HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve review

REVIEW – Sometimes you just want to keep it simple, and the HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve delivers on that promise. It’s a solid sleeve for smaller laptops at a very affordable price. Simple. effective. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a laptop sleeve for your 13″ MacBook or a laptop up to 13.3″. The package also includes a bonus storage case for cables, mice, and whatnots.

What’s in the box?

You’ll get the sleeve and the storage case.

Hardware specs

  • PU leather & felt construction
  • Sleeve: 14.6″ by 10.8″ by 0.4″
  • Case: 6.7″ by 5.1″ by 1.25″

Design and features

I have a love/hate relationship with folios and sleeves designed for laptops. They’re great for  bags have no internal padding, and I love the convenience of ditching the bag when I just need to run between meetings. But sleeves can be overdesigned with a bunch of pockets and organizers I don’t need. I’m also not big on spending a lot of money on a specialty leather item that will spend a lot of time in my closet. The HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve solves a lot of those issues for me.

Let’s get the big issue out of the way up front: you won’t find any real leather in this build. Despite that the sleeve has a pretty substantial feel, and looks great in the pleather/felt combination.

Here’s a close up detail shot. You’ll find some nice finishing and detail work for this price point.

Here’s a side view to show you the layering. The felt and PU leather measure about 1/16″ in material thickness. I don’t know how much impact resistance it carries for drops, but it will definitely do the job to protect against dings and scratches.

Two magnets of decent strength secure the closure flap, and are also finished with reinforced stitching so that they won’t tear out.

You’ve even got a soft liner on the inside of the sleeve to protect your laptop against scratches.

This model is perfectly sized for my 13″ MacBook Pro. Internal dimensions measure 14.2″ by 9.6″ by 0.4″, so it will handle a 13.3″ laptop or 12.9″ iPad Pro as well.

A pair of thin 7″ by 6″ pockets are also sewn into the back panel. You’ll be able to fit a small notebook in there, your phone (my my iPhone XS Max fits perfectly in there), or assorted skinny things.

I’ve been keeping my USB-C to HDMI cable in one of those pockets in case I need it for presentations.

The package also comes with a bonus storage bag. It made from the same 1/16″ felt, and is big enough to carry an assortment of extra bits like your power brick, cable, mouse, etc. The closure is a basic elastic band, but it gets the job done.

Overall usability and functionality of the HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve is actually pretty great! There’s design isn’t complicated by wonky features or add-ons that interfere with it’s purpose. You won’t find any extra padding other than the felt, so don’t expect a good deal of protection for high-impact situations. I think you’ll be fine if you toss this in your bag for travel and commuting.

Speaking of commuting, that’s my favorite application for this sleeve. Some of my bags lack internal organization and padding of any kind; this sleeve provides a cheap, functional solution without adding a lot of bulk to my carry. When I get to the office I can still use it to haul my essential and it looks good doing it.

What I like

  • Simple, effective design
  • Budget friendly price
  • Looks good at the office
  • Provides decent protection against bumps, scrapes, and spilled lattes

What I’d change

  • Closure on the accessories pouch could be nicer
  • Budget materials may not appeal to everyone
  • No extra padding other than the felt

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for an inexpensive laptop sleeve for your 13″ MacBook or 13.3″ laptop, you can’t go wrong with the HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve. It looks and functions extremely well for the price point. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Price: $17.99
Where to buy: Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by HOMIEE.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

HOMIEE 13-13.3 Inch PU Leather Felt Laptop Sleeve review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 16, 2019 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack and Neoprene Sleeve review

REVIEW – Buying a new laptop is a big deal for me, as it is for most people. I spend months doing research, reading reviews, and trying out laptops in stores. Once I finally settle on my choice, it’s a good bet that I’ve spent a lot of time AND money on that pick, so my next purchases usually consist of various items designed to protect and preserve my expensive new investment. I recently bought a Razer Blade 15″ laptop so, despite the brand discrepancy, I jumped at the chance to review the Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack 15″ and Neoprene Sleeve 15″. The $74.99 Vindicator 2.0 is a cavernous, well-designed backpack great for carting my laptop and its various accessories around. Coupled with the $28.71 Alienware Neoprene Sleeve, I feel confident that no harm will come to my beloved new tech. I reviewed the 15″ laptop versions of these two products, Alienware makes 13″ and 17″ versions as well.

