TOM BIHN, Waterfield offer cases for 17" Unibody MBP

TOM BIHN, a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of notebook bags, has announced nine backpacks, messenger bags, and briefcases for Apple's 17-inch aluminium MacBook Pro. Three of these designs include the Checkpoint Flyer, the Size 1 Brain Cell, and the Super Ego. The Checkpoint Flyer is a bag designed to allow users to send their notebook through the x-ray machine at an airport checkpoint, without worrying about damage to the computer inside. The bag is made from 8mm-thick thermo-molded closed cell foam that surrounds a notebook and protects against bumps and scratches, though not water.

The Size 1 Brain Cell -- a case made with 8mm-thick soft foam padding, and a 12mm-thick strip of memory foam inside a 4mm hard plastic shell -- is claimed to protect a notebook from back to front. To gain full protection, users must carry the case horizontally.

The Super Ego is a large messenger bag, designed for people who need to carry a lot of accessories with their computer. With an interchangeable strip of fabric on the front flap and three shoulder straps to choose from, the bag contains light padding and is the only one capable of fitting a size 2XL Brain Cell inside.

WaterField Designs has also revealed a case for the 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro, the 17-3 SleeveCase. Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a ballistic nylon shell, it provides both horizontal and vertical carrying options and has a piggyback accessory pouch that can be added for additional storage.

The TOM BIHN products come in various prices, with the Checkpoint Flyer set at $220, the Size 1 Brain Cell at $60, and the Super Ego at $150. For the WaterField SleeveCase, users can expect a price of $45 for the 17-3, and different prices for other custom sizes.