Booq bag out- Tom Bihn Buzz in
I tried to make the Booq bag work, I really did. I've used it for a couple of years because it's the perfect combination of small size and thin profile. I can take all my stuff in a bag that sits very flat on my back, comfortably and unobtrusively. I missed the functionality of the Booq bag when I got the Lenovo X61 which is too wide to fit in the laptop sleeve of the Booq. I missed it so much I tried everything to get it to fit and I did but with a caveat. The X61 with the 8 cell battery is too wide to fit the opening and even though I can make it work it's very hard to get the ThinkPad in and out of the Booq bag, in fact the fit is so snug I'm afraid the X61 will get damaged.
I think I found a good solution to this problem as I have ordered a Tom Bihn sling pack. The Buzz has a built-in laptop sleeve that according to the company will fit all 12 and 13 inch laptops and even a thin 15 inch MacBook. It should definitely fit the ThinkPad and I am stoked that the profile is as thin as the Booq bag I am giving up. I have heard only good things about the products from Tom Bihn and I feel pretty good about the purchase. It should show up some time today so I will give it a good go and report back. Nothing like a new bag to make you feel like a man.








Tom Bihn rules! I have their Brain Bag backpack, their Aeronaut carry on, and their Empire Builder briefcase. The backpack has lasted 7 years and not one stitch out of place. All I want is now a convertible shoulder bag with backpack straps - especially good for traveling to conferences.
Posted by: Ozone | June 26, 2007 at 01:02 PM
James,
Amazing. I just ordered that same bag to go with my brand new X61T! I've been eyeing the Buzz for sometime, even pondering how it would come across at the corporate environments that I visit on a regular basis. My old bag (a trusty ebags backpack) seemed to fare well in that environment, as well as the many global excursions it's been on over the years. But, with the arrival of the Lenovo (and subsequent retirement of the Toshiba M200) a new bag was 'required', maybe even a new look. So, I just ordered the Black/Black/Black Buzz.
I have a few other Tom Bihn products, and can say that they are the best product on the market. Period.
Good luck with the Buzz; I'm expecting mine by Thursday...
Nitin
Posted by: Nitin Badjatia | June 26, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Nitin, that's amazing all right. My Buzz arrived a while ago and I've already transferred everything to the Buzz and hit the Starbucks. What a comfortable bag and I was amazed to see everything fit in the Buzz with no problems. The bag is still light and thin and very easy to carry around. Mine is the triple black bag, too.
Posted by: James Kendrick | June 26, 2007 at 02:50 PM
James,
It's great news to hear that the bag can absorb your entire mobile kit. My goal is to get the X61, spare battery, a Moleskine, and assorted wires in the bag. The Buzz seems just right for that amount of stuff.
Posted by: Nitin Badjatia | June 26, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Hmmmm, he gets a bag? Does that mean I get a bag? Of the Coach variety? I think it does.
Posted by: JK's Wife | June 26, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Can anyone make suggestions for a backpack. I have one going away to college this fall and will need something to carry laptop (Dell M1210), books and other miscellaneous things around. Probably will be riding a bike from time to time around campus.
Thanks,
CT
Posted by: Charlie Thomas | June 27, 2007 at 10:06 AM