ThinkPad Case Study
Family of ThinkPad cases
ThinkPad carry cases are a special kind of “software” design that my team supports. Forget pixels, icons, scrolling and clicking. This is more about fabric, straps, zippers and snaps. The design requirements and constraints for carry cases are also very different from the typical hardware or GUI project. By comparison lead times are quite short, very little tooling is required, and we don’t know exactly what will be on the inside. Obviously they must provide a nice place to hold and protect your ThinkPad, but everything else is up to the user. Part of our design process includes field testing of prototypes in order to gather user feedback and tune the designs.
When I travel I usually have my airline tickets, passport, travel AC adapter, cell phone charger, digital camera, pad of paper, pens, pencils, business cards,tape measure, and of course my ThinkPad. I don’t carry much else in my case. The trick for designing one of these is to allow for flexibility. If the compartments are too object specific they may not map to the users needs. It’s also important to choose materials that are both durable and useful. The interior of our cases are a silver grey nylon, not only to enhance the appearance, but to also make it easier to find things inside. Have you ever tried to look for that tiny black USB key, or similar object, buried deep inside a all black case? This is even worse in a dimly illuminated airplane cabin. The light silver interior really helps out. We also use materials that are more durable in the areas that are subjected to the greatest wear potential and add corner protection devices where appropriate.
My favorite case, and the one I use daily, is the ThinkPad backpack. I like it because it neatly holds the things I carry and it frees up my hands when I’m using it. This is of extra importance to me on those days I ride my motorcycle to work. I prefer to wear it rather than stuff it into some bike mounted case. This is the very backpack I used when I rode half of the Trans-America Trail earlier in the year. It’s Trail tested tough, with no issues to report.
The backpack has a simple profile with a TrackPoint inspired zipper pull
ThinkPad backpack interior with a myriad of compartments and a handy removable pouch
Ventilated padding and a “secret pocket”
All of the bags share an aesthetic theme, storage features, and design details. They do, however, vary in terms of configuration and materials they are constructed from. Most are primarily made from industrial strength nylon, but we do offer an executive genuine leather model. Leather is always interesting because it aquires a patina and softens over time. All the cases use an integral air cushion to protect your prized possession from extreme abuse. An elastic belt and velcro closure holds it securely in place.
Safe and snug
TrackPoint inspired zipper pull and related sheath
My favorite detail is the TrackPoint inspired zipper pull that appears on the bags most prominant compartment. The spherical shape looks great and makes it really easy to grasp, especially when compared to a more traditional flat pull. We tried to invent a way to use a real TrackPoint cap on the pull, so it could be used as a spare in case of emergency. We finally had to give up on the idea, we just needed more time to invent a way that guaranteed it wouldn’t fall off when you used it as a pull. Maybe the idea will resurface on next generation models.
ThinkPad branding
We chose to blind emboss the ThinkPad brand into the case and the shoulder straps. I like the embossed branding for it’s subtle quality and stealth factor, although at times I want it to shout ThinkPad a bit more. Maybe we should consider a high quality enameled badge for future cases?
David Hill
Lenovo Meet the Modder Dean Liou
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 2
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 1
Lenovo H320 desktop
August 21st, 2009 9:04 am
Nice backpack,
strangely you do not show the 2 things which should be most important on this system: The laptop compartment and the back.
The difference if a backpack is working for me or not is typicaly the back and the carring system in general. For cycling, or just a hasty sprint to a connection while commuting some ventilation on the back would be nice, and even more important a decent hipbelt.
The other thing I find strange on this backpack: the zippers are not weather protected at all. Do you only bike to work in nice weather or is there some rain cover build in? Even extending the outside tissue some 2 cm to flap across the zippers would help.
I am already quite some time in the market for a small backpack for laptops and with a hipbelt and decent weather resitance. Currently I just use good backpack, and the x60s get thrown in in a slightly modified padded envelope.
cheers
r.
