Weeks – Nemo’s Holiday Gift Guide v2005.1

Weeks and Nemo’s Holiday Gift Guide, v2005.1 ‘” MaxProtect II from MaxUpgrades.com and Duma from ChromeBags.com

David Weeks and John Nemerovski combine comments on this first pair of suggestions for possible holiday gift items, starting with two very different and unusual laptop cases.

David begins:

MyMac.com is pleased to receive evaluation units from MaxUpgrades.com. Syed, the founder and owner, has a great business with lots of useful Macintosh products.

We recently were able to try a new PowerBook carrying case, the MaxProtect II. This is a black leatherette hard-sided attach case designed to snugly contain a specific PowerBook model; you specify the size case when you order. This is NOT a “one size fits all” case.

The selling point of the MaxProtect II is that it holds your PowerBook firmly, preventing it from any damage while in transit. This case’s greatest asset (some would say its weakness) is that the ‘Book is all that it holds. There’s no room for anything else, on purpose ‘” not the external power supply, not anything, unless you use, for example, a 17’ case for a 12’ PowerBook. Under normal conditions, if you need AC power, you can’t carry the adapter. You might be able to slide in a few blanks CDs, but that’s all, in a case specific to any given size of PowerBook.

MaxProtect II looks nice, and is well put together. PowerBooks are mobile, and many of us need to be able to carry an AC adapter, at a minimum. But, if you are evaluating a case from the point of view of carrying your AC adapter plus other stuff, Max Protect II it is not made for that purpose.

Or, as MaxUpgrades.com tells MyMac.com, ‘This is not a case to lug all the stuff…..!’

See this URL: http://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=137&CFID=2780482&CFTOKEN=61279013

Nemo, after conversation with MaxUpgrades.com, explains:

The primary purpose of Max Protect II is to provide a rigid and cushioned surface and handle to carry and protect the laptop, period. The design goal was to make a case that will just carry the computer securely, without any movement, which is a typical cause of damage. Max Protect II is light weight and form fitting for each of the three sizes of PowerBook (sorry ‘” iBooks are a bit too chubby).

The stylish Max Protect II can also be carried in a larger suitcases when traveling, for security and additional padded protection. Syed tells MyMac.com that as a ‘deviation from EVA sleeves or molded sleeves’ from MaxUpgrade’s competitors, MaxProtect II provides a combination of flexible, padded interior with secure, attractive interior.

If this ultraslim, lightweight, single-purpose attaché style PowerBook case is what you always wished to have, order one from MaxUpgrades.com for $49 to $69. Our only non-design construction suggestion is to improve the ribbon that holds the lid open, either with a stronger fabric, or with a spring-loaded bottom hinge.

 

__________

 

Back to David:

Unlike the MaxProtect II, Chrome’s new Duma laptop bag is a traditional shoulder bag, except that it uses plenty of high tech material.

Chrome employs carbon fiber or kevlar reinforced composite materials and ballistics nylon to try to keep weight down and strength up. My shoulder appreciates the light weight; the Duma is lighter than my Brenthaven, so it appears that Chrome got the structure right.

But to my eyes the Duma looks, well, really odd. I doubt the business user will find the Duma’s appearance attractive. The shiny carbon fiber/Kevlar sail cloth front makes this bag look more like a high school kid’s backpack. The latches are cut metal pieces that slip inside fabric loops hanging from the case top, and they’re a bit awkward to close.

See this URL for photos and specs: http://www.chromebags.com/duma.php

The inside has numerous pockets, and a Velcro strap to keep your PowerBook or iBook from falling out. The Duma can hold up to a 17″ PowerBook, so my 15″ model and Nemo’s 14’ iBook had to be strapped tightly in the laptop compartment to keep from sliding around. You’ll find the usual collection of pen/pencil slots, and zippered sections.

Duma’s shoulder strap has no padded area to reduce pressure on the shoulder, but it does have nice shiny swivel clips. An optional shoulder pad is available from Chrome, as is a cell phone holder. Why aren’t they provided as standard equipment, especially given Duma’s price tag?

While the Duma is light and strong, it does not appeal to my inner businessman.

Nemo sees Duma differently, after a conversation with Chrome:

Duma isn’t designed with a conservative business environment in mind. Chrome’s target is someone in a more creative and open work or personal situation, who is looking for an unconventional laptop case.

The metal buckles on the front are actually very quick and easy to use with just a bit of practice. These buckles are stainless steel, laser cut, tumble polished, and unlike the typical plastic buckles, they will not break. Chrome’s buckles are custom-designed, and consistent with Duma’s overall look and feel.

Duma is available for $120 in five lively color schemes, and the optional cell phone holster costs $16. No price is given for the shoulder pad.

MyMac.com readers who desire a ‘think different’ strong and light laptop case would be pleased to receive Duma as a holiday splurge gift.