How do you carry your laptop?

[vielzebub]

Occasionally I bring my 15" MBP in to work.
Now that warm weather is here and I'm commuting on my bike I need to pack the laptop. The trouble is, with the protective sleeve the computer doesn't fit in the OEM tailbag, and barely fits in the side case. If I do wedge it in the sidecase nothing else can go in there as it's kinda crammed in there diagonally.
Suddenly, I'm not liking the rounded corners of the system bags so much...

Nosing around I see this:
http://axio-usa.com/tailbag_silver.html

Love it, but it's still too small.
Anyone have any ideas or insights?

If not, I'm going to get a pelican case and mount it similar to chitowns setup....

[michael Tobias]

I travel with one all summer as well. on the last bike I had a 46 litre Givi and that holds the laptop/briefcase and some room to spare. on this r1200r I am going to most likely do the same. the pelican is a great box but I like the idea of being able to remove the case esily rather than having to un-bolt it.

[Mollygrubber]

I just bought an Ogio No-drag backpack which works great in this regard. They have a 'true' lifetime warranty, are very moisture-proof (opens from the back, the outside has no seams), built-in helmet holder, hydration ready, and is very comfy. Works for me!


http://www.ogio.com/shop_ogio/product_i ... cts_id=638

[lewellen]

I have a Sumdex "impact guard" notebook sleeve I slide inside a courier bag.

To take the notebook on a short trip, e.g. ride into work, I just slip the courier bag strap over my head and across the chest, and ride off into the sunrise. For longer trips, I take the notebook & sleeve out of the courier case, fold it into the bottom of the sidecase, and then slide the notebook in impact sleeve above it.

It works for me, but as you say, it pretty much rules out using that side case for anything else.

I can fit the notebook in the courier bag plus the sleeve inside the saddlebag, but it takes some finagling and I usually wind up catching a zipper pull or shoulder strap D-ring between the case and lid on the first (2nd, 3rd...) attempt to close the saddlebag. I also find it easier to put the notebook in the right-hand case, with the bike on the side-stand.

Good roads,

- Lewellen

[BigEasy]

I use an Axio hardpack to carry mine. I put the laptop in a neoprene sleeve then into the hardpack and use a bungee helmet net to secure it to the bike

[vielzebub]

Thanks everyone.
I was originally hoping to stay away from the backpack route.
Oh well.

Funny that I've spent 1K plus on luggage for the bike and I can't carry my laptop.

Big Easy?
Do you think you could take a picture of your setup for me?
I'm curious to see how you have the axio backpack mounted. It sounds like a good solution...also, which axio do you have?

Eric

[BigEasy]

Eric, I'm out of town working this week so it'll be Friday at the earliest before I can snap a pic. I think they have discontinued the one I have, like the one here http://www.motonekoparts.com/Axio-Forza ... 18053.html but I think the Swift 2.0 or Urban would work as well. Should I forget to post a pic send me a pm to remind me and I'll get it done. Keith

[ShinySideUp]

+1 on the backpack. I went with the very large Axio:

http://www.axio-usa.com/hybridxl_black.html

It's got a padded pocket for the laptop and the pack is large enough for my whole office to fit in, neatly organized in plastic file folders. (Purchased after the pack). The zippers are waterproof and just in case, I put my laptop in a neoprene sleeve on rainy days. Never had a leak so far.

It's not a "hardpack" but the shell is very stiff and it holds its shape well. I use it on the job, on and off the bike all day long. The bag is big enough that the bottom rests on the raised pillion seat and there's little to no weight on my shoulders on the bike. The chest strap keeps everything in place.

I used to keep a briefcase in the side case but I find it much easier to just get off the bike and go into my client's place of business rather than open the side case and hoist the briefcase onto one shoulder and then have to lock it up on the way out. Also, I think there's much less vibration and jolts on the laptop when it's in a pack vs. riding in a case on the bike. PC boards don't much like vibration, I learned after turning on a laptop in a top case and watching smoke come out of it.

I hardly notice the pack any more after two years of daily use, and feel naked without it when I ride the twisties on the weekend, but then I've always enjoyed getting naked on the weekends!

[vielzebub]

Thanks for the tips gentlemen. After looking around I'm sold on an axio for my laptop and commutes.

The only question now is which one. The Fuse hardshell or the hybrid Bill recommends.
I'm on the fence...

