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Higher Ground 12-inch Shuttle

by Simon Helton

Higher Ground

SRP / SP:	$40 / $40
Requirements:	12-inch PowerBook or iBook
What's Hot:	Innovative features for in-bag use
What's Not:	Laptop has room to move about in the closed bag

Owners of Apple portables are blessed with a plethora of options for protecting and toting their iBooks, PowerBooks, and MacBooks. It seems like more bags use Apple 'Books for their sizing than any other brand of laptop. Higher Ground's Shuttle has everything that people expect out of a laptop bag: quality construction and materials, places for typical computer accessories, and multiple colors.

The Shuttle also has some unique features though, owing to its crossover qualities giving it both bag and sleeve characteristics. One thing becoming more common that is found on the Shuttle is the ability to use the computer while still in the case. An added twist is that the computer sits on foam risers, facilitating cooling of the laptop, also adding protection when the bag is zipped up.

Flexibility is a strong point of the Shuttle. While not much larger than a sleeve, the bag has lots of slots for discs and room for accessories and can be held like a briefcase or carried like a messenger bag or backpack using optional straps. If you are looking for something inconspicuous, though, the Shuttle is clearly a laptop bag.

One problem I found in the Shuttle is that it isn't particularly form-fitting. When zipped up and walking, the laptop moves noticeably within the Shuttle. Some straps to cinch the laptop within the bag against the foam pads would possibly help, but it would also make in-bag operation a little less seamless.

Overall the Shuttle is a good value bag that offers some unique features and versatility. The bag is clearly quite protective on the exterior, but the excess space inside means your laptop can slide around a little more than I like.