap you can attach to give extra stability when having the bag slung across your body. The following image demonstrates its purpose.
I found that the 3rd Leg did help a lot in distributing the weight across the body instead of just across one shoulder. However, the buckle would dig into my ribs, which isn't so pleasant.
Unlike the Skivvy and the Dreadful Embarrassment, the Horseman has loops on the exterior in which you can use to attach other things. In this case, I have a Crumpler Thirsty Al add on which straps on nicely.
The cover is held in place using two large Velcro areas and two buckles. On the inside of the cover, you will find a zippered mesh pocket. I found this pocket useful to hold keys, packs of gum, and other objects. But because this pocket is on the inside of the cover, if you open the bag and the mesh pocket is unzippered, your contents can spill out. I think it would have been more useful if this pocket were zippered on both sides so you can access its contents regardless of how you access the bag.On the inside of the Horseman, you have plenty of warehousing space to place all your belongings. In all the compartments, I managed to cram a lot of junk including my notebook into its compartments.

There is a padded compartment for a notebook computer. It had absolutely no problems fitting a 15.4" notebook, but there isn't enough room for a 17" notebook like the Dell XPS M1710.
Unlike other bags in this review, The Horseman has the entire middle compartment as well as the notebook sleeve padded for security. In the middle compartment there are two velcroed pockets which are useful for holding a mouse and small cables.

In the outer most compartment there are two medium sized pockets, pen holders, and a larger zippered pocket. The outer compartment also uses the same "Tennis Ball Seam" which helps you fit odd-sized objects.

The Horseman Specifications (from the Crumpler website)

• Water resistant 1000D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining
• Fully padded main & laptop compartments
• 1x external gusseted zip pocket w/ 6 pocket organizer
• 3x internal front pockets
• Adjustable main strap with Quick Flick (TM) buckle
• Removable shoulder pad with "Third Leg" stability strap
• Clip & Velcro release flap
• Compact 17" laptop & accessories, A4/Letter-size documents & magazines as well as daily essentials. Works with 17" PowerBook & MacBook Pro
• Use the main or side strap to attach an optional extra Thirsty Al mobile phone holder.

Physical Dimensions:

• 45x38.x15cm
• vol 14 litres
• Laptop Sleeve: 39x30x4cm / 15.4x11.8x1.6"

I had a chance to speak to David Rose, the co-founder and CEO of Crumpler, and discussed various topics from the inspiration of their unique product names, to their unusual designs.
The vision for the company's products comes from Stewart Crumpler the artist turned bag designer who likes working with metal and industrial styles. Today you can see this translate into their bags with big heavy zippers, mesh pockets, and large buckles.

Dave Rose describes Crumpler's bags as being "over engineered" and I would have to agree. Crumpler uses very good materials and construction to ensure that their products are as tough as they are attractive. The nylon used on the exterior is extremely resistant to rips and wear, and the material is also naturally water resistant. The liner is made from a lighter nylon that other bag companies would use as their exterior material. Overall the material used is overkill - you really don't need material this tough for most every day situations, but it's all about providing a bag that is resilient and unique.

The nylon on Crumpler bags are naturally water resistant.This photo was taken after 5 minutes of putting water on the bag.

I personally own a Crumpler bag (a Karachi Outpost) that I have used extensively for the past year carrying 30 lbs. worth of computer and camera equipment. My Crumpler hasn't shown any obvious signs of wear and tear aside from a stubborn mark during a 10 day trip in Nicaragua. From personal experience I can say that these bags are strong. In contrast, I own another notebook bag from a popular peripheral/bag company whose metal strap fastener broke on the 2nd day of carrying 10 lbs of gear (my laptop and some papers).My only recommendations to Crumpler would be to consider adding some exterior pockets, pad the bottom of their bags to protect contents, and to add a handle to their bags so you can carry them differently.

Comfort

I find the comfort of these messenger bags very subjective because it really depends a lot on posture, the weight of the contents inside your bag, and your physique. From personally testing these bags over a 2 month period, I can say that they are comfortable as long as you use them within reason. In all cases, I felt back and shoulder tension when I put too much inside the bag or carried it for too long without a break. You're going to experience that with any shoulder bag, not just the ones from Crumpler.
Interestingly, The Horseman and the Dreadful Embarrassment are both designed to be slung across the body rather than hanging off one shoulder. Both bags feel a lot more comfortable being carried this way because the bags curve slightly to hug your side or back... making it easy to lug around.
Personally, I like the feel of The Horseman because of its large thick shoulder pad and the 3rd leg makes it a lot easier to carry.
Crumpler manufactures bags at a various price points and styles. The chances are there is a notebook bag that will fit within your budget. However, Crumpler bags are generally not cheap, nor are they supposed to be - you do pay a little extra, but you get a bit more in terms of design, durability, and style. Perhaps Crumpler's biggest challenge is convincing the money-conscious buyer that Crumpler's more expensive bag is worth the investment over your typical (and probably cheaper) bag from the competitor.Crumpler makes some of the most unique and attractive bags for notebook computers. While other companies are just warming up to colours other than black, Crumpler has embraced the full spectrum of colours in all their products. The selection of colours, clean designs, and durable quality really makes these bags worthy of daily use while managing to make you stand out.

Ironically, the thing which makes Crumpler so lovable is also one of the reasons you'd hate them. Because the company is so obsessed with simple and effective designs, their bags often lack things you've come to use and love on other bags like karabiner loops and outside pockets. I guess that would make Crumpler similar to the Apple Computers of the bag world.Without a doubt, Crumpler is different from your traditional notebook bag manufacturer. While other companies are content in selling you a product, Crumpler seems to want you to make a fashion statement with their accessories. You will be happy with this Aussie blend of fashionable design, strength, and functionality; just as long as you are willing to pay a little extra and can tolerate the little quirks in their designs.

Beer for Bags Sale (June 2 - 10, 2007)

Coincidentally, the publishing of this article coincides with the first annual Beer for Bags sale at the Crumpler store in Toronto, and the second one in New York.
If you go to the Crumpler Canada website (http://www.crumpler.ca/) you will see a link on how you can exchange beer (like Alexander Keith's and Steam Whistle) for a great Crumpler product!
In New York, you can find the information at the Crumpler USA site (http://www.crumplerbags.com/b4b/) . There are two locations in NY, so if there's a line up at one, try the other!I'll be taking advantage of this sale besides, when was the last time you gave beer to someone and got something decent in return?