Keith, no worries about the pictures. If you remember when you get back that's cool, but if not it's no big deal. I'm just curious to see how you mounted the thing. I would think that the ability to anchor the hardshell to the tail rack on some occasions would be an advantage.

Bill, ummm...enjoy the up coming weekend. I won't trouble you with a picture request.

[thepeacebullgrunt]

I carry camera's too so I use a waterproof and extremely well made Richard Billingham photographer bag http://www.billingham.co.uk/pages/index.php

A black Packington model like this one its pricey ! but all padded inside.

Not too mention that I also got rid of the traditional heavy and full of problems laptop for a Netbook... smaller, lighter, solid state drive or almost, Under $600, 8Hrs battery's, 35 seconds boot up, bright screen etc etc etc this is a very nice little thing

In the future, when my electrical addons will be installed I'll have 2 RKA side bags and a Roadgear or BMW container bag on the rear seat to quickly throw this camera bag in it before riding, because honestly I am not sure it is really SAFE to crash with a backpack or messenger bag strapped on my body.

Thanks lewellen about the Sumdex

But I have a Question ? :

Those Sumdex sleeves do they also protect from side shock ? also it seems like there is no pocket for the charger or small accessories but If I use a 10.2 netbook I wonder if I can just buy 2 of them of different size, slide the first small laptop sleeve in the big sleeve, and use the extra room for the rest of the accessories.

But for safety and weight reasons I also think of storing this small netbook in the luggage bike using a case like this one http://hprc-usa.com/2300.htm and ask these guys http://www.portabrace.com/productA-DK-3 a divider kit or find a custom solution to make perfectly fit the netbook in the case, while casing underneath the charger and small accessories.

If you access the web with an EVDO or 3G Usb adaptor these cases can allow you to keep connected at all time your laptop to the USB adapter.. .. which make the connection setup time faster and easier when you need to browse the web somewhere on a street bench.
Not to mention that the lid can be used to attach some kind of sun shade to insure screen visibility.

Downside: They might be bulky and take too much space in your luggage.

[icecave]

Is there enough padding to protect one's spine in a crash?

[thepeacebullgrunt]

Maybe icecave but I am not sure if a bulky, hammer shaped, Nikon camera, 3 photographic lenses, a laptop and few stainless steel accessories can really make friend the right way with my spine in case of crash.

This is why I am trying to stop wearing any bags while riding...messengers bag pack or any other.

I would have bought a motoport jacket if one of its specialty bulky pockets could be removed in a snap to act like a small gas tank bag.

[lewellen]

Thanks lewellen about the Sumdex

But I have a Question ? :

Those Sumdex sleeves do they also protect from side shock ? also it seems like there is no pocket for the charger or small accessories but If I use a 10.2 netbook I wonder if I can just buy 2 of them of different size, slide the first small laptop sleeve in the big sleeve, and use the extra room for the rest of the accessories.

The Sumdex sleeves have the impact foam on all sides except the top where the zipper is.

They do not (or at least the model I have does not) have external pouches. That, and the lack of a shoulder strap, are the main reasons I use it as a sleeve in a nylon briefcase / courier bag. The charger, camera, portable hard drive (in its Case Logic hard shell), etc. sit in the side pocket of the courier bag.

So far it's worked quite well using that method.

That being said, there is enough extra space in the Sumdex for me to put in my Macbook Pro 15", the Macbook's charger, and the portable hard disk; but as they provide force concentration points on the notebook case, I'd guess it kind of counters the intended operation of the impact foam. :-)


Good roads,

- Lewellen

[thepeacebullgrunt]

Thanks lewellen !

Well my plan is to get this one http://www.sumdex.com/catalog/product_i ... 54a3f3376b to store my small Samsung NC10 Netbook then throw it this one http://www.sumdex.com/catalog/product_i ... 5c1a26e4a9 and use the remaining space to slide the charger and other small stuff without stressing the 10.2 Netbook.

I want to keep this small laptop in my Givi Maxia 52liters, not anymore in my camera bag, just want to use it when I am on the go...this is why I am also concerned with humidity at night.

This is why I wonder if something like that http://hprc-usa.com/2300.htm with the right divider setup inside, even if pricier and bulkier, will not be after all the ultimate solution...

Samsung NC10 Netbook 10.2

[TT RDHS]

Aerostich has some good stuff...
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Ort ... 19144.html

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Lap ... c-471.html

Or you might mount a "Pelican case" on your rack.

[lewellen]

Thanks lewellen !

