I am an old U.S. Air Force guy from back in the day…like my father, grand father and many uncles before me. I often think that I missed my time in history. I hate to say it, but I soooo would trade all of today’s tech/gadgets to be a P-51 or B-17 pilot. I grant you, it’s was a perilous, life in your hands occupation, but the adrenaline rush must have been like few in modern history. Well, when I first saw the No. 1943 Navigator Bag from Col. Littleton, it made me smile and think ‘now that is cool’. The designers and artisans at Col. Littleton have not only captured the look and feel of an old World War II navigator bag but added a few modern day tweaks for your iPad and other tech as well. I’ll be honest, I was jazzed to hear they were going to send me one to try/see in person.

True to form, the Col. Littleton Navigator Bag is exquisitely done: soft supple leather, solid brass hardware, Old World styling, fine stitching, and edge finishing. Like many of the other Col. Littleton bags I have reviewed, the craftsmanship and materials are truly second to none. However, I have to say, the Navigator bag takes it to the next level….this is what I call a ‘legacy item‘. It is an item passed down through the generations forever looking good and coveted by a majority who see it. I fully expect, when I am dead and gone, the Gadgeteer Kid will use this bag and perhaps even one of his kids after him.

Specifications:

Inside Dimensions: 10.5”H x 15.5”W x 4”D (expanded).

Empty Weight: 3lbs 13oz (w/o strap) / 4lbs 6oz (w/strap)

Weight w/my Gear: Just under 8 pounds with 11″ MBAir, iPad and a bunch of misc bits and pieces. With just my iPad and basic tech-gear, the bag ensemble weighs a little less than 6 pounds.

Without a doubt, the Col. Littleton Navigator Bag is the best bag I have ever used, extremely well built and incredibly finished. Silly as it sounds, I was literally giddy when it arrived on my doorstep….and in regards to tech-gear accessories, that does not happen often.

The materials, construction and design of this bag are ‘perfect‘. I could find no flaws and have no suggestion for quality or design improvements. The stitching is meticulously straight and even.  The hardware is all solid brass and the leather edges line up and are sealed/finished perfectly. Both the brass and leather are proudly stamped with the Col. Littleton logo throughout the bag, but not in a over-the-top/in-your-face manner.

Not only does the Navigator bag look good, but it is made to last a lifetime of use. As you can see, the Col. Littleton designers have added many brass rivets for greater strength throughout the bag….like the handle and brass shoulder strap points of attachment to name a few.

The back of the Navigator bag has leather reinforcements for the snap/closure straps. In addition to those, Col. Littleton rivets a small brass shield with their moniker and individual serial number on it (my bag is number 058).

The No. 1943 Navigator Bag can be compressed or expanded (up to 4 inches) with the buckled straps that go around the top/bottom and sides.

Over the entirety of the bag, the brass hardware is very well done. The words “heavy”, “bold”, and “strong” come to mind when I think of the best way to describe them.

The Navigator bag is held shut by two straps that snap closed on the front, allowing for easy access. Each strap wraps around the bag and has a workable buckle for a bit of expandability. In addition to the straps, there is a specially designed, solid brass lockable, keyhole-peg type of mechanism for better securing the Navigator bag closed.

In addition to the Col. Littleton logo, bag name, warranty stamped into the leather, you also have the option of a small brass plate with your initials to be added…..making this bag truly your own.

The inside dimensions of the Navigator bag is 10.5”H x 15.5”W x 4”D (expanded). There are two leather dividers that create three large pockets within the bag. The rear and middle pockets can hold a medium sized laptop (aka 15″ MacBook Pro) or a decent amount of paperwork. My 11″ MacBook Air easily slides into the center pocket of the bag. The front pocket not only has small pockets for business cards, pens, etc but a slot for your iPad as well. Unlike the Col. Littleton No. 42 Courier Bag I reviewed last year, all of the pockets are completely separated from each other so your tech-gear does not rub upon each other. The iPad is suspended within the bag, giving it greater protection from drops and bumps.

Even though it weighs nearly 8 pounds when I fill it full of my gear, I found the Navigator bag very comfortable to carry around. The handle is soft and nicely sized.

The shoulder strap is not only well made and good looking….

…..but feels great over your shoulder as well. It was not a burden at all.

I have to agree with Col. Littleton’s commentary on this bag:

‘My office is inundated with relics from the past, and I’m probably chief among them. Military artifacts especially seem to find a home with me. I’ve been looking at an old, official Army-issue World War II Navigator’s Bag (circa 1943) in my office for years. The design seemed timeless; and with all the compartments inside, I thought it would be a perfect fit for today’s busy executive.’

The Navigator bag’s design is timeless…. iPad, laptop, chargers, pens, business cards, cords, etc are all well taken care of in this classic satchel. There is zero doubt in my mind, the old-timers I work with (among others) are jealous.

This level of quality and handmade craftsmanship does come at a cost. At nearly $900, this bag is not inexpensive. A majority of people would say that is down right expensive. I would argue, that while $875 is a great deal of money for most, you are definitely getting what you paid for in this case. Lets say you use/own this bag for 20 years….that is approx. $0.12 per day (3-4% the cost of a latte/day) to own such an excellent, handmade, piece of Americana. Plus that cost/time fraction of a dollar continues to diminish the more years & generations it is used.

Filed in categories: Bags, Backpacks, Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Laptop Bag, Leather

Col. Littleton No. 1943 Navigator Briefcase Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 14, 2012 at 11:12 am.

I thought I would try something different this time around….instead of an invisibleSHIELD from ZAGG for the back of my new iPad, I wanted to try one of their LEATHERskins. While the aluminum back of the iPad feels great to the touch, I wanted to add a bit more protection without too much bulk or weight. The LEATHERskin seemed to the ideal (and stylish) solution to make it happen.

ZAGG’s LEATHERskins are made from ‘hand-crafted’ genuine leather, 0.9mm thick and perfectly fitted for the iPad 2/3. ZAGG sent me the 3G/4G black embossed finish version of their leather skin.

The installation process is relatively quick and easy. The first step is to clean off the aluminum back/surface of the iPad.

ZAGG color codes the steps for installing the LEATHERskin. Once the iPad is clean, you remove the center piece of plastic from the back of the leather. There is a ‘special adhesive’ on the back of the leather that adheres the leather to the aluminum.

The most important part of the installation is the initial placement of the LEATHERskin.

Press the center section that has adhesive exposed onto the back of the iPad. This section holds the skin in place while you apply the remainder of the LEATHERskin.

The next step is to remove the lower 40% of plastic and from the center out, press the skin onto the back, making sure there are no bubbles or ripples.

Do the same to the remaining upper 40%.

Then carefully press the edges around the curved back of the iPad.

The LEATHERskin covers approximate 98% of the back surface area. Which is ideal as it makes perfect placement not absolutely necessary. The skin is very well fitted with cutouts for all the iPad controls and ports.

The right side has a single cutout for the mute/orientation switch and volume rocker.

The upper side has cutouts for the earbud plug port, mic, and power switch.

The base has cutouts for the speaker and 30-pin sync port.

I have been sliding my iPad with LEATHERskin in and out of my various tech-bags (with rather tightly fitting iPad slots) for weeks now. The skin is showing little to no wear. My biggest fear was that the edges would begin to stop sticking to the iPad and curl up but that has yet to happen. The adhesive ZAGG uses is doing a great job.

The LEATHERskin is available in a variety of colors and materials. The leather versions come in solid, embossed, and premium alligator.

The LEATHERskin works well with the Apple Smart Cover. The Smart Cover’s magnetic hinge is still able to securely attach to the side of the iPad.

From a tech-style point of view, the black LEATHERskin definitely goes well with the black leather Smart Cover, looking like a nicely done folio.

Along with the great look the LEATHERskin brings to the iPad, I love the feel the leather gives it as well. It reminds me of holding an old leather bound hardcover book.

The ZAGG LEATHERskin does not provide drop or impact protection like a ‘real case’ does. But the leather skin does a great job at protecting your iPad from scratches and minor bumps. The LEATHERskin only option is $39.99 or the LEATHERskin + invisibleSHIELD screen coverage is $69.98. I find the LEATHERskin an excellent companion to the invisibleSHIELD HD I reviewed last month. As I have said, I wholeheartedly recommend the pair to any and all that have asked.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad skin, Leather

ZAGG LEATHERskin for iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 2, 2012 at 11:00 am.

In my opinion, Gadgets + Leather = Bliss. If you feel the same way, then you’re going to love browsing through the Wotancraft web site of truly handmade leather watch straps, camera straps and camera bags. The prices may be a little spendy (the camera case/holster you see pictured above is $169USD), but knowing these goods are made by real artisans and not an assembly line makes the prices a little easier to accept. Located in Taiwan, Wotancraft is a 4 person company with an attention to detail. Check out a detailed story about them here.

Filed in categories: Bags, Backpacks, Digital Cameras and Gear, News

Tagged: bags, Camera, Leather

Wotancraft – Handmade Leather Camera Cases and Bags originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 27, 2012 at 8:00 am.

