Club Obi Wan

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:28 am**

Ok, no messing around this time. I have a new 17” Macbook Pro coming in a bit and so I need a laptop bag. I have been all over the city, looking, searching, but to no avail. I simply can’t find one that is not only going to protect my notebook, but fit with the Indyish style.

It’s time we put our heads together and came up with something good. I have seen a few attempts on here, but they either never get done, or they don’t take into account real world situations. I really want to make this in the next month, but I need your help!

So, let’s get started!!

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Ok, so I’m thinking there are a few things that need to be done right to have a working notebook bag.

1. Protection of the device (bumps, liquids)
2. Anti-theft devices
3. Accessory compartments
4. Durable
5. Practical

Before we can start anything, we all need to agree on what will work best for all of these. I’m going to start by breaking each one down with my ideas, and then I’m going to ask for your input. Once we have that, we need to work out the pattern.

_____________________

1. Protection of the device (bumps, liquids)

The “stock” MkVII obviously doesn’t have anything in terms of this kind of protection. Most laptop bags that I have been looking at have a removable inner sleeve that the computer fits in, but I’m not sure this is the best way to go. Not only does it add bulk, but it seems less practical for some reason.

I was thinking that high density foam could be sewn into the main compartment and then a flap or zipper could cover the computer.
As well, I was thinking perhaps sewing in a lining of waterproof material so if you do get caught in a Thugee temple you can get out safe knowing your laptop isn’t soaked.

2. Anti-Theft Devices

As I will be traveling with this bag (and the $3200 computer) it’s probably a good idea to think of ways to deter as many potential thefts as possible. I looked around the net a bit and found some products that attempt to deter criminals.

Here is one:

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/ca ... f4b24ec7d8

My thoughts are perhaps sewing a mesh into the front and side panels. The strap on the other hand I’m not too sure about. I have seen videos of people who run up with a knife, cut the strap and run so it might be worth sewing in a mesh of some sorts onto the back of the strap.

I don’t think it will work with a leather strap as it will be uncomfortable to carry for one thing, but also I can’t think of any way to reinforce it. Any thoughts?

As well, the “stock” bag is pretty pick pocket friendly. The snaps don’t offer much in the way of protection from someone getting a hand up inside, so what do you guys think would be a solution?

One thing might be to sew a zipper into the top so you have to unsnap the flap, then unzip to get to the contents. This might not be that practical however. One solution might be to have all internal pockets with a flap.

3. Accessory compartments

Obviously we all carry more than just a laptop. There are cables, phones, pens, paper, etc. I personally like the idea of it not being a bag full of so many things that it’s 20 pounds, but it would be nice to have a few compartments to carry the basics.
Thoughts?

4. Durable

A lot of the durability will be in the replication of the original bag already. Adding in some theft protection it might be a pretty strong bag. Is there anything that you guys can think of that would make it better? Where do the “stock” bags currently fail?

The only thing I have seen is the webbing where the strap rings are tend to fray until they snap. Could this be solved by sewing in high tear strength mesh to the inside?

5. Practical

All said and done, is this the most practical bag for this type of thing. I think we can all admit the “stock” bag isn’t always the most practical thing, especially with a leather strap on it, but is there anything that could be done to help make it better without taking away from the look?

I’ll leave it there for now, please add your ideas and thoughts.

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 7:05 am**

I have been searching past posts trying to find someone who has attempted this, and like you said, it gets talked about but noone ever does it (not that I saw anyhow

). I would lOOOOOOOOOOOOve to have one of these. I would take it one step further and give a choice of for a laptop/not for a laptop. I want a bag for geocaching, not too small not too large, water resistant(at least), with lots of pockets for stuff. I seriously considered one of these

and removing the logo and straps, placing gold buttons on it as well as a rings and a leather strap (wade egan has a slightly wider indy style strap). But what I would like is a slightly larger MKVII bag!!!!!

I will be watching this post with great anticipation, and maybe this time we can make it happen.

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 7:13 am**

CLM, what I do for my 15" AL Book.... put it in a hi impact sleeve and then inside the CS style Alpine Backpack. All the side pockets are perfect for the charger and mouse.

Making a MKVII style bag for a 17" MacBook Pro makes it way out of proportion and the strap is too narrow - it would HURT to carry for any length of time. JMO.

