Reviews: ‘Back Office’ sits atop laptop case throne
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Aug 4, 2005 at 11:06pm
Whenever I review a laptop case, I invariably compare it to the Back Office from Shaun Jackson Design, my favorite “road warrior” case. Several Macsimum News readers have inquired as to why I like it so much, so I’m updating a review that ran in the predecessor (Macsimum Perspective) to this Web site
Most laptop cases are designed to transport the laptop and assorted peripherals. For some folks, this is all that’s needed. But what if you need to use your computer en route? While covering a Steve Jobs keynote at a Macworld Expo? Then you need the Back Office.
Besides serving as a rugged, spacious carrying case, it unfolds into a mobile workstation that can be used on your lap or an airplane tray table (a tight fit, admittedly) thanks to its Velcro-and-clip closing system. The Back Office truly does provide a rugged “desktop on the fly” as the folks at Shaun Jackson promise.
A zipper at the rear of the computer compartment allows cables to exit the case without risking damage due to tight bends. A spacious CD/DVD organizer panel inside the top section of the computer compartment holds 12 discs (sans cases, of course). All seams are edge bound while stress points are reinforced with bar tacks for increased strength. The Back Office comes with a padded shoulder harness that can be tucked into a dedicated pocket, as well as a rubber handle that’s easy on the hands. The case converts to a vertical briefcase with the use of a single shoulder strap.
The Back Office is built with tough ballistic nylon and has padded storage pockets that unfold so you can access your accessories. Two compartments unfold from the main center compartment and offer storage room for batteries, iPods, mice, removable media and more. Besides offering easy access to peripherals, the compartments add ballast on either side of your thighs. Plus, the pockets offer extra protection for your PowerBook or iBook when folded into toting position.
Some carrying cases offer more room (though not much) for carrying items than the Back Office. If sheer packing volume is what you need, you could look elsewhere. But as for looks, durability and functionality, the Shaun Jackson case is the best I’ve ever used.
The Back Office costs US$149.95 for the standard version, which will hold 12, 14 and 15-inch iBooks and PowerBooks. If you own a 17-inch PB, you’ll need to spring $159.95 for the Big Back Office.
Macsimum rating: 10 out of 10.
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Contributor
Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
