Reviews by The Church of Apple

Tag: Bag

  • Vangoddy Pindar MacBook/Laptop Carrying Bag

    The Vangoddy Pindar MacBook/Laptop Carrying Bag is a multifunction, multi-device carrying bag for all of your personal electronic devices. This bag carries a MacBook/MacBook Air/MacBook Pro, an iOS device or an Android device (God forbid) and an iPad or an Android tablet (again, God forbid). It is stylish, flexible and functional for a fair price of $41.99. Let’s see if it is the laptop bag for you.

    Form

    The bag is big enough for a 14 inch laptop such as a iBook G4 14″ but of course the most common size laptop to use in this bag is a 13 inch laptop. I have used both my 13 inch Air and 13 inch Regular MacBooks in the case. They fit just fine and are easy to take out. The bag is black with colored trim. You, of course, can choose which color. It comes in blue and black, all black, red and black, green and black, orange and black, purple and black. It also comes in all pink. The color is on the trim on the front of the bag, it has some green stitching, the logo is stitched in color, the green piece for earbuds to go through and the bottom rubber piece that protects the fabric from the hard floor. The fabric on the outside is soft but firm. The feel on the handle is very comfortable in your hand. The strap is also quite comfortable, it has a soft, padded feel to it. The inside is also padded which protects the devices inside. The inside and outside are made well and look great. Overall, it has great aesthetics.

    Function

    Laptop bags really only have one purpose, that is to protect your devices while making it easy to carry them. This bag does both. The bag is well padded so your devices will not be damaged should you drop it. The bag also makes them easy to carry. It carries three devices, or at least I was able to fit three devices: my MacBook, iPad and iPhone and all chargers for them. The case also, of course, doesn’t stop there. The straps and handle make it easy to carry. The strap comes off when you don’t need it that way when you carry it by it’s handles, the strap doesn’t get in the way. The bag also has an interesting feature. The pocket that you put your iPhone opens and you can access your phone from the pocket without having to take it out of the bag. Above that is a hole for your headphones to go through. There is a pocket next to it that is zippered. It is big enough to hold an iPad mini in. However, I use it for perhaps an additional iPod or device. The inside has a mesh area for chargers, an area for an iPad next to that and of course the pocket for the laptop is next to that. In addition to these cool pockets, there is also a flap on the side of the bag that allow you to put your charger cord through so you can charge your computer while it is still in the bag. The bag is a great bag, it has some unique features and it is one I can highly recommend.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Great aesthetics
    -Protects devices
    -Comfortable to use, convenient to use
    -Unique iPhone pocket
    -Unique slot for a charger

    Cons

    -None

    This is a great bag. There really aren’t ways for Vangoddy to improve this bag. It gives great features for a great price. This bag gets 5 stars from me.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

  • RooCase Deluxe Carrying Bag Review

    The RooCase Deluxe Carrying Bag is a laptop bag made for 12-13 inch laptops. The case has many pockets and is well-padded. It is available from Amazon for $33.47. Let’s see if it is the laptop bag for you.

    Form

    The bag comes in several colors. It comes in black, blue and black, pink and black and red and black. I received the blue and black case. The bag has the color as the main color and black is the trimming. All the colors look great. The case is made of a soft material. The outside of the case has a few well-placed pockets. The bag looks nice on the outside. It isn’t a designer laptop bag but it doesn’t have to be. It looks nice enough. The stitching on the bag is well-done and it has good craftsmanship on the bag, strap and handle. The case has two protectors on the bottom to help it stand upright and to help it not get dirtied or ripped by the unforgiving floor. The inside of the case is also well made. There are many pockets inside the bag for maximum storage. All the extremities, such as the zipper and the strap attachments are well made and won’t break easily. The bag by itself is pretty light so it doesn’t add much weight to the weight of the things inside. Overall, in terms of aesthetics, this is a great laptop bag.

    Function

    There are quite a few things about this bag I like. First, the bag provides a lot of protection for your laptop. If you drop this bag, your computer will not have a scratch on it. The bag is very well padded and it will protect it’s contents very well. Second, this bag has a lot of space in it. There are at least 10 pockets that I counted. There are a few pockets for bigger things such as one for the computer and one for the charger. There are a few medium sized pockets such as one for an iPad or other accessories. There are also a few smaller pockets inside that you could put your phone and a few other accessories in. In addition, there is a few slots to put your stuff in. I could see some one putting 2 laptops, an iPad and an iPhone with all the chargers for each device and still have room left over. Everything is fairly easily accessible. Also, the bag can be carried by strap or handle. I find it easier to carry it around by strap only because it makes it even easier to reach for your device inside the bag. The zippers and velcro are easy to open but will not break. Overall, this bag is a great laptop bag for the money.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Great aesthetics
    -Protects the things inside well
    -Holds a lot of stuff, there’s plenty of space
    -Easy to carry
    -Everything is easy to get to

    Cons

    -None

    Ways to improve

    For the price, this is a great laptop bag and I personally see nothing that should be improved on this bag.

