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| Company | Bag | Price | Fits G3 Series? | Available Where? |
| Madsonline Powerbook Accessories | WallStreet Carrying Case | $125 or $150 | Especially | Madsonline Store |
| Kensington | SaddleBag | $59.95-$89.99 | Yes | MacZone, Cyberian Outpost, etc. |
| Port | Large Screen Deluxe Case | $129.00 | Especially | Most Resellers, or Directly |
| Tom Bihn Packs | Cafe Computer Case | $80 | Yes | Online Store |
| Targus | Platinum Case | $149 | Yes | Most Resellers |
| L.L. Bean | Campus Computer Organizer | $59 | Yes | Online Store |
| Jansport | The JanSport LapTop Transit> | $65 | No | REI |
| Case Logic | NC1 Courier | $39.99 | "Perfectly" | Fry's Electronics |
Listed above are the bags that aren't too "mainstream," meaning that with the exception of a few, you won't find them at your big retailer. Listed below are some links to bag manufacturers as well as some other bags to consider.
Remember..there are several things to consider when you buy a bag for your Powerbook:
Will it fit the G3 Series?
The G3 Series (I and II) is 12.7"X10.3" according to Apple's specs. Many bags except those meant for subnotebooks should fit the Series. Some bags above are specially designed for the G3 Series and are noted as such.
Does it offer enough padding?
This is an issue most Powerbook owners are very concerned about. Most bags provide adequate protection with the most expensive having "air pocket" protection systems. Price doesn't always mean the best protection however. Many bags are simply briefcases with "computer safe inserts." Just remember to get an extra large insert if possible, like the Tenba cases.
Who has the best prices?
Generally the large mail order houses have the best prices. Visit the Powerbook Zone's links page to locate these retailers. Some have very large margins between the prices on the same bag so shop around!
I don't want a "steal me I'm a laptop" looking bag!
Generally the backpack style bags are the least prone to attract attention and theft. Some others to consider are the Kensington SaddleBag or the Tom Bihn Cafe Computer Case. They're inconspicuous and don't say "steal me!" There are many other nondescript bags as well so again, look around!
Other Bags and Companies to Consider:
- Kensington Sky Runner
- Eagle Creek Bags
- Targus Universal Deluxe Case
- Spire Bags
- Brenthaven Bags
- Tenba Cases
- Tumi Bags
- Jansport Bags
The next section is pure reader feedback on other bags that should be included in the guide. Some need more information to be more useful so please send that in. Please don't hesitate to add your bag to the list.
I got a Zero Halliburton case for my new Wall Street. No complaints so far, other than the fact it doesn't have a lot of space inside for doodads. I can hold the 'Book, my VST Zip in a Port carrying case, a small CaseLogic CD case, a CaseLogic Zip drive case, and a small bag for cables and whatnot in the rear compartment. The floppy drive, Palm Pilot and cell phone will fit beside the computer. The appearance (for a techno-geek such as myself) is hard to beat.Of course it screams "STEAL ME!" but the protection of aircraft grade, annealed, pressure-formed aluminum is hard to beat. It makes it easy to say, "Sorry, I can't tell you," when somebody asks what's in the case.
The 'Book is held by a Velcro strap inside a compartment you size to your computer. One of the sizes fits the book perfectly. I can't remember the model number (I think it's something like a Z-4), but it's a new model from ZH and available from a number of luggage dealers. Kind of expensive (really expensive, actually), but a beautiful case.
Finally, it makes a great heatsink for the rather warm 'Book!
I own a Targus Universal Deluxe Case and am very happy with it. I had some problems configuring the middle pocket for cd drive, battery, disk drive storage, but Targus sent me some partitions for free and I tried to replicate the partitions in the Universal case.
I especially like the interior compartments for keys, airline tickets, and file folders that make the case useable as a combination briefcase and computer case, thus helping out with the airlines' new carryon limits.
One accessory not in your article I've found indispensible is the Road Warrior Modem Saver. It's an inline tester to test hotel phone lines for analog/digital voltage and polarity reversal. It has indicator lights to show line faults and internal surge protection. I found mine at CompuUsa for about $30, but www.warrior.com is the manufacturer's site. In the time I told a PC friend of mine about digital line voltage and before he could find a Modem Saver, he blew out the modem in his Toshiba laptop.
If you want the MOST rugged protection go your G3 and a case that does not scream"G3-Please steal me" check out the Pelican 1500 http://www.pelican.com/medcases.htm.This case can go to the Baja,to the Arctic,under 10 feet of water or merely to the corner store and keep the G3 protected dry and dust free. The 1500 is perfect for the Powerbook and the powersupply as well as PC card modem.
Check out www.codi-inc.com and pick up their air-pro. You'll never look at another powerbook bag.
While it doesn't have any padding, my "Adventure Bound Originals" softside briefcase from Wilsons (leather store in many malls) is a perfect fit for my G3 laptop. My Mac fits snuggly in the center pocket, with just enough room for the power adapter beside it, & the two front pockets are also perfectly sized to hold the CD-ROM, floppy drive, or an extra battery. With my Mac & all of my usual accessories, I have plenty of room left over for CD's, a real notebook, & half-a-dozen magazines. I purchased it while it was on sale ($79.95) around Father's Day, but I believe it normally retails for $99.95. Mine is a darker "burgundy-brown," but I believe they also have black, brown, & light brown.
Hey, what about Apple's "official" branded powerbook cases, carried by Port at http://www.port.com/docs/appth.htm
The lapdog is a very very nice bag and it fits perfectly the new G3 series, located at http://www.shaunjackson.com.
I would highly recommend the ComputerAid "Lite Case" for all PowerBooks, except unfortunately not the Wallstreet Series. Their phone number is 508.674.0860 (or toll free 800.343.3388) and their URL is http://site115251.primehost.com/.
The Lite Case is well constructed and fits a PB 1400 or similar form factors snuggly with a large pocket to hold an AC adapter, numeric key pad, floppy or CD ROM module, etc.
I have just recently made an inquiry whether they intend to make a slightly larger case to fit the Wallstreet series, but have not heard back.
I have a 250/13.3" G3 WS I. I bought the Jansport Laptop Transit in the beginning, but after I got it, I found that I can't put my powerbook in the compound inside that bag, it's too small. But today I saw people post that bag as a "powerbook bag" on your page, I'm really in doubt how can he/she put a powerbook WS I into that compound? The result is I returned the bag and got my money back!
Now I'm using a backpack by PORT. It's designed for Powerbook, so it can just fit my G3 WS I, and I got it at a low price for $36.95 including shipping and handling. The suspension protection system inside has protected my Powerbook well so far. The product ID is AP13202, It's called "Powerbook Back Pack", so I think it'll be easy to be found on Port's websites. Just my 2 cents. :)
If you have own a bag that you think should be listed here, please let me know.
Written/Edited/Published by Doug B. Landry
Logo by Jon Iverson
Apple, Mac, Macintosh, Mac OS,The Apple Store, and Powerbook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
©1998 Doug B. Landry. All rights reserved. All or part may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
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