Laptop Bags

jimmydeanno · February 24, 2009, 01:30:52 PM

I have been in the market for a new laptop bag for a while now. I bought a CAP attache case about 10 years ago (the blue ones with the CAP seal screenprinted in white on the flap). Well, the main zipper is broken, it's faded, the shoulder strap clips are busted, etc.

So, needless to say, I need a new bag. I've been looking around for a while and haven't been able to find one that I like. Oddly enough - I just bought one this morning.

In my mailbox was the daily blackhawk deal e-mail and their "Custom Advanced Tactical Briefcase" was on sale for $59.99 (from $135.99).

• 500 denier nylon with waterproof lining
• 2 hook and loop patches (inside and out) and moveable vinyl ID window
• External computer access through waterproof zipper
• Hook and loop configurable, padded computer pocket
• Two external, easy access pockets for phone, PDA etc.
• Robust shoulder strap and carry handle
• Rear slot for pull handle access makes this work with all wheeled luggage

• Dims:13 "X 16" X 5"
• Cubes: 610" / 10L

I figure when it arrives, I'll take it down to the mall and have them embroider the CAP emblem on it. I hope it is as super awesome as it seems.

Stonewall · February 24, 2009, 01:48:04 PM

Already field tested bro.

Check out last year's review by KyCAP and me.

jimmydeanno · February 24, 2009, 01:52:41 PM

Ha! I even commented in the thread. Show's where my memory is

One benefit though, I got it for half the price you did

EDIT: The replacement for this, which has the same layout, etc. has been upgraded to 1000 denier nylon. I'm not sure that I'd see the difference though in everyday use. I have a feeling that the waterproof zipper and lining is going to be extremely beneficial.

Stonewall · February 24, 2009, 02:15:17 PM

Quote from: jimmydeanno on February 24, 2009, 01:52:41 PM
One benefit though, I got it for half the price you did

But I NEEDED IT NOW!!!!

Eclipse · February 24, 2009, 02:58:33 PM

Heh - let's just be honest with ourselves - these are "tactical purses" and deep down we all know it.

I've been using the Code Alpha for about a year or so and really like it for the majority of use - meetings, base & CAP deployment use, etc., because it fits everything I need in one "mobile desk".

http://tinyurl.com/cso3pw

Its not, however, a very good commuter bag since its a shoulder strap versus a backpack, and I generally switch to my trusty Targus backpack when I'm doing the regional train thing.

JoeTomasone · February 24, 2009, 06:35:33 PM

I've been using this case from Kensington for years for both work/business travel and CAP:

http://us.kensington.com/html/4656.html

Lots of storage pockets, holds a ton, and doesn't impact the shoulder.

jimmydeanno · February 24, 2009, 06:50:10 PM

Quote from: Eclipse on February 24, 2009, 02:58:33 PM
Heh - let's just be honest with ourselves - these are "tactical purses" and deep down we all know it.

It won the masculinity test. The wife didn't say it was 'cute.'

Looking at the link you posted, this showed up in the "also viewed" section. Looks pretty nifty.

Maxpedition OPERATOR™ TACTICAL ATTACHÉ

es_g0d · February 25, 2009, 03:27:34 AM

I'm sorry, but I'm still giggling at the thought of a "Custom Advanced Tactical Briefcase" that's as custom as a mass produced item, advanced as a bookbag, tactical as a KC-135, and -- finally -- truth in advertising: Briefcase.

That said, I do feel unarmed without my laptop... best piece of mission management equipment ever invented since the pencil! I'm curious what everyone's field tests will ultimately hail as the champion.

davedove · February 25, 2009, 01:04:26 PM

Quote from: es_g0d on February 25, 2009, 03:27:34 AM
I'm sorry, but I'm still giggling at the thought of a "Custom Advanced Tactical Briefcase" that's as custom as a mass produced item, advanced as a bookbag, tactical as a KC-135, and -- finally -- truth in advertising: Briefcase.

It's for the Special Forces Accountants. These folks parachute behind enemy lines and mess up their books.

jimmydeanno · February 25, 2009, 01:47:27 PM

Anyone that giggles is required to order their bag from here: http://www.coolcomputerbags.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=23

NIN · February 25, 2009, 06:39:28 PM

I snagged an Oakley AP Sandbag last year. One of our squadron commanders has one of these in the grey color, and I totally fell in love with the hardware.

Retail was $110, Ebay was in the $90s. Ugh. Too rich for my blood.

Mustang from CadetStuff snagged one at the Oakley store in Camarillo, CA for $55 (w/tax & shipping it was still only $75) and sent it to me.

What you don't see is the parachute-grade hardware (the little riser rings are just a mini pre-cursor to the full-blown B-12 quick ejector hardware found on the strap.)

Its pretty rugged, takes MOLLE/PALS pouches and is reconfigurable. My 15" Dell Precision M4300 does NOT fit well in here, but my older Fujitsu Lifebook tablet did. I still use it for the 4300, but its a real chore to put the laptop in the padded sleeve as its technically too big.