    This is one great laptop bag. It can hold a lot and it can protect a lot. I wouldn’t say it’s a designer laptop bag but does it need to be? In fact, I think it would protect better than a lot of designer bags do and at one third the cost. It’s practical for the everyday consumer. This bag easily gets 5 stars from me.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

    Images Courtesy: Amazon

  • MacCase Classic

    The is a case made for 12 or 13 inch iBooks or MacBooks of any generation from the original, colorful iBook to the 2012 MacBook Air. There is a uniqueness to this case. The MacCase Classic is shaped like an old original colorful iBook and has the same design as the original iBook does. It really does feel like an irony putting a MacBook into the bag, but it fits fine. There is a bit of history to the case itself as well. The MacCase Classic was introduced shortly after the original iBooks came out. They were, in a sense, one of the first companies to make accessories for the (more) current Apple products. Admittedly, I do not have one of the original iBooks, however I do have an iBook G4, a MacBook and a MacBook Air to test it with and they all fit fine. The MacCase Classic is available from MacCase for $29.95.

    Form

    The case definitely does well in this category. The case on the outside has a rainproof material that I can guarantee won’t allow rain in. The case has the cool, original iBook look to it. It has the same oval-like shape with the gumdrop tangerine, blueberry, key lime, indigo and graphite colors, the original colors of the original iBooks. Also, on the top half of the case is the white that the original iBooks had. On the back side is an all black material that feels pretty solid with the addition of a pocket on the back. The pocket on the back will hold your charger so that you won’t stay uncharged. The strap also feels solid and I know that it won’t break. The strap has a part that goes on your shoulder that feels padded and comfortable on your shoulder. The handle on the MacCase is a joy to hold. It feels very comfortable on the hand. Overall, it seems very nice on the outside of the bag. The inside of the bag is the same story. As you open the zipper, which by the way has the MacCase logo on it in the style that Apple put the name “iBook” on the screen, you will see a nice, padded inside. The back where the back of the computer goes is padded, the sides are padded and the front is padded. The only spot that isn’t padded is the clear part on the front where you can see the Apple logo of the iBook or MacBook through, which I think is a nice added feature. There is a small U-shaped pocket on the inside that perhaps you could fit an Apple Remote and some headphones, it really is a nice touch. Again, the MacCase logo with the classic iBook style writing is on the inside. Overall, aesthetically, it is a great case.

    Function

    It is the same story here as in the aesthetics. The case, as I mentioned, is very well padded and the computer will not break in it. The computer will not only be well-padded but it also will be strapped in. This I view as an advantage for a few reasons. One, the computer won’t move inside the bag, limiting any damage that could occur by dropping the bag. Two, the computer will not sag to the bottom to where you can’t see the Apple logo through the clear part on the case. In addition, there is a pocket on the outside of the bag where you can store the computer’s charger. You can’t store much else in the case but then again, you don’t need to. It does protect your computer and it’s power cord for a cheap price. It also provides a conversational piece as well. In addition, to the protection it provides, the addition of both a handle and strap is nice. If you prefer the handle like I do, all you have to do is take the strap off. I know most bags have this ability but it is nice that it has the ability. Like I mentioned before, the case does seem to be waterproof on the front. On the inside, there is a pocket that you could store an Apple remote in, wallet, headphones etc, just some small things that you may need to put in the bag. Lastly, the zippers on the bag seem to zip and unzip smoothly. Ultimately, this bag is as good in it’s function than in it’s form.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Great protection (padding and strapping in) for your iBook or MacBook (12″ or 13″)
    -Great aesthetics (handle, strap, outside, inside etc.)
    -Two pockets to store power cord and a few other personal items
    -Clear “window” to see Apple logo

    Cons

    -None

    Ways to improve

    This suggestion is nothing wrong with the case, it is just something they may want to try. On the original iBook, there was a colored handle that matched the color of the computer. I suggest that they try this, try duplicating the color of the handle with the color of the case for that added original iBook effect.

    This 12″/13″ iBook/MacBook bag is a great bag. The protection it offers coupled with the novelty and cool factor it offers and it’s cheap price make it an ideal iBook/MacBook bag and easily earn it five stars. Great job MacCase!

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe

    Images Courtesy: MacCase

  • Acme Made Clutch MacBook Bag

    The Clutch is a laptop bag designed to fit a MBA or MBP 13 inch made by Acme Made. It is only available to those who have a 13 inch MBA/MBP. However, I do believe that anyone who has not seen the light of Apple and owns a Windows 13 inch laptop will still be able to fit their laptop just fine in the bag. The bag is available for $99.99 direct from Acme Made (interesting name for a company, they must have been the ones behind the falling pianos and 20 ton weights). All kidding aside, this bag is no joke. It is probably the best laptop bag I have ever used, and that is saying something. Allow me to explain why this is a great laptop bag for anyone who needs a laptop bag.

