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Stylish black OLPC backpack bag

Stylish black OLPC backpack bag
Just because the OLPC laptop is bright green and ecofriendly doesn't mean that the bag has to be garish, or crocheted or made of hemp...

This is actually a bag I made as an added bonus for my eBay auction of an OLPC laptop. I liked the result a lot, so I've made another one for myself and thought other OLPC owners might like it.

It's basic, stylish black.

It has adjustable straps with easy-release parachute buckles - so it can be worn as a backpack, messenger bag or carried like a briefcase.

It's weather proof. I hesitate to say 'waterproof' because I haven't tested that, but it is made of a waterproof lined canvas and the closure is of a double fold design that is intended to keep the elements out.

It form-fits the laptop with just enough give that it can fit in either way up.

Possibly unique closure system. It has a side opening so that you can remove the laptop without taking it off; you just reach behind and unsnap it and pull the laptop out by it's handle. All the the closing snaps are between the bag and your body so that no one else can open the bag without you knowing.

It sits naturally in the small of your back, the idea being that the slight curve of your back leaves a space big enough for a thin bag like this. You could even, if you wanted, wear it under a jacket sort of like a laptop shoulder holster. That's actually not a bad analogy; it's possible to pull the laptop out in about 2 seconds.

The design is originally something I thought of for carrying a hardback book without bothering with a big obtrusive bag.
 
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Step 1First find your materials.

First find your materials.
The material that you choose to make this out of is probably important. What I did was I went to a fabric store and asked for the blackest, heaviest material they had. Apparently that's not something that most people do.

Anyway, here's something that is heavy and black: I believe it is called Limonto. It seems to be two layers of canvas laminated with a membrane of rubber. For 1 bag, 1 yard will be plenty.

Also:

Buckles, or something that can join reasonably heavy straps and be adjustable. I got silver parachute buckles which are way better than what I was looking for - some of those backpack strap toggles.

Snaps. You can get these from a craft store along with a tool for attaching them.
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6 comments
Jul 18, 2008. 5:54 PMbimmermd says:
+1 on the easy-to-get-stolen XD wouldn't get it b/c of that but cool design anyway
Mar 17, 2009. 11:40 AMtestingthelimits says:
I think you could probably just tighten the straps and wear it under a hoodie or jacket. (If all you are carrying is a laptop, it beats having to lug an entire backpack or laptop bag)
Jul 18, 2008. 5:56 PMbimmermd says:
I could see you dropping the laptop in that last picture there
Feb 25, 2008. 4:16 PMGorillazMiko says:
Cool! Would want it in the front (would look funny kind of), wouldn't want to risk something getting stolen. Nice job.
Feb 24, 2008. 11:34 PMJr Hacking kid says:
cool naybe you can do the same thing to an asus eee pc
Feb 24, 2008. 4:34 PMjessyratfink says:
The way the bag opens is genius! I love this. :D

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