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by Doug Landry
We've noticed one thing in almost five years of running this website: Mac users like the fact that they are Mac users. They like to take their PowerBook G4 out in Starbucks, light up that glowing missing-bite logo on the back of their LCD, and flaunt the fact that they're a member of a club that admits only 3% of computer users, according to the latest marketshare statistics.
Accordingly, Mac users--especially PowerBook owners--want a unique way to carry their PowerBook around. Eastpack, Jansport, and the rest of mass market backpack makers produce bags that are adequate, but a bag from Spire USA proclaims to the masses that its owner is a member of the 3% that know the best unique products to buy.
PBZone Bag Week Review:
Spire USA's Zoom Backpack
Price:
$125
Requirements:
Shoulders and a laptop.
What's Hot:
Unique; durable construction; thoughtful design
What's Not:
Slightly expensive, though in line with similar products' prices
Just like Macintoshes back up their premium price over cheaper alternatives with superior performance and style, the Zoom pack from Spire USA is superbly constructed and durable on top of being unique and stylish. All of Spire's packs are hand-built in Boulder, Colorado and the attention to detail shows. The Zoom's seams are flawless, the fasteners and zippers don't feel cheap, and the fabric is thick nylon.
The bag we reviewed is the 2002 model of the Zoom. It has two large pockets, one of which is surrounded by a thin "first line of defense" layer of padding. Spire sells several sizes of sleeves they've dubbed "Boots" that fits inside of the pocket nearest the user's back. Inside of the other large pocket, there's several smaller organizational pockets for calculators, business cards, pens, and the like. On the very back of the pack is another smaller pocket for cables and accessories. There's room for about 2 textbooks total in addition to a laptop in the bag. The bag outwardly looks nothing like a "conventional" computer bag, so it adds a bit of extra protection from theft.
The recently introduced 2003 model features a few improvements we should note, since you can't actually purchase the bag we're reviewing anymore. The basic layout of the 2003 Zoom remains basically the same, so we think most of this review likely applies to Spire's latest model.
The major change for 2003 is the "R3," the Removable Rigid Retention pocket, which is a protective shell that can be installed or removed at the user's whim. It suspends the computer to protect from any shocks and is rigid to protect the machine from pressure from other things in the pack, according to the company's website. Other improvements include lockable zippers with glow-in-the-dark tips on the pulls, a headphone cable port, and fewer exterior straps for a sleeker look.
Overall, the 2002 model of the Zoom pack is a great bag to carry your PowerBook or iBook around if you prefer a backpack style bag. The improvements for the 2003 model make a good bag even better. The only downside to the bag is its list price--$125--which is a bit steep compared to backpacks not designed to carry computers from the mass market manufacturers, but is roughly in line with similar products from other computer industry and Mac-centric companies. (For some help on the price, look below for our exclusive discount this week on Spire products).
Buying a Mac means paying a bit more for quality, ease of use, and most importantly to some, style. The qualities of the Spire Zoom mirror that of the Macintosh itself. It costs more, but it'll do the job day after day with few problems and a touch of style.
Spire USA is offering a 15% discount off any of its products to PowerBook Zone readers only as part of our "Bag Week" series of reviews and exclusive deals. To take advantage of the discount, simply enter code "BAGWEEK" in the proper spot during the ordering process. Check the main page for other exclusive discounts and bag reviews that're part of Bag Week.
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