August 21st, 2009 9:34 am
Take the “stealth factor” more seriously. Although I’ve carried only ThinkPads for ages, and have even bought your official backpack, I NEVER have carried a ThinkPad in a marked bag: why advertise which bag contains the easily stolen and easily fence-able ThinkPad? So I buy and use generic bags that don’t shout ThinkPad, using a padded sleeve to wrap the computer. Maybe you should focus on providing the best sleeve, which can go in generic bags? Either that, or remove the branding from outer bags.
August 21st, 2009 9:40 am
I’ll second the stealth factor, especially since many of us have to leave bags with Thinkpads in less than ideal locations sometimes.
You don’t want the bag to say “If you steal this, you’ll get a nice laptop”; you want it to say “If you steal this, you’ll get a math book and a peanut butter sandwich”. I’ve even had backpacks monogrammed, intentionally made them a little worn, etc. just to make them look less like they have a laptop.
Reminds me of a photographer who carries all of his expensive gear in an ugly diaper bag, complete with some real diapers in the outer pockets – never had a camera stolen, anywhere, even places like Harlem and Watts.
August 21st, 2009 9:53 am
Any chance you can design us Thinkpad model-specific slip cases/sleeves? This is one area where the vendor really has the upperhand by making it to exact specifications.
That sleeve can then be used with whatever larger bag the end user decides.
August 21st, 2009 10:21 am
ralf, I added a couple of other pictures to the post including the interior where my ThinkPad lives, and the back. Hope this helps.
August 21st, 2009 11:06 am
the arc’teryx-inspired zipper garage for the outside zipper pull is a great way to go. those are typically the first to get snagged, especially on conveyor belts.
+1 on what anonymous coward and simon karpen said. simon’s post made me laugh out loud. the concept of stealing a backpack and getting a math book and peanut butter sandwich cracked me up. it really puts the ’stealth’ concept into perspective.
kevin’s brings up a good point about making a sleeve. the one shown in the yamato blog here would be worth lenovo’s time in importing and offering to its customers. as shown in this photo, they’ve managed to integrate a classic trackpoint cap into the design. lenovo has no excuse now.
August 21st, 2009 11:27 am
+1 on stealth luggage and ThinkPad-branded sleeves. Another reason why I prefer to use sleeves is that it’s much easier to pull out the ThinkPad and leave it inside a no-metal sleeve while going through airport security.
P.S. If you decide to do sleeves, remember all of us 4:3 diehards and our X6x/T6x et al ThinkPads
August 21st, 2009 11:32 am
If you want to get a lot of constructive ideas for future thinkpad cases (especially backpacks) I would look at the targus corporate traveler backpack. I did tons of research before buying a backpack that would protect my thinkpad.
There are many unique functional things about this backpack that makes it stand out from the rest. Things like the ballistic 1680 denier nylon (which apparently is some of the strongest and most durable in the biz), the air cushion system surrounding 3 of the laptop sides, the zipper expansion feature that allows the backpack to do a stealth expansion if need be (I can fit 2 more text books), and the slip through sleeve in the back (for resting and securing the backpack on carry on roller suitcases).
What I really loved about this backpack was the particular attention they put when it came to the arm-straps. The amount of padding and the integrated handle that’s at the top really give off the feeling of quality. Also another thing to take note of is the plastic pull draw points that are integrated into the ends of the straps (you can subtlety see them here http://www.notebookreview.com/picture.asp?f=31141). Anyways, while some of these features may be patented or may bump up the price significantly, they may give you some other ideas for future products.
You can get a really good idea of what I’m talking about here:
http://www.targus.com/US/popup.....r+Backpack
Heres a review here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/.....ewsID=4268
Take care and great blog topic. James (Go gators!)
August 21st, 2009 11:42 am
its all very good… W700 need i say more. I have tryed hard and gave up. I cant find a prober bag that machinery.