As unmanly as it sounds, the first thoughts that ran through my mind when I first saw and touched the Saddleback Classic MacBook Air Sleeve was……’Ooooo, pretty’. To make it worse, I even took a (nice long) whiff of the leather as I was unpacking it….smelled wonderful. Saddleback’s rich leather, craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail have never failed to impress me. So, when I upgraded from my 2010 13″ MacBook Air to the latest, more petite 11″ version I, of course, needed new tech-accessories to properly protect my new laptop and this sleeve is a great (stylish) place to start.

The Saddleback Classic MacBook Air sleeve is created from a single piece of thick, rich full grain leather.  A majority of Saddleback Leather creations are constructed of 4-5 ounce full grain leather, which comes from the top layer of the cow hide (the toughest part). In the case of the MBAir sleeve, the leather is folded over and double stitched along three of its four sides.

The front of the sleeve is stylishly embossed with the Saddleback logo; the only distinguishing nuance of this relatively simplistic, yet classically styled, laptop accessory.

Other than being a gorgeous piece of leather, there is little to note on the backside of the sleeve. The cutouts on the top and bottom make it easier to get the MBAir out of the sleeve. At the beginning, the sleeve was tight, needing two hands and a good deal of force to get my MBAir in and especially out. Over the past month or so of use, the sleeve has stretched a bit, enabling me to insert and remove my MBAir more easily.

That said, the sleeve remains snug and form-fitted enough so that the laptop will not accidentally/unexpectedly slip out. It still takes two hands to remove but does not take a huge effort.

The design of the Saddleback Classic MacBook Air sleeve really works well with the wedge shape of the MBAir. As you can see, the folding of the leather creates a rounded side for the thicker part of the sleek laptop. While the stitched side tappers to a near point for the thinnest part of the MBAir.

The smooth, curved edge is ideal, in terms of comfort and function, for carrying the sleeve and MBAir around in your hand.

As discussed above, the bottom of the sleeve has an access point to push on the laptop while pulling from the other side to more easily remove the laptop.

Even though some of the MacBook Air is exposed, the Saddleback sleeve does a good job of protecting a majority of its aluminum casing. The sleeve primarily protects against bumps and dings (vs falls and drops).

The inside of the sleeve is lined with pigskin (which has the 2nd toughest tensile strength rating of leathers (FYI: kangaroo is the toughest)).

As you would expect of any Saddleback product, the sleeve’s finishing and stitching are of the highest quality and craftsmanship. The stitching along the sides and bottom is done with a single strand of continuous-filament, marine-grade U.V. resistant polyester thread. Like all the Saddleback Leather creations I have seen/reviewed over the years, they are built to withstand the test of time. So far, I have yet to have one of their items even break in let alone wear out.

The MBAir Sleeve is available in Saddleback’s four usual colors:

• Chestnut
• Carbon black
• Dark coffee
• Tobacco

Specifications:

• Outside Dimensions – W: 8.625″ x D: 0.75″ x H: 12.625″ (21.91cm x 1.91cm x 32.07cm)
• Inside Dimensions – W: 8″ x D: 0.5″ x H: 12.375″ (20.32cm x 1.27cm x 31.433cm)
• Weight: 0.65 lbs
• Lining: Lined with pigskin

The extra small sleeve is designed for the 11″ MBAir and the small is sized for the 13″ MBAir.

Not only does the Saddleback Classic MacBook Air sleeve look professional, but it feels great to carry as well. The sleeve adds approximately 10 ounces to the 2.2 lbs MBAir, not a huge amount of extra weight considering the protection it provides. This sleeve radiates Old World charm, handmade quality that is difficult to find in today’s day and age. Considering it comes with a 100 year warranty, its cost of under $70 is very well spent.

Note: The links to Saddleback Leather on this page are affiliate links, which earns a small percentage of any sales that come from The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Bags, Backpacks, Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Laptop Bag, Laptop Sleeve, Leather

Saddleback Classic MacBook Air Sleeve Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 24, 2012 at 11:00 am.

After wanting one for what felt like forever, I finally bought an iPad 2. All I can say is that it was worth the wait. I am an unapologetic Apple fanboy (Mac user since 1988) and the iPad just makes me more impossible to be around when the discussion turns to tech. But despite the love I have for all things Apple, there is one issue that bugs me: their products can be fragile if dropped. I am a complete klutz, so I made sure I had an iPad case ready as soon as I bought my long-awaited toy. It this case (bad pun), it was the United SGP Argos iPad 2 edition. Once I opened the box, the iPad went immediately into the Argos case before the it was even turned on. I am that paranoid. $600 is a lot of money and I want to protect what I buy.

The all-leather Argos case is not cheap. However, it is extremely well made, fits like a tight glove and doesn’t get in the way like so many cases can. The Argos is a folio style case with a rigid front cover that folds back 180º on a leather hinge for ease of use. Inside the front cover are 2 fold-out “easels” for propping up the iPad at either viewing or typing angles. To be honest, the iPad usually sits in my lap, so I haven used either easel yet. The texture of the leather exterior looks and feels rich as does the microfiber inner lining, which is good at protecting the screen from possible scratching. I’m not a fan of the repeating SGP logo imbedded in the lining, but it’s not horrible. I would have preferred a more subtle design.

The Argos case fits the iPad so well that it is a bit difficult to attach and remove. That’s actually a good thing. With the exception of the rocker switch, volume buttons, on/off switch and docking port, the back of the iPad is completely covered. Most cases leave an large opening where the speaker goes, but SGP included a metal mesh which protects the iPad’s speaker without altering the sound in any way. It’s a nice attention to detail often overlooked in other cases.

The case folds flat, open or closed and is kept closed using a leather lip. There is a slight protrusion on the back where the hinge is attached. The hinge is made of the same leather as the rest of the case, but isn’t reinforced like the lid, so when propped up, the case can feel a little wobbly. However, one unintentional benefit to this thin hinge is that I can now clip on my new Wacom Bamboo stylus (sold separately), so it’s always available when I need it. I like that.

The Argos case comes in 5 colors; white, black, blue, pink, and a suede looking tan (called Vintage Brown) which costs a tiny bit more and looks fantastic. I picked the black one, although now I wish I had chosen tan. Oh, well.

Despite the many details and advantages to the Argos case, what sold me is that silly Apple magnetic sleep/awake feature which the Argos supports. Open the case and the iPad turns on. Close it and it shuts off. You would be surprised how many iPad 2 cases don’t take advantage of this feature. I may say it’s silly, but I have been thoroughly spoiled by this feature.

Drop protection should be fairly good with the Argos case. There is some decent thickness in the leather to absorb the minor drops and bumps of everyday life. I have not had the opportunity – or misfortune – of seeing how well it works yet. And no, I didn’t test it. I’m not that brave or dumb.

As with other genuine leather cases, the Argos should look better as it ages and acquires wear and tear. I also acquired two other cases to try when I got my iPad so I could decide which one I preferred. I’ve had the Argos for almost a month now and I am in no hurry to try the other cases. I think I’ll keep using the Argos for the time being.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Tablet Computers and Gear

Tagged: Case, iPad 2, Leather, SGP

United SGP Argos iPad 2 Case Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

The Kanda Misako Leather Pencil Cap is a cool way to protect the tip of your favorite pencil (and maybe some pens). It’s available in a large selection of colors that include: Black, Navy, Turquoise, Orange, Camel, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Wine, Red, Chocolate, Purple and Green. You can see more images at Pencils.jp. Although they don’t seem be available for purchase at the moment, the price is 1,300 YEN which works out to about $17 US. The big question is for me is: does that price just get you 1 cap? I left a comment with them but have not had a reply in several days… $17 for one cap is crazy. But for a set of 5 or more, it’s not that bad I suppose.

Update: I received confirmation that the price is per piece…

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News

Tagged: Leather, Pencil, Writing Instruments

Leather Pencil Caps – Stuff you don’t need, but want anyway originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Wheelmen & Co. are now offering a gorgeous leather tool case that attaches to bicycle handlebars and some saddles. The Black Smith Tool Case is made from top grain leather that has been sewn by hand here in the USA. It’s large enough to hold your phone, wallet and several other small items. The price seems very reasonable at $78. It makes me wish I had a bike!

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: Cycling, Leather

A leather bicycle tool case that Lance Armstrong would love originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 14, 2011 at 9:00 am.

“They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead”

Well hopefully they’ll be the same waist size or smaller than me in that case.

Saddleback Leather has just released their range of Full Grain Leather  belts.

Available in 32″ to 40″ and in their standard colours , these 1.5″ belts have removable buckles, adjustable length and are made up of 3 different layers for strength and durability.

Their standard 100 year warranty applies.

Available from Saddleback Leather for $93.00

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News

Tagged: Leather

Saddleback Leather Belts. Keep your Pants Up or Tow a Train… originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm.

The Apple iPad might be a cutting edge gadget, but that doesn’t mean you can’s dress it up in a case that will give it an old world charm. The Vintcase is an attractive leather case that will turn your iPad into a journal from centuries ago. Let’s check it out.

Note: click the images in this review to see a larger view.

The Vintcase is available in version for the original iPad and the iPad 2. I was sent the original version. The main difference between the two is the size of the holster that holds the tablet and the cutouts for the speakers.

