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I like my WIllow case for 15" Ti PB. http://www.willowdesign.com/NL-11.html Well built, machine fits great, nice padding, great handle and strap, but clip that keeps strap on bag is prone to pop off. Other than that, bag has survived two years of heavy use quite well. Definitely looks like a computer bag. A tad bulky but lots of room for power supply, Wacom tablet, and a good sized book, plus pockets for folders, pens, etc. Opens from side so you can leave PB in it and work in your lap.

Although Willow Design makes great cases, some of their older style cases (such as their NL-13) use poorly designed shoulder strap clasps (as seen here). I have had a couple close calls because the metal on the clasp would work its way out of the plastic clasp and then fly off. I submitted a redesigned clasp to them, but it appears different than the current design they are using. I am not sure if their current design works better or not -- some models use it, while others appear to be using the same problematic design.

Although Willow Design makes great cases, some of their older style cases (such as their NL-13) use poorly designed shoulder strap clasps (as seen here). I have had a couple close calls because the metal on the clasp would work its way out of the plastic clasp and then fly off. I submitted a redesigned clasp to them, but it appears different than the current design they are using. I am not sure if their current design works better or not -- some models use it, while others appear to be using the same problematic design.

I have owned quite a few laptop bags over the years. I used to only recommend Tom Bihn bags, but recently I've switches to Brenthaven. When I first got my 15" TiBook I bought a Willow Design bag. The bag was very protective, but I was alway afraid that the internal zippers would scratch the outer case of the TiBook. I then purchased a TiBag, which I found to be too small, and because of my (xxl) size, the messenger strap kept coming loose, and the TiBook took quite a few tumbles, and the TiBag did not protect the powerbook at all. I was lucky enough to have Apple provide a Titanium 1 bag for my TiBook when I had some problems with a repair issue. These bags are the best I have ever used. When I recently replaced the TiBook w/ a 17" AlBook, I ordered the 17" shoulder case without a second thought.

I'm a big fan of the cases from Willow Design.

They're relatively heavy-duty and not too bad-looking, although they could be better.

You didn't specify which size Powerbook, but http://www.willowdesign.com/WillowAppleCatPORT.htm l>Willow Designs has cases for everything. I work with people who've been buying Willow cases for over ten years, and we've never had a break.

Wow, someone with a lower User ID than me. :^)

Anyway, check out Willow Design for your next case... The models you would probably find interesting are the SC-17, 29 and 31. They make very well thought-out products, custom-designed for Apple machines, with lots of padding where it counts. Their handles tend to be quadruple riveted, among other niceties. My only gripe is that their shoulder straps could use better connectors at each end. It looks like some of their models now incorporate a newer connector design though, which is probably a good thing.

BTW, I don't work for these guys, but I have used one of their cases for almost two years now and it is still practically as good as new.

the /. link seems to be broken, but the url is correct. QED

I am a college student and I carry around my Thinkpad 600e with me on campus. It seems like it is a sturdy laptop and I have had no problems to speak of. One thing I do recommend is to carry the laptop around in a backpack designed for it and not just in with your books.

I use a Willow Design's backpack which has enough room for books and a padded compartment for my laptop.

Picture

Even with 2 notebooks and 2 textbooks it is not a burden to carry around. It is designed to be used as either a backpack or for use with a shoulder strap. In side the laptop compartment for the laptop there is more than enough room to carry a power-supply, pcmcia cards, network cable, and probably enough for a mouse and anything else you really needed to carry around. The price tag is a little steep but just consider what you're trying to protect. I am extremely happy with mine and have been using it for more than a year with no complaints.

I too have an I7000 that I've been very happy with. I popped in a Xircom Realport 10/100/56K modem card to replace the Winmodem. The 15" screen on the I7000 may be overkill, but sure is nice for staring at for long periods!

As desktop replacements, these notebooks come pretty close, and at 10+ lbs they can feel like you're lugging around your desktop on your shoulder. I recently purchased a Willow Design Darwin backpack to carry the I7000 and assorted accessories around in, and found that 10lbs on your back is a lot easier to carry.