August 21st, 2009 12:10 pm
Rumle, We do make a case for the W700. Check it out here http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILib.....47BDA13EC8
August 21st, 2009 12:35 pm
I’ve always tried to keep my laptop tote extremely light, and found the official Thinkpad bags a bit bulky, especially for the X series. http://pinderbags.com/laptop-c.....small.html is a rugged, simple, small bag that works perfect for me; I usually have an extra AC adapter at work anyway, but the bag is just big enough for an X60, the adapter, pen/paper and a few tiny gadgets. Unfortunately, it looks like Pinder is out of stock on the 12.1 inch, extra small bag, non-widescreen, in black :/
August 21st, 2009 12:39 pm
The only failure with this backpack (and nearly all Lenovo products) is that the website fails to highlight just how awesome they are.
Go to http://www.newegg.com and see what they do for product descriptions and photos. They take their own photos and write their own descriptions to make up for how bad vendors catalogs are.
August 21st, 2009 1:14 pm
+1 on stealth luggage and ThinkPad-branded sleeves
There should be more products made of leather.
Please make a sleeve for X200T that can fit 8 cell battery.
Once I saw X61s reserved edition. It was so gorgeous. Id buy something like that but rather at affordable price (no more than 150$). I saw Lenovo luxury cases but price is crazy. I know its custom colored and stuff but its not in my style
Oh and by the way please make WirelessUltraNav keyboard
Im looking for a replacement for my old wired keyboard. Please Lenovo do this for us 
Cheers !
August 21st, 2009 2:33 pm
Thanks for the update!
the venitilated Back seem like a really good solution. ( I write seems, since there is only one way to find ou: with your back).
The hidden pocket is a seriously good idea!
still the lack of a rain cover would likely stear me somewhere else.
cheers
r.
PS: Thanks a lot for following up on posts!
August 21st, 2009 4:42 pm
David, great bags and awesome designs. I currently use and love a Patagonia lightwire brief, but if it ever fails I will consider a ThinkPad bag.
Incorporating a trackpoint cap can probably be done by creating a zipper pull enclosure that “snaps shut” around the actual cap (which can be touched and viewed through a cutout. In that way the cap is secure and easily accessible.
Here’s a crude exploded side view:
|====== ======| <— enclosure half 1
/–\ <– cap
||
|================| <— enclosure half 2
August 21st, 2009 5:28 pm
I bought a ThinkPad Alpha Plus Case (22P5884) in 2002 with my first laptop, an A31p. It’s still going strong, now carrying my T60p (4:3 FlexView). I’ve yet to see another laptop bag I like better.
+1 on the “stealth factor.” One of the great things about this bag is that it doesn’t say anything at all on it anywhere (no “ThinkPad,” no “IBM” … Lenovo hadn’t bought ThinkPad yet). The only clue that it might be a laptop bag is the subtle red TrackPoint dot on the zipper pull.
August 21st, 2009 6:12 pm
Well, my backpack is soon to fall to pieces. But it doesn’t seem to me that I’m going to buy this… the interior looks good. But I carry a lot of stuff.
My backpack usually weighs in at between 5 and 8 kg. And that is my ThinkPad, loads of papers and and blocks (all sized A4) and a few books… that’s school.
In addition I need a lot of small compartments and sleeves (like yours seem to have) for things like USB sticks, memory cards, emergency food (got a bad stomach), pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, Rubiks Cube…
A few things needs more space but can’t be in the same place as the ThinkPad, papers and books. This is the AC adapter, my 3D navigation device, my calculator and a few other cables and stuff. Once in a while my soundcard. These are the ones that normally is a problem, and so with this one too (from what I see).
And it has too be really water resistant. I walk to school while the sky is falling down on my head – jacket and shoes with the phenomenon Gore-Tex keep me from being soaked when I arrive. And then I want to use my ThinkPad…
And on that incorporating the TrackPoint cap, I’d like to continue on the idea of Alex.
I’m a trying a section view:
_ _____
/ \
\==^======/
I never knew ASCII art was that hard!
