New cases and bags
Friday, 16 March 2012
Not so much a review but a product roundup, a look at some smart new cases and bags.STM (Standard Technical Merchandise) is an Australian company with a broad range of products eminently suited to Mac users. In fact, they're specifically designed for Mac users. I also like the fact that the bags don't necessarily look like bags you'd carry a precious Mac in, and indeed they function perfectly well as ordinary bags.
Of course, they have padded compartments that ably protect your precious devices.
I have personally had an STM shoulder bag for six years in almost daily use, for my 15-inch MacBook Pro.
STM Scout 2 — This latest shoulder bag can tote a MacBook Pro 15-inch along with some documents and books (main picture), has two compartments on the front with pockets for various items and dividers for pens, plus additional front and rear areas for more documents.
A wide shoulder strap is complimented by a movable pad.
A separate velcro-fastened cover secures the laptop in its sleeve, and a broad cover goes completely over the top and fastens at the front with a single clasp.
STM The Hood — The Hood looks like a retro backpack, yet it's made from modern materials and once again features padded compartments.
There's a concealed laptop section inside, a documents area on the front that the top cover closes in, which latches with a magnet, and pockets on the outside for a water bottle (easy access, plus who wants one inside with your laptop?).
The usual STM internal pockets are inside for almost everything you can think of, there are document compartments and the wide, comfortable shoulder straps make this is a handsome and well-padded, though light-in-weight bag that can handle some weight.
STM has its bags available from several NZ chains including Yoobee and the Parnell Apple Reseller, Ubertec.
The Scout 2 retails for AUD$99.95; NZ prices seem to be around $130 (although when I checked Ubertec had it for $99, but it may have been the previous version of the Scout); the Hood is AUD$109.95 ...
I have yet to see NZ prices.
NVS MacBook Air and Pro cases
NVS cases will make others envious, as the name implies. Handmade in premium leather with padded suede interiors, they don't add much weight or bulk to your slimline device but they sure do offer a smart new level of protection for peace of mind.
NVS has cases available for iPads, but also for the 13-inch MacBook air and for the 11-inch MacBook Air (below). In fact, I have given away two of these MacBook Air cases and now I have two 13-inch MacBook Pros to give away – all you have to do is take the short, three question checkbox opinion poll to go into the random draw.
Winners will receive their notifications in a couple of weeks.
