M17x Bags, Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves - Discuss Here

[dookie11]

This is getting interesting.

@Dom, as you may know, I'm not only looking for a good sleeve, but mainly a good backpack that will prevent scratches, knicks, dents, and protect it (hopefully) from a drop. Most likely not from a desk, but lets say from like a 1-2foot drop, like if I accidentally dropped my backpack while getting out of my car. Do any of your products aid with that? You're completely right in that all the backpacks at the brick n mortar stores are what I've been looking at---that's only cuz I can't touch the ones I see online, so I think my justifications arent too crazy so far . I'll be honest with you, I really like the design of the Velocity Matrix PRO, especially cuz it is a slimmer profile than most bags are. However, my question is: how much padding is in the base? (Please exclude the rubbery lines on the outside). And I'll also be honest with you: if I can't really find a good sleeve out there, PTAC was a bag that I bookmarked a while back (So in conclusion, you're a pretty damn good salesman, and you've almost got me hooked ) I'm still gonna try to make my own sleeve if I get a chance though!

EDIT: Also, someone (besides Dom), please let me know if I'm being unreasonable, and if it's just impossible to save a lappy from a drop like the ones I suggested. That way, I can save my headache and time The only thing I can think of that will absorb a drop like that might be memory foam, or just downright-- lots of foam.

[sean_macvay]

Dookie let me clarify a few things:

(1) I own SLAPPA -no one is paying me to say anything. I started the company, have built it over the course of 7 years, working 16 hours a day -EVERY SINGLE DAY (even today) and run it with great pride because I know we do things differently than most every other brand out there. The only reason I heard about this particular thread was because I got an email inquiry yesterday and they pointed me to this thread. We've been "around" notebookreview.com for 6 years and never use these forums to "sell" ourselves--we do come in here to answer questions or clarify statements (like now)-most all of our communication in here is when people send us a PM.

(2) we are not found in mass retail stores because of the model used by most mass retailers. Most all want VERY high margins for themselves (60%+) they want the vendor to pay to ship to their distribution centers, they want open return policies and they want advertising dollars. So what you are seeing in your Frys store for $40 is probably costing about $5 to make.

(3) your comment about us making our products in sweat shops is flat out wrong and really, it's personally offensive. We invest in a high-quality factory in Southern China and also have provided excellent working conditions at the production facility we use.

(4) in all honesty, you are not going to find a sleeve that will prevent your laptop from being damaged if it fell from a desk--for that you'll need a case, and a damn good one.

Your challenge is accepted (we accepted it before you even put it out there). SLAPPA has always been focused on making "better" quality products and offering excellent service. It sounds like what everyone else says, but if you read what our customers say I think you'll see that's what we're all about. Since you are shopping at Frys I can understand why you are so disappointed in the quality of product you see in the market, but I suggest you venture past Frys because there are lots of better quality products than what you will find there

The challenge to make your own sleeve was not because you are a kid who cannot get the materials--I could easily point you in the right direction. It's because you blindly lump SLAPPA in with all other brands, saying we are overpriced and lack quality, and you make these statements without having ever seen or experienced our products and assume you can build a better product than what is on the market-a silly statement when you have not seen everything on the market.

Simply put, I'm very confident that our $38 sleeve is of a much higher quality than anything you are seeing in this price range at Fry's (or any other mass retail store).

That's my $.02

Dom at SLAPPA

I've been looking around for bags and sleeves, and really haven't been swayed toowards any particular brand yet, mainly because they're all out of my impulse buy/cheap territory. But this right here has really convinced me to look into SLAPPA bags. I have a feeling that as soon as I get up the cash to buy a bag, I will surely strongly consider a SLAPPA bag.

[darkrider2k6]

darkrider, either the 17" or the 18" will work. We've experienced a number of folks who like to have a "less snug" sleeve fit and prefer the 18" and have had those who like the 17" fit (and the 17" is sized to fit the m17x). With all that said, one thing I will point out is the P-tac has an outer pocket on the rear panel that could fit the power brick and cord, and if you want to add that in (without the entire sleeve feeling too tight) then I would suggest the 18".

If there is anything else I can help with please feel free to PM me--I try to communicate more via PM just so it doesn't look like I'm using the forums to "sell"

Thanks

Dom at SLAPPA

Very helpful -- thanks Dom!

[SLAPPADom]

Guys, I really don't like to answer questions on the public forums because it does make it look like I'm "selling" what we do, and really that is not what I wanted to do here--it was to clarify some of the things that Dookie had suggested.

