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Review: Brenthaven 17" Shoulder Case Great Companion for New PowerBook
By: Darren Murph
I recently received this notebook case, and so here's the low-down on what I think about it:
First, I paid USD$149.99 from Apple.com. I opened up the cardboard shipping box to see a striking black notebook case in clear plastic. The label tag is quite attractive, but all that is petty, here's the real deal.
As I first picked it up, I immediately noticed that it's extremely light, which is a very good thing. I'm amazed at how it is as light as it is. It looks much heavier than it is.
The shoulder strap is attached to the case via sturdy metal rings that won't just snap off over time, and both ends of the strap can be removed from the case via metal latches that you just push to release, very simple and effective. The strap is thickly padded for ultimate comfort, and it's nice and big to stretch completely over your shoulder. The underside has a nice layer of slip-resistant substance that really works great...it grips a cotton shirt very well and doesn't grip so hard it pulls your shirt. The strap is one of my favorite parts, as it's design was clearly thought through.
Each end of the strap clips on an opposite side of the case, and the padded part is curved perfectly to fit your shoulder, and it worked equally well on the left or right shoulder. The strap works wonderful and doesn't force you to lean one way to keep the case from slipping off, which is very nice. The strap is fully adjustable to bring the case close or far from your armpit. It's very comfortable to wear, they perfected this.
The case also has two handles, one of each side of the main zippered compartment, just like the strap straddles this zipper. It has a nice amount of padding around the sturdy innerds so that the handles don't bend in your palm while carrying. Great placement of these also.
The case is very rugged looking, but extremely subtle, as to not draw much attention to it. Nothing over the top, but yet very effective. It's ballistic nylon, basically rip proof. The side has a non-removable tag in which you can slide your business card or homemade nametag/contact info. in in case you misplace it (very nice addition).
The case itself has a surprisingly small form factor, which is a big plus going along with its light weight. All the zippers and zipper pulls are also black, very stealthy. The outside of the case features a long & narrow zippered compartment in which you can stuff CD's, etc. that you need to access quickly and often. On the opposite side of the outside, there two pockets in which you can slide papers or folders into for quick & easy access.
Entering into the main zippered compartment you'll find numerous CD pockets, as well as two sectioned and stiffly-supported folders to slide papers in between. Also in here you'll find the very nice removable 17" notebook sleeve! This is a great addition, as they can cost quite a bit by themselves. The sleeve fits snuggly inside the compartment, and is easily removed by undoing the line of velcro running entirely across the top of it to keep it securely held while inside.
The removeable sleeve has its own nylon carry handle, and it's VERY padded. Entirely padded all around...you can have your notebook in this, drop it on concrete, and it wouldn't cosmetically damage the notebook whatsoever. It's extremely hardcore, and very nice for when you just need the notebook by itself.
Entering to the secondary compartment you'll find numerous CD pockets, places for PDA's, iPods, external adapters, cables, AC adapter, Extra batteries, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. VERY VERY roomy in this compartment, yet not oversized. Again, I can't compliment this case enough on having a small form factor, yet allowing TONS of spaces for accessories and things. The compartments are padded between each other as well.
A firm piece of padding runs entirely across the bottom and halfway up each side to keep it standing straight up when you place it on the floor and to protect the bottomside of your case.
In conclusion, it's a beautiful, rugged, lightweight, roomy, and more than effective notebook case for the 17" PB. I consider it well worth the $149.99 I paid for it. The only cons are that it's all black, which is only a con to the people wanting "flashy", but I don't want to advertise my $3,299 notebook & accessories to any potential thieves, which is why I like the stealth black color. I don't feel that I was jipped on compartment space. Everything I'll want to carry, I'll be able to, with room to spare.
The removeable sleeve is very, very nice. It could easily be sold separately as a sleeve w/o any modifications...that's how nice it really is, it's not just some knockoff sleeve, it's extremely well made. I feel very confident about putting my 17" PB in this when it arrives. If you need a case/sleeve for your 17" PowerBook, GET THIS CASE!
Published by Doug B. Landry and contributing staff. Trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., and others reserved. ©2003 Delta Design. Publishing headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, LA Index version 1.1.2