The case is constructed of high quality cowhide by craftsmen in Spain. The leather has a very nice grain and texture to it. The design is pretty simple. It has a play through holster that holds the iPad snugly while still allowing access to all the ports / switches. The back of the holster and right flap have a slight stiffener added to provide protection. The left flap does not. It’s thinner and and softer, with an attached leather strip that is used to wrap around the whole case to hold it closed.

The iPad slides into the holster from the right side.

The leather wraps around the top, left and bottom edges, but still allows access to the Home button and the display without getting in the way.

There are cutouts on the top edge for the wake button and earphone jack.

Cutouts on the bottom give access to the docking connector and speaker. Shown above is the original iPad version of this case. The iPad 2 version has slightly different cutouts due to the speaker design.

The leather is pliable enough to fold the flaps under the iPad while in use. You can even roll up the softer left flap under the iPad to elevate it for easier typing.

I can’t really find much to criticize about this case. It is made of quality materials and constructed well. I love the feel of the leather. I guess the only complaint I can give is that it does add bulk to your iPad. A counter argument could be that the bulk will protect your iPad from everyday abuse… which it will. The bottom line is that the Vintcase has a simple but classic design that you’ll either find attractive or not.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, Leather

Vintcase for iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 8, 2011 at 11:30 am.

After reading Julie’s (very favorable) reviews of the Col. Littleton wallets, iPhone wallet (No. 50), and pocket for the iPad (No. 5) and Janet’s announcement that they would be creating a new bag to carry not only your laptop but your iPad as well, I knew I wanted to see it in person. I don’t want to say Julie was gushing, but she did have very positive commentary on Col. Littleton’s outstanding craftsmanship and thick, rich leather; definitely weaknesses of mine. So, when the folks at Col. Littleton agreed to create me a monogrammed No. 42 Courier Bag for laptop and iPad to review, I was excited to say the least.

I have to agree with Julie, the leather and craftsmanship are the best I have ever seen…..true artistry. I have reviewed many leather bags over the years and the Col. Littleton No. 42 is one of the very best.  The Col. Littleton No. 42 Courier Bag for laptop and iPad is styled to look like a mail courier bag from the American Old West.

I should take a step back because the Col. Littleton experience goes beyond just a top-notch bag, it begins with their website. Where you first see Col. Littleton’s personality — from the product videos, to the youtube ‘television’ shows he stars in, to the wallpapers he has created for your download pleasure, to product pictures, letters and articles from around the world, and much more. This experience follows into the arrival of your new product; the packing tape is custom made and printed with the Col. Littleton emblem, and even includes a MoonPie (something not easily found here in the Pacific Northwest). What I am trying to say is that Col. Littleton brings back some of the niceties and added touches lost in modern times……like folks checking your tire pressure & oil when you filled up. The Col. Littleton motto says it all ‘Purveyor of Fine Accouterments in the Americana Tradition.‘ But, back to the review .

Craftsmanship:

The Col. Littleton Courier Bag is exquisitely done; soft supple leather, solid brass hardware, Old World styling, finely done stitching and edge finishing. From a craftsmanship and materials standpoint, I can find nothing but positive things to say about this tech-bag.

The leather is thick and very soft. While obviously brand new, the leather feels like it has been broken in for years if not decades. This is very different from other leather products that I have reviewed, where the leather is so thick and rigid it can stand on its own. The leather is well finished; the stitching and edging are expertly done throughout the courier bag.

The hardware is solid brass and accentuates the leather and style of the bag nicely. Not only does it look awesome, but from an engineering/strength perspective, it is strong and definitely holds the bag, laptop, and iPad firmly on your shoulder or in your hand.

From the leather stamping to the lock assembly, the No. 42 Courier Bag is about the finer details, the polish, the TLC. This bag radiates Old World charm. I have used it on several cross country trips and have received numerous compliments. Even one from an older gentleman in a wheelchair in the airport, asking me where he could order ‘something like that’.

Function:

There is no argument that the No. 42 Courier Bag is extremely well made with the finest materials. But I find myself wishing that I could change it’s functional design to better protect and more efficiently transport my tech-gear. I have reviewed/used a great many tech-bags in my day and have become very particular in what and how I transport my gear.

I like/need to carry around a fair amount of stuff with me most of the time. Along with my MacBook Air and occasionally my iPad, the items you see above are my ‘with me all the time’ gear. Except for the sunglasses, they really do not take that much volume. But the overall lack of pockets in the No. 42 bag, leaves items like these rattling around the bottom of the satchel.

My MacBook Air slides into a separate section located on the front inside of the Courier Bag. There is plenty of room in the front slot to hold large laptops as well. The inside dimensions are 14 1/2″H x 12 1/2″W x 3″D. The iPad slides into a leather slipper case that snaps to the back inside of the bag. My only real disappointment with this bag is that the laptop section is not a true pocket. Instead of being a separate compartment, it is an eight inch piece of leather that spans the width of the case but does not keep the laptop isolated from the rest of the bag. Since there are no pockets to hold other stuff, your other items rattle around the bottom of the bag rubbing against your laptop.

Another criticism I have is, when your laptop and iPad are in the courier bag, it is difficult to get other items in and out of the bottom of the bag. Other than the pockets on the iPad sleeve, there are no other pockets inside the Courier Bag. I would suggest as a minimum, that Col. Littleton include two pockets at the bottom of the bag to hold the power cords/pucks of your iPad and whatever laptop the owner carries.

The leather iPad slipper case can be detached (unsnapped) from the bag to carry separately or if you need only your laptop and more space in bag. It has five pockets: one for business cards, two pens, and two for misc paperwork.

On a positive note, the slipper case is not form fitted for the iPad. Getting the iPad in and out of the slipper case is quick and easy. There is enough room in the sleeve to accommodate the iPad in a reasonably large case.

Comfort:

Along with being incredibly stylish, the No. 42 Courier Bag is comfortable to wear over your shoulder or carry via the handle. Even fully loaded, the No. 42 Courier Bag is reasonably weighted and travels well.

Bottom Line:

Without a doubt, I love the No. 42 Courier Bag for it’s Old World style and craftsmanship. But as I stated above, I would definitely tweak/modify it’s interior design and layout to more effectively carry and protect my tech-gear. That aside, this handmade craftsmanship comes at a price: $695 to be exact.  That price tag is comparable to other high end laptop bags from Saddleback, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and the like. From a quality/style/craftsmanship standpoint, you are definitely getting your money’s worth.

Filed in categories: Gear, Laptops and Gear, Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: Leather

Col. Littleton No. 42 Courier Bag for Laptop and iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 18, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Early this year, I reviewed the Col. Littleton No. 50 Wallet for the iPhone which combined a leather sleeve to hold the iPhone, with a minimalist wallet. I loved the simplicity and utility of that wallet, so I was equally interested in trying out one of their front pocket wallets when they offered to send me one.

Note: The images in this review are clickable. Click to see a larger view.

Col. Littleton offers two styles of front pocket wallets. One with a flap and one without. Both are made from American vegetable-tanned steer hide that has been dry milled to give it a buttery soft feel.

The wallets are available in brown, black and alligator (for a substantially higher price). I was sent the brown version of the front pocket wallets.

They are 3 3/4″ x 3″, have stitched and burnished edges, and can be personalized on the front with 3 initials for an additional $8.

On the back is the standard Col. Littleton ‘brand’ stamp.

Folded money is stored under the front flap and credit cards are stored in the pocket behind it. You can think of the front pocket wallet sort of like a money clip, but without the clip or any other hardware for that matter.

You can’t stuff a lot of money or cards in these wallets, which is the whole point of them. I have found that they work best when using 10 or less folded bills and 3 or 4 plastic credit cards.

The leather will stretch, so you could stuff more in the wallet, but then it would feel pretty uncomfortable when carried in your front pocket.

Even though the top slot is open on 2 sides, currency stays put. But if you want more security, you can opt for the version of the front pocket wallet with the flap.

You use it exactly like the other version except that you can tuck the flap under the money holder.

The flap makes the wallet a tiny bit bulkier, but not by much.

Both of these wallets are made very well. The leather is gorgeous and the stitching is perfect and even. Like other Col. Littleton products that I’ve reviewed, I can find no defects in workmanship or materials.

I am always looking for a nice minimalist wallet to use when I don’t want to carry a bag. These front pocket wallets from Col. Littleton work very well. Accessing the contents of the wallet is easy as long as you don’t over stuff it. I have found that I can remove inner bills without having to remove the entire folded packet of money. The same goes for accessing credit cards. You can pull the cards out slightly and easily sift through them without having to remove all of them to get to the one you want. My system is to carry a $20, $10, $5 and 5 $1 bills along with my driver’s license, a credit card and health insurance card.

Even though these are called front pocket wallets, I don’t carry them in my front pocket… My jeans are usually too snug or the front pocket too small to make that very comfortable. I either put the wallet in my back pocket, cargo pants leg pocket or jacket pocket.

In the past I’ve used a very small binder clip as my travel wallet, but the Col. Littleton Front Pocket Wallet has replaced that DIY method with something that looks much nicer and is a lot easier to use. Try as I might, I can’t really think of anything that needs improvement with these wallets. They are my new favorite minimalist wallets. What is yours?

