PowerBook Mystique Review - STM Loop Laptop Backpack
(Plus Mailbag)
by Charles W. Moore
Australia's Standard Technical Merchandise has designed a very attractive range of laptop and camera bags, backpacks, and cases marketed under the slogan "luggage for the global digerati." In the U.S., STM Backpacks are distribited by the Apple laptop accessories specialists at RadTech.
RadTech offers three STM Backpack models, the Loop, the Sports, and the Sphere. Our review unit is the STM Loop, which comes in two sizes. We checked out the smaller variant, suitable for the 12" iBook and 12" PowerBook, as well as the 14" iBook. For larger 'Books up to and including the 17" PowerBook, the larger-sized Loop or the Sports will be appropriate. The Sphere is also for 12" 'Books.
I was already familiar with STM backpacks. My daughter has been using an STM Sports to tote her laptops (and much else) for the past three years at university ‹ first with a PowerBook 5300, then a couple of 1400s, and most recently her new 1.2 GHz G4 iBook. Frequently stuffed tightly with heavy textbooks as well as Apple 'Books, the backpack has stood up well. Nothing has broken, ripped, pulled off, or otherwise failed, which speaks well of STM's quality of materials and construction.
The first impression I formed of the Loop, which held up on closer investigation, is that it shares the same high-quality materials and excellent standard of workmanship as my daughter's Sports backpack. The main construction material is "dobby" ripstop nylon which STM says is treated with "PU coating" for extra strength and water resistance. Hardware includes PKK self-healing zippers and Duraflex polycarbonate buckles and clips, all of which work smoothly and feel robust. Inner and outer protective padding is made from 25 mm high-density closed cell foam.
Checking out the Loop backpack's features from the outer face in, the first layer has a zip-closure pouch behind the front center outer panel, as well as a self closing aperture for an earphone or headset cable so you can listen to your iPod or CD player en route with it safely stowed inside the backpack.
Inside the first of three internal full-depth compartments is a CD player/iPod pocket with a Velcro-fastened nylon retaining strap, and below that another zip-closure pocket. On the facing side we find a net pocket with elasticized hem, two nylon pockets for smallish peripherals or accessories such as iPods, PDAs, cameras and mobile phones. plus a pen or pencil pocket, and a detachable key fob. The main compartment aperture itself will accommodate larger items. There is plenty of room for my iBook's AC adapter and a small optical mouse and USB hub I take on the road with me, and well as a LapWorks Laptop Desk UltraLite or a Contour NoteRiser, or other modestly-sized laptop stand.
The central compartment is designed to hold a laptop, with foam padding all round and a nylon upholstered foam spacer cushion at the bottom which can be inserted or removed to accommodate 12 inch or 14-inch 'Books. This compartment closes with a waterproof zipper.
Actually, you can carry two 12" 'Books in this backpack as the rear compartment can also accommodate a computer, albeit with less padding at the back and sides. My daughter has carried the 5300 and 1400 together in her Sports. My 12" iBook fit nicely inside the Loop backpack's center compartment and also in the rear compartment with plenty of room to spare. The center compartment's padding seems ample to efficiently protect the 'Book. All the STM backpacks have suspended laptop compartments so that when placed in the bag correctly, the computer will never touch the ground through the wall of the backpack. I didn't have a 14" iBook to try, but it should fit as well, albeit more snugly than a 12" unit. This backpack can also accommodate older, smallish PowerBooks like the 1400 or 5300, but for G3 Series machines and clamshell iBooks as well as the 15" and 17" PowerBooks you will want to opt for one of the larger STM backpacks.
The right side of the Loop backpack has an open pocket with elasticized opening, and there is another on the left hand side that also incorporates a zip-closure outer pocket.
The shoulder harness, or "ergonomic back system" as STM calls it, incorporates padded, curved, shoulder straps and a Velcro-fastened waist strap. There are two full depth, kidney-shaped, foam pads that contact the wearer's back for added comfort, and which also provide an extra measure of protection to the pack's internal contents. I find the Loop backpack quite comfortable.
