There are an almost unlimited number of options for someone looking for a laptop bag. Finding any carrying case for your laptop, netbook or tablet is easy; it’s finding the best bag for you that’s the challenge.
One of the disadvantages of using a laptop on the go is that they tend to get hot, which means using a laptop in your lap for extended periods can be uncomfortable. The Trabasack aims to solve that problem by merging the functionality of a laptop bag with the convenience of a lap tray, all while being easy to use for people with disabilities. Thanks to Duncan at Trabasack for sending me this bag for review.
Click the link below for the full review:
As of this review the Trabasack is currently not available in the US, but the creators are planning to work with some American online retailers to find an appropriate seller.
The Trabasack is, first and foremost, a satchel. It comfortably fits a 15″ laptop, a netbook or an iPad. This version of the Trabasack is not festooned with an abundance of smaller pockets and compartments, so it’s probably not considered a “gadget bag”. But the Trabasack’s one main compartment is very roomy and has plenty of space for a a laptop, a few books and some other peripherals. There is one zippered pocket on the inside of the bag where the removable bean-bag cushion is stored. This pocket also has some room for other items, so you could probably use it to store things if you needed. The outside of the bag is what separates this product from other similar offerings. If you are wheelchair-bound or have a physical impairment that makes handling other laptop bags difficult, the Trabasack may be what you’re looking for.
The main unique feature of the Trabasack is it’s flat side which doubles as a lap tray. The “bottom” of the bag is cushioned to keep the tray stable on your lap. The bean-bag cushion can be removed from the Trabasack (The instructions included with this version of the Trabasack indicated that the bean-bag can be removed so you can throw your Trabasack in the washing machine. I can’t imagine that the stiff tray surface of the bag would really hold up in a washing machine, so I’m not sure this advice applies to this particular version of the Trabasack). Rasing the bag up off your lap also keeps the heat from your laptop away from your legs. The “top” of the Trabasack is made of a leather-like material stretched over a stiff surface. The surface is bordered by a thick rolled cushion that prevents things from sliding or rolling off the tray. The tray surface can also be handy for eating a quick snack or a meal on a train or bus, or for reading — basically in any situation where you need a stable, firm surface.
The curved design of the Trabasack conforms to the curve of your body when resting against you as a lap tray. The internal bean-bag cushion is filled with what seems like polystyrene beads, which adds almost no weight to the bag and helps to keep your lap cool.
The tray surface of the Trabasack Curve is the perfect size for an iPad, and also fits netbooks and laptops 15″ or smaller. I couldn’t fit my 17″ widescreen Thinkpad inside, so anyone with laptops that size or larger will be out of luck. But anything smaller should fit just fine. The tray surface is textured with a leather pattern that gives the tray a nice grip to keep things from sliding around; that’s a nice touch.
It is clear the that many features of the Trabasack Curve were engineered to be easy to use by person’s with disabilities or some loss of dexterity. The designers managed to incorporate many of these features without sacrificing quality or function. The perimter of the Trabasack Curve is adorned with rings for attaching the included straps in different configurations. The Trabasack can be converted from a shoulder bag into a backpack by unhooking the straps from the plastic loops and repositioning them. The straps can also be used to hang the Trabasack onto the back of a wheelchair, a mode that is shown clearly in the product’s packaging and instruction guide.
While I am lucky enough not to have any physical disabilities, I can imagine that people with limited or impaired dexterity in their hands would have trouble grasping a standard-sized zipper pull. The zipper pulls on the Trabasack’s main compartment are adorned with large steel rings which can be easily grasped with a single finger.
The straps are also designed with a handy feature: there is a large “disconnect” button on each strap which means you can detach the straps very easily, even with a closed fist. This button is a variation on the ubiquitous “squeeze clips” that can be found on many items from backpacks to dog collars. But this design requires much less pressure to release.
Included with the Trabasack Curve are two additional straps which allow you to tie the bag to a bike or other object.
I always have my laptop with me when I travel, but I rarely have a comfortable laptop tray. Trays simply take up too much room. The Trabasack Curve is an inventive marriage of laptop bag and tray. Many features which can be found on standard multi-purpose bags have been reimagined and reengineered on the Trabasack to make it more versatile and easier to use.
The Trabasack Curve is available in black or black with colored trim. Also available is the Trabasack Curve Connnect, which features a velcro-like tray surface in leiu of the leathery surface of the Original Curve.
Be sure to check out more high resolution images of the Trabasack Curve in the gallery below.
Visit http://www.trabasack.co.uk for details on the Trabasack Curve and other Trabasack products.