Synapse and 15" Lenovo Thinkpad x300

[MikeR]

Hi all -

I'm looking for a backpack to use as my every day work bag. I usually carry a 15" Lenovo Thinkpad x300, a power brick, a water bottle, an umbrella, a Kindle, and maybe a few other items - snack, book, some papers, etc. Of the TB backpacks, I like the look of the Synapse the best, and I like the way the pockets are organized. It seems like an awesome bag. However, I'm wondering if it's going to be too small for my needs. I've read a couple posts about it here, but it seems inconclusive. I carry my laptop around a lot, and need to take it out a couple times a day. I want a bag I can easily throw it in. And I still want to have room for the other items without having to stuff things in too tight.

Also, my understanding is that you need some kind of sleeve or cache to put your laptop in with the Synapse - the bag isn't padded enough to just put the laptop in as is. Is that correct?

I'd love to hear people's opinions about this. The Brain Bag is too big for me, and I'm not crazy about the design of the Smart Alec, so I'm hoping the Synapse will work. But if not, I'll have to figure out something else. Many thanks for your help.

[moriond]

Hi all -

I'm looking for a backpack to use as my every day work bag. I usually carry a 15" Lenovo Thinkpad x300, a power brick, a water bottle, an umbrella, a Kindle, and maybe a few other items - snack, book, some papers, etc. Of the TB backpacks, I like the look of the Synapse the best, and I like the way the pockets are organized. It seems like an awesome bag. However, I'm wondering if it's going to be too small for my needs. I've read a couple posts about it here, but it seems inconclusive. I carry my laptop around a lot, and need to take it out a couple times a day. I want a bag I can easily throw it in. And I still want to have room for the other items without having to stuff things in too tight.

Also, my understanding is that you need some kind of sleeve or cache to put your laptop in with the Synapse - the bag isn't padded enough to just put the laptop in as is. Is that correct?

I'd love to hear people's opinions about this. The Brain Bag is too big for me, and I'm not crazy about the design of the Smart Alec, so I'm hoping the Synapse will work. But if not, I'll have to figure out something else. Many thanks for your help.

Hi MikeR,

I thought that the X300 ThinkPad used the 13.3-in TFT screen, which should fit into the Synapse, since the dimensions are very close to the MacBook/MacBook Pro sized machines the Synapse and its cache were designed for: (12.5 x 9.09 x 0.92 inches for the X300 vs. 12.8 x 8.9 x 1.0 inches for the MacBook Pro). It's basically slightly wider, by 0.2 inches, but since people have been able to fit in the 15" MacBook Pro models (albeit with very little room).

I'd guess that the Size 6Z vertical cache (interior dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 1.1") would fit this model, if I have the machine and dimensions correctly identified. Yes, you want an internal sleeve, that will fit around the laptop. Although there's padding along the back of the bag, you want the laptop protected when it sits on the ground. Perhaps others who are familiar with this ThinkPad model can make suggestions.

moriond

[MikeR]

Hi MikeR,

I thought that the X300 ThinkPad used the 13.3-in TFT screen, which should fit into the Synapse, since the dimensions are very close to the MacBook/MacBook Pro sized machines the Synapse and its cache were designed for: (12.5 x 9.09 x 0.92 inches for the X300 vs. 12.8 x 8.9 x 1.0 inches for the MacBook Pro). It's basically slightly wider, by 0.2 inches, but since people have been able to fit in the 15" MacBook Pro models (albeit with very little room).

I'd guess that the Size 6Z vertical cache (interior dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 1.1") would fit this model, if I have the machine and dimensions correctly identified. Yes, you want an internal sleeve, that will fit around the laptop. Although there's padding along the back of the bag, you want the laptop protected when it sits on the ground. Perhaps others who are familiar with this ThinkPad model can make suggestions.

moriond

Moriond - thanks much for your response. I feel like a dolt not knowing my computer size. You're absolutely right. It's the 13.3! So I guess that means the Synapse should work fine for me.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the best way to use the Synapse with that size computer? I.e., is it best to get the vertical cache that hooks into the inside of the bag, or just put the computer in a sleeve and drop it in? it would be nice to still have some room left in the main compartment after I put the computer in there.

