New Cache with Zipper

[proximal]

The updated Cache had kind of a quiet debut, so I thought I'd post some pictures.



(This is a size 13D and it's just about perfect for a Microsoft Surface Pro.)

The new Cache differs from the old one in that it is a zip closure instead of a flap. The zipper covers two full sides plus parts of the other two. There are rails on both sides, oriented in orthogonal directions. That means that you can use this Cache either vertically as you would in something like a Synapse:



Or horizontally as you would in something like a Tri-Star:



The underside of the zipper is separated from your device by a flap so the zipper doesn't scratch the contents of the Cache:



Whichever orientation you use it in, the zipper extends a bit onto the "closed" side to make it easier to get your stuff in or out:



Without the flap, the new Cache packs just a little bit flatter:



The materials on the new one are the same as the old one, so you still get the same amount of padding and the soft interior. The new design is a win for everyone- customers can buy one Cache and use it either way and Tom Bihn doesn't have to make horizontal and vertical versions anymore.

[kmw]

Thanks for the photos and review, proximal!

I admit I was annoyed when the new Cache debuted, because I'd just bought two new caches (each orientation) weeks before. I'm really envious of the ability to re-orient now and the flatter (non-flap) depth. (Seeing the new version, it all seems so obvious!) Enjoy!

[Amy]

Thank you so much for these pictures! I've been struggling to figure out which size will fit my new Surface Pro, and you've just answered my question. It looks like the 13D is wider than it needs to be for the surface, but I like that it's long enough to include the pen attached to the edge. And the protection on the corners looks good from what I can see. I've been using a form-fitting Incipio sleeve, which fits exactly (with pen) and slides easily in my Copilot. I bought it for the very reason that this new cache was made: so it will zip in either format, portrait or landscape. I do like that the Incipio case has a flat outer pocket as well, which is where I keep my surface arc mouse. But I like the rails and extra padding of the Tom Bihn cache. It looks like the arc mouse can probably sit go in the main compartment along with the computer.

ETA: Things I dislike about the Incipio case that I currently have: nowhere near Bihn build quality. The zippers and stitching are kind of cheap, and the "incipio" tag ended up tearing completely off. Also, I once carried a water bottle in the main compartment of one of my Bihn bags, alongside the Incipio case. Of course, the bottle leaked and soaked my Incipio case, which absorbed the water like a sponge and sucked it to the interior where my computer was. Fortunately I noticed it sort of quickly and was able to air dry my surface pro type cover which got damp. They really need to make these things water repellent!

[jjmcke]

Thanks for the photos and review, proximal!

I admit I was annoyed when the new Cache debuted, because I'd just bought two new caches (each orientation) weeks before. I'm really envious of the ability to re-orient now and the flatter (non-flap) depth. (Seeing the new version, it all seems so obvious!) Enjoy!

What sizes did you purchase? I just received a 15A in the new style and don't like the way the extra rails snag things in my Synapse 25. I would be interested in an exchange for the vertical one if the size is right. It needs to fit my Yoga 730 15"

-Joseph

[bzn]

Looks great! I cut the flaps off of all my old caches because they were too big and bulky. This looks like a welcome improvement.

[altadel]

I'm disappointed by the change. I love the convenience of the flap and not opening and closing yet another set of zippers at the beginning and end of every day (and another pair of opening and closings if I head out to a coffee shop). Guess I'll stick with laptops that fit into my horizontal cache 13" that suits my current and aging 13" MacBook Pro.

[aedifica]

I'm disappointed by the change. I love the convenience of the flap and not opening and closing yet another set of zippers at the beginning and end of every day (and another pair of opening and closings if I head out to a coffee shop). Guess I'll stick with laptops that fit into my horizontal cache 13" that suits my current and aging 13" MacBook Pro.

Welcome, @altadel! I like the flap-style Caches too, though I appreciate that the zip ones can be used both vertically and horizontally. Anyway, glad you've joined us!

[Kevin]

I also really prefer the old design with the flap. The zipper cache I have for my 13inch MacBook Pro is very tight and it’s much more work to get the laptop in and secure.