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 9:59 am**

They're not "Indy", but I've carried one of Duluth Pack's bags for 12 years and been completely satisfied, and mine's not even one designed for a laptop. I've been thinking of getting one of the sleeves, but haven't got around to it.

http://duluthpack.com/products.aspx?cat ... op%20Cases

I've always liked their Field Satchel too.

http://duluthpack.com/products.aspx?cat ... ger%20Bags

LJ

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:50 pm**

I'm surprised a vendor hasn't already created a slightly oversized MkVII for such things. I use a very un Indy looking bag I picked up at Target about 4 years ago. It has a "liner" padded velcro case with it. A person could make an oversized bag and insert something like that for shock protection. and I think the zipper idea is pretty good. If I were any count at sewing, I'd create a prototype bag m'self.

Randy

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:57 pm**

Well, what I plan on doing is basically working with all of you to get the best ideas possible. Then I plan on making some patterns (13" - 15" - 17") in Illustrator and then making up a prototype if possible.

From there, I'll try and find a vendor who is willing to make them and give me a percentage of sales. I'll even do up a website and some marketing stuff as well.

If no vendor is interested, then I may just make custom orders for anyone interested.

My thoughts are that it has to be more than just an oversized MKVII. I feel it has to LOOK like it's nothing more than an old army bag, but have the added protection and security seen in newer laptop bags. I would never put a laptop in the "stock" bag even with a sleeve because in reality it's pretty flimsy.

Oh...I was also thinking...

3. Accessory compartments

If you could all list the common items that you would carry in a bag, it might help determine what needs to be inside.

Posted: **Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:02 pm**

Kt Templar wrote:CLM, what I do for my 15" AL Book.... put it in a hi impact sleeve and then inside the CS style Alpine Backpack. All the side pockets are perfect for the charger and mouse.

Making a MKVII style bag for a 17" MacBook Pro makes it way out of proportion and the strap is too narrow - it would HURT to carry for any length of time. JMO.

That was my first thought as well. The problem I have with this is a) it's not very secure b) not everyone has a CS backpack c) there aren't a lot of accessory slots for things like phones and such.

I'm still considering it however as an alternative.

I think a MKVII would look fine scaled up. As I said before I don't think you could use the leather strap, but a web strap like the originals is no different than most of the bags on the market. I am going to do some PS mockups when I get home later, so we'll see.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 12:20 am**

I think a MKVII would look fine scaled up. As I said before I don't think you could use the leather strap, but a web strap like the originals is no different than most of the bags on the market. I am going to do some PS mockups when I get home later, so we'll see.

I think it would look pretty good as well.

I've pmed "IdahoJones" on these forums who seems to be the only one who has made his own MkVII. He said he was going to make a tutorial and post it, but I haven't heard back yet. If anyone else knows how to contact him, maybe he'd be willing to just post the patterns he used? It'd be pretty easy to just upscale I'd think.

I'm not sure if this is "Indy style" but it sure is vintage. I love that it can be made into a backpack or a messenger bag.
>>Click Here<<

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:40 am**

Those look really cool! Not much in terms of security however.

Ya, if you can track someone down that has done some stuff already it would really help.

Please be sure to add your suggestions, comments, and thoughts peoples.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:58 am**

Here are some quick mockups of what the bag would look like with a 17" Mapple. I left on my leather strap, but you get the idea.

This bag is about 16" wide and 11" tall.

Here is the original bag size for reference.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 8:38 am**

Looks cool! Exactly what i would like! I am less concerned with the leather strap, because I will not be carrying a laptop. Also with the scaled up bag I would like a scaled up strap. Wade Egan offers a 1.25" as well as a 2" model. I hope this pans out.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:01 am**

Also, and I know this would be hard to say, what price point are you shooting for? Just a guesstimate (+ or - $25). In these times, price is an issue for many of us.

Regards

Hollowpond

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 12:48 pm**

I'm not shooting for any price in particular. I realize it's hard times for some, but I am building this bag to be the best protection/style for my laptop. There are plenty of cheap alternative bags out there.

The way I look at it is in these hard times the last thing anyone wants is to have their laptop wrecked/stolen due to a cheap bag.

