Is the Buzz appropriate for a Lenovo X200 with 9-cell battery?

[melvynadam]

In discussions with customer service, Tom Bihn insist that the Buzz, designed for the 15.4" Macbook Pro is too large for my Lenovo ThinkPad X200 w/9-cell battery. They've told me repeatedly (but I'm a stubborn guy!) that the ThinkPad will rattle around in this huge bag.

According to my research, these are the respective dimensions (in inches):

• Macbook Pro 15.4" (HxWxD): 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82
• Lenovo X200 w/9-cell (HxWxD): 1.4 x 11.61 x 9.2

Is this such a huge difference that I'm going to regret buying the Buzz?

Is anyone using the Buzz to carry a ThinkPad X200 w/9-cell?

[thisisme]

Let's assume customer service is right, and it does rattle around. Maybe you could think of ways to 'stay' the laptop a bit. It might be worth it if you really like the bag...

[melvynadam]

I already have a nice soft Neogreen sleeve (similar to this one) which pads it out to even closer to the Macbook's dimensions.

[amw]

I would think the thinkpad would sit at the bottom of the padded sleeve. The one thing I've noticed with my x200 (with 9cell) is that the rubber feet tend to "stick" to bags where the macbook slides easily.

I just ordered my Buzz last night, so I can give you a better idea and some pictures of how this would work once mine arrives.

[melvynadam]

That would be amazing. Thanks so much. I'll hold off on placing my order for a few days until I see your pictures. At the moment, I'm torn between the Buzz and the "Ristretto for 13" Macbook". The Buzz has so much going for it and it's the one I really want... but not if it's completely impractical for the ThinkPad.

[melvynadam]

amw, any news? Did it arrive? Are you happy with it as your X200 bag?

[amw]

Sorry, I got ground shipping. UPS says it will arrive Wednesday. I'll try and get some pictures up after the kids are asleep that night.

[melvynadam]

I'm sorry too - not intending to nag and I should have held back a bit longer before asking again

Look forward to pics whenever you are able to do them.

[amw]

I beat the rest of the family home and had a chance for a couple pics. One is with the laptop horizontal and one with it vertical. Hopefully these help. Horizontally, it won't rattle around as much since it's pretty much the full width of the bag.


Thinkpad x200 in Buzz horizontally by socialmisfitdotcom, on Flickr

Thinkpad x200 in Buzz vertically by socialmisfitdotcom, on Flickr

[melvynadam]

Thanks so much. Really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Looks like quite a spacious fit (being diplomatic). Do you feel you made the right move?
Like I said, I intend to have my X200 also in a soft sleeve which might make it less crazy when vertical in this bag. But it's still gonna be roomy.

[amw]

I really had no reservations about buying this. My primary laptop bag has been a brain bag, which lets me carry everything for bigger jobs. But for a day to day bag, I needed something smaller that could accommodate a 15" MacBook pro or the thinkpad (depending on where I'm headed).

[melvynadam]

The decision is made!

Later today, my order will be placed for my first TB bag: the Buzz. Thanks so much for all your help.

[amw]

One thing I discovered today, which is going to require me to get used to the Buzz is the right shoulder strap. I've typically slung my non-backpack bags over my left shoulder, and put the bag on from the right. The Buzz pretty much has to go on from the left.

Not at all a complaint, but I've found myself having to stop and change how I was trying to toss the bag on - basically overcoming years of muscle memory.