Case Logic XNTM-4 Messenger eSling

5 comments

1. 

   Ms_Ladi on January 17, 2010 at 11:52 am

   This was never received, so I can’t really give a good review. Hopefully I can update this when I finally get it.

2. 

   Charlie on January 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm

   Caselogic XNTM-4

   I evaluated this netbook case with my Dell Inspiron Mini 9 (9″ netbook). There is enough room in the Caselogic to hold a 12″ netbook. There are also numerous pockets and zippered compartments to hold your wireless travel mice, USB flash drives, optical media, A/C adapter or recharger, documents, and other items. The case is extremely lightweight and the outside flap uses magnets to hold it onto the main body of the case. Don’t worry, nothing will fall out because the main compartments each have a zippered seal.

   The only drawback to the XNTM-4 is the main strap. While it is fairly wide, it lacks any type of soft padding or rubberized surface for more group. I’ve run into situations where other backpacks with cordura straps tend to slide off my large winter coat or leather jacket due to the lack of friction. The only recommendation I’d make to Caselogic is to change the strap design.

   Bottom line, for the price the XNTM-4 is a very solid case for your netbook. I’ve seen other netbook cases for about the same price, but they aren’t as versatile as the XNTM-4.

   UPDATE: I’ve been using this XNTM-4 for my Mini 9 for awhile and it is simply a great case for the netbook. I am not sure why people are criticizing this case because it is constructed just as well as some of the Targus or other Caselogic products. It’s slightly oversized for the 9″ netbooks but should fit 10″ or 12″ netbooks with the greatest of ease.

3. 

   K. Schultz on January 17, 2010 at 2:35 pm

   Technology has taken a bit of a strange turn lately. For a long time, we have had the opposing trends of huge (“desktop replacement” laptops) and tiny (cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.) electronics. What was previously seen as the worst of both worlds has suddenly become the best, as low priced netbooks storm the scene. This mid-range size is not properly accounted for in most laptop or electronically minded carrying cases, creating a market for something new. The XNTM-4 is Caselogic’s attempt, and it seems we have already hit the bullseye.

   With a very generic style, the XNTM-4 is approachable for a macho male or feminine gal (or any combination of the two). Fortunately, a striped red interior lining does make it seem a bit more like a specialty product than an average case. It feels as durable as a good quality backpack and should stand up to years of standard abuse. There is a very generous padded pocket for a 7-12″ netbook near the rear. It is standard foam and nothing too extreme, so keep this in mind if you are considering using this for activities such as hiking, which may require using a hard case instead.

   Other than the perfect netbook sized compartment, what really sets this case apart is the number of pockets for small electronics (GPS, cell phone, etc.) and accessories. They are as follows:

   large front zippered
   
   large back velcro
   
   medium interior zippered
   
   4 small interior stretch (think spandex for security… scratch that)
   
   1 small screened (for ID or to see screen on small gadget)

   What this amounts to is a huge amount of organization in a small space, and it should just bring a smile to any tech addict’s face. If you have a netbook or other midrange piece of equipment to lug around town or the airport, I give the XNTM-4 my highest recommendation. It would also make a great gift for a nerd who has everything.

   EDIT: I would like to rank my review down a bit to four stars. After some fairly heavy use, the pack is holding up great and I am still impressed with it overall. However, when it is stuffed with a lot of gear, the magnetic flap becomes useless and just falls away. It might have been better to have a shorter flap with velcro to provide more security, or even get rid of the flap altogether at the cost of the extra protection.

4. 

   Martin S. Brown on January 17, 2010 at 4:27 pm

   One of the clear advantages of netbook computers is their ultra portability. You can take them on business trips on which you might otherwise regret lugging a 7 pound laptop.

   I recently decided to replace an eight year old HP Omnibook with an Acer Aspire One and needed a small case to move my new netbook around the landscape. I purchased one at Fry’s that was made for 10″ models, but my Acer was just a skosh too big to fit in it. There are plenty of neoprene bags available for a few dollars, but I wanted something that would stand up to travel and let me fit a few small items along with the netbook.

   Enter the Case Logic eSling, made specifically for ultra portable PCs.

   Talk about a perfect solution! This bag is made from tough nylon, has an adjustably long messenger-type sling, and has lots of pockets! There’s one, of course, just for your netbook and it is ingeniously designed with two long interior felt strips that grip the computer and keep even small 9 inch computers from sliding around inside. Then there is a larger pocket in front that serves as a personal items pocket, with specific places for business cards, pens, a cell phone or ipod and sunglasses. This larger pocket can accommodate letter size folders or a spiral bound notebook and your charger. There’s another exterior pocket that is perfect for a magazine or your Kindle, then there is a large flap that covers it all that also has a larger zipper pocket, great for a wallet.

   The outside of the case is stain- and scuff-resistant black, but the inside is a burgundy colored material that makes it easy to find things. No more fishing around trying to find where you put your keys in the dark interior of your bag!

   The quality of this bag is what sets it apart from virtually every other netbook case out there: it is very well constructed of expensive looking materials. This bag may cost more than cheaper bags, but it will outlast them by years. The stitching is reinforced at strategic spots, the zippers are strong and durable, and even the zipper pulls look like they’ll last forever. My only quibbles here are that the strap, while light weight, is less impressive than the rest of the bag, and there is no rubber feet protection on the bottom of the case where you are likely to set it down.

   You won’t find that the bag is large enough to replace your briefcase or backpack unless you really travel light. But for quick day trips, it is a great solution for carrying your small computer and a few other items. You will love the quality and thoughtful design of this bag.

5. 

   Carter Hargrave on January 17, 2010 at 4:36 pm

   Amazon sent a diffent model than this exact one but I was impressed so I did not complain. The model sent was for SLR cameras and was a back pack as well as hand held model.
   
   Very well thought out design and sturdy.
   
   Would buy for sure.