Well, I might have been quicker in CAD… but you get the idea, right?
A hole in the top part to see it and feel it, a pin in the bottom part that holds it in place. I’d think it’s doable.
August 21st, 2009 6:17 pm
oops, something went wrong with that drawing. Anybody has an explanation as to why a few characters were left out?
Another go at that one:
a __ _____ b
a / \ b
a \==^=====/ b
August 21st, 2009 6:19 pm
it seems to be deleting my blanks, as well as a few other things like these <
August 21st, 2009 6:59 pm
O8h7w, I saw your comment in the blog dashboard but not sketches. I can’t explain it, but I would love to see it.
August 21st, 2009 7:34 pm
surround your text in <pre> </pre> tags and you should be ok.
test:
OOO
OOOO
OOO OOOOOOO OOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO OOO OOO OOOOOOO
OOOO OOOO OOO OOO OOOO OOOO OOO OOO OOO OOOO OOO
OOO OOO .. OOO OOO OOO OOO OOOOOOO OOO OOOO
OOOO OOOOOO OOOO OOOO OOOOOO OOOOOO OOOOOOO
August 21st, 2009 7:35 pm
nope… that doesn’t work. <pre> tags must not be allowed in comments. oh well.
August 22nd, 2009 1:45 pm
David, is it possible that you asks people who maintain the Lenovo website to make a page dedicate to these Thinkpad cases, with a lot of large photos showcasing every detail/feature of these cases?
Currently I can only find these cases on
Lenovo.com > Home > Products > Accessories & upgrades > Carrying Cases
with some generic description and a single tiny photo for each case. This is not helpful for making purchase decision at all.
Photos like those you posted above are welcome. Some photos showing the case next to, or carrying, a Thinkpad for size comparison would be great too.
August 22nd, 2009 2:32 pm
I’m using the same backpack and love it.
But one issue: there is no shielded pockets for UltraBay devices.
August 22nd, 2009 3:15 pm
David and readers: I would like to know if somehow saw this backpack before.
http://img195.imageshack.us/i/dsc00016pqf.jpg/
http://img31.imageshack.us/i/dsc00017vuc.jpg/
http://img194.imageshack.us/i/dsc00018rdq.jpg/
http://img29.imageshack.us/i/dsc00019ltz.jpg/
Besides this one, I haven’t had notice of other Thinkpad-branded convertible (backpack+handpack) carrying case.
The backpacks on store like the one featured on this post weights five times more than the one I’m talking about.
Thanks (i’m sorry for using that poor image hosting)
August 22nd, 2009 4:50 pm
Boris you may try this ( http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkP.....286.c0.m14 )
But Im not sure its genuine.
I have X200 Ultrabase with UltraBay HDD adapter and DVD-RW. And I also dont have a safe place for that DVD-RW drive
August 23rd, 2009 1:06 am
It would be great to have something like a limited edition ThinkPad x Porter collection.
August 23rd, 2009 5:47 am
No belt on the backpack.
I’ve been shopping for a backpack to replace my six-year-old Targus. That backpack has a wide padded waist belt, just like a *real* backpack.
But all the ones I’ve seen at the local stores are like this ThinkPad backpack: arm straps only.
A waist belt on a backpack lets you take all the weight off your shoulders. I wouldn’t buy one without it.
August 23rd, 2009 8:25 am
Hi,
usually i don’t like the nylon of which the thinkpad bags i saw so far were made of…
Make your bags heavy duty! Take something similar to cordura.
I myself am into Crumpler. I dropped my backpacks several times without effect on the contained thinkpads. They were only harmed, when i fell on them in bike accidents. But even then, i only saw cracks and bendings by my weight, no scratches, damaged edges and stuff. These bags are themself a fluffy but strong and supporting cushioning to the laptops. During light rain they are proof, during (very) hard rain (the type where an umbrella turns useless), i use an addional rain cover. Those bags do not need a hipbelt due to their great carrying system. btw i only use hipbelts that are really taking of load, and this starts around 10 kg. Not what i want to have in my daypack. A very good system comes from MacPack in the Pursuit model. Nearly inexistent but takes 15kgs with easy from your shoulders.