    Form

    Aesthetically, the AcmeMade Clutch is very well thought out and very good looking. It definitely has it’s curb appeal. On the outside, the case is a beautiful brown leather canvas exterior. It has a nice black strap that any shoulder would be proud of having on it. The bag has a darker brown trimming that has a good “alliance” with the rest of the bag. The whole bag is designer designed so you know it has been approved by someone who you know can actually design. Because of it being a designer bag, it does have it’s own “designer name”. On the front of the bag, there is a button on it that says “Acme Made San Francisco”, which having the city in front of the name of the company is very common with designers. My point is, the case is very well designed on the exterior. The interior is just the same. The inside is a black twill nylon quitted material, which looks very nice and sophisticated. The bottom quarter part of the case has a brown part that comes up from the outside of the case and looks really nice. It doesn’t necessarily contrast the black, it just fits with the black. There are 2 main pockets, presumably to carry 2 laptops if needed. There are also 5 other smaller pockets in addition to two pen holders, which depending on the size of the pen, hold up to 6 pens (three on each pen holder). The pocket to hold the MacBook(s) in are very protective and thick. Should you drop the bag off your shoulder by accident, the MacBook will not break, especially if it already has a case on it. The other pockets are multi-purposeful and they too are very protective of the items they hold. The case, if you haven’t guessed already, is very detailed. Here are a few more examples on how exact they are: the stitching on the case is beautifully done, there is not string hanging loose from it. Also, on one of the pockets there is a zipper, and the even the “grip” of the zipper, the part you hold on to when your pull the zipper, looks really nice. It too is made out of leather and has a black button on it. It is to be noted that this case can be used by both men and women and looks good with either one. As you can tell, the aesthetics of the case are beyond superb and there is absolutely nothing I can point out that is bad about this case.

    Function

    The abilities of this case is absolutely extraordinary. In this bag I was able to fit 8 different devices, including their chargers. This included my MBA in the main MacBook pocket, an iPad in the secondary pocket, an iPod touch in one pocket, an Apple TV, iPod nano and my cell phone in another, 2 iPod nanos and the Apple TV remote in three more pockets. In addition to all of that, I was able to add two styluses and ALL of the cords necessary to charge ALL of those products. Even with all of that, I was still able to close it and carry it on my shoulder. Now, I understand, A. carrying that around is an invitation to be robbed and B. no one, besides a small group of extreme geeks, would carry that amount of stuff in their bag on a day to day basis but it does give you an idea as to what you can store in what looks like a small bag. This small bag is no small bag. If it fits all of that, it is not a small bag, but take all of those things out and you’ll wonder to yourself how you were able to fit everything in there. As I said in the Form paragraph, this bag is very protective and I would trust that it would protect my stuff in the event of a fall. Of course, the bag slings around your neck so in less the strap fails, it’s not going anywhere, but it is good to know that it is well protected. In speaking of the strap, there are a few things that I like about the strap. One, if you want to just carry the bag and don’t want the strap on it, you can take it off. Another thing is that it is completely adjustable so if you want it close to your chest, you can do that, or if you feel more comfortable with he bag at your waist, you can do that as well, or anywhere in between. The hardware on the strap is custom made by Acme Made and they did an excellent job on it. On a side note, the metal hardware on the strap, unlike the cheap plastic hardware I have seen elsewhere is durable and looks stylish. Back to the inside of the case, the cover that folds over everything is held down by two black strips of velcro that while stay almost hidden on the black part of the case, is probably the best thing to use for a “locking” mechanism for the bag for two reasons. One, velcro is very durable and can stand a lot. It is also very sticky. The velcro is designed to easily open when you open it, but it would be difficult for anything that would bump into it to open it. Two, velcro is loud when you open it. Therefore, if someone is sneaking up behind you or to the side of you without you knowing and the person is trying to steal out of your bag, you will be greeted with the sound of opening velcro and a running away would-be-robber. Talking about robbers, be careful as to how much you put in the bag, you don’t want to make it a goldmine for any robber who would steal it. As a side note, with any purse or bag, exercise caution and diligence. All in all, this bag is the most functional I’ve ever used.

    Conclusion

    Pros

    -Stylish design
    -Designer made means everything is spot on
    -May be available in only in one color but once you see it, you’ll realize why you wouldn’t want to ruin it with other colors
    -Very durable
    -Very protective of all the things stored in it
    -Many pockets, so you can store many things
    -Velcro gives it a “theft alarm” and keeps the bag closed

    Cons

    -For the first time ever, there is nothing that fits in this category

    The last sentence says it all. There are no cons to this bag, therefore there is no reason to give it anything lower than five stars. In my opinion, the bag is perfect. There is absolutely nothing they can do to make it better. They only need to keep doing what they are doing. $100 may be a lot for a laptop bag, but after you buy it and get in the mail, you’ll see it was worth every penny. Absolute fantastic job Acme Made, I am very impressed.

    Thanks for reading,

    Joe