Review: Booq Mamba Shift L laptop backpack for Mac and PC 13-17 inch
November 26, 2011 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
by Bill Palmer
Booq makes a number of impressive high-end backpack products, but the Mamba Shift L might be the most functional one yet. It takes everything Booq bags are known for, from inventive pocketry to lush padding all around, and combines it with a straightforward practical shape. The bag largely consists of a pair of zippered pockets, both being full height and width instead of wasting space by tapering them. Right off the bat you realize there’s something clever going on here. While most backpacks have a laptop sleeve within one of the pockets, the Mamba Shift dedicates the first pocket entirely to the laptop, meaning that there’s zero chance of any of your other belongings coming into physical contact with it.
The second pocket goes for the gee-whiz factor, and succeeds. There’s a sleeve which could hold anything from an iPad to a magazine to (if you really want to go there) a second laptop. There are also several smaller pockets along with a general open area. Inside you’ll find a handbag-sized zippered bag which you can use for storing small items you want to take with you when you’re leaving the overall backpack behind. There’s also a zipper down the front for a bit more storage, and pockets on both sides for beverages or other quick-grab items. The shoulder straps both have small compartments in them for holding an iPhone or iPod.
On the style side of things, the black bag (optionally comes in a white sand color) has an orange handle and an orange pinstripe down the front which give the Mamba Shift enough flair to stand out while still belonging in a grown-up environment. The padding up against your back is lush and comfortable, matched only by the internal padding aimed at keeping your laptop safe.
There’s very little not to like here. More color choices would be nice (some less expensive competitors offer a choice of highlight colors, for instance). And while the laptop enclosure is perfect, the secondary enclosure could be a little more tablet-specific (padding, being closed off) rather than simply being a pouch which happens to hold something the size of an iPad. But that’s not enough to detract from the overall lovability of this product, and so the Booq Mamba Shift L earns five stars.
Compatibility: the “L” model which I tested holds any size Mac laptop up to the seventeen inch MacBook Pro. Booq says that those of you with thicker PC laptops are safe up to sixteen inches. There’s also a Mamba Shift M (not tested), aimed at users of fifteen inch Mac and PC laptops.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5 • Price: $149 • booq.com
Booq unveils stylish iPad messenger bag, Boa push
August 18, 2010 by Daynah · Leave a Comment
Booq is known for their unique and creative laptop and iPad bag designs. They just added the Boa push iPad messenger bag to their line, and it’s a beauty! It’s slim and lightweight with compartments for carrying your iPad, iPhone, wallet, credit cards, and your necessities.
These elegantly-designed bags includes a non-scratch iPad specific compartment, as well as card slots, charging cable pockets, and a big backside pocket for your frequently used items. On the front flap is an innovative iPhone / mobile device pocket for easy access.
The Boa push iPad messenger bag is like a hybrid of a laptop bag and iPad sleeve rolled into one. It has enough room in it for your necessities like a laptop bag, but thin and compact like a sleeve.
Similar to their other iPad products, this bag is also made of durable Twylon and genuine Nappa leather, making it slender yet strong to withstand every day’s little bumps and surprises.
The Boa push iPad messenger bag is available in sand or gray for $89.95. For more information, see their official website.
iPad gains Spacesuit neoprene case from Booq
June 9, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
The iPad, sometimes referred to as a space-age device, has now gained a case called the Spacesuit. The new neoprene case from Booq features a zippered top, whose full name is the Taipan Spacesuit XS, comes in silver/turquoise, black/red, and additional color options. According to Booq’s head of product design Jake Orak, “Most protective accessories for the iPad have followed the same design as an iPhone case or other mobile device. An open face case design is great when you’re using the iPad, but leaves the screen exposed when carrying the iPad in another bag, backpack, or purse.”
The Spacesuit is available now for $29.95; more details are available at BooqBags.com.
Booq launches iPad sleeve
Booq has added itself to the growing list of vendors who’ve announced iPad cases prior the the tablet itself even having an official ship date. Dubbed the Boa skin XS, Booq’s new neoprene iPad skin comes in a choice of color combinations including gray/turquoise, orange/yellow, and black/violet, among others.
According to CEO Thorsten Trotzenberg, “With our proven track record for creating stylish, functional laptop bags and backpacks, and considering the limited cosmetic protection hard shell or silicone cases offer, it’s only fitting that we are leading the charge with iPad accessories. Boa skin XS delivers a style and functionality that no other iPad accessory provides. Today’s creative professionals want the best gear and the best protection, booq provides both with unparalleled style.”
The Boa skin XS will sell for $29.95. Learn more at Booqbags.com.
review: booq Taipan Lift
February 4, 2010 by Bill Palmer · 1 Comment
The way it works is that the two internal straps that normally keep the bag from opening more than about 20 degrees can be unsnapped so the bag lays flat. I’d never thought about a feature like this, but seeing as how the only visible scratch on my MacBook Pro is a direct result of one of those plastic TSA bins, I’m suddenly in love with the idea. I thought about waiting to write this review until I had the chance to actually take it through a TSA checkpoint – but then I recalled that, at the risk of politicizing the issue, I’ve never encountered two different TSA agents who had an even remotely similar interpretation of the rules or the law, so any TSA experiences you might have with this bag won’t necessarily be the same as mine anyway. Suffice it to say that even if this bag allows me to avoid putting my laptop into a plastic bin most of the time, it’ll be a welcome change.
As far as standard laptop bag criteria, it’s got too many internal pockets to even count (again, a plus for travelers with gadgets), including slots for pens, cards, and so one, plus an external pocket on each size (one zippered, one not). The adjustable shoulder strap is well padded and removable, and my only complaint about the handles is that unlike some other bags, the two handles can’t be bound together; you have to reach for them both when you go to pick it up. Stylistically, the orange highlights are what make the otherwise all-black bag stand out. It’s not inexpensive ($99 for 15 -17 inch laptops, $89 for 13-14 inchers), but it’s a well done product.
Learn more about the Taipan Lift L and Taipan Lift S
Booq offering iPad accessories
January 31, 2010 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
Booq, maker of laptop bags and cases, has announced that both of its Taipan products are compatible with Apple’s new iPad. The Taipan shadow XS is a $69.95 carrying case complete with a padded iPad compartment and zippered opening and is available in combinations of black and orange, charcoal and blue, and violet and white. The Taipan sneak XS is a $24.95 zippered sleeve for iPad complete neoprene padding.
According to Booq CEO Thorsten Trotzenberg, “Booq is looking to create stylish carrying solutions for every tool in the creative professionals’ arsenal. With these additions to the booq Taipan line, consumers have the accessories they need to protect their new investments, while not sacrificing functionality or style.”
Both products are available now at BooqBags.com.
