The original Booq vyper laptop sleeve was released probably 2 years ago today and has been a runaway success for Booq. So popular in fact that a copy-cat brand has emerged with a direct rip off of the product. Well, whilst other companies are busy copying, Booq is busy innovating. Their tireless innovation has really paid off as they have just released one of their most exciting laptop bags yet. Ever since the original Booq vyper was released people have been crying out for a handle on this little sleeve. Well, with the release of the new Booq Vyper Exo everyone’s cries have been answered as Booq releases the next evolutionary step of the Vyper.

Vyper Exo is a 4 inch thick semi-rigid ballistic nylon laptop sleeve / shoulder bag. Whilst not designed to be used inside another bag like a traditional laptop sleeve, the Vyper Exo takes the vyper laptop sleeve and adds carry handles, a shoulder strap and an impressive array of internal pockets and features to create a compact yet roomy laptop shoulder bag.

Booq claims these bags have been designed for everyday use by fast-paced creative professionals. After a close inspection, the design and finishing touches of the bag clearly backup their claim. It’s a professional bag that’s unfailingly cool and it stands out with either a suit or with the latest street fashion, making it’s owner look all the more adventurous, ambitious and innovative.

Breakthrough new features of the Booq Vyper Exo include a bag tracking serial number. Register your new Exo online and should you lose your bag, it may easily find it’s way back to you thanks to Booq. This is the first Booq bag in the range to carry this feature that will eventually be rolled out across all Booq bags.

The Wear
The comfortable wide shoulder strap helps distribute the weight of the bag with ease whilst wearing the bag over your shoulder. Detach the shoulder strap and the Vyper Exo can be used as a standard carry bag with a comfortable carry handle. The bag looks great in either position.

The shell of the Vyper Exo is made of semi-ridgid high density foam coated with a water-repelling 1682D cross-weave ballistic nylon exterior. This makes the bag quite durable and also helps to protect the laptop should you drop or bump the bag. The high density foam will cushion the impact with much less shock to your laptop than a comparable hard case or thin nylon bag.

Where Would I Use It?
Like most Booq bags, this bag is ideal for use at work or after hours. If you’re a creative professional this bag is ideal. If you’re a business type looking to turn the right heads, we couldn’t recommend it more. It’s probably not that suitable for university students due to the lack of room for big text books. University students are better off with a Folee, Python or Boa as these bags are more economical and suitable for books.

The Laptop Protection
The Exo’s laptop compartment is lined with non-scratch fabrics and is virtually molded around a MacBook Pro for a Vyper-style snug fit. You can use it alone to protect your MacBook 13″ or 15″/17″ MacBook Pro, or you can add a Booq Vyper XS2, M2 or XL2 for extra snug protection for your 13″, 15″ or 17″ MacBook respectively. The addition of a Vyper will help when taking your laptop through airport security and most importantly will make your whole solution look so much cooler. The laptop is held in place with a seat-belt style strap. The Vyper Exo XM is suited for use with most 14″-15.4″ PC notebooks however the XL probably won’t fit a 17″ PC. To check sizes visit the Exo product page on rushfaster.com.au and select your laptop model.

The Conclusion
The Booq Vyper Exo really does live up to the expectations of a growing number of die hard Booq fans who have come to expect nothing but innovation, style and quality from the rapidly growing Sierra Madre, Californian company. It’s a stylish yet totally practical bag that is sure to generate attention from your fellow co-workers and associates. I give it 8.5 out of 10.

There are two sizes. The Booq Vyper Exo XM for 13″ & 15″ Macs & most PC’s and the Booq Vyper Exo XL for 17″ MacBook Pros. Prices are A$249 and A$279 respectively.

Pros
- Number 10 Genuine YKK Zippers for easy glide and robustness!
- Compact on the outside yet roomy internal cabin with all the right zippers.
- Attention to detail in the finishing touches.

Cons
- Although pricey, you pay for what you get. If your budget won’t allow it, I’d suggest a Booq Powersleeve.
- It doesn’t have an iPod headphone port, but seriously, who uses their iPod in their bag?
- Some customers may not fully appreciate it’s dual colour stitching, this is a fashion thing.

Ratings
Features: 8 out of 10
Style: 9 out of 10
Durability: 9 out of 10
Value: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.5 out of 10

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 at 10:20 am and is filed under Bag Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.