Thanks again!

[TXGirl]

Moriond - thanks much for your response. I feel like a dolt not knowing my computer size. You're absolutely right. It's the 13.3! So I guess that means the Synapse should work fine for me.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the best way to use the Synapse with that size computer? I.e., is it best to get the vertical cache that hooks into the inside of the bag, or just put the computer in a sleeve and drop it in? it would be nice to still have some room left in the main compartment after I put the computer in there.

Thanks again!

Hi MikeR

The Synapse doesn't have the Annex clips, but just slipping the computer
in a sleeve should be plenty of protection.
I sometimes use my Synapse to carry my work laptop and I don't use any protection. But since it's
my work laptop, I'm not too concerned about it.

[backpack]

With the Synapse a Cache is perfect!

I have a Cache for netbook EEPC and I will get one or the gorgeous Breve for the iPad I would like to get in the future.

The Cache is so deceptively simple that it will be in service way beyond the netbook which at 3 years of age, has been completely blown out of the water by the yummy Macbooks Airs and the imminently portable iPads.

[MikeR]

Great! Thanks to everybody for their help. I think I'm gonna go for the Synapse. Cheers!

[TXGirl]

Great! Thanks to everybody for their help. I think I'm gonna go for the Synapse. Cheers!

The Synapse is a wonderful organized backpack although it's my first and only backpack. Do you have a color picked out?

[MikeR]

I'm not sure yet. I like the Olive, Navy, Steel and Black/UV (though I'd have to wait for that one till April). I think I'm leaning toward the steel, though I hope the inside isn't too dark to see stuff. What colors do you like?

[TXGirl]

I have the Indigo/Solar, but I really like the Black/UV. I love the UV lining against the black. My second choice would be the Navy/Solar.
I believe WhiteStar sent her Black/UV Synapse back since Katy found her a UV one. You may want to call & see if it's available if you really want the black/UV.

The Steel looks like its only avail in Steel Dyneema/Solar. I like that combo too. There was a pic on Flickr with that combo. I'll see if I can find it and post the link.

Synapse no flash | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[MikeR]

That's a good tip! Thanks!

I agree with you - the UV against the black is very cool.

[Tlacltme]

I have the black/UV Synapse and I LOVE it! If that's the combo you want, my two cents would be to hold out for it! April isn't that far away...and though I have no direct experience as such, it seems based on Forum comments, that backordered things often arrive before the stated time. Bottom line, you're gonna love the Synapse no matter what the color!

[MikeR]

Yes, I agree. If that's the one I decide on, it's worth the wait. Good to know you're happy with yours! Thanks.

[moriond]

I have the Indigo/Solar, but I really like the Black/UV. I love the UV lining against the black. My second choice would be the Navy/Solar.
I believe WhiteStar sent her Black/UV Synapse back since Katy found her a UV one. You may want to call & see if it's available if you really want the black/UV.

TXGirl's suggestion about calling is good; I think WhiteStar only posted her Black/UV Synapse back yesterday, so you might even ask if you could get dibs on it when it arrives, if you're sure you want this color. Like TXGirl my Synapse is Indigo/Solar, and I would also list Navy/Solar as a second choice. The bag colors without pictures on the product pages don't seem to get as much consideration, so here are a few links to forum post pictures of the Navy Synapse from cobrien and loki.

[MikeR]

Moriond - thanks very much for the pics! That really helps. The navy is certainly nice. Now I've got a tough decision!

[MikeR]

Hey all - one more color question, if you'll indulge me. Do people like the slate interiors? Is it too dark to see stuff? I'm liking the black/slate and slate/slate, but I did have that concern. Thanks much!