+1 for stealth
+1 for a neoprene sleeve that really fits my thinkpad (Ok, you have quite a lot of form factors, i admit…)
+1 for a (what crumpler calls) slip, a sheet to put between screen and keyboard. And yes, also Thinkpads need this, i saw a lot of middle-row keys and trackpoint engraved into screens.
cheers
Hecke
August 23rd, 2009 9:23 am
Hecke, Thanks for the feedback on cases. I would not suggest use of a slip sheet between the keyboard and screen. There is very little clearance engineered between the two in order to create the slimmest ThinkPad possible. Adding a “slip” would consume the tolerance and risk screen damage.
August 23rd, 2009 3:56 pm
Hi Dave,
thanks for the immediate reply.
Currently on my T60p i use some synthetic cloth which is very thin, so no danger from this side. But after three and a half years of carrying it around on my bike, i begin to see the trackpoint and its neighbourhood on the screen:-(
So, can you advise me how to save my screen from key marks, when i (hopefully) get my T400s in the near future? Is this covered by the three years warranty? From time to time i will have to squeeze it between lots of other stuff. Usually i make sure to have the most rigid A4-items right on top of the lid, but anyway, there will be pressure…
Oh, and i wanted to add
+1 for the ultrabay pocket. For me it would ideally be made of neoprene as well.
best,
Hecke
August 23rd, 2009 5:47 pm
I too see the TrackPoint mark on my screen…
+1 Stealth
+1 Fitting sleeve
+1 Ultrabay pocket
+1000 Heavy duty rain protection!
I will probably buy a Crumpler bag. Here in Sweden we’ve got some great student deals on those…
@David:
Flattered that *you* care to see my designs…
I’ll make a CAD model of that instead, should look way better. But how to get it to you? I recommend you email me at ” linus . schonstrom (at) glocalnet.net ” and tell me what file types you can handle. Until I know I’ll shot for a good .dwg drawing. But give me a few days, I’m kind of busy.
August 23rd, 2009 7:53 pm
i just put my laptop in my jansport backpack, inside a sleeve. it works fine, and i can remove the computer carrying parts when i don’t carry a computer.
August 24th, 2009 2:20 am
O8h7w, if you go for a Crumpler, make sure you held them personally. I had to return one bought online as its compartments did not fit my needs which was not obvious from the photos on the net. They are usually very different from other backpacks due to their strict partitioning. Which, if you found the right one for you, is perfect.
Ben, i thought so as well, until i realized that the occasions where i use the pack without notebook inside are very rare, so i opted for a pack that is no compromise but fully fits my commuting on the bike. To be honest i’m a bit a fetishist on packs. Lets count… four in regular use, another five with *very* specialized use like carrying my kite equipment, not to speak of child carriers and bike saddlebags.
Dave, about the Trackpoint Cap inclusion i had a flash on a zipper pull with a knobby end, where the Cap can sit inside. But one point against is (which youve got anyway) how to get the cap if you really need it, if its fixed enough not to fall off during the daily abuse. The other one became obvious when i pictured it. It would surely been banned into the adult section of stores:-9
cheers
Hecke
August 24th, 2009 2:20 am
My favorite Thinkpad case is my old X20’s portfolio case which happily fits around my X200 as well.
It’s a good liner to throw the laptop into another bag without a dedicated, padded compartment. It’s also good on its own for quick dashes around town, or for having the laptop around the seating area on long flights, without having to go back to the stowed carry-on each time.
If there’s one thing about getting thin, lightweight laptops, it’s that I don’t want to then offset all the gains with some bulky, heavy bag that weighs more than its contents!