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews, Wallets

Tagged: Leather, Wallet

Col. Littleton Front Pocket Wallets Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 24, 2011 at 12:33 pm.

New iPad 2? Searching for a case? Love leather? How about the Saddleback Leather iPad 2 case? I reviewed their original iPad case and found it to have rugged good looks and great protection. The only thing missing from their new iPad 2 version is the nifty magnetic smart cover feature that will turn the iPad on and off when you open and close it. If you don’t mind that omission, the Saddleback case is available in 4 colors and can be ordered now for $104. What is your favorite iPad 2 case so far? I’m still rocking a Green Smart Cover for mine.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad 2, Leather

Saddleback Leather announces availablity of new iPad 2 case originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 3, 2011 at 11:00 am.

I grant you Saddleback Leather’s Waterbag is not a gadget or tech device of any kind…..its not even specifically designed to carry around tech gear and/or their accessories. But it is an incredibly well made, stylish piece of travel gear, designed to (easily) withstand the test of decades of travel and the hard/rough-road taken. When I opened the box from Saddleback I literally heard the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme rumbling through my head. The Waterbag is classic, timeless, rugged, manly, tough as nails, bad to the bone ( )…..all terms that come to mind when I think about anything created by Saddleback Leather, actually.

The Gadgeteer Team has reviewed quite a few Saddleback products over the years and a majority of them reference Indiana Jones or the Raider of the Lost Ark movies in their reviews. As you have read, I have done the same thing. All of Saddleback’s creations radiate old-world craftsmanship, handmade artistry, over-the-top rugged design, and the highest quality materials; all backed by a lifetime warranty. If you have researched Saddleback Leather Company’s products at all, you know they are definitely not the cr@p#y, mass manufactured, thin-leather bags from China. Saddleback products are hand-made in Mexico.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 20″w x 9 1/2″d x 6″-18″h (50.8cm x 24.1cm x 15.2cm – 45.7cm)
• Weight: Approx 10 pounds
• Leather: 100% Hypoallergenic 4 to 5 oz (2.0mm to 2.2mm) thick Full Grain chrome tanned leather
• Construction: The body is made from one solid piece of leather
• Thread: The double zero continuous-filament Polyester thread

Features:

• Constructed of full grain leather
• Made of one solid leather piece
• Fully tanned leather
• Hidden nylon reinforcing straps
• No breakable parts
• Sewn together with industrial thread
• One big long seam

The Waterbag is available in four colors:

• Chestnut
• Carbon black
• Dark coffee
• Tobacco

Build Quality and Design:

Like all the Saddleback Leather (SBL) bags I have seen/reviewed over the years, they are built to last and last and last. So far, I have yet to have one of their items even break in. The Waterbag is the most rugged SBL item I have used so far and I do not foresee it even breaking in for a VERY long time, let alone wear out. Saddleback Leather bags are constructed of 4-5 ounce full grain leather, which comes from the top layer of the cow hide (the toughest part).

The main body of the Waterbag is formed from a single piece of their ultra thick leather, stitched together with double zero continuous-filament polyester thread. The two main (front and back) flaps are held closed by three straps that are attached in the back of the bag and buckles to the front. The two side flaps fold underneath the front and back flaps. This design keeps your contents secure, but the buckles also mean that you won’t be able to quickly open the Waterbag.

As you can see, the three straps are securely attached to the back of the Waterbag. As with all critical points on Saddleback products, they are secured via stitching and rivets. This is just one of the (many) configurations the Waterbag can be transformed into.

There is nothing of note on the bottom of the bag. Although the base of the Waterbag is just as tough as the rest of the bag; I envision it taking the most abuse (being dragged around and scuffed more than the other parts of the bag).

The sides of the Waterbag have several connection points to attach the various straps. There are two d-rings on each side, meant to attach the shoulder strap for carrying the bag in the classic, over-the shoulder method. The right side of the bag has a single o-ring at the base and the left has two, one on each corner. These o-rings enable you to wear the Waterbag as a backpack.

The handles are well padded, strongly stitched and easy to carry the bag with. When I traveled with the Waterbag, I occasionally needed to take it off my shoulder and carry it via the handles to give my shoulder a (needed) rest.

To give the Waterbag form and the interior extra protection, Saddleback includes two rigid, leather covered liners, 6″ and 9″ (pictured) high. When new and not broken in, the Waterbag can stand on its own. But once the leather begins to soften, the liner will allow the bag to stand open on its own.

The Waterbag comes with a thick, relatively comfortable shoulder strap with two pads, for carrying the bag over your shoulder or as a backpack.

It also comes with a secondary handle to be used in some of the Waterbag’s many configurations. This smaller handle is as well made as the rest of the bag.

Form and Function:

I travel quite a bit for my day job, bouncing around the US for varying periods of time.  A majority of the time, I go on an overnight or two/three day trips that requires more space than a small bag allows for but not enough to take a large roller bag. The Waterbag’s ability to expand when needed is ideal for this type of travel.

I can carry the obligatory pants, shirts, undies, and two days worth of workout gear and size thirteen running shoes within the Waterbag: total weight 22 pounds. I compared it to my small roller bag and the weight is comparable. The difference is that my roller bag has wheels (obviously) and the Waterbag is designed to be worn over the shoulder, as a backpack, or carried by the handle; all methods are more of a burden than dragging along a wheeled bag.

My typical travel wear easily fits into the Waterbag.

While the Waterbag has a nice volume to travel for a few days, it is heavy…..over 10 pounds heavy, empty and over 20 filled. If there was one single Con throughout a majority of the Saddleback reviews we have done here at The Gadgeteer, its the weight of their products. For me the Waterbag weighs as much as the three days of clothes I pack into it. But that is fine with me, I am tall, in relatively good shape and strong enough to manhandle it. So, humping around the Waterbag is not too much of a hassle. I found the key to packing this bag around is managing what other bags you bring with it. On my first airplane (cross country) trip with the Waterbag, I also brought my booq Boa Flow backpack to carry my tech-gear. In retrospect, a tactical error on my part….both bags needed to go over my shoulder and were definitely in each others way and too much of a burden (from a logistical & weight perspective) as well.

I have reviewed several Saddleback bags over the years and they have yet to disappoint me. And to be honest, the Waterbag is by far my favorite from not only a look/style but a form/function perspective as well. It did a great job carrying my non-tech stuff from Seattle to Raleigh and back. During this trip, I received no less than a half-dozen compliments on the Waterbag from the little old lady at Starbucks to the TSA agents running the security screening. It did get a few minor scuffs and scraps going in and out of the overhead but they quickly faded. Admittedly $645 dollars is not cheap; but considering the build and material quality, craftsmanship, look and style, it is a far better value than the designer bags you can purchase for much more. If you can manage the Waterbags overall weight, I could not recommend it more.

If you are interested in getting one of these or just curious, here is a great video by Dave (founder and owner of SBL) that shows many of the configurations the Waterbag can transform into. Well worth a watch…..

Note: The links to Saddleback Leather on this page are affiliate links, which earns a small percentage of any sales that come from The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: Bag, Leather

Saddleback Leather Co. Waterbag Medium Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 7, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Do you use your Moleskine notebook or Rhodia notebook as is, or do you enjoy customizing it with stickers, paint or a protective notebook cover like these gorgeous Moleskine covers from Inkleaf  Leather Co.?

Inkleaf sent me 2 of their limited edition leather notebook covers. These covers are available in two sizes and three hand dyed colors. I was sent both the small notebook and large notebook covers in Mahogany and Coffee.

The limited edition covers are hand cut from 4-5 oz vegetable tanned leather. The leather is thicker than the Gfeller notebook cover which I recently reviewed.

Here you can see the simple but effective design that incorporates a slot for the top and bottom notebook covers.

Inserting the notebook into the cover is a simple matter of sliding in the top or bottom cover and then…

…the opposite cover. You will also notice that there is a cut out for the elastic band that is attached to the Moleskine notebook.

One thing to be aware of, is that the Inkleaf covers aren’t quite as tight fitting as other notebook covers that I’ve reviewed. This allows you to use the cover with Moleskine and Rhodia notebooks.

The rivets in each corner give these covers a great rugged style, as does the inset stitching and tooled groove.

These covers allow the notebook to stay closed with or without the use of the elastic band.

I have found that the elastic bands on Moleskine notebooks are stretchier than the bands on Rhodia notebooks.

Since the covers are larger overall than the actual notebooks, the elastic bands have to stretch more than they would if you weren’t using a cover with the books. The bands on the Moleskine notebooks that I tested the covers with didn’t have any problems stretching, but I was unable to stretch the Rhodia bands around the Inkleaf covers.

The cover still allows access to the back pocket.

As you can see the covers also allow the notebook to lie flat. Above is the large Moleskine cover.

Here is the smaller cover.

I love the fact that these Inkleaf covers are all made by hand. The leather is cut by hand, dyed by hand and even stitched by hand with needle and thread. Just the idea that an actual person and not a machine has used their own two hands to create these covers one by one impresses me.

