Dirk's dashboard

Hopefully they are all working on redesigning the Commute!

Sheesh. Customer service here has been awful lately. You'd think there would be at least one employee who checks this Timbuk2 "Customer Service" website.

So many people (including me) have this problem. It's a shame that Timbuk knows this is a problem and does nothing about it such as post a simple warning on the online order form that customers must add an extra inch or two for extended batteries.

I have run into this same issue. I have a Large 2008 Commute and a Lenovo T60p with extended battery. The length dimension is fine, with an inch or two to spare, but the width (across the extended battery) is the problem. The zipper is very snug against the laptop (or the battery, depending on which orientation) and there is very little protection for it. If I ever get a 17" laptop, I have serious doubts about it fitting, although it might fit snugly within the envelope of my T60p with the extended battery. I think this may be a case of "trendy" Timbuk2 designing for "trendy" Mac laptops. Incidentally, I have a Crumpler Cashmere Blazer and that thing could hold about a 20" laptop (if there was such a thing...yet).

The T61 14.1 Widescreen will fit no problem as long as you don't have the extended battery. The 15.4 Widescreen will also fit, but it is a alot tighter (I would get the large for the 15.4 but I still use it on occasion with the 15.4)-- I know I have both T61's. Take the extended battery off and put in elsewhere in your case and all should be well-- TSA is happier if you take the laptop out with the battery and put them both in the bin.

oh no. I just ordered the Medium Hemp/PET Commute and I have a T61. I am going to be disappointed if it doesn't fit. I even pulled out the tape measure and confirmed that my computer meets the requirements. I love my other Timbuk2 bags (2007 medium commute and custom messenger) and think highly of the company. Did they really make a mistake in listing the laptop sizes? Tell me its not so! As Bruno says inches are inches, no excuse in laptop models.

Hi

I'm also looking to buy a commute medium bag, so I went to my REI store today and checked it out. My thinkpad T61 (15.4") was sticking out a good inch or so.... and I really looove that bag. I wish you could make it a big taller a the top so it would fit. I believe that it wouldn't fit in the large either and still stuck out. *why?!*

I just ordered the Herringbone Commute online and I'm excited to get it! I found that Zappos.com provides excellent images of the Herringbone Commute (along with many of the other Timbuk2 bags) from different angles including a close up shot of the fabric.

Click "Multi-view" at the product page: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/37338618...

This answers my question that I canot get the commuter medium as I have the T61p with the 15.4" widescreen. Sounds just 2 tight and I do use and keep the extended life battery in it. – John777, on June 04, 2008 21:06

mrm62 is right. the macbook pro (15") fits perfectly into the (medium's) slot. it's snug, but it doesnt seem to be putting stress on the zippers (it easily zips up). i recommend being conservative on the height dimension when looking around at computers/bags. the width isn't an issue.

I'm looking at purchasing a Commute Medium. I love the bag and its organizational features. I checked it out at REI the other day, and it's a comfortable, well-built item. The medium size is just right. I can accept that it won't fit my current monster PC laptop (11.5" deep), but from the research I'm doing, it seems like it's half an inch shy of fitting many 15" laptops on the market.

I've been reading a lot of reviews, and it sounds like there's a real pattern of people reading the bag description, ordering the bag, then finding out that their laptop (which is within the specs) doesn't fit. I read some reviews over on eBags and other sites that would indicate this. Maybe Timbuk2 could change the specs on the website? Or is this a quality control issue that will be fixed soon?

If you're thinking about the Commute, it might be good to find a local retailer who carries it, take your laptop there, and make sure it fits. The Medium Commute can fit some 15" computers, but not all of them. (Sounds like Macs generally fit, but PC's are hit-and-miss.) The Large Commute would probably be a safer bet. The Laptop Messenger is made such that the laptop sleeve is part of the main compartment, so it's more forgiving of taller computers. Personally, I think the Commute looks a little more professional. It also has less velcro, and its organizer has more small gadget pockets than the Messenger.

As I was trying them on the other day at REI, I also noticed that the carry handle on the Messenger is farther back on the bag, which meant that it poked me in the back when the bag was tight against my back. The Commute's handle is more on the top, which means it's out of the way and doesn't poke. The Commute's organization is more structured and compartmentalized, whereas the Messenger gives you a big space for your stuff. It's less cavernous with the laptop sleeve, but still pretty open.

Both are good, sturdy bags. Good luck!