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PBZone Recommended PB Bags

Here's a "short list" of companies that we think make great bags for your PowerBook. We're not linking to individual bags at this time because products change and links change so often. By linking to the manufacturers we've personally dealt with, we can have a more permanent resource of what's out there today. We've attempted to stray away from larger and more mainstream bag makers. Each of these in the list are small outfits that are mostly Mac-centric. The bags range from $40 to $400, nylon to leather, a sleeve to a full overnight bag, so there's certainly an option for everyone. If you know of a company that should qualify to make the list, please let us know by emailing editor (at) pbzone.com.

Pinder Bags--These bags are intended for the chic minimalist, with simple designs and unique colors. Made by a small company in the U.S., not only do they make high-quality bags, they do their part for the world, too, by donating 5% of all revenue to several charities. Without breaking the bank, you can get a great accessory for your laptop and feel good while doing it.

Spire USA--Definitely give these guys a look when searching for any sort of PowerBook bag. Their design incorporates an urban "pack" look and protects the PowerBook well. They've recently come out with a unit designed for the PowerBook G4 specifically and they have a size chart for the rest of their bags that'll let you know which PowerBooks fit in which bags.

Like many of the companies on this list, Spire is a small, private company that takes great pride in its work. They're based in Boulder, Colorado and every bag is handmade there.

Acme Made--Acme is another small company, headquartered in San Francisco, that makes neat products geared specifically towards Macintosh portables. The bulk of their lineup is the "slim" bag, which is a stylish thin carrying case that fits your PowerBook, from 12" through 17", very snugly. It can be carried on its own or inside another larger bag.

They also make a line of "iCovers," which are very thin micro suede screen-protecting cover slips. They're washable, waterproof, and protect both the screen and the outer surface of the PowerBook. To check them out visually, visit here. To see our review of Acme's Slim 15", click here.

WaterField Designs--These guys are very similar to the above listing. Taking pride in designing and manufacturing their bags in the USA, WaterField has a solid lineup that's geared towards Macintosh laptops. Especially neat are their "SleevCase" laptop protection sleeves that allow you to put your iBook or PowerBook in your favorite bag or briefcase. The Racer-X is designed for the Titanium G4 and their line of messenger bags has an especially neat feature: the clasp is a airline seatbelt buckle.

Shaun Jackson Design--SJD specializes in making bags that transform a regular carrying case into a "mobile work environment." Their original LapDog folds out on your lap and allows you to work efficiently with all your PowerBook's accessories in easy reach anywhere you sit down.

We've reviewed their smaller, similar "LapTrap" product here. It's part of their premium "Higher Ground" line of products.

Booq--oddly named, Booq makes several products designed with Macintosh laptops in mind. The FoleeMessenger17 is a gigantic bag for your gigantic 17 PowerBook. We reviewed it here. They also have an attractive backpack model called the BooqPaq3 or BP3 and a FoleeMessenger16 model for more "regular" sized computers.

In addition, the company makes a line of sleeves for all PowerBook and iBook models. The PowerSleeve and iSleeve line includes a small pocket for accessories and a shoulder strap.

TiBag--another company started by one guy who found a better way to do a PowerBook case and wanted to share the design with others. Retailing at $39.95, the TiBag is a low-cost alternative to carry your PowerBook around safely.

Timbuk2--this company allows you to do something unique when buying a laptop carrying case--they'll let you design the bag yourself. You can choose the size, style, and up to three colors and the company will build your bag to order. Their messenger bags seem to be the most popular that they offer. We receive repeated emails about how cool this site and how we should post a note, despite the fact that we mention it about once a month.

Dr. Bott--this company, largely a distributor of a variety of Macintosh peripherals, has PowerBook-oriented case for sale. They've taken an aluminum hard-side Samsonite case and customized it to fit the PowerBook G4 perfectly. The interior has the G4's cut out shape built in for almost cocoon-like protection. The case is pricey at $399, but if you're looking for that brushed metal look with customization for your G4, this is the case for you.

Tom Bihn--like many of the others, this is a small outfit that makes its bags by hand here in the USA. They've got a myriad of choices to pick from for PowerBooks and iBooks.