They do add some bulk to your notebook, but I think that additional bulk is worth it when traded for the protection and great looks that these covers offers. They get 2 thumbs up from me!

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Reviews

Tagged: Leather, Moleskine

Inkleaf Leather Co. Moleskine Cover Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 3, 2011 at 11:30 am.

Here at The Gadgeteer, we have a thing for wallets and several of us are equally enamoured with the iPhone. So what could be better than the No. 50 Wallet for iPhone from Col. Littleton, which combines a leather wallet and an iPhone case into one front pocket holder? Let’s see. Note: Some of the images in this review can be clicked to view a larger size.

Col. Littleton makes some wonderful leather products. I fell in love with their No. 5 Pocket for iPad sleeve that I reviewed a few weeks ago.

The No.50 iPhone Wallet uses the same dry milled leather that other Col. Littleton bags and cases use. It has a gorgeous grain and a buttery soft feel. The leather is American vegetable-tanned steer hide. The wallet is only available in one color, which is a very rich reddish brown.

The design is pretty simple. There’s a pocket in the back that is large enough for the iPhone 3, 3GS or 4. I was hoping my Droid X might fit, but no joy.

In front of the iPhone sleeve part of the wallet are 2 other slots. One for credit cards and one for folded money.

As you can see, this wallet has been personalized with my initials. Three letters can be added to any wallet for an extra $8.00.

The back of the wallet is a stamped with the Col. Littleton logo and product info.

Here’s a side view of an empty wallet. You can also get a good look at the nice even stitching around all the edges, for extra reinforcement.

Here it is with the iPhone 4, a couple plastic credit cards and folded money. In this image, you can see that the iPhone sticks out slightly from the top of the sleeve. The credit cards really don’t stick out. I just left them partially out for the picture. The folded money does stick out as shown though.

The folded money slot is open on one side to allow you to easily insert or remove the folded bundle of cash. I was a little worried about the fact that the money slot is open on 2 sides. My worries were unfounded though. Friction from the leather keeps the folded bills from falling out even when you only have one bill in the slot.

The No. 50 Wallet isn’t overly bulky as far as cases go. But it can’t hold a full wallet’s contents. It’s really designed for 2-3 credit cards and around 5 US sized folded bills.

This wallet is meant to be carried in your front pocket. You definitely don’t want to put it in your back pocket and sit on it. That wouldn’t be good for your bum or the iPhone. It also means that most women probably will not carry this wallet in their front jeans pocket. We tend to wear our pants tighter than men do, so it won’t fit well… and even if it did, it would feel really uncomfortable. I like to carry this wallet in my jacket pocket or side cargo pants pocket.

As far as materials, construction and overall beauty, Col. Littleton really knows how to make a quality product. This is a very nice wallet that has been constructed to last a long time and I could find no defects in workmanship. The only problem that I have with the No. 50 wallet is that it’s difficult to remove credit cards if your phone is in the case. The iPhone causes the leather to stretch and tighten, so that you have to use your fingertips like tweezers to retrieve a card. Removing folded money is also slightly more difficult while the iPhone is in the case also more difficult to put the money back in the slot once you’re done. Having to remove the phone each time you need access to cards and / or money can become tiresome. A remedy to this probem might be to make the phone sleeve a bit larger and include a snap tab to prevent the phone from falling out. This would also allow larger phones like the Droid X to fit in the sleeve. For this reason, I would probably not use this case as my primary wallet and phone case. I’d be more likely to use it for a quick trip to the store or during a lunch break at work, so I could combine my phone and wallet into one handy package.

What is your favorite way to carry your iPhone and wallet contents?

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Wallets

Tagged: iPhone, Leather, Wallet

Col. Littleton No. 50 Wallet for iPhone Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 31, 2011 at 12:30 pm.

Love at first site isn’t a phrase that I toss around all that often. Some say I’ve become a little jaded when it comes to accessories for my favorite gadgets. I guess it’s easy to see how I may have become that way. After all, I’ve been reviewing gadgets and their assorted accoutrements for close to 14 years now. When it comes to bags and cases, it takes a unique product to spark my interest. That’s why it might be surprising to learn that the Col. Littleton No.5 Pocket for iPad made my eyes sparkle the first time I saw it and will probably become the bag by which I measure similar bags against.  

Note: Most of the images in this review can be clicked to view a larger size.

Sometime before the holidays, I was in the mist of one of my epic web surfing adventures, when I happened upon a YouTube video about the collaboration of Griffin Technology and a company by the name of Col. Littleton. I of course was already familiar with Griffin, but I’d never heard of Col. Littleton. I learned that Col. Littleton is a real person (though he’s not really a colonel) that started his namesake company back in 1987 in the very small town of Lynnville, Tennessee (population less than 500), where they offer handmade leather products.

Col. Littleton sells several iPad holders, but I was sent their No. 5 Pocket iPad sleeve. I have reviewed many leather cases, bags and sleeves over the years, and tend to lump them into 3 categories:

Molded cases made of thin smooth or finely grained leather over a hard shell form - Example: Vaja
Rugged cases made of very thick leather that are bulky, but very protective – Example: Saddleback Leather
Generic cases made of cheap smooth leather that have no character and make my eyes glaze over when I see them – Examples: Amazon

The No. 5 Pocket iPad sleeve from Col. Littleton is in a category all by itself.

As soon as I removed the sleeve from the box and felt the leather in my hand, I was hooked. Col. Littleton uses dry-milled, vegetable tanned American steer hide that is tumbled in large wooden barrels to achieve the desired finish and softness. It does not have an applied finish like the leather used to make most products on the market, and with regular use, it will develop its own natural character and patina. But right out of the box it already looked and felt perfect to me.

This is a vertical envelope style sleeve that has been sized to accommodate the iPad with or without a thin case (9.0 x 10.5 in).

The only markings on the sleeve are the stamped logo of both Col. Littleton and Griffin. In all honesty, I’d rather see this stamp on the back of the sleeve or at least not have so much info. I don’t see that it’s necessary to state the name of the product (“No 5 Pocket”) on the product itself. That said, it doesn’t detract that much from the overall beauty of this sleeve.

There’s also an option to add 3 initials in the bottom right corner of the front of the sleeve if you want to pay an extra $8.

The back of the sleeve is plain. Notice the grain of the leather.

The N0. 5 Pocket has solid brass hardware, including a unique snap-style closure like ones used on WWII leather goods. It’s funny that when I first unboxed this sleeve at my day job, several of us were trying to figure out how to unsnap the closure. We had to read the small card attached to it, to figure it out.

The trick is to pull up on the end of the leather strap. It pops open easily once you know how.

When snapped shut, it is securely fastened and will not accidently come open.

The interior of the leather bag is almost shaggy in feel and appearance, which was definitely unexpected. This ‘shag’ offers a natural padding that will protect the iPad while in the case.

It’s important to note that there is a right and wrong way to insert the iPad in this case. You will want to place it face down. Why? Because if you place it face up, you’ll be pressing down on the display when snapping the flap closure. Not much pressure is needed to snap it closed, and it’s doubtful that you could cause damage to the display, but it’s better to just put it in face down for safety.

The sleeve is nice and roomy, allowing extra space to slide in a few papers, or even the charging adapter. Like I mentioned above, it’s also possible to insert the iPad into this sleeve even if it’s in another case. Of course that all depends on which case you use. Something like the Belkin Grip Vue and other non-bulky cases should work fine.

Materials and construction of this sleeve are perfect. I could find no flaws. The stitches are straight and even, the hardware is all brass and the leather edges line up perfectly. I can’t explain fully in words how great this sleeve looks and feels to the touch. It really screams quality and longevity.

I really like the style of this sleeve because has a unique style and doesn’t look like all the other cookie cutter products on the market. It will definitely get noticed. In an effort not to focus entirely on looks over substance, the sleeve will have no problems protecting your iPad from everyday wear and tear. It’s great for housing the device when it’s not in use or as a protector inside another bag when you are on the move. It probably won’t offer much protection to the iPad if you drop it from any distance, but that’s really not its purpose.

How would I change the Col. Littleton No. 5 Pocket for the iPad? As is, I love it just the way it is. But if I could add one thing, it might be an option for a removable shoulder strap. That way, it could be used as a sleeve for the iPad or a minimalist one pocket gear bag.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, Leather

Col. Littleton No.5 Pocket for iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 13, 2011 at 11:30 am.

If you’re into leather goods, you are probably already familiar with the products from Oberon Designs. They offer gorgeous cases for your favorite tech gear, as well as journal covers and other items. Today, I want to show you their cell phone case.

Note: Most of the images in this review can be clicked for a larger view.

Oberon offers this leather sleeve style case in cropped versions of their popular embossed patterns. Be aware of the word ‘cropped’ in that last sentence. If you go look at the pictures of this case on their site, just know that what you see there and what you get might not be exactly the same. For example, I asked for the Avenue of Trees pattern in Fern Green. The color is fine, but if you compare what you see above to the picture of this case on their site, they aren’t identical. It’s not a big deal to me, but for those of you out there that are super picky, I just wanted you to know this.

The sleeve case is a generic case in that it hasn’t been created for a specific phone. I tested it with my iPhone 4 and Droid X. The iPhone 4 works great, but the Droid X is too long. You can check Oberon’s compatibility list to see if your phone will work with this case.

