My Dell XPS 17 is a bit of a behemoth and according to the specs, it shouldn't quite fit in the Shuttle 2.0, but it does. The only issue I've found is when you close the 17 Shuttle 2.0's lid over the XPS 17 it rubs just a little on the front of the laptop.This is not a big deal as the 17 Shuttle 2.0's interior is nicely finished with soft fabric. Actually, pulling the case's top slightly towards you as you lower it over the laptop allows the case to close without even touching the laptop.
This 'rubbing' is certainly not a deal breaker and if I hadn't already known about the specs (according to the specs, the XPS 17 is 1/10" wider than the interior of the 17 Shuttle 2.0) it never would have occurred to me to think the case might be too small for the Dell XPS 17. In fact, if anything this creates a safer and snugger fit for my laptop.
Speaking of this case, it is an excellent case! It is well-built, extremely functional and looks great. I've noticed that while waiting for class with laptop in hand I get a lot of looks from classmates. I think the "portrait" orientation of the case, which is a little unusual, might be partially responsible for this, but it's also a very nice looking case! I opted for the Basic Black, a bit traditional but it's a very nice looking case. I have to admit the pink DID appeal to me and I am secure enough in my manhood to carry pink, but my daughter 'Pinky' would no doubt have nicked the case within a week.
The 17 Shuttle 2.0 has an excellent design and makes using a laptop on the go an easy and enjoyable experience.
When you're ready to work, it's a simple process: you set the case down, grab the two zippers and run them around to the back of the case, open the lid, and you're ready to go! The laptop never has to leave the case!
On the inside of the case are four orange, rubber pedestals that raise the laptop up so air can flow and heat can dissipate. They are 1/4 inch thick, look nicely high-tech (not that you'll ever see them) and have velcro on the bottom so they can be repositioned across the case.
I'm ambivalent about these feet: when I sit with my laptop on my lap, I can feel warmth on my legs (which feels pretty darned good on a cold day). On the other hand, I've never tested the case with the feet removed, so perhaps it is cooling my laptop and I just don't know it. At any rate, they can't hurt and you can always remove them if you want.
As stated earlier, the inside of the case is nicely finished. There is a band inside the case lid, approximately 1" wide, that feels like it might be aluminum, that runs around the inside of the perimeter of the lid. This is what protects the edges of your laptop when the lid is closed and it feels very sturdy and secure.
There is a nylon strap on either side of the case that keeps the lid from opening farther than 90 degrees. This is a very nice feature as it keeps the lid from opening too far and actually gives your screen a little privacy. They only problem I have with them is they block my USB ports on the sides of my laptop (at the back corners.) When plugging in my drive I have to pull the strap out of the way, no big deal.
On the outside of the case are two pouches. One is zippered and is large enough to carry my charging brick, with power cords, and a cordless mouse (I chose the Logitech G700.) To save on space and make things easier, I bought a retractable power cord that is really nice (Zip-Linq, $12 or so at Frys).
The other pouch is for 8.5 x 11 inch documents and secures with a mere 1.5" of velcro, enough to keep your full-size papers secure, but I don't think I'd carry anything small or valuable (like your paycheck.) It's perfect for syllabi, handouts and other crap that you wouldn't really fret about losing, although I think it unlikely that would happen anyway.
Finally, there is a very sturdy handle that has a thick rubber grip that you will really appreciate when you are standing in line for 20 minutes waiting for class, the subway, etc. The handle is black with a the orange Higher Ground logo on the side. It would look really snazzy if the whole thing was orange (Hint, hint.)
All in all this is an AWESOME case and I would give it 10 stars if I could. It's a very well-made product and I couldn't be happier.
Well, I could be happier and this is where I will make suggestions for the future:
1. Someone else mentioned adding brightly colored pulls to the zipper tabs on the case. This is an EXCELLENT idea as it would allow you to quickly see that your case is indeed zipped shut so you don't accidentally pick it up and dump $2,000 of laptop on the floor (*GASP*)!
2. A second (colored) pull on the accessory compartment would be VERY nice.
3. It would most excellent to have a slit on each side of the accessory compartment that would allow you to permanently feed your charging cord into the "cargo bay" so you wouldn't have to pull the cord out of the accessory compartment, around the edge of the case and to the back of your laptop.
It's kind of a PITA to do this and, let's face it, looks sloppy and this case deserves better!
I've been contemplating doing it myself and now that I've had the case for a few months I may give it a try.
Anyway, if you want a truly boffo case that looks awesome and does an even more-awesome job of transporting and protecting your laptop, GET THIS ONE!
