The Dell XPS 13 has been a huge hit since it knocked us off our feet at CES earlier this year. And we have been almost equally impressed with Waterfield Designs' cases for the Surface Pro 3.
So when WaterField Designs announced their new line of custom laptop sleeves for the Dell XPS 13, Lenovo, and ASUS laptops, we were pretty excited. I was fortunate enough to get one to check out firsthand.
Fit
Before jumping into the design, although WaterField Designs is touting the XPS 13 as the perfect fit for this sleeve, it can fit a variety of other similar sized devices. According to their site, this sleeve is ideal for:
- ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi
- Dell XPS 13 (2015)
- Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
- Lenovo Yoga Pro 2
- Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 13"
- Lenovo X1 Carbon
- Lenovo ThinkPad X240
- Lenovo ThinkPad X250
- Lenovo ThinkPad T440s
- Lenovo ThinkPad T450s
- Lenovo LaVie Z
- Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Indeed, we have tried this sleeve with a few different devices and agree with their list.
Design
With the exception of the main black ballistic nylon body, WaterField Designs' SleeveCases are almost entirely customizable. You can choose vertical or horizontal orientation, trim type, flap/flapless, D-rings, shoulder strap, or piggyback pouch. What I am looking at today is the most basic configuration.
As previously stated, the body of the SleeveCase is comprised of black ballistic nylon, which provides a tough outer shell to protect your laptop from the elements. The bottom is reinforced with Lead Indium nylon, a reflective silver checkered nylon. This fabric choice can be substituted with WaterField Designs' signature black or brown leather for an additional cost.
Inside the sleeve, you will find thick, padded neoprene. The soft lining simultaneously pads your device and prevents it from jostling around. The pocket is kept closed with a thick nylon strap, adorned with the WaterField Designs logo. It has a loop at the end for either a stylus or carabiner.
Completing the design, is an outside document pocket that runs the entire span of the sleeve, which can easily accommodate a pad of paper.
Thoughts
The craftsmanship of the SleeveCase is everything I have come to expect from WaterField Designs. The materials are top quality, the stitching is strong, and there is no doubt that it is tough. If you do not require much in the way of accessories, the SleeveCase could you very well as your laptop's primary mode of transportation. In that case, you may want to consider adding a flap, a shoulder strap, and perhaps even a piggyback pouch.
But the SleeveCase is also a fantastic companion for a larger bag. It is compact enough to fit in a messenger bag, and the low-friction nylon allows it glides smoothly in and out of an interior pocket. And the pull tab on the bottom gives you something to hold onto when pulling it out.
One of the great things about Waterfield Designs' products, the SleeveCase included, is that you can customize them for however you want to use them. But if you go with the base model, you are still going to get something great. Even though this is a no-frills sleeve, it is one of the best ones you can buy.
Not to mention that in addition to its brawn, it is also handsome. The ballistic nylon, along with the Lead Indium trim, is sleek and modern-looking. And if you are looking for something to give it a little less of a sporty feel, you can always go with the leather instead.
This SleeveCase for the Dell XPS 13 is the fourth product I have reviewed by WaterField Designs, yet I continue to be impressed. You can design and order your custom-made SleeveCase at WaterField Designs' website, starting at $49.00 for model in this review.
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