Of course I'll do everything I can to keep costs reasonable.

I can guarantee the cost will be more than $25 though, I don't even think you can find any replicas for under $30.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:39 pm**

No, no. What I meant was give me an estimate that is within $25 of the expected price. For example, if you are shooting for $100 say something like, "between 75 and 125 dollars."
Thats all I meant. I also am perfectly aware that the price of this bag is impossible to construct for $25. When I looked at doing this, the fabric alone for one bag was close to that number.

Posted: **Sun Mar 01, 2009 4:39 pm**

Hollowpond wrote:No, no. What I meant was give me an estimate that is within $25 of the expected price. For example, if you are shooting for $100 say something like, "between 75 and 125 dollars."
Thats all I meant. I also am perfectly aware that the price of this bag is impossible to construct for $25. When I looked at doing this, the fabric alone for one bag was close to that number.

Ohhhhh....

I'm not sure. I suppose it depends on how feature packed it is, and what materials cost. I have a whole whack of canvas that I bought about two years ago, but I can't even remember the price.

I say, we all work out what we want in the bag first, then we'll see about what materials/features are most cost effective. I haven't heard much feedback on this so far though...so either people haven't seen it, or aren't interested.

Posted: **Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:35 am**

Flowah wrote:
I think a MKVII would look fine scaled up. As I said before I don't think you could use the leather strap, but a web strap like the originals is no different than most of the bags on the market. I am going to do some PS mockups when I get home later, so we'll see.
I think it would look pretty good as well.

I've pmed "IdahoJones" on these forums who seems to be the only one who has made his own MkVII. He said he was going to make a tutorial and post it, but I haven't heard back yet. If anyone else knows how to contact him, maybe he'd be willing to just post the patterns he used? It'd be pretty easy to just upscale I'd think.

I'm not sure if this is "Indy style" but it sure is vintage. I love that it can be made into a backpack or a messenger bag.
>>Click Here<<

Thats is very nice!!!!

Might have to get this baby.

Posted: **Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:31 am**

I picked up this bag, but the strap was just plain brown-
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/5480 ... r-Bag.html

It's large enough and matches the idea of an Indy bag.

Posted: **Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:31 pm**

Aztec wrote:I picked up this bag, but the strap was just plain brown-
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/5480 ... r-Bag.html

It's large enough and matches the idea of an Indy bag.

Bag looks nice but that strap is UGLY!

Posted: **Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:24 am**

How about the "Jack Bauer" bag?

http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Drab-Classi ... pd_sbs_a_2

Looks pretty good to me.

Posted: **Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:26 am**

twilekjedi wrote:How about the "Jack Bauer" bag?

http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Drab-Classi ... pd_sbs_a_2

Looks pretty good to me.

Now that looks Nice! Inexpensive, too!
It would look great with the official Jack Bauer jacket from Magnoli!

Posted: **Thu Mar 05, 2009 4:15 am**

twilekjedi wrote:How about the "Jack Bauer" bag?

http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Drab-Classi ... pd_sbs_a_2

Looks pretty good to me.

I have that bag. I got it from the official fan club, so mine has the CTU metal emblam on it as well.

The quality of the canvas is very good. My only draw back are the velcro attachments for the main flap. It attaches ok but not great.

Posted: **Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:53 am**

I prefer sizing the laptop to fit the bag instead of the other way around.

Click to enlarge.

/edit: Fixed the smilie

Posted: **Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:14 am**

VP wrote:I prefer sizing the laptop to fit the bag instead of the other way around. ;-)

Click to enlarge.

My eyes hurt just thinking about working 12 hours a day on pixel perfect images on that size screen.....

Posted: **Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:23 am**

The 8.9 inch screen is 1024x600 which is enough for occasional web use. For work I prefer my 24" 1920x1200 desktop.

Posted: **Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:25 pm**

For reference, there are 10.1 inch netbooks that also fit into the mkvii very nicely. So a slightly larger screen, same pixel size. It's what I plan on using when I get my netbook after the summer.

Posted: **Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:48 am**

I've been using this as my laptop bag. I have a HP dv2000 and it fits like a glove. I plan on replacing the straps with a mkVII leather one soon.

Posted: **Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:18 pm**

Looks nice!....without room for padding, though, it's a bit of a risk.