EDIT: Meant to mention that the top of the strap zips/snaps off, and you can remove the B-12 quick-ejector from the strap and pull this sort of yoke assembly out of the back pouch with another B-12 permenantly attached to it, snap the first B-12 onto this yoke thing, and then the whole kit and kaboodle snaps onto a vest that Oakley sold (that goes for $200 on Ebay right now) like this:

For some of the more gear-queerish among us, it might be just the kind of "urban campus tactical chic" you're looking for.

Gunner C · February 26, 2009, 01:04:32 AM

es_g0d · February 26, 2009, 06:35:00 AM

Don't joke about special forces accountants!

Jimmy X was an Air Force Finance officer assigned to AFRCC. (!) I met him at an AFRCC Search Management course in 1999 or so. I ran into him again where he was a classmate of mine in SOS.

His assignment? To Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). He was a self-described special forces bean counter!

Truth is stranger than fiction. I'm doubting any parachute jumping activity on his part tho...

SJFedor · February 26, 2009, 02:43:20 PM

Quote from: NIN on February 25, 2009, 06:39:28 PM
EDIT: Meant to mention that the top of the strap zips/snaps off, and you can remove the B-12 quick-ejector from the strap and pull this sort of yoke assembly out of the back pouch with another B-12 permenantly attached to it, snap the first B-12 onto this yoke thing, and then the whole kit and kaboodle snaps onto a vest that Oakley sold (that goes for $200 on Ebay right now) like this:

For some of the more gear-queerish among us, it might be just the kind of "urban campus tactical chic" you're looking for.

If she comes with it, I'll buy it.

NIN · February 26, 2009, 04:37:38 PM

Quote from: es_g0d on February 26, 2009, 06:35:00 AM
Don't joke about special forces accountants!

Jimmy X was an Air Force Finance officer assigned to AFRCC. (!) I met him at an AFRCC Search Management course in 1999 or so. I ran into him again where he was a classmate of mine in SOS.

His assignment? To Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). He was a self-described special forces bean counter!

Truth is stranger than fiction. I'm doubting any parachute jumping activity on his part tho...

Are all AFSOC guys named "Jimmy X" or "Mark X"? I need a new flight suit nametag.

LtCol057 · February 27, 2009, 07:51:02 PM

SJFedor, if you can afford her, TNWg must be paying better than NCWg. I can't even afford to look at her. Had to cover my screen. :angel:

es_g0d · February 28, 2009, 05:59:30 AM

I just can't remember Jimmy's last name.

Jimmy X sounded cooler than Jimmy whats-his-name.

afgeo4 · March 01, 2009, 09:44:09 PM

Quote from: Eclipse on February 24, 2009, 02:58:33 PM
Heh - let's just be honest with ourselves - these are "tactical purses" and deep down we all know it.

I've been using the Code Alpha for about a year or so and really like it for the majority of use - meetings, base & CAP deployment use, etc., because it fits everything I need in one "mobile desk".

http://tinyurl.com/cso3pw

Its not, however, a very good commuter bag since its a shoulder strap versus a backpack, and I generally switch to my trusty Targus backpack when I'm doing the regional train thing.

I have a Code Alpha ABU 3-day assault pack and it's holding up pretty well after 7 months of regular use. I'm considering purchasing the laptop case you're showing in the ABU pattern now too.

jimmydeanno · March 02, 2009, 11:17:00 PM

Just got my bag. I LIKE IT!

In the compartment with the waterproof zipper that is meant for the laptop I was able to fit my Dell Latitude D620 in without difficulty (13.3" x 11.3" x 1.3") (11.3 because I've the 9 cell lithium battery).

Although it is larger than my existing bag, it doesn't feel awkward. The handle is easy to hold and you don't need to open the flap to access your laptop.

The stiching is nice and there are more compartments and dividers than I currently know what to do with.

Of course I opened it and my wife says, "What third world country are you going to take over with that?"

Eclipse · March 16, 2010, 03:47:50 AM

Uber-bump.

I need something else - I still have the Alpha above, even "upgraded" it for my Instand, but it just doesn't fit my needs - I'm carrying
a D630 and my next machine is likely to be a tablet (not an iPad), so its wider than I need, and the molle packs on the outside tend to
get hung up on stuff. I also have an aged Targus notebook backpack that has stood up well but doesn't fit the need, either, and I am constantly dumping one bag into the other.

Being a full-on mobile office-type, I carry a lot of "stuff" including a Clearspot, a bunch of cables, notebooks, power supplies, and of course the portable desk, so I need something with pockets.

What I'm looking for is something in the Tactical family but that has the stow-away backback straps or similar so I don't have to swap out
all the time. I'd also like it to be able to stand on its own similar to the Alpha. Black or other subtle colors are important so I can go from CAP to the conference room without too many looks.

The Oakley above looks interesting, but is that messenger strap standard? It doesn't seem to be. How comfortable is it to go sling-back
with a fair amount of weight on a typical "commuter" walk.

Anything new out there? I've trolled a lot of the typical sites, but you guys tend to dig up things out of the corners. Oakley's site does not appear to carry the one above anymore.