The case is made of thick but supple leather that is smooth and soft to the touch. The front side of the case has the embossed pattern, while the back of the case is blank except for the metal strap cover.

The interior of the sleeve is lined with Black leather. The iPhone 4 fits perfectly in the case and is easy to insert and remove. The magnetized leather strap can be used inside or outside the sleeve.

Even the strap magnet is covered in leather.

Oberon really pays attention to detail. The edges of the leather are perfectly burnished and the stitching is even and straight.

I really love the products from Oberon Designs. They are gorgeous to look at, made extremely well and offer protection to our favorite gear. What else could you want? Oh yeah, their prices are pretty fair too.

Filed in categories: Android related, Blackberry related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, Leather

Oberon Design Cell Phone Case Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 1, 2011 at 10:22 pm.

Similar but different - the IC-1000 is a luxury version of Apple's iPad case.

In the massive ecosystem that is the iPad case market, there are a few recurring designs, and a few unique specimens. Of the recurring models, there are those similar to Apple’s design, those that cover only the back, and those that include handles for “clipboard”-type use. With their new IC-1000 case, Cyber Acoustics went with the popular Apple design, but modified it in ways that few other companies have done. (I think everyone has seen Apple’s iPad case by now. It is a thin flocked plastic cover with a hinge on the front about an inch from the center edge. When the front cover is folded back and inserted into a tab on the back, the whole case forms a wedge that can be set down on the long side for typing, and on the short side for watching videos or for reading.) I was sent one of the CA units and have been using it off-and-on for a few months, in an effort to determine where it bests the competition and where it falls short.

When the case was first taken out of the packaging, what struck me was the softness of the leather. The finish is a glove-like, well-seasoned natural texture that begs to be touched. There is a little padding, so that it gives to the touch, but there is a firm structural element underneath. Inside, there is a heavy felt lining that you know will never scratch the screen of your Precious.

The clear, plastic retaining clips on the IC-1000 are soft but strong.

Corner detail of clip

Corner clip with iPad inserted. Notice the hinge is a bit loose. This is how it fits.

Flap on rear of case holds front cover to form a typing stand.

Corner straps and the hand strap shown with front cover tucked into back tab.

The wide elastic strap prevents drops during one-handed use.

Typing position. Note the looseness on the upper angle. This prevents it from being steady in video presentation mode.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad, Leather

Cyber Acoustics IC-1000 iPad Case Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 26, 2010 at 10:33 am.

Back in the Spring, we reviewed Saddleback Leather’s iPad Pouch and found it to be a very protective sleeve for transporting the popular Apple tablet. For those of you that have been looking for a play through solution, Saddleback has just introduced their new iPad case (affiliate link). It’s a tough leather case that has cutouts for all the necessary ports and buttons. Using the cover straps, the case converts to a horizontal stand for viewing and typing. The case will set you back $104, so it might not be affordable for everyone. Be sure to check out their video with more info on the case.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Case, iPad, Leather, Spotlight Gadgets

Put a Saddle on your iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 2, 2010 at 5:25 pm.

With iPads being more popular and apps being more diverse, the iPad has almost become a desktop replacement for your everyday life.  I carry my iPad 3G around with me everywhere since I can easily access my company network and pull up any information that I need.  But I always have a bad feeling of carrying around a naked iPad and have been afraid that it might drop and get damaged.  Plus sometimes I carry a bunch of documents and folders with me and would like something to hold it all together securely.  That’s where the stylish Padster iPad bag comes in.

The Padster Bag is specifically designed for the iPad.  It has a neoprene pouch inside to protect your iPad.  The Padster is made of soft-milled full grain cowhide, ballistic nylon, cotton lining, and metal hardware.

The Padster came in a cloth bag that protects it when not in use.  It gave me the feeling of a high-end bag.

The shoulder strap is held down to the bag with all metal hardware.  Even the adjustor on the strap is made from heavy duty metal.  It feels very sturdy and I would trust it to last for a very long time.

The front flap and parts of the Padster are made of soft-milled full grain cowhide.  It feels extremely nice and high quality.  Click on the picture to view the details of it.

Under the front flap is a zippered pocket.

Most of the bag is made of ballistic nylon.  The zipper handle is made of the same leather as the flap.

The bottom edges of the Padster are covered with leather also to give it more durability.

There’s a zipper for the main compartment.  It doesn’t provide a complete seal on the ends of it.  So you have to watch out for small things that might drop out by accident or for water to enter if it’s raining.  It’s also an extended zipper so that you can hold on to it on one side and zipper close it easily.  The only thing is that it does make it look “girly”.  Personally I just leave it unzipped.

On the inner back side of the Padster is the neoprene pouch that protects the iPad.  On the inner front side are accessory pouches and another zippered pocket.

The iPad pouch has room to fit either a naked iPad or an iPad inside another case.

The inner front side of the Padster has a large zippered pocket, 2 small pouches, a medium pouch, and 4 pen holders.

On a recent business trip I’ve filled up my Padster with the iPad, MacBook Air, a notebook, 3 pens, an iPod touch, a camera, and sunglasses.  The Padster didn’t feel bulky at all but I did wish that it had a padded shoulder strap.

The Padster is a great bag to protect your iPad and other things.  Priced at $165 is pretty reasonable for its great quality and durability.

Filed in categories: Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: iPad bag, Leather, padster

Padster iPad Bag Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 28, 2010 at 6:30 pm.

As many of you who read The Gadgeteer know, I am a bit of a fanatic about gear bags and have reviewed my fair share of them.  From the Ellington Europa Field Bag (no longer manufactured) to the Duluth Trading Fire Hose Bag, I have tried many bags over the years.  All of them have, to some degree, left me a little cold.  In some cases, it wasn’t quite large enough to hold everything I really need to have with me on a daily basis, or they were a little too large for my needs.  My primary uses for a bag are for bringing my laptop and papers to school with me (a job that the SF Bags Waterfield Medium Cargo Bag has performed nicely for the last two years), taking with me when I go out for a weekend trip (including the Victorinox Horizontal Tote, the Fire Hose Field Bag, the Europa Field Bag, the Olympia tote) and to hold my gear when I take my annual storm chasing trip (the Roadwired Pod, Podzilla, Photo/Video Convertible Bag, CityWalker pack, Lowepro D-Res waistpack, among others).  After Julie’s reviews of Saddleback Leather products, I have been trying to justify dropping a huge chunk of change on a Satchel for some time.  I spent a whole day last week doing nothing but trying to find every single photo, video and review of the medium satchel online.  I finally called the nice people at Saddleback, had a very good conversation with the woman who answered the phone, and managed somehow to purchase the Medium Satchel in Dark Coffee Brown while talking.  Funny how that can happen!  Shipping prices got expensive in a hurry, so I went with ground shipping.  As Tom Petty said so eloquently, the waiting is the hardest part!  I figured after a couple of years of agonizing over this purchase, another week wouldn’t kill me.

It was not on my porch one moment, then it was.  In a brown box.  I took it inside, slit the plastic tape keeping it from me, threw back the paper padding and carefully removed the plastic bag protecting it.  I took the rich, dark brown bag out of its confinement and held it up to my eyes.

You know how fingerprints can appear out of nowhere on the surface of an iPod?  Well, scratches are kind of like that on this thick leather.  Within moments of unwrapping it, the pristine leather surface was covered in scratches.  This bag is not a bag for someone who worships pretty leather pieces.  It’s meant to be beaten up, and the process starts right out of the bag.  If you freak out when your car gets scratched for the first time, then avoid this bag.  It WILL get messed up in a hurry.  Saddleback accepts returns, but only if the bag is in new condition.  Well, it stops being in new condition right out of the box.  Be ready for that.

Once you get over the heart attack of instant scratches, the charm of the bag hits you.  The leather is thick and supple, yet stiff.  That should work itself out with age.  The stitching is thick thread (about a millimeter thick) and the stitches themselves are wide (about 5 mm between stitch holes).  All edges have two rows of stitches, about 1 cm apart, to keep the leather pieces strongly together.

The termination points of the stitches appear to have been melted to prevent fraying.  Stress points are tacked with rivets with an aged bronze patina.

The hardware is thick and rugged, made for utility and not looks.  There is some appearance of wear and oxidation on the D rings and the O rings.  The only exception to this is the swivel clip hardware that holds the shoulder strap to the bag.  They are bright and shiny and very sturdy.

The mechanism is one I have never seen before, two jaws that interlock right at the point where they sit against the connecting ring.

The D-rings are attached to the bag with a loop of 1/8” thick leather, stitched and riveted to the side of the bag.  There is also a very long leather strap that is riveted to the inside of the bag (no stitching) with a key clip at the far end.  This strap is a bit too long to be useful, though the clip is pretty decent.  I would be tempted to slice the strap off, but I might want to resell this bag some day.

On either side of the bag are leather pockets designed to fit a water bottle.  These are pretty slim, though…I don’t think you could actually get a water bottle in there.  Since they are not sealable at the top, I would be leery of putting anything valuable in there.  Maybe they will stretch with age, but as they come now, they are fairly prehensile.