Posted: **Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:52 pm**

I usually have my laptop in this first:

Offers some protection from the elements.

Posted: **Mon Mar 09, 2009 10:47 am**

Yeah I slip mine in a neoprene sleeve first before stuffing it in the 'VII.

Posted: **Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:54 pm**

Was just thinking about something like this for my work computer. Work out of the car all day and it would not look like the "black computer bag" we are all too familiar with. I'm gonna hold off on any purchase til I see one of these. Keep up the good work. Count me in!

Posted: **Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:27 pm**

BUMP Whats the latest?

Posted: **Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:37 pm**

Waiting to hear all your suggestions, and trying to find an old bag to make a pattern from (or find someone who's made one before that is willing to share a pattern)

Posted: **Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:41 pm**

I hadn't heard anything in a while. I was just wondering. I really want to see this thing fly! (figuratively of course

)

Posted: **Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:21 pm**

Dunno, haven't heard from IdahoJones in a while. He's the only one I've found who seems to have made a relatively good MKVII from scratch.

Posted: **Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:27 pm**

I would buy that bag. But where would I ever find a strap to go with it?

W.E.

Posted: **Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:26 pm**

wadventure wrote:I would buy that bag. But where would I ever find a strap to go with it?

W.E.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:03 am**

Excited to see some more replies to this post. I thought the suggestions were already made. The only thing we might need is a wider leather strap for utility and proportion. I am ready to buy this bag! I have to carry a computer for work all the time and this would be cool to have. Hope to see more pics like the one murphy posted a few weeks back

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:06 pm**

You know those pics are photoshop mockups right?:D

I'm basically still trying to hunt down a bag that I can use a pattern from. I have started putting together some patterns in Illustrator, but without an actual bag there is still too much guessing. I'm also looking at different materials and such. I have the canvas, and such, but foam and things are harder to find.

As for suggestions, I would like to hear some from you guys that have the original bags, as well as laptops. I would like to hear what problems you have with your current laptop bags, what you wish you could see in a laptop bag, what your concerns are with this bag and so on.

I am hoping to get this solved in the next month or so as I'll be taking off to England for 2 - 3 months for work so I don't think I'll be hauling my sewing machine on the plane. IF Anyone has any leads on an old wrecked bag, please let me know.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:46 pm**

crazylegsmurphy wrote: IF Anyone has any leads on an old wrecked bag, please let me know.

Why don't you pm Swindiana or Erri, they are the resident bag gurus.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:55 pm**

Well I just got back from a trip w/my 17" laptop. I had purchased a Targus messenger style bag specifically for the trip. Everyone has a black nylon laptop case at the airport and it would be sooo easy to get the wrong computer. I thought several times about this project and how I would love to see it be successful. A few ideas on what I found helpful on the bag I have. I really liked the option of both a brief-case type handle and a shoulder strap. Since I was in the rain almost non-stop the last week, canvas probably wouldn't be the best option. Too many compartments means too much clutter and the possiblility (or in my case probability) to misplace items. My brain is still pretty fuddled so my apologies if this isn't very helpful.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:09 pm**

Thats why I was thinking that on the outside it would be canvas as usual, but I would sew a nylon liner into the inside of the flap/bag that would give some added protection and waterproofing.

As for compartments, the problem I have on my current laptop bag is that nothing is designed for the size of actual things. I have a 2.5" HD, but there is no place to carry that with any sort of protection. I also have a charger, Thumb drive, mouse, and phone that I would like to carry as well.

The briefcase handle...hmmm...I wonder if there could be a way to have an external one that you could clip onto the metal rings. I'm not exactly sure if this would work....

I think the goal is to make the bag so it is streamlined and carries whats needed to be carried while maintaining balance and a low profile. What's nice about the current MkVII is that it's nice and slim. I would hate to add a bunch of bulk to it.

In the mean time (while I look for a bag) maybe you guys could post your laptop sizes and such. How thick, how wide, etc. My 17" MBP can fit into a 15" bag, so I don't think it's a great candidate for basing the size on.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:16 pm**

Bemo wrote:Well I just got back from a trip w/my 17" laptop. I had purchased a Targus messenger style bag specifically for the trip. Everyone has a black nylon laptop case at the airport and it would be sooo easy to get the wrong computer. I thought several times about this project and how I would love to see it be successful. A few ideas on what I found helpful on the bag I have. I really liked the option of both a brief-case type handle and a shoulder strap. Since I was in the rain almost non-stop the last week, canvas probably wouldn't be the best option. Too many compartments means too much clutter and the possiblility (or in my case probability) to misplace items. My brain is still pretty fuddled so my apologies if this isn't very helpful.

