Timbuk2 Quilted Laptop Sleeve
Sizes: Xtra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Xtra Large
Colors: Chartreuse, Slate Blue, Brown, Strawberry, Black
Exterior: Ballistic Nylon
Interior: Plush Corduroy

After selling my Apple Powerbook G4 17" I no longer needed my Brenthaven laptop case which was designed for the Powerbook. After 6 months without a laptop I finally caved in and purchased a used Apple iBook G4 12" on eBay. Initially I figured I could just haul my iBook around using my Timbuk2 Messenger bag for a storage solution. After watching my iBook bounce around inside my messenger bag I realized it would eventually become damaged unless I purchased a protective sleeve.

Since I already owned a Timbuk2 bag that was built tough and utilitarian I decided to shop Timbuk2 for my laptop sleeve. There’s two different types of models available, the Quilted Sleeve with diamond-stitched exterior quilt patterns and the Grip Sleeve which a more traditional looking nylon sleeve with rubberized accents and a shoulder strap. I chose the quilted version since it looks sweet and has a little more padding for my iBook.

----- Using the laptop sleeve -----

There’s 5 different sizes of sleeves available for different laptops, make sure the exterior dimensions of your laptop are matched to the right size sleeve. Once you have the right sleeve it’s very simple to use and maintain. The exterior of my sleeve is black nylon and so far its resisted stains and debris very well. Inside the sleeve is plush corduroy padding which keeps my laptop secure and safe. The lid flap is secured by a 2”x2” patch of Velcro and so far has been very good at keeping the flap latched. To open the flap just pull the handy nylon tab at the center of the flap and slide your laptop out.

The only downsides I’ve found to my Timbuk2 sleeve has to do with the ballistic nylon exterior and lack of any pockets whatsoever. Since I take my laptop with me in my car quite frequently I often lay the sleeve on the passenger seat while driving. When I come to a stop the sleeve slides off the seat and ends up on the floor. Nylon doesn’t grip very well on leather or cloth and I’ve since learned to set my sleeve behind the passenger seat. The lack of pockets doesn't really bother me since I use my sleeve inside my larger bag when I want to haul stuff. I wouldn't mind a phone pocket or small slot for pens and paper if it was built in. Overall I can't really complain for the price since there are quite a few more expensive bags available with pockets to spare. Other than these minor issues I love my laptop sleeve and would recommend it to anyone looking for budget laptop protection. If you have a backpack or shoulder bag the smaller Timbuk2 sleeves should fit right in.


Related Backpack Links:

•Timbuk2 Cell Phone Holder
•Timbuk2 Bag in a Box


•Camelbak H.A.W.G.
•Camelbak HydroBak
•Camelbak Rim Runner
•Camelbak Classic


Related Computer Links:

•Apple iMac 20" Intel Duo
•Apple Powerbook G4 17"
•Apple iBook G4 12"
•Apple iPod Photo 40GB
•Apple iPod 20GB
•Nikon D70 Digital SLR


Thanks for reading and feel free to comment!
© Openroad 2006



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