Fitting Brain Cell in Empire Builder

[alanb]

I have a compact (11" x 7.5" x 1") laptop, which would seem to call for a size 5 Brain Cell(11.3" x 9.3" x 1.4" inside). Will that 1.8" of unused vertical space compromise the protection afforded my laptop? Can I safely lay a spare battery in that space?

How does that Brain Cell (11.9 x 11.6 x 2.5, outside), fit into the 18.25 x 12.75 x 7 dimensions of the Empire Builder? Is it centered horizontally, leaving about three inches on each side? Or can it be pushed fore or aft, yielding a more useful 6" of space at one end, where a book might stand?

[Darcy]

I have a compact (11" x 7.5" x 1") laptop, which would seem to call for a size 5 Brain Cell(11.3" x 9.3" x 1.4" inside). Will that 1.8" of unused vertical space compromise the protection afforded my laptop? Can I safely lay a spare battery in that space?

I don't think that extra room would be a problem. It's not so much extra room that your laptop would move around much inside of the Brain Cell. As for the battery, if it fits and you're alright with it being in such close quarters with your laptop, I don't see a problem with putting it inside of the Brain Cell, assuming you're not putting it at the bottom of the bag and then your laptop on top of it. But you may want to experiment with that: could the battery scratch your laptop? In general, the Brain Cell is designed to hold your laptop and your laptop only, and it works best that way.

How does that Brain Cell (11.9 x 11.6 x 2.5, outside), fit into the 18.25 x 12.75 x 7 dimensions of the Empire Builder? Is it centered horizontally, leaving about three inches on each side? Or can it be pushed fore or aft, yielding a more useful 6" of space at one end, where a book might stand?

When the Brain Cell is clipped inside of the Empire Builder, it's centered horizontally.

I hope this helps! Post away if you have more questions....

[alanb]

[QUOTE=Darcy;7558] When the Brain Cell is clipped inside of the Empire Builder, it's centered horizontally.

And how about if it's not clipped in? Can it slide to one end? Will that compromise the protection?

[Darcy]

And how about if it's not clipped in? Can it slide to one end? Will that compromise the protection?

If it's not clipped in, you can slide the Brain Cell to one end or the other inside of the Empire Builder.

More than protection, an unclipped Brain Cell reduces functionality and ease of use: it's easier to pull your laptop in and out of a Brain Cell that's clipped inside of a bag.

[AVService]

I use that size Brain Cell with my 12" Powerbook and I do not clip it into place mostly.
What I do is stick a Snake Charmer crammed with stuff next to the Brain Cell and it all fits nicely.

I also have been able to stick a large water bottle(with tight fitting cap!)next to the Brain Cell instead of the Snake Charmer.

It would be nice if there were some way to use the clips off-center for smaller Brain Cell's but I certainly understand why it is not so.

I have ZERO regrets or problems using various Brain Cell's in any configurations in any Bihn Bag I have tried.

Ed

Oh also.....I would stick the battery in the Brain Cell pocket so it will be secure annd not in contact with the computer.

[Tom Bihn]

The Brain Cell clips inside the Empire Builder, laterally centered. The idea is to maintain the center of gravity directly below the handles. However, if you move a smaller Brain Cell off center and load the space created with something of similar density, you probably won't perceive any difference in the balance of the bag.