August 24th, 2009 3:11 am
totally offtopic, but i was not able to find out on the less-than-user-friendly Lenovo website:
Is there a USB keyboard with Trackpoint in the T400s design including a number pad, like the non-travel variant of the Ultra-Nav keyboard?
thanks
Hecke
August 24th, 2009 4:38 pm
@ Hecke,
thankyou for the warning. I was about to maybe do the same mistake. I’ll look for a real shop that has them, and then I’ll buy it online… that is actually my standard way of purchasing things!
All well, in return I’ll search the crappy Lenovo site for you tomorrow. As far as I know I don’t think that exists, but I will give it a go.
August 24th, 2009 5:48 pm
If I could, I’d buy this backpack in leather.
I visit clients in NYC, Chicago and Saint Louis. A backpack screams college, but a leather backpack screams collegiant and business like.
I’ve not found any leather ThinkPad inspired back packs… if anyone knows of any, please let me know.
August 25th, 2009 2:29 am
O8h7w, thanks for the offer, but do not spend too much time on it. I regurlarly get lost in these pages, and am sure that it leads to brain damage.
I recommend that you figure quite well what you want to carry around each day before you look for crumpler bags. Currently i use ‘the belly’ in M, which looks at first sight very low in volume, but it holds all that i need during commuting and on conferences, the two occasions where i carry a laptop.
My former one was the ‘team player’ in XL, which is the most convertible bag, i guess, as you can remove the laptop compartment and have a big one-compartmental bag. But in this one i did not have enough space for papers in the laptop pouch, and in the big pocket they were not protected enough.
good luck
Hecke
August 25th, 2009 1:26 pm
The case interiors really ought to be thinkpad red!
August 25th, 2009 3:53 pm
Ian, We have made cases in the past with red interiors. I like it, but some people think it is a bit flashy. Curious what others think.
August 25th, 2009 4:52 pm
I got Leather Executive Case. Actually didnt use it really yet
But I would prefer it to have that great blue colour of interior as Leather Ultraportable Case has 
Exterior is excellent same as interior( here I mean all pockets and stuff).
Hope to wear this beauty fully loaded soon
Sadly cause there arent any good pictures on the internet I was a bit worried about how it will work out. But its okay and Im satissfied
But sometime Id go for something ligher Id love to have X200 Tablet sleeve that would fit 8 cell bat.
I use Leather Executive Case to carry with me X200 Tablet and Ultrabase power brick and all other stuff. But for everyday Id love to have good sleeve or that amazing, beautiful sleeve that had Thinkpad Reserved Edition X61s yummmmy
Cheers !
Cheers !
August 25th, 2009 5:07 pm
red on the inner?
Sounds like a nice idea.
But experience shows that chosing the opposite of what i consider as nice is more compatible with majorities
August 26th, 2009 5:24 pm
@Hecke: I tried, not putting too much time into it, and it seems all external keyboards still has the older key layout. Let’s just hope that’s about to change
Red interior? Like, TrackPoint red? Think again please… how would you find a lost TrackPoint in that?
I think light grey is near the ideal interior colour, maybe it should have a slight accent of dark olive green. It’s all about finding stuff as quick as possible, and annoyingly, half of the stuff you want to find is black and the other half is mostly grey – and that is light grey…
August 26th, 2009 9:35 pm
I have seen a number of comments regarding better showcasing of the cases online. Regarding Lenovo.com, here is a link which does a good job showing the case features and additional images.
http://www.lenovo.com/ThinkPadCaseShowcase
August 27th, 2009 1:51 am
Fletcher, thanks for the link (don’t know what the Lenovo site did, but i had to enter it manually otherwise is was redirected to the start page).
This seems to be a good start. What i miss is way more details as well as enlargements of the pictures for a closer look. For example i would be curious about the volume, sizes of compartments, carrying system, mechanics of the trolley-features, materials, water resistance, weight, etc.
August 27th, 2009 1:52 am
Oh, and O8h7w: thanks a lot for your effort!