On the back of the bag is an open pocket for papers or even a magazine, as long as it is inserted vertically.  There is a fair bit of friction, however, so getting your papers into it unrumpled will be a challenge.

Here is the back of the bag with an Orion Telescope ad magazine and a Make magazine stuffed into the back pocket:

And here is the interior of the rear pocket!

The top of the bag is home to a rugged carry handle.  It’s made of a single piece of leather, very cunningly folded and stitched to create an excellent way to carry the bag in the hand.  The handle is attached to the top flap of the bag by the same kind of leather loop/stitch/rivet arrangement as the D-rings are.  It is very sturdy and quite comfortable.

Behind the handle is an O-ring designed to be used to convert this bag into a backpack.  The point where the metal closes to form the loop is pretty roughly finished.  Not that it will cut you, but it is not the polished kind of hardware you would expect to find in a high-end leather bag.  Then again, the bag is meant to exude a rustic flavor, not a frou-frou metrosexual vibe.

Converting the bag into a backpack requires you to unstrap the adjustment buckle, remove one of the two shoulder pads, attach one end of the strap to a bottom D-ring, thread the strap through the top O-ring, slide the second shoulder pad back on, then rebuckle the adjustment strap and attach it to the bottom d-ring on the other side.  It sounds worse than it is.  The conversion takes about one minute.

The front of the bag contains the strap and belt buckle that fastens the front flap closed.  I don’t think that this belt will wear out over a million opening and closing cycles.  It’s made of a double layer of leather stitched together with one row of stitches.  There is a belt loop at the bottom to keep the strap from flapping around.  After two weeks of use, the strap is now flexible enough to be easy to use.  It was a bit stiff at first, it does work itself out.

The bottom of the bag is ringed with four D-rings.  The front and back wall of the bag extend past the bottom panel, making the bag very stable to stand up.  These D-rings can be used to attach the bag to the back of a motorcycle, if you want, or to attach a small camera tripod or umbrella.  You’ll need your own straps to do this, but the rings are there in case you want to use them.  The rings on the back wall of the bag are what you attach the shoulder strap to when converting the bag into a backpack.

Now, for the inside of this bag.  With the thickness of the stitches, Saddleback recommends taking ¼ inch off the dimensions on all sides.  The bag is 12” X 9”, so I should be able to fit a 10” netbook in its neoprene case easily into it.  Nope.  Not going to happen.  The small side pockets on the inside pooch out to the point where it is not really possible to fit something the size of a netbook in a case in there.  I bought a Waterfield iPod accessory case to fit into it (10” long) and it just fits.  With the side pouches, you will probably get about 9 ½ inches of usable width out of the inside of the bag and about 3 ½ inches of usable depth without deforming the bag.  In order to give me more room, I stuffed all of my old original series Advanced Dungeons and Dragons hardcover books in there to stretch the leather a little.  It did work to flatten the inner pockets to a degree, so there is a little bit more room in there now.

The material that is used to line the inside of the bag is pigskin.  Suede can be ordered upon request.  The material is extremely tough and I am not at all worried about tearing it as I might if it were a fabric lining.  The lining is on the front wall, the bottom and the back wall, and the back inside pocket is made of pigskin as well.  The pigskin extends all the way to the edges of the flap.  The left and right wall is not pigskin, nor are the small side pockets.

The back wall has a pocket sized to fit the iPad in a case.  I was able to stuff my Toshiba netbook into it without its case, it is a VERY tight fit.  I put it in with the battery side sticking out into the bag, rather than pressing into the back wall of the bag, where it might leave permanent impressions.

I can fit my iPad in its folio case, Viliv N5 in its case, a 500 GB external hard drive in its case and the Waterfield iPod accessory bag in front of that, with the iPod Camera Connection kit, my Canon S90 digital camera (not shown because I used to to take the picture) and various USB cables.  There is also room for a small spiral notepad.  My multitool takes up residence in one internal side pocket along with an iPad stylus and a laser pointer, and the other side pocket is stuffed with pens.  The keyper is attached to a side d-ring on the outside of the bag just to keep it out of the way.  This still leaves some room in the bag, but I don’t want to push it.

I have attached my school ID badge on one D-loop and a small carabiner with an LED flashlight attached to it to the other D loop.  The flashlight is tucked into one of the outside pockets.  My Kestrel 4000 weather meter is tucked into the other side pocket.  It is now ready for school!

So is it the be-all and end-all of my bag addiction?  Not really.  It’s a great bag, but not one that will cause me to throw all my other bags away.  It is durable as any bag I have ever seen and should last a long, long time…and it looks amazing.  It will look even better as it gets beaten up over the years.  A lot of the photos I have seen of this bag show that people really like to decorate their bag.  Very often, you will see a cross dangling from the carry handle.  I decided to go my own way and put a Flying Spaghetti Monster charm there.  I took my Geocaching tie-tack and pushed the pin into one of the threading holes with a tiny dab of cyanoacrylate glue in the hole to hold it in place.

You can personalize it any way you want, this bag is screaming to be personalized.  And used.  And abused.  Over and over and over again.  If you are a fan of fine leather bags, this might not be the bag for you.  There’s nothing refined about this bag.  It’s about rough-hewn edges;  big, beefy hardware and using it to fight off bears in the woods.  There is nothing about it that screams “I’M A MAN PURSE!” to the world.  It’s like a miniature briefcase that you can carry your iPad, netbook and other essentials with you as you go about your manly way.  If you are a woman, you can feel pretty manly carrying this bag around.  I wish it had about half an inch more room on all sides, but to get more room you’d have to move up to the large satchel, which might be overkill.  I don’t know.  It is a pretty heavy bag, but in a good way.  Perhaps I’ll get to review the large satchel some day!  What is for sure is that this bag is a keeper.

(Note: The Saddleback Leather links in this review to the Saddleback Leather Company website are affiliate links.)

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Bag, Leather

Saddleback Leather Medium Satchel Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 30, 2010 at 11:00 am.

In 1982, John Naisbitt created the phrase “high tech/high touch” in his bestselling book Megatrends to reference how we tend to want both highly functional technical operations as well as the comfort and relaxing ease of a highly personal and sensual* experience. This is the reason we’re drawn to big, puffy chairs in coffee shops, where we can read from our electronic book readers or surf with our computers over the free WiFi. Or why we want teak furniture with elegant, clean, highly functional leaves, shelves, and design. If we can combine both extremes into the same object, so much the better. Thus, the leather case for our most current device, be it phone, laptop or iPad is the highest manifestation of this. Aligata, with their Leather iPad case, fits right into the mold on this one.

Offered in four colors, from “Black Espresso” to “Nude Beauty”, these handstitched bovine beauties are buttery soft and smell of real, natural leather. No chemical or rubber/neoprene smell – just leather. I was sent the “Nippon” color. (Second to bottom in the stack above.) This yellowish leather is not dyed, but slightly oxidized, in order to appear a little used. It will weather and develop a patina over time, as it’s handled. When I opened the brown craft paper wrapping, I knew it was a quality piece. It is made from full grain cow hide, with external, slightly contrasting stitching, and fits the iPad nicely.

Contrasting, external stitching, and leather than develops a rich patina over time make this case "casually elegant."

Note the cutouts for the Home Button and the ambient light sensor.

The top case, which outlines the visible area of the screen with a notch for the Home button and a hole for the ambient light sensor, is as stiff as the wrap-around back and front flap. The pieces that hold the top case to the base, however, are a bit lighter, less stiff. This allows the case to fit very tightly, but still to offer a pretty good cushion should you drop your iPad on a corner. It’s not a fool-proof system, but there is a good bit of extra stiff leather on the back and front, which will bear the brunt of the force should you drop it on a corner or edge, possibly saving you from a shattered screen or dented edge.

This top view shows both the clean port cutouts and the thickness of the top case.

Here is the description from Aligata’s site:

This case is a little oxidized, but not dyed. It is made to look like it is a little used, not new. The leather has more glitches, small imperfections, is darker than Nude Beauty. It will further oxidize (get darker) and grow older with you. This case has a soft and very, very personal/unique look that still maintains our excellent protection levels.
If you worry about your iPad falling off your coffee table and landing on its corner, then this is the case for you.
This case features our exclusive leather suspension system. It creates an elastic barrier which cradles your iPad away from the edge of the case. This case is made of softer leather and the device fits a little more loosely in the case such that friction and the natural flexing of the leather will more readily absorb sharp but lighter impacts such as a minor fall common in home and business environments.
This case is a shield for your iPad offering near total scratch protection for business or home use. It is soft to the touch and very visually appealing. The more natural finish of this case means that it is not immune to coffee stains and will require more careful handling. The more pliable nature of this case permits (on a carpeted surface) the front of the case to be folded behind and used as a stand for viewing movies and the like It’s design protects both the screen as well as the edges and back of the device.
The finish of this case is durable bovine leather and, with proper care, will last for years. It is free from straps, magnets, velcro and anything that could interfere with the proper operation of your iPad. It features an ascetic, simple and logo-free design which corresponds to general Apple design guidelines and allows access to all ports, light sensor and controls.

