Carrying a computer and all of its accessories can be awkward and inconvenient. If you only move your system on extremely rare occasions, you might not ever think to find any easier way. But, if you're regularly lugging your computer around to attend LAN parties, you may want to make the task of getting there a little easier. Sunbeam Tech may have just the thing to make this happen with their LAN Party Bag.
The features, specifications, and color list provide below are taken from the Sunbeam Tech website, and edited just a little bit for the sake of clarity.
Features and Specifications:
• Back, shoulder or hand carry
• Ultimate protection for your case
• CD, mouse and keyboard in extra pockets
• Adjustable shoulder strap and tape
• Cool SUNBEAM logo and soft Velcro
• High quality of manufacturing
• Easy installation, great for LAN parties
• Best matches for mid and big tower
• Dimensions case size (H*W*D):
• Mid Tower 440*180*460mm 430*192*540mm
• Big tower 550*205*570mm 538*220*490mm
• Colors: Red, yellow, blue, other
By "Other" as a color choice, I will assume they are referring to the camouflage version shown on the Sunbeam Tech website.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the features on paper, let's take a look at it. The below left image shows the LAN Party bag exactly as I received it. Folded up inside a clear plastic bag with no distinguishing marks other than a bar code sticker. No instructions, no documentation, no retail packaging identifying it as a Sunbeam Tech product. The below right image shows the three pieces removed from the bag... On the left is the part that goes under the case, in the middle is the piece that lays on top of the case, and on the right is the shoulder/back strap.
 
The bag is constructed of heavy weight padded nylon (the red parts) with heavy duty black nylon straps. All of the edges on the red material are finished off with heavy duty black nylon for reinforcement, and overall the material and design seem pretty tough.
The below left image provides a look at the carrying handle, as well as a close up of some of the reinforced stitching that holds everything together. The below right image shows a close up of one edge, where as I mentioned, black nylon is stitched to provide even more durability.
 
The pieces all fit together via buckles and clips. Heavy duty plastic buckles hold the top and bottom pieces together, while metal swivel clips hold the shoulder strap in place. I have used the term heavy duty to describe features of the LAN Party Bag a few times now, and rightfully so!
Installation:
The six point installation guide provided below is taken from the Sunbeam Tech website, and again edited just a little bit for the sake of clarity.
1. There are two parts in package, take out the part with pockets and extend it on any plane
2. Right stand your case on the bottom rectangular tapes, then take out the other part on the top of your case,cover your case top with handle in center.
3. Hook up all plastic buckles and adjust tapes' length according to your case size.
4. There are two ways of hooking shoulder strap. One way is to hook metal buckles to side panels of your case.It's designed for shoulder carry. The other way is to pass shoulder strap through tape hole under PVC handle and then hook metal buckles to front side panels.
5.Close two Velcro around each side shoulder strap.
6.Enjoy its comfortable and convenient carry after you fasten tapes and buckles.
OK, the directions don't seem particular helpful, and at this point of the review I've already done it without them. Installation is not difficult, and is demonstrated on a fairly large case, the Sunbeam Tech Transformer.
The first thing I did was to set the case onto the bottom piece (red side down), so that it was centered from front to back, and left to right, as shown in the below left image. Next I placed the top piece on the roof of the case, as pictured in the below right image.
 
With the pieces in place it was a matter of working around the case buckling the six straps, and adjusting them for a snug fit. The shoulder strap was then attached to the two metal rings on either end of the case, and assembly was complete (as shown in the below left image). Were my instructions any better than Sunbeam Tech's? With the case strapped in, I loaded up the pockets with a keyboard, a mouse, a few power cables, and a couple CDs. Everything fit well, with room to spare for a few other odds and ends.
 
With everything packed up, there are three options for carrying the LAN Party Bag. You could use the handle on top of the case, you could use the strap over your shoulder (below left image), or you could reconnect the strap as shown in the below right image to create a back pack. Pretty convenient!
 
Conclusion:
The Sunbeam Tech LAN Party Bag could prove to be a handy accessory for anyone who frequents LAN parties, or otherwise needs to move their computer on a regular basis. It will accommodate cases in a wide range of sizes, including some fairly large ones, while also making room for a keyboard, mouse, and various other odds and ends.
I might argue the claim that it provides "ultimate protection for your case", but it will do a good job keeping your case from getting scratched or dinged as you lug it around. The only other potential negative is the lack of paper work. Although the installation seemed to be a breeze, a printed sheet of instructions would be a nice touch.
I scoured the Internet and could not find many places where you can currently by the Sunbeam Tech LAN Party Bag. It (or one very similar) is available at one trustworthy outlet, Jab-tech, for just under $30 (US). For the design and quality of construction, that seems reasonable, so it probably just depends on how necessary a product like this is for you.
Pros:
• Easy to "install"
• Heavy duty construction
• Makes carrying a computer with accessories easy
• Even fits larger cases
Cons:
• Ships in a clear plastic bag with zero documentation or instructions
Special thanks to Sunbeam Tech for supplying the LAN Party Bag to BigBruin.Com for review!
Please drop by the BigBruin.Com forum and feel free to discuss this review.
Page 1 | Home | Forum | Review Index | Page Views:
|
|
