I was checking out the Spire line of bags and looks like the Meta has the side handle that you mentioned.. it’s bigger but doesn’t look much bigger..

I’m really looking for something that I can take on 2-3 day business trips – laptop and accessories such as a small mouse, power adapter, stack of papers, sneakers, 1 or 2 changes of clothes, bunch of gadgets, toiletries bag, a book, etc.. I also like carrying my digital SLR along but I’m guessing it won’t fit in this and so I’ll have to take my camera bag along anyways.. anyone try out the Meta yet?

Thanks…
NG

The good people at Spire ought to consider remunerating you for your very balanced and factual review that very positively reflects their product. I just completed my purchase of a Volt XL for my Toshiba Satellite M35. After having looked at Tumi, Victorinox (and Swiss Army) and a plethora of the internet’s “bargains” of discontinued and last-generation cast-offs, the Volt XL emerged as the superior product due, in no small measure, to your excellent review.

cheers.

The Volt XL is my top choice, but I am also considering the Meta as well. I think I agree with you that the extra space would be nice, but probably not necessary. My primary concern is to protect the laptop and be able to tote school materials (I work at a university too).

I was looking at various laptop backpacks and I just have one question that maybe you can answer for me. Here in Southern Califonia, we really don’t have incliment weather problems, but we do get rain now and then. How comfortable are you keeping the laptop in the backpack if its raining out or would you transfer it to a more appropriate case like a pelican?

Thanks.

Thanks for your prompt reply. Your point regarding using the cinch straps to compress the bag are well taken. I appreciate you testing the bag to make sure it can handle the load I described. I am really trying to find an “all in one bag” for everyday use and for travel. It sounds like this might be the one.

Thanks,

Brad

>>Is the Volt XL comparable in size and bulk with the Booq BP3 ?

I’m not sure, as I don’t have a Booq BP3. Didn’t Judie do a review of the Booq a while back? Have a look through the archives.

>>Can the Volt XL hold along with the laptop and other mobile gear and cords and a few file folders of documents, a pair of running shoes, shorts and a change of a shirt and underwear for a one or two day business trip ?? And if so would it be so hevey that it would not be practical ?

Yes, though a tight fit. I just had a go to test the idea, and it all went in there (my running shoes are Uk size 10).

>>I am presently using a Dell C400 12″ Laptop and can not decide if I should get the Volt XL or the Zoom (which is Spire’s smaller bag), on a daily basis the Zoom might be fine; but several times a month I travel and need extra space to limit the number of bags I need to travel with.

I’d go for the Volt XL. Its a bit more versatile I think. Besides, even if its half full, the compression straps will allow you to cinch things up nice and tight.

M

1. Is the Volt XL comparable in size and bulk with the Booq BP3 ?

2. Can the Volt XL hold along with the laptop and other mobile gear and cords and a few file folders of documents, a pair of running shoes, shorts and a change of a shirt and underwear for a one or two day business trip ?? And if so would it be so hevey that it would not be practical ?

2. I am presently using a Dell C400 12″ Laptop and can not decide if I should get the Volt XL or the Zoom (which is Spire’s smaller bag), on a daily basis the Zoom might be fine; but several times a month I travel and need extra space to limit the number of bags I need to travel with.

Your comments would be appreciated.

Good point. My ipod is the 2nd gen version, with standard 3mm jack plug. The “holes” in the Volt are 5/16″ (8mm) diameter, so no, the rectangular plug on the latest ipods won’t go through.

Michael

Nice review.

I have a Zoom for my Aluminium 15″. Good product. However, the headphones hole in the bag does not allow the remote control plug from the third generation iPods to pass through.

Hence if an iPod was inside the bag, it cannot be controlled from outside the bag. Previous generation iPods should work (the remote plug is dfferent), as should other walkmen or portable players. But not the third generation iPods.

Does the hole on the Volt allow the larger iPod remote plug to pass through?

Thanks.

bought a mambo shirt, but only wore it once..

Now where in the UK can I get one of those class shirts? I’ve got a scarecrow just waiting for one.:)

:rolleyes:

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/spire-voltxl-backpack-review.html

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