getting back to basics
In case anyone doesn’t know (and since the ticket’s aren’t sold out, _someone_ must not know), Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society are playing in a week.
I’ll be in fair New Zealand for this one, but I encourage you all to remember how much fun it is to play Fire It Up in Guitar Hero and head along.
Also, In This River is pretty deep (spot the pun, kids).
Wierd Al does it again, but the standout awesomeness on his new video for White and Nerdy has to be Donny Osmond in the background as his hype man. Now _thats_ dancing.
… although top credit to the Segway moves around the middle - that man can handle a gyroscope!
Time for the first review in the (dum dum dum!) “Quest for the Perfect Laptop Bag”: The Breakfast Buffet
by Crumpler.
Crumpler is a pretty well-known and regarded Australian bag company that started out making messenger bags for bicycle couriers. Their irreverant attitude and distinctive style has endeared them to many an owner, but will their smaller Breakfast Buffet measure up?
First, an overview. Small and bottom-heavy, this is really a bag I use for carrying around my 12″ Powerbook. It comes in a number of colours, but the muted light blue/yellow combination of mine certainly draws approving comments.
There are no external pockets, just a small (awkward) handle and the little crumpler man logo.
Opening it up, we see the internal yellow. The flap contains a mesh pocket and there is a small outside pocket.
The crumpler attention to detail shows up with the _very_ usable logo zip. Really like this, its size, weight, shape and even paint is great to zip and unzip! (Yes, I fear I might be autistic) The mesh pocket is intended for carrying cables, and makes the flap bulge somewhat.
The strap is wide and well-made, attached by a double velcro strap to the bag. Feels very sturdy and I haven’t had any issues with it yet. Crumpler logo shows up on the velcro again.
Looking inside the main section, you see the main problem - it’s tiny. There is a shock protected pocket that holds a 12″ laptop securely, but otherwise there is limited space for anything else.
… and that’s pretty much it! Which leads to the basic issue with this bag: it has no storage for anything much. I can fit the Powerbook, my notebook, perhaps one other item (PSP, Camera) and the power brick in the flap. Far from perfect.
The flap storage pocket is also not without issues - because is goes all the way through the flap, when you open it up items drop down into the bottom, which prevents the flap from closing: somewhat of a problem, especially if you’re in a hurry.
So, a summary of the good:
And against the criteria:
So, nice for a specific use but far from perfect. The quest continues.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I really struggle to find a laptop bag I like. Part of my job involves carrying a laptop bag around pretty much everywhere, so it’s a subject close to my heart.
However, despite trying many contenders, I have yet to find a laptop bag that _perfectly_ suits my needs. So, a recurring feature of this publication will be:
(drum roll please)
“The Quest For The Perfect Laptop Bag”
(impressed yet?)
To begin with, I’ll review the ones which have failed in the past, including bags from booq, Tom Bihn, Crumpler and more. Then, I’m open to suggestions of what to try next!
The criteria I’m looking for in a winner: must be a messenger-style bag (gives easy access to its contents) that can successfully fit the following:
Many have been tested, all have failed! But who knows what the future brings…