Timbuk2 Computer Sleeve : Love Thy Laptop

When it comes to my laptop, I‚'m totally devoted to protecting it from bumps, drops, spills, scratches and sticky hands. But the prospect of carting around a heavy, hard-shelled case through New Zealand, along with all of my other heavy luggage, did not appeal to me. So, I took a leap of faith in a lighter, more user-friendly type of protection, and I haven't looked back once! (Please note, this product is made out of the same tough nylon as a backpack and comes in solid, vivid colors; the waves of color you see here are simply reflections from the flash of my camera.)

I love my Timbuk2 computer sleeve. It‚'s attractive, elegantly designed, and provides a dense foam padding that envelopes my laptop. I like the comfortable handles and sturdy plastic clasp that is supposed to prevent the computer from falling out of the snug-fitting sleeve if it's dropped (hopefully, I'll never have to test how well it protects when dropped.)

Timbuk2 makes so many fun bags in a variety of styles and colors. (They also make computer sleeves to fit 12-, 15-, and 17-inch laptops.) The sleeve is so versatile; I use it alone and with another computer backpack.

Because I'm paranoid, I pack my computer in my sleeve before putting both into another foam container located in my Brenthaven computer bag (see review of Brenthaven Executive Computer Backpack). Not that I need to; the Brenthaven bag provides plenty of protection. But I like more!

It‚'s especially handy for storing the computer and for transporting it from the closet to my desk. As I travel through New Zealand, I often stay in small cottages that don‚'t have a phone line. So, I have to carry my computer to the main office to use the phone lines in the reception area. The Timbuk2 sleeve is perfect for those small trips. I also use it when I drive to internet cafes. I just leave the backpack in the trunk, and stroll into the cafe with my beautifully clad PowerBook.

I first heard about this product from a friend who dropped her 2-week-old laptop and broke it beyond repair. Ouch.

Bottom Line: This one‚'s a no-brainer. Anyone who has a laptop should protect it with a Timbuk2 padded carrying case. It‚'s like a mini-insurance policy and gives me piece of mind when I have to move my PowerBook.-- E.D. (Nov '03)

Price: $40.00

Manufacturer's Site: www.timbuk2.com

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