What is it?

The Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack (15) is a very durable three-sectioned backpack specifically designed to hold and protect 15″ laptops and other electronic accessories like tablets and power supplies.

The Alienware Neoprene Sleeve (15) is a small case/sleeve that will hold and protect your 15″ laptop. It has an integrated handle and zippered pouch and can be used alone, or dropped into the Vindicator 2.0 for added protection.

Design and features

The first thing I did when I received my Vindicator 2.0 and Neoprene Sleeve was to make sure that they play nice together.

Turns out they work perfectly as a team to protect my laptop in transit. A laptop secured in the Sleeve fits fine in the laptop section of the Vindicator 2.0.

The Vindicator 2.0, like most Alienware products, has a nice high-tech futuristic look to it.

The lines are sleek and the outer shell is made of a textured high-density nylon. The Vindicator 2.0 is all black with bright teal highlights and a teal and grey interior.

Embossed in the high center of the pack is a glossy metallic version of that very recognizable Alienware head logo.

There’s a bit more branding on the back panel, rubberized letters spelling out Alienware. I like that the branding isn’t overpowering on the Vindicator 2.0.

The shoulder straps on the Vindicator 2.0 are padded and comfortable and include a chest strap.

The Vindicator 2.0 has adjustable upper shoulder straps as well, which isn’t common on all backpacks and they’re great for adjusting to a comfortable fit.

Some of the extra design features I love about the Vindicator 2.0 include the small zippered pockets integrated into the sides of the straps on the backpack.

I also love this ingeniously hidden water bottle pouch.

The mesh pouch is there when you need it and tucks up into its own zippered pocket when you don’t.

The Vindicator 2.0 has three main sections, the back-most section is for storing your 15″ laptop. This laptop section has a nice textured fabric to protect your laptop from scratches as well as a separate pouch for holding a tablet or phone.

The tablet pouch has a faux fur-lined interior to protect vulnerable screens and glossy plastic or metal exteriors.

The middle section of the Vindicator 2.0 has an open folder pocket section as well as a huge zippered mesh pocket.

The zippered mesh pockets, which are also found in the front section of the backpack, stretch to accommodate all kinds of random gear you may need to stow.

The folder pockets are great for magazines or school binders and expand for extra storage.

Additionally, a great added feature is found at the bottom of the middle section.

The entire folder and mesh partition can be unzipped and removed from the Vindicator 2.0 entirely.

The zipper surrounds the section and once undone, the whole section panel can be removed.

Once removed, the interior of the Vindicator 2.0 becomes absolutely massive. If you frequently carry lots of bigger items, this a great option to have.

To reinsert the panel, simply locate the zipper at the bottom of the section and zip the panel back into place.

The front-most section of the Vindicator 2.0 has a bunch of smaller mesh pockets, a section for credit or business cards, pen holders, and two great little slots for holding USB sticks.

Another great feature of this section is an elastic loop and tie, useful for securing keys or headphones or any other oddly shaped items.

Of all the features of the Vindicator 2.0 though, my favorite is the included power supply bag.

The bag is included with every size Vindicator 2.0 and is made for storing all those unwieldy power cables and bricks that come with every laptop.

The bag has a stylish little Alienware logo and boasts a rubberized breathable mesh interior.

This great little bag is spacious enough to hold even the biggest power brick and has an attached carrying strap attached as well. I love that this bonus bag is included with the backpack.

The Alienware Neoprene Sleeve is just as sturdy and useful as the Vindicator 2.0 Backpack.

The Sleeve is adorned with the same glossy metallic Alienware logo.

And the backside of the Sleeve has rubberized type spelling out Alienware.

The zippers are sturdy and have bright teal highlights matching the Vindicator 2.0. I would’ve preferred if the zipper pulls on the Sleeve and Vindicator 2.0 were a bit larger, but it’s not a deal breaker.

The handle attached to the Sleeve seems very well stitched and increases the functionality of the Sleeve from just a sleeve to a mini carrying case as well.

The interior of the Sleeve can fit any 15″ laptop with plenty of room to spare and the fabric is thick enough to assuage any fears of an expensive laptop getting damaged while inside.

A great feature of this Sleeve is the exterior zippered pouch. It’s big enough to hold a mouse or a smaller power supply if needed.