Other thoughtful touches include adjustable side compression straps with Duraflex buckles for snugging up or expanding the Loops's internal capacity; and I particularly like the rubber carry-handle at the top of the pack for carrying the sports briefcase-style on short hops.
All of the STM backpack models are designed to not stand out as laptop/camera cases. In appearance, they look like stylish regular backpack, making them less conspicuous targets for thieves.
Transporting a 17". notebook requires a larger than average bag, solid protection and disguise against theft. The larger Loop model can provide all this and more, with waterproof zippered notebook sections and removable spacer pads (there is one of these in the smaller Loop I tested as well), creating a space that is adaptable to fit any 'Book with displays measuring up to 17in.
As noted, the zipper on the laptop section is self-healing and waterproof. All fabrics are also water-resistant, providing reasonable protection from the elements. There's ample space for books, folders, peripherals, etc.
STM Loop features and benefits:
Loop General Features
• Front section with numerous pockets
• Rear section for books and folders
• Innovative headphone / cable portal
• Padded pockets to protect delicates
• Waterproof zipper on notebook section
• Ergonomic and comfortable wearing
• Removable and rugged key fob clip
• Rugged, removable nylon waist strap
• Contoured, comfortable rubber handle
Large Loop Specifics
• Accommodates up to 17in. displays
• 35 cu. liter capacity
Small Loop Specifics
• Accommodates up to 12in. displays
• Up to 14in. in padded rear section
• 20 cu. liter capacity
Price range: $74.95-$94.95
The 12" Loop backpack comes in a Charcoal/Forest livery, with the 14"-17" Loop is available in Charcoal/Black/Red or Black/Charcoal/Light Gray
For more information, visit:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/Backpacks.aspx
PowerBook Mystique Mailbag
Pismos Rule!
Pismo
Pismo B-day
3400 series Replacement Battery
Just read your Happy Birthday Pismo Article
Pismos Rule!
From Ravi
Hi Charles,
Great to read your long term assessment of the Powerbook Pismo.
I bought a Pismo G3 400MHz back in early 2002, in near mint condition. After a few weeks I had it upgraded, via OWC, to 1Gb RAM and 40Gb Toshiba MK4019GAX 5400 drive. I was so pleased with the quality of the unit that I decided to plunge for the G4 550MHz Daystar upgrade last summer. Daystar provides the best service in the industry. Never looked back! Performance has been excellent.
Last week I upgraded the internal drive to a Hitachi/IBM 60Gb 7200 rpm. It's been amazingly quiet and very fast indeed. OS X 10.3.8 rocks!
Where to next? Well, I want to put in a Superdrive with a matching faceplate (most probably from Gary at Daystar). Also I have been using a D-link USB Bluetooth for a few years and now want to place the bluetooth adapter internal to the Pismo. Speaking to Daystar this week, it appears that they will upgrade your Pismo with an internal Bluetooth for a great price. As long as I can use a Bluetooth headset with it I'll go for it. Longer term I do see replacing the 60Gb with a fast 100Gb. Of course , like all Pismo owners I wish there was a way to upgrade the video chip.
...oh, the Pismo is such great Powerbook that I could not resist going for a near mint Pismo G3 500Mhz/20Gb, on Ebay recently, with all the extras and original packaging - batteries, adaptors, case, Zip drive, Superdisk drive and a PCMCIA iRez video capture card. It's my backup system for the future!
Regards,
Ravi
Hi Ravi;
Thanks for the great report and news about Bluetooth upogrades.
Rock on!
Charles
From Chris Umbricht
Charles,
Nice write-up.
One facet I would have weighed a bit differently is the impact of the HD. When I was contemplating the switch to OS X and was worried about performance, I was also tempted to go for a G4 upgrade, which were just coming out. I decided to wait a bit to see some reports on those upgrades, since sending off the pismo for the work seemed a bit over to top... Instead, I put in the 60GB 7200 rpm Hitachi drive.