Since 17inchers are usually about 9-10 pounds without all the cables and whatever, I wouldn't even really consider wearing a shoulder bag with one of those in it. I do have a backpack that does it nicely though.

Posted: **Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:28 pm**

Flowah wrote:
Bemo wrote:Well I just got back from a trip w/my 17" laptop. I had purchased a Targus messenger style bag specifically for the trip. Everyone has a black nylon laptop case at the airport and it would be sooo easy to get the wrong computer. I thought several times about this project and how I would love to see it be successful. A few ideas on what I found helpful on the bag I have. I really liked the option of both a brief-case type handle and a shoulder strap. Since I was in the rain almost non-stop the last week, canvas probably wouldn't be the best option. Too many compartments means too much clutter and the possiblility (or in my case probability) to misplace items. My brain is still pretty fuddled so my apologies if this isn't very helpful.
Since 17inchers are usually about 9-10 pounds without all the cables and whatever, I wouldn't even really consider wearing a shoulder bag with one of those in it. I do have a backpack that does it nicely though.

Some...mine is 6.6 pounds....but more importantly I'm not entirely sure what your point is.

Posted: **Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:14 am**

Crazylegs, can't you just make a pattern from your current MkVII ?

Posted: **Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:33 am**

VP wrote:I prefer sizing the laptop to fit the bag instead of the other way around.

Click to enlarge.

/edit: Fixed the smilie

I love it, what is that thing?

Posted: **Mon Mar 30, 2009 6:11 am**

A netbook, a notebook (laptop) designed for mainly web use. I have the ASUS Eee PC 901 model.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netbook
http://eeepc.asus.com/global/product901.html

Posted: **Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:21 am**

crazylegsmurphy wrote:
Flowah wrote:
Bemo wrote:Well I just got back from a trip w/my 17" laptop. I had purchased a Targus messenger style bag specifically for the trip. Everyone has a black nylon laptop case at the airport and it would be sooo easy to get the wrong computer. I thought several times about this project and how I would love to see it be successful. A few ideas on what I found helpful on the bag I have. I really liked the option of both a brief-case type handle and a shoulder strap. Since I was in the rain almost non-stop the last week, canvas probably wouldn't be the best option. Too many compartments means too much clutter and the possiblility (or in my case probability) to misplace items. My brain is still pretty fuddled so my apologies if this isn't very helpful.
Since 17inchers are usually about 9-10 pounds without all the cables and whatever, I wouldn't even really consider wearing a shoulder bag with one of those in it. I do have a backpack that does it nicely though.
Some...mine is 6.6 pounds....but more importantly I'm not entirely sure what your point is.

My point was that people usually don't want to carry around a huge shoulder bag with 10+ pounds in it. What laptop do you have that is 17 inches and only 6.6 pounds?

Posted: **Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:50 am**

crazylegsmurphy wrote:I have a new 17” Macbook Pro

Posted: **Tue Mar 31, 2009 1:50 pm**

VP wrote:I prefer sizing the laptop to fit the bag instead of the other way around.

Click to enlarge.

/edit: Fixed the smilie

Thats really nice... Dell have something very similar that can also fit into the Indy Bag.

Looking at getting one this year.

Posted: **Tue Mar 31, 2009 2:14 pm**

VP wrote:
crazylegsmurphy wrote:I have a new 17” Macbook Pro

Lightest 17inch ever. Most aren't that light. Meh

I prefer sizing the laptop to fit the bag instead of the other way around.

Tons of companies have netbooks out. They're all from 8.9-10.1 inches, use the same N270 processor, come with 1GB of ram, 160GB Harddrive, blah blah blah. They're almost all identical in specs save for battery life and the keyboard layout.

Off the top of my head, the companies that have one out are...
Dell, HP, Asus, Acer, Samsung, OCZ, LG, MSI, Lenovo... list probably goes on and on..

Club Obi Wan

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