I think I have finally found the perfect case for my eee pc 701. I have been looking for something ever since I bought my first eee pc - the 1000, and even made a couple of other instructables laptop bags and mods specifically for it. But the smaller 701 has been an interesting challenge. Most netbook sleeves are too small to hold peripherals like adaptor cords and a mouse, others just too big or worse they are just too pricey.

Recently I stumbled across a BILT brand bag made to hold chargers and cords, and I immediately knew that with a little modification it would be a perfect netbook bag for Asus's smallest model. I found two bags at an outlet department store called TJ Maxx each for about $10.00.

Step 1: Getting Ready

The only tool you really need is a seam ripper. But in a pinch, a snap-off blade knife or a razor blade would work.

The bag is constructed out of neoprene fabric so it is already cushy and stretchy and will both protect your laptop and stretch to hold all your accessories. The bag is basically composed of two main compartments and each compartment has been divided into three smaller slots.

All you have to do is remove some of the stitching to create a large main compartment for your computer and modify the other second compartment to hold cords and mouse.

Step 2: Remove Stitching to Create Laptop Compartment

On one side remove both rows of zig-zag stitches. It's pretty easy, just open up the bag and slightly stretch the bag to expose the stitches and then carefully cut them using your seam ripper. I suggest doing this from the inside of the bag. That way if your seam ripper catches or nicks any of the fabric, no one will notice. The seams are tightest at either end of the seam - double sewn in those areas so it is a little harder at those spots to cut open the seam. Once the threads are cut, simply remove all the loose bits.

Do this for both seams to make one large compartment on one side of the bag.

Step 3: Remove Stitching to Create Smaller Compartment for Your Adaptor Cord and Mouse

On the other side only remove one of the rows of stitching. That way you'll have a larger compartment for your adaptor cord and a nice snug slot for your mouse.

Step 4: Enjoy Your New Cool Laptop Bag!

It is a sleek laptop bag and easily fits into a larger tote bag or messenger bag.
For added protection you can also use the original eee pc sleeve with your new bag.

The bag modification cost me under $10.00 and took about 10 minutes to take out the seams.