Dookie, as far as sleeves go, again you aren't going to find a sleeve that is going to protect your laptop if falling from a desk (that's about 2.5'-3' drop). Let me rephrase that, it will protect it depending on how it hits the ground. My point is, sleeves are typically for protecting against bangs (like banging into a door) or scratches. We do use .25" padding in our sleeves and they are, as far as sleeves go, very protective-but if you are talking about a 2'+ drop then you should be looking at cases or backpacks. Our M.A.S.K. and Velocity backpacks have .25" padding in every wall + the laptop compartment has .25" padding in every wall (so your laptop would have half an inch of padding)+ on the outer bottom of our backpacks there is a very hard plastic underbelly strip. We do 5' drop tests on these bags. You've done the right thing with regards to asking users for their experience--that is always the best way to get a good read on any product.

I definitely encourage you to make your own sleeve because that will give you some idea of what needs to go into building a sleeve (good or bad) and you will then truly appreciate what it takes to build a good sleeve.

I'm really not trying to "sway" you guys...I do appreciate the positive feedback, but really we let our products and service (and customers) do the talking for us.

Dom @ SLAPPA

[dookie11]

Guys, I really don't like to answer questions on the public forums because it does make it look like I'm "selling" what we do, and really that is not what I wanted to do here--it was to clarify some of the things that Dookie had suggested.

Dookie, as far as sleeves go, again you aren't going to find a sleeve that is going to protect your laptop if falling from a desk (that's about 2.5'-3' drop). Let me rephrase that, it will protect it depending on how it hits the ground. My point is, sleeves are typically for protecting against bangs (like banging into a door) or scratches. We do use .25" padding in our sleeves and they are, as far as sleeves go, very protective-but if you are talking about a 2'+ drop then you should be looking at cases or backpacks. Our M.A.S.K. and Velocity backpacks have .25" padding in every wall + the laptop compartment has .25" padding in every wall (so your laptop would have half an inch of padding)+ on the outer bottom of our backpacks there is a very hard plastic underbelly strip. We do 5' drop tests on these bags. You've done the right thing with regards to asking users for their experience--that is always the best way to get a good read on any product.

I definitely encourage you to make your own sleeve because that will give you some idea of what needs to go into building a sleeve (good or bad) and you will then truly appreciate what it takes to build a good sleeve.

I'm really not trying to "sway" you guys...I do appreciate the positive feedback, but really we let our products and service (and customers) do the talking for us.

Dom @ SLAPPA

Just to let you (and everyone else here) know, I was never offended by any of your responses. I actually really do appreciate you taking the time to come on NBR and refute any of my points, and actually being fair in providing advice too. I'm kinda clumsy, which is precisely why I've been careful in my shopping for bags. Unfortunately, I've yet to find a decent bag with "decent" padding. And to clarify, I'm actually looking for a good backpack, which has padding on the base/bottom, cuz that's the spot that truly matters, and alot of companies skimped out on that for some reason... The only reason why I even devised the plan of making a sleeve is cuz I've been unable to secure a good prospect for backpacks. Additionally, I'm looking for the smallest backpack possible for my 5'4" frame.

Please let me know if your 15" version of the Velocity Matrix PRO fits the R3.

Thx!

EDIT: Please see the green arrow in attached photo. (Photo borrowed from Laoiyah's post in the Backpack for m17x thread Thx bud). There is no "buffer zone"/space there, to absorb impact of a drop. That's what concerns me with all brands of backpack. Please comment on this Slappa bag's effectiveness in absorbing something like that. Thx!

[SLAPPADom]

Dookie, I don't know of any 15.4" backpack that would fit the 17" m17x R3.

With regards to your comment about "lack of buffer space"--there is about .25" of space between the laptop compartment and the bottom of the bag and (again) there is a little more then .5" of padding on the bottom of the M.A.S.K. (the bottom wall + the laptop compartment) + there is the hard underbelly runner. We've sold more than 1200 of these backpacks directly just at the USA website and haven't had an issue with the protection, but as I said earlier you're better off asking customers how they feel about the protection of the M.A.S.K. (or any product)

[dookie11]

Dookie, I don't know of any 15.4" backpack that would fit the 17" m17x R3.

With regards to your comment about "lack of buffer space"--there is about .25" of space between the laptop compartment and the bottom of the bag and (again) there is a little more then .5" of padding on the bottom of the M.A.S.K. (the bottom wall + the laptop compartment) + there is the hard underbelly runner. We've sold more than 1200 of these backpacks directly just at the USA website and haven't had an issue with the protection, but as I said earlier you're better off asking customers how they feel about the protection of the M.A.S.K. (or any product)

Could you please comment on the padding of the Velocity Matrix? The MASK is a bit big for me, and I won't be needing to carry that much stuff besides the computer and maybe a notebook. Thx!