To my surprise, that (and maxing out RAM) led to a huge performance boost, and I have yet to feel the need to exchange my G3500, running X.3.8 and apps like office, Photoshop, canvas, JMP, etc...
C.
Hi Chris;
I'm sure your 7200 RPM drive was a big performance booster. If you have a GB of RAM, that would help a lot too. I have only 640 MB.
However my 5400 RPM HD upgrade went in after the G4 upgrade, and it was the G4 that provided the most dramatic speed increase.
Charles
From Craig A. Haney
You forgot to mention the MachSpeed Control that comes with the Daystar upgrade. it makes a big difference. the latest software version is 3.1.0a
i am still on my Pismo but am seriously considering moving to the 1.67 Powerbook ( for development purposes) and the Pismo video can't beupgraded :( .
Craig
Hi Craig;
Right you are. I must check to see if the version I have is up to date.
Thanks for the heads-up
Charles
3400 series Replacement Battery
From Nancy Slajus
Can you direct me to a source for a Macintosh PowerBook Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery for Series 3400?
Model Number: M3654 Li-Ion
When ones pays nearly $5,000 for a computer that works well for one's needs, it shouldn't be made obsolete by the absence of an internal battery!
N. Slajus
Hi Nancy;
I agree, but 3400 batteries are getting tough to find.
Here are a few sources:
http://www.powerbookguy.com/3400.html
http://www.applelaptopbattery.com/?CMP=KNC-goog25 $69.00
http://www.batteryvalues.com/site/1/Modelselect/7/25/3770873/show.aspx
Charles
(New and used}
Re: 3400 series Replacement Battery
From Nancy Slajus
Thanks, Charles!
Since the lithium battery seems to last about 4 - 5 years, would it be wise to get two (2)? If they're hard to find now, what will it be like the next time?
I'm not using it for most things now, but it's handy and it has a lot of information on it.
Appreciate any advice you can give...thanks.
Nancy
Hi Nancy;
Actually, the projected lifespan of a well-maintained LiIon battery is about 18 months - two years, although that varies widely. My 1998 WallStreet PowerBook is still going strong on its original battery, while my October, 2000 Pismo has gone through two batteries and currently is in sore need of another.
THe problem with "stocking up" is that these batteries deteriorate whether you use them or not. If you do get two, rotate them, and keep the spare in a cool place (but not the refrigerator).
It's difficult to predict, but I think your surmise is correct. Battery availablity for older laptops is always a diminishing resource.
All good things must come to an end. The machine is of course usable plugged in even with a bad battery.
Charles
Just read your Happy Birthday Pismo Article
From Mike
I bought a Tibook 500 when it was new, having worked at CompUSA. Then I bought an 867 TiBook which I loved. Have a Cube, along with a few G3's around too. The Pismo I bought used, decent shape but wow. 1 GB of RAM. Still on it's original HD and debating how much longer and what upgrade path but wow. The other thing too is even though I never had any paint issues at all with either TiBook, I know I am in the minority apparently, I don't feel bad about hauling this one around. It now needs a new battery and DVD drive, but I am still enamored with this little thing. Great article.
Mike
BTW Don't happen to not need that old DVD drive anymore do you? ;-)
Hi Mike;
Glad you've had good luck with your TiBook and the old Pismo can still "wow" me too.
I think I'll hang on to my OEM DVD-ROM drive, but the PowerBook Guy has both complete drives and the internal mechanisms.
Another option to consider if your DVD drive needs replacing is this combo drive from Wegener Media, again both complete modules and install-it-yourself units:
Or even a SuperDrive from Fastmac:
Charles
http://www.powerbookguy.com/pismo.html
http://www.wegenermedia.com/pismoslotdrives.htm
http://store.fastmac.com/