Also while the old design was less flexible it felt purpose built for your bag once you had the right orientation. With the new design you always end up with an unused set of rails on the front that make the whole experience feel less customized to your particular needs.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Fannod]

I too am disappointed about new my new cache, which makes me sad: this is the first time Tom Bihn product has failed to delight.
I own three caches, each from a different generation (apparently Tom updates the Cache at about the same rate I update laptops). Like @altadel, I liked the tuck-in flap. In fact, I would argue that design was perfect: it was easy (and silent) to open or close, it protected all sides of the tablet when tucked, and worked one-handed. The opening at the top was straight in (not at all rounded) so there was immediate access to the full width of the sleeve. I have an 2009-era cache with a fold-over top and velcro circles to secure it, which was fine but the tuck-in was a nice simplification and elegant improvement over that. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the addition of zipper and rails, which ends up somewhat fussy, and a little worse in several critical ways.
For starters, the zipper does not extend as far around the corner of the 13A I have as it appears to in the photos above: mine only barely opens the full width of the cache (in either orientation). Also, the padded flap that protects the computer from the inside of zipper is an obstruction to catch the corner of a computer on or under. The net result is I need to use two hands to unzip, and then I need to do some wiggling to get my X1 Carbon in and out, I suspect this is worse on smaller sizes than on larger.
I appreciate the simplification for the factory (and I suppose some customers) in having one product work in both orientations, (and let's be honest, the number of different sized caches was getting crazy, to double it for orientations a nightmare) but like @jjmke, I don't like the extra rails snagging on things, and I agree with @Kevin that the right-orientation of cache felt more customized, and less generic.
Finally, I don't know about proximal, but the exterior material of the new zippered cache feels more textured, and less smooth than either of the two previous ones. That's not a big deal, but I noticed it has more friction against the content of the bag when I slide it out on the rails for TSA.
I don't have a solution for any of this, but I know I like the old one much better. Not enough to limit my computer selection to only those that fit, but enough to be grumpy every time I take this new computer out.

[biaxid3nt]

Count me in the crowd that much prefers the newer design. The fold in flap took up a considerable amount of space in a bag and the zipper is much more streamlined. That being said I still think the cache system is wonky and better in theory than in execution especially nowadays with TSA Pre. As someone who switches bags the flexibility of vertical to horizontal is a very welcome improvement.

I basically disagree with the entire post above me! ;-)

[benh]

I had an Unfortunate Incident with the Flap Cache back in 2016. I was using it going through TSA, and they found something in my Synapse that merited a second look. The TSA person picked up my bag and promptly dumped my brand fricking new MacBook Pro on the ground, bouncing it off the stainless steel table on the way down. I ended up with several nice dents in the corners, and a wholly uncaring TSA. I was super angry, but at the end of the day, it wasn't actually their fault.

After that experience, I quit using it as a TSA compliant laptop container, and just took my laptop out every time.

So, on that basis, I think the zips make excellent sense if one is using it as a TSA compliant laptop holder.

All that said, I found the Flap Cache to be perfect as a daily driver in my Synapse. Super easy to get my laptop in and out. I'm not having that experience with the built in laptop compartment on my Synik.

[GrussGott]

Wow, i totally missed this! I'll be adding a few to my next order, i love the concept!

[jeffeby]

I was disappointed to see that vertical cache with the flap is no longer available for my Brain Bag. I normally carry at least two Macbook Touchbars and am not looking forward to having to deal with the additional zipper when I upgrade to the 16 inch and have to buy a new cache.

[x3n0n]

I was disappointed to see that vertical cache with the flap is no longer available for my Brain Bag. I normally carry at least two Macbook Touchbars and am not looking forward to having to deal with the additional zipper when I upgrade to the 16 inch and have to buy a new cache.

Welcome to the forums, @jeffeby!

For what it's worth, I see many older Caches go by on eBay and some on the unofficial Tom Bihn BST Facebook group. The 16-inch MBP should fit in the same sleeves as a 15-inch pre-2017 MacBook Pro Retina.

Hope this helps!