The search for the perfect iPod bag
Thursday, May 5th, 2005
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My most recent iPod purchase was a new carrying case. Since I rarely go anywhere now without all of my iPod’s accessories (including my iBook) I need a pretty spacious bag. At first I just used a backpack. This solution solved the volume problem of an iPod case, but it just wasn’t stylish enough. I mean, most iPod cases scream “Hey! There’s something really cool in here!” But my backpack just said “Yah, so maybe there’s some books and a folder or two in here.” I wanted to make a bolder statement. I wanted to express more of my personality. I didn’t see price as a consideration. Nothing was too good for my iPod. So I researched the problem online. Googling for “iPod case” didn’t return anything big enough for my needs, and the stores I went to were of no service. “No,” I’d tell the customer service representative. “Don’t you have something any bigger?”
I don’t know where I first heard of my perfect iPod bag. Maybe I had googled for “messenger bag” or something like that, and it returned a company in San Francisco called Timbuk2. They make all kinds of bags and totes. Really cool ones, too.
At first I ordered their “Commute” laptop bag in black and gray. It’s in the messenger style with the over-the-head and across-the-shoulder fashion. Lots of pockets for the iPod, headphones and other accessories. In the back of the bag is a specially padded compartment for the laptop.
That night I had a premonition that I’d rather have a different bag. I realized I already had a protective sleeve to put my laptop in, so why do I need a dedicated laptop bag with the extra protected pocket? Couldn’t I just put my current laptop sleeve inside a plain messenger bag? And this way the bag could also be used for other things besides toting my iPod and iPod accessories.
So the next day I went back to the Timbuk2 web site to find their customer service contact information. I sent an e-mail asking if my order had already shipped, and if it hadn’t, how hard would it be to change my order to a different bag. They quickly replied and stated that my order had already shipped. Bummer. But I could easily return the first order and receive a credit for my new bag.
All that next week I waiting in anticipation for the delivery. When it arrived I opened up the box and gazed on the coolest laptop bag I had ever seen. It was beautiful. I would have been completely happy to carry my iPod and iBook in this bag. It was cooler than I had imagined. But as I had decided, I repacked it and sent it back to California.
Now the fun part began. At Timbuk2.com you can create a custom messenger bag. First you choose from four different sizes from purse-sized small to duffle bag sized extra-large. I opted for the backpack-sized medium.
The next choice is fabric and colors. There are three vertical panels on the messenger bags. Each of these panels can be customized with a different color. I chose the ballistic nylon fabric. The colors were a harder choice. I felt that the choice of the perfect colors was essential to my final satisfaction with the bag. I agonized over this, but I finally settled on olive, kakhi, and coffee. Earth tones. I’m an outdoorsy type who camps and hikes and the muted dark colors would go with the woods and wetlands I often find myself trekking through. Of course most of the time I wouldn’t be camping with it, I’d be carrying my iPod. Since my iPod is white, it matches the custom colors just fine.
Next up on the web site’s ordering options is customizable features like an extra inside divider and a “grab handle.” Don’t think you are ever going to carry your messenger bag like a briefcase? Then don’t bother with the handle. Want to carry around bulky objects in your bag? Then don’t get the divider pocket. Even the color of the interior lining can be customized. Finally, you can choose whether you need any of the cell phone cases, other accessories or different reflectors on the straps.
I placed my order and eagerly awaited delivery. After all of 5 days it arrived via UPS. I had it shipped to my workplace. I tore open the box and beheld my messenger bag in all its glory. The colors were even better than I imagined from the ordering process. They were perfect. They were beautiful. The construction is so rugged and the craftsmanship is impressive. This was the ultimate iPod case. The quintessential bag to tote my laptop in. I slipped my computer in its sleeve into the new bag. It fit wonderfully. Better than I could have hoped for. I know I must sound like a fanatic, but I’m truly serious about these bags. They are amazing. The only negative thing I’d say is that I should have ordered the optional shoulder padding to make it a bit more comfortable to carry long distances. My iPod fits nicely in one of the inside packets. There’s a zipper pouch to hold my cords and headphones. There’s even a fob to hold your keys. The people at Timbuk2 have overlooked nothing in creating this bag. I recommend them whole heartedly. They’re a bit on the pricey side, but well worth the cost, just like the iPod.
I found my perfect bag. It’s all part of the iPod experience. Go crazy and accessorize your iPod with the perfect bag. Anyone who loves their iPod knows that only the best will do.
Laura Metz is the Graphic Artist for the City of Lansing, Michigan where she runs the design and production of the in-house graphics for the print shop. Her enthusiasm for Apple and her iPod is superseded only by the love for her greyhound, Gracie.