What I like

  • Sturdy construction on both the Vindicator 2.0 and Neoprene Sleeve
  • Included Vindicator 2.0 power supply bag is a great addition
  • Massive storage in both the Vindicator 2.0 and Sleeve
  • Love the zippered pouch and handle on the Neoprene Sleeve

What needs to be improved

  • Would’ve been nice to have bigger zipper pulls on both
  • A few long time users reported stitching failure, but only time will tell

Final thoughts

I really like both the Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack (15) and the Neoprene Sleeve (15). The Vindicator 2.0 has a lot of great design features, like its included power supply bag, and this backpack is absolutely massive on the inside. For the price of $74.99, the Vindicator 2.0 stands out compared to other similarly featured computer backpacks. I also totally dig the features of the Alienware Neoprene Sleeve. I like that the Sleeve is of sturdy construction, will protect my laptop, and can work with the Vindicator 2.0 or on its own. The integrated handle and zippered pouch make the affordable price of $28.71 even more attractive.

Price: $74.99 / $28.71
Where to buy: Mobile Edge and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Mobile Edge.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack and Neoprene Sleeve review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

WaterField introduces the Vero Leather Sleeve for MacBook Pro and Surface

NEWS – WaterField makes beautiful, protective cases for your gear, and they never rest on their laurels.  They are constantly introducing new bags, sleeves, and pouches so you can find what works best for you.  They have just announced a couple of new Vero Leather Sleeves – one for the MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar and one for the Surface Pro 6 with Type Cover and Surface Laptop 2.

Regardless of which Vero you choose, the sleeves are made of a single hide of premium full-grain leather that will only look better with age.  Both models are compact, thin, and lightweight; they are designed for a snug fit to better protect your device.  A plush interior lining cushions your device, and a leather grip at the bottom of the sleeve makes it easier to remove your device.  Both are TSA-friendly.

Other than the size, there are a couple of differences between the Vero models.  The MacBook Pro version has a cutout at the top so you can charge the laptop while it’s in the sleeve.  The Surface versions have a slot on the back to hold the Surface Pen.

Vero Sleeves are available in chocolate or grizzly leather.  The Vero Leather Sleeve for MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is $119 for the 13″ size or $129 for the 15″ version.  If you order now, you can expect the MacBook Pro Vero to ship October 19th.  The Vero Leather Sleeve for Surface is $119 for both the Surface Pro 9 with Type Cover and the Surface Laptop 2.  The Surface sleeves will ship by November 2nd.  Learn more at WaterField.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

WaterField introduces the Vero Leather Sleeve for MacBook Pro and Surface originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 12, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Protect your laptop in a fast machine!

This laptop sleeve is from Velomacchi, a company whose name is based loosely on two Italian words, Velocità Macchina, which roughly translates to “fast machine”.  The Speedway 13″-15″ Impact Laptop Sleeve  helps “keep your laptop protected from high-speed slides and clean from debris.”  The sleeve is made with a 1680D ballistic nylon exterior, a high-impact foam core, hard-shell panels for reinforcement on primary surfaces and corners, and lined with a low-static microfiber material.  It’s all held closed with a Hypalon/Velcro tab with a TPU-laminated handle.  The quilted exterior makes this 16.5” X 11.5” sleeve a very handsome case for a 13″ to 15″ laptop.  The Speedway 13″-15″ Impact Laptop Sleeve is $49.00 from Velomacchi.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

Protect your laptop in a fast machine! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 10, 2017 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Apple quietly introduces its new MacBook leather sleeve

Friday while many of us, including myself, were pre-occupied with staying up late or getting up early (depending on which time zone you’re in) in hopes of scoring the newest iPhone, Apple quietly introduced another new product. In fact, it’s the first of its kind ever made by Apple. The new Leather Sleeve for the 12‑inch MacBook.

Now we all know Apple makes all manner of cases for the iPhone and iPad, but this is the first case/sleeve they’ve ever made for a MacBook. The Sleeve is crafted from high-quality European leather with a soft microfiber lining. Its design also allows you to charge your 12-inch MacBook while it’s kept protected inside the sleeve. And it even has the iconic Apple Logo emblazoned on the top. The New $149 12-inch MacBook Leather Sleeve is available right now in two colors, Saddle Brown and Midnight Blue. Visit apple.com for more info and to order.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Apple quietly introduces its new MacBook leather sleeve originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 28, 2017 at 8:30 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.