Designing a Notebook bag.

[MustangSVT]

Hi ppls,

I am doing a little freelance work designing a notebook bag/sleeve.

My idea is for it to have additional function besides just being a bag.

But I wanted to get some more feedback from the end users on any issues regarding

1.using laptops (what do you want changed? improved?)
2.using bags (what's missing? what works and doesnt work?)

Right now it's at ideation stage with sketches, but if anyone is interested I'll keep you guys updated with final result.

thanks!

 

[Brainonska511]

I never bothered using a notebook specific bag. I just purchased a soft, zippered sleeve to protect my laptop from scratches and then just stick it in my Jansport backpack with my books. I wouldn't change anything about this setup, as using a general use backpack, I can easily carry other stuff without my laptop and without a "laptop pocket" taking up space.

 

[MustangSVT]

thanks. that's what i am focusing on actually. more of a notebook sleeve. I noticed that when people pull the notebook out from the sleeve, its not being used at all.

it should be functional when not in use.

when people have their laptops out at home or work, there are other accessories people use around laptops. Mousepad, angled stand, cooler, etc etc.

but yes I agree with you, keeping bag light , portable, thin, and non intrusive is still important factors of the sleeve and I should be careful to keep it that way.

thanx

 

[WarhammerUC]

bullet proof..

 

[herm0016]

one side could be a hard surface. use it as a table to write stuff, or as a pad to put the laptop on when its in your lap so you do not block the fan/cook your legs, could also be used for a mouse pad this way too.

 

[dougp]

I'd like 3 pockets on one side, sized for a power chord, travel mouse and earphones ... that's the only reason why I've always purchased a bag over sleeve.

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
I'd like 3 pockets on one side, sized for a power chord, travel mouse and earphones ... that's the only reason why I've always purchased a bag over sleeve.

are you happy with the bag you've purchased? is there anything that could improve it?

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: WarhammerUC
bullet proof..

hmmm actually that is an interesting request.

a laptop bag or carrier to be used in the field of battle.

interesting!

thanks!

 

[Baked]

Built-in parachute and rip-cord raft boat.

But seriously, I'm using a manhattan portage europa messenger bag w/ notebook compartment. I wish there's more ass cushion padding on the back.

 

[Lola]

I know you are probably not aiming for a gender specific bag, but when I was looking for a laptop bag for my 17", it was virtually impossible to find a "cool" looking bag that was not extremely cumbersome. From a female stand-point, I would love one that is sturdy, protective yet light weight and had a few different compartments to carry files or a spiral bound notebook/pad of paper. Also, if there was some way to make the shoulder strap more comfortable, that would certainly be a "plus" as well!

 

[HaiBiss]

Mine was great in the fact it had a sling built in that would zip back in when not in use so I could carry it over my shoulder when carrying and then they were not in the way when I had it out on the conf table.

Also as another said, it would be nice to the ability to have the laptop set on it and not burn the crap out of your lap, but make sure there is a mesh in the back so that air can move though easily for air circulation

 

[MustangSVT]

thanks for the input.

originally I've only focused on bag's functionality and added features, but now i have more information and ideas.

for example, the cord and mouse pockets , but arranged so they are not bulky or tacky.
and new design for individuality as well as kind of a fashion statement.
and even shoulder strap!

these are all great ideas. I've got many ideation sketchies, I'll post some when I have more solid ideas.

I am also looking into cooling methods that wont break the form and functionality of the bag/sleeve.

thanks again!

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: herm0016
one side could be a hard surface. use it as a table to write stuff, or as a pad to put the laptop on when its in your lap so you do not block the fan/cook your legs, could also be used for a mouse pad this way too.

could also have a pocket on the inside of the hard surface for storing a few paper documents.

 

[ballmode]

Timbuk 2

 

[MustangSVT]

what kind of documents do you carry with your laptop?

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: ballmode
Timbuk 2

thanks! they seem interesting!

do you own one? is it perfect for you? what do you like/hate about it?
what do you do with it when your laptop is out of the bag?

 

[TruePaige]

I'd like one that is aluminum, like the Rhino Skin I used to have for my Dell Axim.

They make one for MacBooks. I guess I could put my 13" XPS in it, but I'd like a more general purpose one.

If you make it, I'll buy it.

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: TruePaige
I'd like one that is aluminum, like the Rhino Skin I used to have for my Dell Axim.

They make one for MacBooks. I guess I could put my 13" XPS in it, but I'd like a more general purpose one.

If you make it, I'll buy it.

I had some thoughts for high end/ business model as well.

what did you specifically like about aluminum one?

did it have space for your accessories? did you want anything to change?

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: MustangSVT

Originally posted by: TruePaige
I'd like one that is aluminum, like the Rhino Skin I used to have for my Dell Axim.

They make one for MacBooks. I guess I could put my 13" XPS in it, but I'd like a more general purpose one.

If you make it, I'll buy it.

I had some thoughts for high end/ business model as well.

what did you specifically like about aluminum one?

did it have space for your accessories? did you want anything to change?

It really didn't have room to carry much extra, but it was a lot of protection, never had to worry about my laptop getting crushed, so I could just put it anywhere.

I don't really know how you'd keep something like that lightweight and have accessory space short of attaching a fabric section somewhere...or having it fit into a larger bag. You could have a second compartment in the aluminum section but it would up manufacturing costs significantly.

 

[KaOTiK]

I wish my bag had a solid/hard side so I can use it to put my laptop on. Sometimes I need to use my laptop and the ground is either dirty or wet where there is a seat. Plus actually putting the laptop on my lap is just awkward and the thing gets really hot real quick.

 

[Throckmorton]

Padding. Laptop bags never have enough padding. They also never have hard sides to actually protect the laptop

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: KaOTiK
I wish my bag had a solid/hard side so I can use it to put my laptop on. Sometimes I need to use my laptop and the ground is either dirty or wet where there is a seat. Plus actually putting the laptop on my lap is just awkward and the thing gets really hot real quick.

yes making it rigid to certain extent or having both solid soft material was important to be able to support the laptop and be used to raise laptop in right angles.

when you say its awkward to use laptop on your lap, is it because of the angle or height? or both?

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
Padding. Laptop bags never have enough padding. They also never have hard sides to actually protect the laptop

padding for laptop protection? or padding for shoulder strap, handle?

so you are not happy with the protection current bags offer?

was yours damaged? how?

 

[KaOTiK]

Originally posted by: MustangSVT

Originally posted by: KaOTiK
I wish my bag had a solid/hard side so I can use it to put my laptop on. Sometimes I need to use my laptop and the ground is either dirty or wet where there is a seat. Plus actually putting the laptop on my lap is just awkward and the thing gets really hot real quick.

yes making it rigid to certain extent or having both solid soft material was important to be able to support the laptop and be used to raise laptop in right angles.

when you say its awkward to use laptop on your lap, is it because of the angle or height? or both?

When it is just the laptop on my lap it is a bitch to type and use the trackpad (I won't pull out the mouse in these situations) cause it is to low, if I had the few inches of height my bag would give me if I could rest the laptop on it, it would be a lot more comfortable. The heat too becomes a big issue, If I have to use it for more then a few mins for some quick heavy usage it becomes very uncomfortable where the hinge is for the screen folding. I use a Macbook Pro which are known for their heat issues.

So it is a combonation overall. Sucks having to have to lay the screen down as far back as it can go just so i can see easier without leaning back.