I want to keep this small laptop in my Givi Maxia 52liters, not anymore in my camera bag, just want to use it when I am on the go...this is why I am also concerned with humidity at night.

This is why I wonder if something like that http://hprc-usa.com/2300.htm with the right divider setup inside, even if pricier and bulkier, will not be after all the ultimate solution...

Samsung NC10 Netbook 10.2

Just off-hand, I'd guess that case will take up a lot of space in the Givi.

Have you thought about getting some foam and making a partial liner in the Givi for the notebook? If it's going to be in there all the time, it might be a worthwhile investment? Re the humidity, you could put the notebook in a big Ziplock bag, and the accessories in another one; that will keep the moisture away when the computer's stowed. There's not that much you can do about a cold piece of metal in moist air, though - water will condense once it's out of the case.

In any case, let us know what you work up. What I'd really like is a briefcase-like case I can click onto the R12R's mounting points....

Good roads,

- Lewellen

[TT RDHS]

Ortlieb Hardshell Quick-Release Office Case #9162

This hardshell case will keep your stuff dry & protected...Inside is a laptop case and plenty of compartments for all your stuff. Made of rock hard polycarbonate. Features a neat quick-release mounting system for motorcycle racks. Over 2000 cubic inches of space. 14"×17"×7". Black.
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Ort ... 19144.html

Or to keep your laptop dry, you could try this...
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Wat ... 19553.html

[ka5ysy]

http://www.pelican-case.com/1470.html

or

http://www.pelican-case.com/1495-laptop ... lican.html

[thepeacebullgrunt]

Thanks guys !

There is also otterbox for all kind of devices http://www.otterbox.com/

But the difficulty with the hard boxes is to get one that fit my small netbook, charger and few small accessories without taking to much space in my Givi case...otherwise this is I think the best solution specially when using the laptop in uncomfortable context.

Problem with the Ortlieb is that they seem huge.

On some cases there is a pressure valve...but not sure that can help for the humidity issue at night.
Maybe using some of those desiccant salt bag in the case might help.

@---Lewelen----You wrote : "Have you thought about getting some foam and making a partial liner in the Givi for the notebook? If it's going to be in there all the time, it might be a worthwhile investment? Re the humidity, you could put the notebook in a big Ziplock bag, and the accessories in another one; that will keep the moisture away when the computer's stowed. There's not that much you can do about a cold piece of metal in moist air, though - water will condense once it's out of the case.

In any case, let us know what you work up. What I'd really like is a briefcase-like case I can click onto the R12R's mounting points...."

Do you mean using those kind of instant foam that mold the container & the object together... this is a great Idea as I also need, in general, some kind of soft padding at the bottom of the Givi. Then for the Netbook I'll need a lid to go on top with the same type of material. This is a bit of a prototypical crafty option but it is interesting.

What I really like with the hard case
is the option to do not have to remove the laptop from the case...

But with my 6to8hrs battery on my 10.2'' Netbook I wonder if the best solution will not just be the thinest hard case possible from HPRC or Pelican then in another small Vinyl dry bag get the lightest and smallest power adapter and eventually velcro it outside on the Hardcase lid.

Now also remain the problem to store somewhere some kind of efficient foldable hood solution attachable to the lid for outdoor use.

Its a Versatile solution and maybe easier to manage humidity issues.
1) On the road side : remove dry bag from the lid and leave it the GIVI because obviously you don't need any power adapter.
2) in Coffee houses : remove laptop from hard case because its awful to type when laptop is in a hard case on a table and use adapter because there is power there !

Jeeeeezz ! this is not that easy to carry a laptop on a bike... if you analyze all the issues that come next to it.

[BigEasy]

Here are the photos of my squid like set up, not nearly as elegant as some of the others but it's quick and fast












Axio makes a laptop sleeve that velcros into the hardpack, I bought it and would say it's a waste of $$$$. I replaced it with a neoprene one from Office Depot.

As for carrying ANYTHING on my body, I personally keep it to a minimum: moneyclip, wallet and cellphone, maybe a digi cam. The phome and camera stay in low jacket pockets. My reasoning is quite simple and like all good lessons, learned from hard experience. A couple of years ago I fell while snow skiing with my camera in the chest pocket of my jacket. I did a perfect bellyflop from a small ridge, fell maybe 5 feet and if not broken, I severely bruised a couple of ribs. I am NOT an aggressive skier this was parking lot speed on a bike crash. Just my opinion