The first impression, as mentioned, is rich, durable, Old-World charm. I put my iPad into it as soon as it arrived, and have had positive comments from everyone who has seen it. Colleagues who own iPads all want to know where I got it and other details. I’m asked who the manufacturer is almost every day when I’m using my iPad on breaks or at lunch. I’ve had to go fetch it from my locker to show customers at the request of co-workers. It’s a really beautiful case.

For those who have not seen an iPad, many only assume it’s an expensive legal pad holder or planner, which is fine with me. I’d rather they not notice it, rather than thinking I’m being pretentious (“Oooo, I have an iPad!”), or see it on my car seat and not consider breaking the window for it, as they might with a more obvious iPad cover.

The loose, slightly weathered look belies the high-tech gadget hidden inside.

How does it function?
I’ve used it for the better part of two months, and must say, it’s quite nice to hold and carry about. The leather has begun to show small darker places of color where I hold it, and the crease where I fold it back to view video has relaxed the tightness of the spine, making it flop open, rather than having to force it back. It’s becoming my case, not just a nice leather case.

The Aligata case has nothing to hold it upright. On fabric or rough surfaces, this is not a problem.

Having used the Apple iPad case before getting this one, I was very used to the angled typing and viewing positions that you can lock that case into, and was a bit irritated initially that this was not available with the Aligata case. When sitting at a very slick topped table, this is quite an issue. My Griffin A-Frame stand holds the iPad nicely at home for reading or watching video, but while out and about, I have had to resort to using my left hand while eating to hold it at a good angle. Not the best solution.

I tried a piece of foam netting to keep the iPad from sliding out.

There are some apps that have not yet been converted to iPad versions, and when they are run full screen, they usually tilt to the left. This puts the opening for this case at the bottom, and on more than one occasion, I’d find that the iPad has slipped down a good bit during use. I tried to prevent this with a ribbed disc of rug-keeper material, but it still slipped a bit. This grew more frequent as time went by. The has case simply loosened up during the time I’ve had it. Since you can hold the iPad in any orientation, this only becomes an issue when you’re using an iPhone app that doesn’t take advantage of the ability to rotate the screen the other way. Yet, it dimishes the experience at times.

The thickness of the case, while protective, also made for some adjustments. In many of the bags designed for the iPad, they make a very tight fitting pocket, and it’s difficult to get the iPad in with just the Apple case. Adding the Aligata case, with five layers of full grain cowhide, you have to be ready to forego many iPad bags. (Getting a new bag was the thing that finally made me remove the case for the first time since I got it.) I remove it and put the iPad back into my Apple case for work now, pending finding a case that I can carry both my work stuff and this one.

So, bottom line, what’s my verdict? I still like it. It’s very lush to carry around when taking nothing else to a cafe. It doesn’t look like an iPad until I open it, and folks who know tech always ask about it. It’s a bit of a hassle with my new work bag, because I can’t get all the other stuff I need to carry in it with the thicker case. That means I take my iPad out of the Aligata case, and put it in my Apple case. I’m very likely to not put it back in the leather case for a single day off, so I’m not using it as often right now, but I want to. Despite the lack of set angles and easy standing, I like the feel and protection of the leather.

I give it three and a half out of five stars. Emotionally, it’s a five, but the reality is a bit of a hassle, that brings the score down.

*(That’s “appealing to the senses”, not necessarily sexual. Get your mind out of the gutter!)

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad, Leather

Aligata Leather iPad Portfolio Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 24, 2010 at 11:31 am.

We’ve reviewed quite a few Saddleback Leather Company bags, pouches and cases over the years. I’m a big fan of their rustic good looks and their rugged last-a-lifetime construction. Today I want to show you their Duffel Overnight bag. This is the biggest bag they’ve sent me so far and wow, you can sure pack a lot of stuff in it.

Note: Most of the images in this review are clickable. Click to see a larger version.

As with their other products, Saddelback constructs their bags to last forever. This one is made with 100% waterproof full grain boot leather 4-5oz. (2-2.2 mm) thick. This is thick stuff folks. It will take a missile to pierce this cowhide. I bet you could drag it behind a pickup truck on a gravel road, hose off the dust and dirt and it wouldn’t be any worse for the wear.

The Duffel / Overnight bag is available in 4 colors, including Carbon Black, Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown and Dark Tobacco Brown. I was sent the Chestnut version.

Like I mentioned above, this bag is large: 22″W x 11″H x 12″D (55.88cm x 27.94 x 30.48cm) End pockets on each side are 2 1/2″D (6.35cm).

The top flap is held closed by 5 buckles. The 3 on the front and the 2 on the side. This keeps your contents secure, but it also means that you won’t be able to quickly open the duffel with that many buckles to deal with.

Two thick straps on either side of the center buckle, wrap all the way around the bag to strengthen and stabilize it.

You’ll notice the large leather wrapped handle on top of the bag, that will allow you to easily grab it off a baggage carousel or trunk of your car.

In the image above, you can also see that the top flap extends beyond the sides like a roof, to keep rain, dirt and dust out of the main compartment.

The back of the bag has a large horizontal slot that can be used for magazines or other flat objects.

Both sides of the duffel have a roomy flap covered pocket that is large enough for all sorts of items. Just to give you an idea of the size of these pockets, I was  able to stuff in 3 cans of Diet Coke.

A thick shoulder strap with two pads is included with the bag. The straps are  attached with strong clips.

I mentioned earlier that in order to open the main bag flap, you have to unbuckle 5 separate buckles. Three on the front and one on each side. If I have one complaint about this bag, that is it. Also, the way the bag is designed, when you open the flap, it also pulls open the side pockets.

I understand their reason for the design, but in my opinion, the side flaps get in the way when I want to access the main compartment and I’d rather they remain closed.

The main compartment is one large open area with three open topped side slots. The two side slots are flat to the bag, but the back slot is larger. One thing I didn’t like with my bag is that the leather used for the back pocket is very stiff and misshaped. I would much rather see a softer more flexible leather used for this part of the bag.

To give you an idea of how much stuff you can cram into the duffel, here it is with 7 folded t-shirts and 3 folded pairs of blue jeans. There is still plenty of room for other items, so it does make a great overnight bag.

But like all of Saddleback’s bags, this one is heavy even before you start filling it with your stuff. When empty, it weighs in at 10 lbs. 7 oz. on my scale. I definitely would not be carrying it on my shoulder. I wish it had built in wheels. If I were going to use this bag for traveling, I would most likely use it with a small folding 2 wheeled hand cart.

The $500 price tag is substantial, but I’m sure that people who buy designer luggage pay a lot more than that for their Louis Vuitton junk. Sorry, I’ve never been a fan of LV stuff. Saddleback Leather bags are more my style and from the leather, to the marine quality thread, to the hardware used to construct their bags, you get what you pay for.

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Bag, Leather, luggage

Saddleback Leather Duffel / Overnight Leather Bag Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 26, 2010 at 11:30 am.

Zagg, the company that makes the practically indestructible invisibleSHIELD skins for electronics, now offers LEATHERskins for iPads.  Instead of the familiar clear plastic, LEATHERskins are a soft, thin piece of leather that applies to the back of your iPad.  The LEATHERskin for iPad is available in black or brown, and you can choose plain leather or leather with an embossed vine design (shown).  You can buy the iPad LEATHERskin for the back only for $49.99 or the LEATHERskin plus an invisibleSHIELD screen cover for $79.98.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad skin, Leather

Zagg LEATHERskins for iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 23, 2010 at 6:53 pm.

To be honest, I have not used a mouse pad in years at either home or work. I walked through my floor at work and found that about one out of 20 were using a mouse pad. With the advent of the laser mouse and the roller ball a thing of the past, mouse pad use is definitely on the decline. I know a few people who still use them to express themselves, but that is about it. Saddleback Leather is bucking that trend and is offering up an extremely well made leather mouse pad that is equal in quality to their other high-end leather products.

Saddleback Leather’s mouse pad measures 11 ¼” x 9″ which I find nicely sized, giving you a good amount of real estate to move your mouse around on.

The top is a full grain leather, expertly stitched and riveted. Both of which add nice accenting to the color of the leather. The leather feels great as you slide the mouse on it. The interior of the mouse pad has a high density neoprene inner padding.

The bottom is suede that does not slide or slip around your desk. The rivets on the bottom are slightly recessed to not scratch your desk or whatever surface the mouse pad is on.

As you can see, the mouse pad has lots of surface area to move your mouse around on. The aluminum base of my Magic Mouse could potentially be scratched by the rivets along the edge of the mouse pad….I know, a minor issue.

The Saddleback leather mouse pad is available in Carbon Black, Dark Coffee Brown, Chestnut, and Dark Tobacco.

The chestnut colored Saddleback mouse pad looks great on my antique oak desk. It would be nice if you could choose nickel rivets to match the aluminum of my Mac-stuff, but that is really not a big deal. This mouse pad will stay on my desk and be used daily. For this incredibly well crafted, great feeling piece of leather, $32 does not seem unreasonable at all.

(Note: The links in this review to the Saddleback Leather Company website are affiliate links.)

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Leather, Mouse

Saddleback Leather Company Mouse Pad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 1, 2010 at 11:00 am.