Higher Ground 14" Shuttle 2.1

The Higher Ground 14 Shuttle, as pictured at the time I write this review, has metal rings on the top and bottom of the case to attach backpack straps. The version I received however does NOT HAVE these metal rings and CANNOT be used with any backpack straps. Apparently the one I received is the new model, and the metal rings are on the old model. You may wonder, is that really a deal breaker? Read on.

I really like the idea of this case. It is very easy to set it up and use and looks really nice. However, the laptops purchased by employers are useful and cheap. Not light. This bag weighs 2.5 pounds. Add a 6 pound laptop, a 1+ pound power brick, a few office supplies (very few ... this is a small case) and you have a significant weight dragging on your hand and arm. It's comparable to a gallon of water (and then some). The handle is thin. It's fine for a few minutes, but if you're walking or taking mass transit you'll be holding this gallon, er, bag, long enough to regret the thin handle biting into your hand. The shoulder/messenger strap is actually worse. The shoulder strap has poor padding and no curve so it cuts into your shoulder. The shoulder strap is SEWN onto the bag, and there are no metal rings to clip an aftermarket shoulder strap. Assume with some ingenuity you managed to upgrade the shoulder strap ... you still have all that weight on one side or the other, and if you are a small person, you will notice it. A lot. The only way the shoulder strap might be useful is with a very lightweight laptop.

If you're just carrying this bag from the car to the cafe, it's very nice. I manage to make the power brick fit by storing the brick behind the back of the 14" laptop and storing half the power cord underneath the laptop. I can fit an ethernet cord, ear buds, and another cord into the slim pocket on the front (which is difficult to see on the picture. The opening is on the front near the long side of the case). In the larger front pocket I can fit a pen, transit/access cards, a wireless mouse, and small office supplies. That's almost all that would fit. This product would be a winner with: a backpack option; another half-inch inside the laptop compartment for storing the power cord, or a Kindle, or an external hard-drive, or a notepad; and an additional zippered pocket on the front.

I like this bag, but it is too small. I ordered the larger bag then it got too heavy because I do home health therapy requiring patient files and electronic pieces needed to use with my lap top. It just didn't work for me so I returned that too.

Buy Higher Ground 14" Shuttle 2.1 Now

seems quite durable, although I do not think the small plastic spacers raise the laptop sufficiently to allow proper cooling

Read Best Reviews of Higher Ground 14" Shuttle 2.1 Here

I just got this bag for my soon-to-be arriving 14" Asus notebook. I have never felt compelled to write a review before on Amazon, but I have to say this bag is perfect. I searched for hours and hours online trying to find the right bag and finally came across this. I initially had my doubts as the product page only included one review and one photo with a rather brief description. This did not inspire confidence but I took the plunge and ordered it anyway because it LOOKED about right for my needs. I was looking for something light and mobile like a sleeve, but more substantial (possibly rigid or molded) with a handle (or at least a strap) for carrying in an airport, etc. I was not interested in the overwrought and luggage-like computer bags that you see everywhere else. I mean why buy a small/portable notebook if you're just going to end up sticking it in some fat, bloated case? Seems to defeat the whole purpose of staying light and portable, you know?

Anyway, the bag appears to be very sturdy and well-made. The bottom part of the case (it actually seems to me like more of a "case" than a bag or sleeve) on the outside is a textured/rubberized material that appears very durable and has an anti-slip or "grippy" feel that stays put and does not slide around or off of any surface on which it is placed. Outside on the top, a slim pocket with a velcro closure runs the length of the case and provides enough room for some papers, a book, or magazines. There is also a deeper zippered compartment on the top of the case that is evident in the (single) photo. This compartment has ample storage for a mouse, AC adapter, and miscellaneous peripherals like a CD or two, flash drives, etc. I also plan on storing the included shoulder strap in this compartment. Speaking of the strap, it includes a wide padded strip with the same grippy surface material to keep it in place on your shoulder. There are four latches set into the corners of the case that allow you to decide where you want to affix the strap. I set mine at opposite corners to carry the bag at an angle, this seems comfortable enough to me and allows easy access to the slim pocket for passport, plane tickets, etc. A fixed handle is riveted to the short side of the case, this can be also be seen in the photo. It is actually a padded nylon strap with a soft rubber sleeve that is very comfortable to the touch. I don't believe it would be a problem to carry the bag with this handle exclusively, even if your laptop weighed significantly more than mine (4.4 lbs with battery).

I love that everything on this case is so well thought-out. Two zippers run along three sides of the case, allowing it to open up like a clamshell. This feature allows you to work on your computer without taking it out of the case. On the inside of the case, I was pleased to find the four rubber feet or "bumpers" that the previous reviewer mentioned. These have a velcro backing which allows them to attach securely into 2 velcro bands running the length of the bottom platform (the bottom of the case is actually quite rigid, almost like a padded desk surface). Presumably these feet serve to hold the bottom of the laptop slightly above the surface of the case to allow for extra ventilation and airflow when you're using the laptop while keeping it in the case. I don't know if all bags are like this, but it seems like a pretty ingenious idea to me. Once the laptop is perched upon these four small rubber feet, a single velcro strap comes down over the top to cinch it all down for carrying to your next destination. At the back of the interior, there is a small velcro tab that can be used for holding cables down and out of your way.

Needless to say, I'm very impressed. If you're looking for a well-designed, high-quality case, I highly recommend this model. Someone obviously put a lot of thought into this bag, and it shows. Now I'm looking forward to road testing it and knowing I won't have to worry about my computer!

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This is my second Shuttle. It is perfect for my needs. The laptop never leaves the case. There are small rubber bumpers on the bottom that the laptop sits on. This creates an air pocket between the laptop and the bottom of the case. Keeps your lap cool. Ample storage space. Comes with a shoulder strap. Highly recommended.