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It’s in the Bag

2 February 2005Posted By: Tracy
Posted in: Accessories

Once you have a Tablet PC, a big question that hits usually runs along the lines of, "Um…what do I carry this in?" A normal laptop bag may work fine for a normal laptop (hence the name "laptop bag"), but most tablets are no where near the size of a standard laptop. One would soon notice the waste of space in a big bag, but, well, what else is there? Tablets don’t exactly have a huge share of the market (yet), so needless to say there is a limited number of accessories for them. The good thing is that tablets can fit into a lot of places due to small size, leaving for a wide variety of options. I’ll cover the basic ideas you can use for carrying cases, but you can get creative as you want (as you’ll see in the article ^_^).

Official Cases/Bags

1. Bare Minimum - Portfolio Cases

In most cases you can find a slip cover provided by your manufacturer which will fit like a glove and be light weight and just enough to protect the hinge, casing, and little bumps. Some tablets even come with a little slip cover, such as my Acer 110, which is nice because it was the only thing I needed. If your tablet’s manufacturer is pretty barren of accessories or way over priced, they’re pretty easy to find at Fry’s or any computer store, and they’re usually only around $20-$40 (some manufacturer ones up to $70) depending on quality.

Here’s some links to get you started:

Motion Computing https://www.motioncomputing.com/store/Default.ASP?WCI=wiInventory&WCE=wtCategoryDetails&category=Cases%20%26%20Portfolios

Toshiba 3-in-1 Leather Portfolio  http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/adet.to?poid=268227&seg=HHO&rcid=-26364&ccid=1291043

HP Tablet PC workstation case http://h30094.www3.hp.com/product.asp?mfg_partno=DC909A

CaseLogic Laptop Shuttle (Hardshell)  http://www.buy.com/prod/CaseLogic_EVA_Laptop_Shuttle_Black_Hardshell_F_15IN_Laptop_Tablet_PC/q/loc/16895/10355076.html

Fujitsu http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecommerce/SelectAccessoryDetail.jsp

Tom Bihn "Monolith" http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TB0330&Category_Code=300&Product_Count=8

Ogio Brain Bucket http://tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12630

2. Tablet Only Bags

If all you need for classes is you Tablet PC (which is often the case…haha, no pun intended), a simple small laptop bag should do the trick for protecting and holding the tablet. The nice this is there’s a bunch of them out there, and even a lot of cute ones for girls (yay!!!) and non-business looking ones for normal students. The trouble is finding one that fits. Sure, every case has a screen size it fits, but that’s for laptops. One thing one should be careful with is tablets have more plastic around the screen than laptops. Many laptop screens go all the way to the edge while tablets can have one inch (Fujitsu has a lot of extra…) or more before added to the length just because of the nature of tablets. If possible, go by dimensions, not screen size. Measure either edge to edge of you tablet and use that as the "screen size" or bring a ruler to the store to be sure your tablet will fit. Bring your tablet if you can. These rules go for any case or bag which isn’t made specifically for tablets, so just take note when you’re looking.

There’s a LOT of laptop bags out there, so I’ll just link to some cool ones:

Tom Bihn "Brain Cell" http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=TB0300

HP Ladies Leather Bag http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/tabletpc/options/carrying_cases.html

Ladies Microfiber Laptop Tote (10% goes to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation)  http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/7010/

Timbuc2 Commute http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/catalog/categories.t2;jsessionid=B1915BEB04BFB379523EB8E3D3651C67?categoryId=7

Spire Flux http://www.spireusa.com/products/FL3.html

3. Bags for Tablets and everything else you have

If you’re like me, you like to have everything with you all the time. While tablets take care of most of the junk I use to carry, there’s still a lot left (can’t figure out how to scan in my lipstick and still have the same quality ). There’s pretty much three options which you probably already know of (shoulder bags, messenger bags, and back packs) and they all still work for tablets. In general, the bigger the bag, the more likely it is to work with your tablet. The only setback is, well, those laptop backpacks can just completely swallow a 10.4" tablet. If you don’t mind and think it leaves plenty of room for accessories, that’s fine. If you want a close fitting case, you’re going to have to look harder, maybe a case made for a Sony Viao or the small Mac. Anyway, if you’re going for a bag option, just find one with some cushion and you should be good to go.

NOTE: Buying online backpacks is hard because they never look the same in person. I’d suggest going to a computer store with lots of bags not only so you can see a wide range in person, but if it doesn’t work like you want it, or doesn’t fit right, it’s an easy return.

Some starters:   

Shaun Jackson Design "LapDog" http://www.sjdesign.com/lapdog.html

Tom Bihn "Buzz" http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TB0151&Category_Code=100&Product_Count=3

Find more case suggestions at TabletPCBuzz:
"A long list of Cases" http://tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12630

True College Style Cases

I’m cheap…on certain things, anyway. I don’t like spending money on things that don’t provide entertainment or nutrition. Tablet cases are one of those things I just couldn’t bring myself to fork out the money for. I tried some things, but nothing seemed worth it for a measly little college student like me. Here are some of my homemade ideas to save some cash.

1 .Good Old Duck Tape and Bubble Wrap

Yea, a little tacky, but this is school still, and that’s allowed. I actually did this one idle afternoon, and it was actually pretty cool. I ended up not using it because I made it too tight ^_^ but you gotta admit it’s a cheap option.

