Soft Cell - how much protection?

[agent]

Hi there,

I was just wondering how much protection the soft cell sleeve offers? I'm planning on putting a Fujitsu T4210 tablet PC in there, and will place the sleeve in another regular backpack. The question I have is how much protection does the soft cell offer? For example, to what extent will it protect the computer from falls?

Thanks!

[Ken]

Against falls, it will not offer you the protection that a BrainCell does. It will protect the computer from an object bumping or jarring it, but I would not rely on it for protection from a fall.

[agent]

Thanks for the reply, Ken. It sounds a Brain Cell is the way to go. In that case, can anyone tell me what size of the Vertical Brain Cell will fit a Fujitsu T4210 tablet PC? The laptop fit guide only lists a Horizontal Brain Cell. Thanks!

[thalweg]

Brain Cell is definitely the way to go for protection

Even though I don't own a soft cell (but I have a half dozen Brain Cells) there is no doubt in my mind that the extra cost and bulk of the brain cell is entriely worth it for me. I do have some padded laptop sleeves (from another vendor - Waterfield Designs) and while they are lovely and have wonderful construction they offer only a fraction of the protection offered by the Brain Cell). I have so many because every time I get a new laptop at home or work I immediately purchase the proper sized Brain Cell. In fact when the Empire Builder would not fit the Brain Cell for my new Thinkpad T60p with large capacity battery I ended up getting a Super Ego just so I would have the protection of a Brain Cell over the Soft Cell. Please don't think I'm putting down the Soft Cell. I'm sure it is a fine product but it does not offer the protection I need. -Alan

[Darcy]

In that case, can anyone tell me what size of the Vertical Brain Cell will fit a Fujitsu T4210 tablet PC? The laptop fit guide only lists a Horizontal Brain Cell.

We don't make a Vertical Size 5 Brain Cell because there would be no advantage to it over the Horizontal Size 5 Brain Cell. The Horizontal Size 5 Brain Cell is basically a square, and will fit in any bag that a Vertical version would. I'd recommend the Size 5 Horizontal Brain Cell as the best size for your Fujitsu.

[moriond]

Soft Cell vs. Brain Cell use

Even though I don't own a soft cell (but I have a half dozen Brain Cells) there is no doubt in my mind that the extra cost and bulk of the brain cell is entriely worth it for me. I do have some padded laptop sleeves (from another vendor - Waterfield Designs) and while they are lovely and have wonderful construction they offer only a fraction of the protection offered by the Brain Cell). I have so many because every time I get a new laptop at home or work I immediately purchase the proper sized Brain Cell. -Alan

Alan, if you have half a dozen Brain cells you're in good shape, especially if they start limiting selection of colors. I use a sleeve when I carry laptops in the Buzz, and the Brain Cell when I carry them separately, or in bags like the ID, Empire Builder, or Smart Alec. The Size 5 Soft Cell is a bit loose for the 12" Apple PowerBook (but works well for the 12" iBook), so for a padded laptop sleeve I use the Tucano Second Skin (shown there in the 15" size; 12" size looks similar).

In fact when the Empire Builder would not fit the Brain Cell for my new Thinkpad T60p with large capacity battery I ended up getting a Super Ego just so I would have the protection of a Brain Cell over the Soft Cell.

Alan, what size Brain Cell do you use with the T60p and the extended life battery? I use the Size 4 (and switch to the regular battery -- for the 14" T60p), because I don't find the Brain Cell sizes well matched to the newer Lenovo laptop sizes and extended life batteries.

[agent]

We don't make a Vertical Size 5 Brain Cell because there would be no advantage to it over the Horizontal Size 5 Brain Cell. The Horizontal Size 5 Brain Cell is basically a square, and will fit in any bag that a Vertical version would. I'd recommend the Size 5 Horizontal Brain Cell as the best size for your Fujitsu.

Thanks for the reply, Darcy. Unfortunately, the $25 shipping fee to Canada forces me to think twice about this. It's going to be a tough decision, that's for sure!

[Foggy Morn]

I have a Fujitsu st4110 Tablet PC and it fits in the #5 Brain Cell I have. The 4110 is thin, and the BC is a tad thicker than the 4110 so it's not a snug fit. In another thread, Nicole (also works at TB) recommended the #6 as being a bit slimmer and slightly taller.

On the #5, the top zipper section poofs up a tiny amount when it's zipped up with the 4110 in it, though the fit is not at all too tight. I'm going to be getting a #6, but that's primarily because I don't want to give up the #5 Brain Cell for my iBook.

One big plus for me is that the Brain Cell is sturdy enough to use as a lap desk for my laptop. I was in a coffee house the other day and got to sit in a nice comfy chair and write for several hours because I didn't have to sit at a hard chair and table. Very nice! (This was with my powerbook - yes, I do have too many computers - and would probably be unnecessary with a tablet PC.)

[agent]

Okay, one final question to help me make my decision... Are Tom Bihn bags considered NAFTA-eligible goods? Just wondering if I'll have to pay duties if I have it shipped to Canada.

Thanks!

[Josh]

To quote from our Shipping Page....

"Brokerage fees are included in the flat rate shipping charge. (Taxes, duties, and other fees imposed by your country aren't included.)"

I can't remember what the duties are for Canada but I don't think they're that much.

[Joy]

My (vague) recollection is that I ended up paying duty last time...? It helps if the Tom Bihn people very explicitly post on the outside of the package that all products are manufactured in the US.