Got my Computer Case (Finally!)
The Shinza sleeve I ordered a few weeks ago arrived. I was really hoping it would have shown up in time for BarCamp this past weekend. I got some odd looks when I took my machine out of what it’s been in. Now, I can unpack it quietly and in style.
I was really smitten with the shade of green of an Incase sleeve Apple sells. It’s about the same price as the Shinza sleeve, but it has almost no protection from anything. I almost bought a nylon sleeve with pockets because I really, really wanted something with places for cables, adapters, and other assorted gear I carry with the computer and to presentations. But, again, it also offers very little protection. While at the Mac store, I even started asking the sales clerks whether they knew anything about its level of protection and if any of them had any eggs I could put inside for some tests. A few said they used it in conjunction with a backpack. What I ideally want is something self-contained at a reasonable price. Guess I’m out of luck.
I also looked at a few Tom Bihn bags, like the Brain Cell and the Monolith. One of the things I didn’t like about them is that in order to get maximum protection, I would have had to have purchased an expensive bag along with the computer sleeve. From a marketing standpoint, that’s fantastic. I already have several backpacks and briefcases, though, and don’t really want to buy another one if I can find something that will work with what I already have.
I decided on the Shinza case because a few people I know who use them have been really impressed with them and because of their shock absorbtion. A few of you who know some of the history of my laptop know that I need something with lots of protection. Also, it allows me to use the computer from inside the case. With the Tom Bihn bags, I’d have to take the machine completely out of the case in order to use it. The Shinza case also allows me to leave my machine inside while it’s charging. I’m not sure the other bags I looked at would have enabled that.
One feature I think that was missing on all of the cases I looked as is protection against water. Nothing specified that it is waterproof. Surely I’m not the only person who is frequently in the rain with a computer. I really wanted something offering a bit of weather protection. I think the Shinza case will be good enough, especially when it’s in another carrier, like a backpack.
So, thus ends the quest for a computer case or bag. Thanks to all of you who gave me some kind of input! I appreciate it.
(And no, Shinza isn’t paying me to write this. A few of you are wondering about the same thing, so I thought I’d blog what I bought and what I considered.)