[pmassey31545]

Dookie, I'm going to ask you to put your money where your mouth is, and I challenge you to make a sleeve better than our 18" P-tac sleeve and make it for less than $38. And I'll value your time at only $5.00 per hour. I'm 1000% CERTAIN you cannot do it! want to take the challenge? Take a look at our P-Tac sleeve--1680D Ballistic nylon, .25" padding, quilted inner ripstop lining, alloy zipper pullers and "D" rings, a rear outer pocket, the outer stitched pattern and a metal logo. Let me see you make a better sleeve and for less than $38 that meets or exceeds our 18" P-Tac sleeve and I'll give you any SLAPPA product we have.

Link??? Though I know you aren't trying to be a salesman. I'll hunt it down.

This is funny. You're either a REALLY REALLY REALLY good sales rep for SLAPPA, and they're paying you commission for this post...OR, you're an e-thug aka bully, picking on the kid who doesn't have a factory or assembly line, or easy access to those raw materials sold (usually) to OEMs or sewing factories. I'll be honest with you though, Mr. Dom, I've been thinking alot about making my own sleeve And, obviously my one-of-a-kind design/end-product will be worth more than $38 (go search wikipedia Jimmy Chu and his story about how he made his own shoes, lolz). Don't forget that your products are priced for products produced in bulk, which are mass-produced probably in sweatshops somewhere in China. Seriously, I highly doubt that I can obtain materials that'll be under $38, mostly cuz I have no idea where to buy it ---so you might be right about me being unable to find stuff for under $38...I'll keep looking though, because of your inspiration

On the other hand, I challenge YOU, your company, AND ALL OEMs to make better bags/sleeves/cases. I went to Frys today, and everything I got my nifty little paws on was thinner than a baby's diaper... 1/4" of padding is nuttin, mang. You're gonna need more than that to protect a drop. We're all trying to find something which can protect against a drop. Doesn't have to be a drop from your roof or something, but at least a drop from the top of your desk maybe. I don't think your 1/4" padding can protect a 10lb computer from cracking, chipping, denting, or breaking. Unless you can show us proof that you can.

In a nutshell, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. I'll be sure to report back when or if I've completed this project. Dom, you're a pal, only cuz you've actually given me inspiration to make my own, and not buy yours. Good job, bud


EDIT: Just visited your website, Dom, and saw the PTAC sleeve: P-Tac Matrix sleeves for iPad, Netbook, Macbook, Laptops and Gamer Laptops. It looks about as thin as anything I saw at Frys today, Staples on Friday, and Walmart last week... Hopefully I can find some time to shop around for supplies.
-----

On a separate note, @its.kevn, I went to Fry's today, and saw the EVERKI BEACON. Good news! It's not that big! I tried it on, and although it makes me look like I'm going hiking or something, it's actually not that bad. Bad news though, the padding in it is sorely disappointing, for something which sells for $129.99 at Frys. I will admit though, it was a pretty nice bag, made of very high quality materials. And the furry orange stuff is pretty cool too! There was this other bag that was sold, brand was Impulse? or something? At the bottom/base of the lappy compartment, was a strip about 1.5" wide x the bag's width, and it had about 1/4-1/2" padding with a metal strip underneath it that was wavy, to absorb a drop. Pretty cool, but that was the only cool thing about it. Ugly bag too.

Are you planning on throwing it off of a building? I mean, if you are carrying around a $3000+ computer, most of the time you don't worry about a lot of padding bc you have a death grip on it making SURE it doesn't fall. Most back packs are just fine for day to day lugging. Sure, some are better than others, but most give you the protection you need for general hauling.


As for the Orion backpack-not too impressed. It is easy to carry, the laptop compartment holds it very snuggly with about a 3/4 inch buffer before you even hit the padding. I do like the way it opens 180 degrees to put your lappy in too. There is about 3/4 inch padding on the bottom but you could cut something to go in it if needed-there's room for that. There really isn't a lot of storage room for USB drives and the mouse pouch is barley big enough for a mini travel mouse. Don't get me wrong, I like the bag, but I had this ONE and consider it just as good-if not better. More storage and like someone said-Not advertising you have an Alienware computer.

I will try to get some pics tonight.

[pmassey31545]

Check this Dookie Look! Bet it costs more than $38 though!!! LOL

[joecait]

With backpacks, I think you're limited in how heavy/protected you can really go. If all you really need is to carry a laptop and tech gear, then probably a hard shell case is the thing to go with. Slappa makes one and Pelican I think which makes a ton of tough cases, and I'm sure some others would be good choices.