August 30th, 2009 5:28 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this blog post. I never realized the amount of detail and thought that goes into the design of a laptop bag. I loved concept of the silver grey interior. It makes total sense.
Do you know of any articles/blogs that cover ladies laptop bags in detail? I am looking for ladies laptop backpacks that are fashionable and chic.
Once again, I loved the post.
August 30th, 2009 10:25 pm
charles… the X200 tablet sleeve does accomodate the extended battery. it comes with padding that goes right on top of the battery.
September 3rd, 2009 11:24 pm
The backpack looks wonderful. I particularly like that it can hold an external CD/DVD drive (and what looks like an external hard drive, too). Unfortunately, I think my loyalty to ThinkPad laptops is only equaled by my loyalty to Tumi luggage.
September 9th, 2009 4:18 pm
Instead of a soft sleeve, how about an aluminum “sleeve” like a miniature zero Haliburton case with padding inside, but protected from any crushing. Light and strong. With the right closure, it can be waterproof.
I can stand on my zero haliburton briefcase, and it’s lasted me 35 years. Alas, the combination lock is not waterproof.
tOM
September 10th, 2009 5:10 pm
Give us this, please!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....907966024/
September 23rd, 2009 7:26 am
nice…!!!
September 23rd, 2009 5:06 pm
Hi david,
i bought this backpack about a year ago, and i’ve used it lightly since i interchangably use it with my messenger bag. let’s say i have used it for 60 days during a year. carrying a x60,adapter,bt mouse, wallet, cellphone, keys, 2 pens, 1 a4 scratch book, a calculator (just to picture what’s inside relating it to the weight).
suddenly i found out one of the shoulder strap is already ripped open and exposing the padding foam (seems like the stitches just didn’t hold well. i do know how long before the ripped part got larger, but i guess it will in no time.
When buying this backpack i did notice ‘limited lifetime warranty’ accompanied this backpack without knowing what it really meant.
So, is this the kind of damage that is covered by this misterious warranty? (i could not find anywhere on the web as to what limited lifetime warranty refers to).
For others that may experience the same thing, your reply is much appreciated too.
September 25th, 2009 12:57 pm
JWID – I experienced the same issue with this backpack. I lugged the backpack around with me though out New York for two months and the had the same issue with one of the straps breaking. I called Lenovo and mentioned the lifetime warranty. They had me order a new backpack (had to pay for this up front) and sent a label for me to return the damaged backpack. I was refunded for the full purchase price once I returned the damaged backpack. Good luck.
October 7th, 2009 7:03 am
@alvin: thanks for sharing… i’ve contacted lenovo and now they appointed someone to take care and it is in process. not bad for the service quality so far.
October 23rd, 2009 12:52 am
its been like 2 weeks since my last post above. Just want to share that after contacting lenovo representative, they refuse to make a replacement for the backpack has been more than 1 year old. After mentioning that it has lifetime warranty, they gave me a phone number which they mentioned to be targus phone number. Targus made this backpack and Targus is the one who offer the lifetime warranty?
i know this is not about design matters in anyway, but i guess it’s worth sharing
November 1st, 2009 10:25 am
@jwid – sorry to hear of your trouble getting a replacement. I would order a new bag and return the old in it’s place during your 30 day trial. Wrong thing to do? No, the wrong thing is having a manufacturer not honor their warranty promise.
November 20th, 2009 6:35 pm
Jwid – I’m a Sr. Product Manager at Targus that manages our Global development for Lenovo. Send me an email with your contact information and I will be sure to get you a backpack to replace your defective one. We 100% stand behind our products. tgormick@targus.com Thanks – Todd
December 17th, 2009 10:43 pm
Shortly after, a shipment tracking number was emailed to me and the replacement backpack has arrived as scheduled. I personally thank everyone who made this happened without a slightest drama involved, and particularly Mr.Todd.
January 31st, 2010 5:03 pm
Any of them have a decent hip belt (preferably with a sternum strap)? I have a bad back and that is an important matter for me.