Slappa Laptop Storage

Could it be the end for the stuffy (fake) leather laptop cases we’ve seen business men dragging around with them? The old cases seem to have grown in size and weight but don’t offer much more in the way of suitable storage space for todays gadget infested mobile workforce.

The cool kids have already dismissed the briefcase like laptop bags in favour of other means of transport - and Slappa is your dealer in fine stitched baggage.

We’ve got two styles on review - the traditional backpack, and over the sholder record bag style.

Velocity Pro Spyder backpack

Looking more like something from a science fiction movie, with its rubber exoskeleton and scuba-prene material, it’s definitely eye catching when its on your back.

Aimed at the 15-17″ laptop user, the backpack can cram a whole heap of technology in to its many large and small pockets.

In addition to the Apple MacBook and IBM R50 laptop in the back pocket, we also managed a Nintendo DS, Apple iPod Video, HP iPaq - as well as a number of accessories like a memory card reader for the laptops, iPod headphones (seen in the photo stored in the orange earBuddy (not included) which clips on to the Spyder backpack.), Apple remote - you get the idea!

Thanks to the comfy gel filled Slappa hand on the back, and the very comfy arm straps, carrying around all this technology was a breeze with minimum discomfort. Okay, the IBM laptop is a bit of a heavy beast these days but I’ll cope.

The little touches on the backpack really show the quality too - things like the small rubber covered strap clips, the bands on the arm straps to allow you to clip your phone, camera, or mp3 player to as your walking etc. The Spyder Pro is also shipped with complementary combination locks for each of the main pocket zips for added security which is a great touch you don’t get with most bags and cases!

One of the large pockets also features lining that claims to keep things cool. As its quite close to your back it’s not really suitable for storing anything bulky in there like drinks - so I’m not quite sure of its usefulness. I thought it would be mroe suitable for keeping damn/wet clothing in after being at the gym.

There’s so many pockets on the Spyder that you’ll have trouble filling them all, and if you do find something for every pocket, you’ll have trouble finding it later!

The Good

• plenty of sectioned pockets for various kit.
• great padding on arm straps when on your back.
• gel filled slappa logo on back to stop things poking you.
• nice rubbery exterior, like water off a ducks back in the rain.
• useful waterproof back pocket, also keeps things cool!
• supplied with 3 individual combination locks for zips
• comes with an additional camera/PDA/phone case with clip
• strap clip covers are a nice touch.

The Bad

• bottom of the bag has limited protection from being scuffed on the floor.
• bag lining sticks to the velcro flaps, can get messy over time.
• No way to connect your mp3 player headphones to your device whilst its inside the bag (like those found on Case Logic NBP3)

A backpack for your laptop could be the answer to not looking like a prime mugging target when out on business, and the Spyder Pro could be your answer.

Find out more from the Slappa site.

Slappa Metro Pro

After recently purchasing an Intel Apple Macbook I was looking for a new laptop case that was both a reasonable size but offered good protection. Whilst some of the neoprene cases out there looked the part they certainly didn’t offer much protection and the size of a case is important; the Metro Pro seemed to fit the bill.

The metro pro is primarily a courier style laptop bag suited for laptops 15-16″ in size and is made of Buckblast suede which is rainproof, durable and puncture proof. Touching on these briefly the case certainly holds up to the English weather, we’ve had quite a bit of rain recently and whilst the laptop hasn’t been exposed to rain for over 20 minutes consecutively it is evident that a drop isn’t going to get through, the suede causes raindrops to sit on top of the surface and run off rather than be absorbed.

I briefly tried the puncture test which passed a biro pen no problem, unfortunately I resisted the temptation to try my trusty stanley knife against it but it’s fair to assume that daily scratches and scuffs certainly won’t cause a problem to the exterior.

So what about portability and lugging a laptop around? The case weighs 1.2kg and has a detachable shoulder strap which incorporates the ‘E.Z clip system’. This basically allows the strap to be adjusted quickly with a simple clip mechanism rather than conventional adjustable straps. This allows 9 different positions and is certainly quick, my clips were quite stiff initially but after a few changes in strap size they was ok.

If you prefer you can remove the strap completely as there is a built in handle which folds flat down out of the way when not in use.

The dimensions of the metro pro are 15” (w) 11” (h) 4” (d) which is split into a main compartment and some storage in the cover flap. The main compartment feels very secure and the padding is both thick and soft. It also contains a divider to split the main compartment into two, using my macbook as an example I could easily fit my macbook in one side and the charger + book in the other. The cover flap storage consists of two netted see through slide in pockets and one more secure smaller zip pocket (about the length and width of the wallet). These areas are reasonable for flat items, I currently have some money, a USB extender cable and a memory card reader in these with no problems. These aren’t really suitable for really bulky items, for example you may struggle to fit a charger in here so this is better suited for the main compartment.

My only negative point about the case protection would be the top of the case doesn’t contain the same padding as the front, back and bottom, so in my example for the Macbook there is less padding around the side of the laptop. This isn’t a huge issue for me as when the flap is closed the top of the compartment pulls over the laptop giving some extra protection but if you have a thick laptop or overload the main storage area this could expose it slightly.

Visually I think the balance of branding is done nicely on this case, the Slappa logo appears on the outside of the case, on the shoulder strap and on a luggage tag whilst the rest of the case is a minimal classic black.

To summarise I think the case could appeal to a wide range; for those requiring a conventional carry case which is both light and secure, and to those who prefer the courier / record bag style with shoulder strap and a funkier style to the ugly corporate leather case!

The cost is competitive at $70 / £37, more information on the Slappa Metro Pro is available at the Slappa site.

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