Instructions: 1) wrap your tablet in a hand towel (to keep it loose enough) then wrap in bubble wrap. Tape the bubble wrap with scotch tape, or something. 2) Wrap in Duct tape, any color (or colors), until the bubble wrap is covered. 3) Add a duct tape flap if you’re feeling crafty. 4) Add a duct tape pen slot if you feel extra crafty.


Will Bullas’s 2000 Calendar “Taped Duck"

2. Modified Zip-Up Binder (My Personal Fav and what I use)

Now I love this one. This is the reason to get a tablet, or any little laptop. You can usually find an old zip-up binder laying around somewhere (you know, those five star ones? I’m sure there’s other brands now, but that was all they had back when I was in middle school ^_^). There’s lots of styles and colors of these which is pretty sweet so if you have to buy one, at least they’re cheap and you have a variety to choose from. Mine is black with a mesh pocket on the outside I use to store pens. Big Bonus: When closed they look like they’re just full of worthless paper, so there’s less chance to get it stolen and you may feel less geeky (when tablet not in use…but when’s that?).

Instructions: 1) Get a zip-up binder. 2) Glue some bubble wrap or cotton stuffing on the inside if you want some padding. 3) Tear out the rings (may need a knife, but some just velcro out) and cover/cut off any metal on the inside (zippers, etc.). 4) Put tablet inside.

What’s awesome is my Five Star fit my Acer 302 EXACTLY like it was made for it. With my Acer 110 it would fit in the pocket on the side of this other zipper binder (made for papers I guess) and then I could keep pens and a paper pad inside with it. The smaller the tablet, the more the options, but just know this method works for the huge 14" Acer, so it should work for yours ^_^.

Specialty Cases

If you have a slate and you want to use it as a laptop, or if you want to walk around with your tablet a lot (say you’re a doctor or in construction), there are cases made just for you! This first style case is getting popular with all types of slates: one side holds the tablet, one side holds an external keyboard, and then a stand behind the tablet side keeps the tablet propped up. In the end it works just like a laptop, except I don’t really think it’d be stable on a lap as you kinda have to have a flat surface. For the person on the go, it’s a nice idea though.

Motion Field Case https://www.motioncomputing.com/store/Default.ASP?WCI=wiInventory&WCE=wtCategoryDetails&category=Cases%20%26%20Portfolios

Fujitsu - Nylon Attache Case  http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecommerce/SelectAccessoryDetail.jsp

Specialty case #2 is for the walking tablet. Now, most tablets are light enough they can fend for themselves and not need a strap to help hold them up. But some tablets (mostly convertibles) are JUST heavy enough to be a burden after a while. OR you may just want a way to protect your tablet while in the field. For this the strapped case is great as most let you keep the tablet in the case and the strap supports it. OK, hard to explain, but look at the pictures. Pretty easy to understand from there.

IT Case  http://www.intelligenttechnologiesinc.com/

Motion Lightweight Bump Case  https://www.motioncomputing.com/store/Default.ASP?WCI=wiInventory&WCE=wtCategoryDetails&category=Cases%20%26%20Portfolios

6 Responses to “It’s in the Bag”

1. Rob Says:
   February 4th, 2005 at 10:09 am

   Good information, as usual. Just curious, what about carrying the extras, such as AC power, etc. Thanks!

2. Tracy Says:
   February 4th, 2005 at 11:18 am

   I knew I forgot something ^_^.

   Personally I use the backpack I’ve had since high school with a converted Five Star binder for my tablet case. My power cord goes in the backpack at the bottom of the main pocket (because it just fits best there and there’s only three pockets anyway), then the little things like gadgets and small cords go in the pocket at the top (I think it’s meant for a CD player and CD’s, but that’s so five minutes ago ;-)). My pens (tablet and other) I keep on the zipper pouch on the outside of the zippered binder.

   There could be a possible article in the future on organizing all your “tech stuff” (wires, batteries, power cords, mp3 players, recorders, old junk) including making what you need daily as compact/limited as possible to minimize the amount you have to keep track of when traveling from class to class.

3. Mom Says:
   February 4th, 2005 at 11:52 am

   Great article Tracy, I remember the duct tape case you made very well, very bright silver tape case with a flap and I believe a pen holder (you must have been very bored last summer). Brings back wonderful memories of you! Did do a nice job on it though.

4. Erin MacDonald Says:
   December 4th, 2005 at 10:58 pm

   They now make bubble-wrap envelopes - flat white plastic on the outside, bubbles on the inside. Ironically, I ordered a case for my tablet and it was shipped in one of these envelopes. I have since discovered that the envelope is lighter, more protective, and more waterproof than the case that was shipped inside the envelope!

5. Marc Says:
   December 27th, 2005 at 9:10 pm

   Has anyone found a good waterproof laptop bag. I am going to be getting my new tablet on Jan. 3rd. I ride back and forth to class everyday and I need something waterproof and fairly bomber. Any suggestions?

   Oh, I don’t want to spend more then $60.

   Thanks!

6. jack komboy Says:
   December 29th, 2006 at 4:31 pm

   Dear sales,

   I’m an overseas customer and I’d like to buy your products; 1. can you arrange shipment to Indonesia? 2. Do you accept credit card payment? 3. what type of credit card accepted? please advise me.

   Kindly regard

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