Booq Vyper exo XL Notebook Bag Review

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If you are in the market for a sleek, but rugged notebook bag, you will want to check out this review. The Booq Vyper exo XL has a hard shell for protecting your goods and can be carried as a briefcase or as a messenger bag. The Vyper exo comes in two sizes one for 15-inch notebooks or 17-inch notebooks. We had the opportunity to review the 17-inch case and give our users a glimpse of what the Booq brand has to offer.

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Features and Specifications

• Semi-rigid molded construction protects its cargo.
• Ideal everyday bag: Lightweight, durable, room for everything you need during the day.
• Oversized YKK zipper for improved functionality and durability.
• Convenient pocket layout for large and small items.
• Tough seatbelt nylon shoulder strap.
• Accent stitching makes each bag unique.
• This bag comes with TerraLinq Service. Helps reunite you with your lost &amp; found bag.
• Fits: 17&quot; Laptops
• Laptop Compartment: 15.75&quot; x 11&quot; x 1.8&quot;
• Exterior Dimensions: 17.25&quot; x 15&quot; x 4.25&quot;
• Weight: 4 lbs (1.82 kg)

Design and Aesthetics

The Vyper exo has a solid design. The bag definitely has a rugged feel and is made from a semi-rigid ballistic nylon that utilizes two layers of molded high-density foam and non-scratch fabrics to protect your laptop. At first I was skeptical of how well it would protect my tablet because it is made for larger notebooks, but it kept my 13.3&quot; Asus R1 secure.

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The black case has red, orange and beige accent stitching, which gives it that modern feel. It adds a little personality to the Vyper exo too. The stitching is rigid and there was no fraying spots. The waterproof shell is solid, but does flex a little, so it is possible to shove it under a seat.

The bag opens 180 degrees to be a workstation for you notebook. This way you can open your notebook while it remains protected in the case. In fact the Dell Latitude D630 we have in our office fit inside perfectly. This makes the bag perfect for traveling because you don't have to pull your notebook out and move everything around.

My Asus R1 inside the Vyper exo. (view large image)

From first glance you wouldn't expect much from this bag since it looks pretty dull from the outside. I mean there is no pockets or straps. That isn't the case though. Once you open the Vyper exo, there is an array of pockets large and small to fit all your accessory needs.

The Vyper exo is the first product to come with the all-new Terralinq. This is quite a neat feature that really could save many business or college students you know what if they lost their bag. Each bag carries a unique identification number that can be linked back to its owner once it is registered Online. This way if your bag were reported as lost and found, the company can put you in touch with the finder and help you get it back.

Using the Bag

The Vyper exo is actually lightweight considering how durable it is. I was expecting the bag to be much heavier. Even with my notebook, power brick, cables, phone, keys and files inside the weight didn't bother me. I didn't like carrying it as a briefcase though. For one it does get kind of heavy to carry just by the hand straps and two it doesn't stand up on its own. If you set the bag down it will fall over since there are no feet on the bottom.

Padded shoulder strap. (view large image)

The shoulder strap is nice and I enjoyed carrying the Vyper exo around as a messenger bag. It distributes the weight evenly over your shoulder and has a padded section with grip, so the bag stays in place. The strap can be adjusted to you liking or easily removed if it's not needed.

An entire view of the inside of the bag. (view large image)

The YKK zippers are oversized and durable, but the outer zippers are a little stiff until you break them in. They are very easy to find since they have the Booq label on them, which makes the bag look nicer. Booq didn't skip a detail on this bag. They made sure that every inch looks nice and is made to their high quality standards. Trust me this bag can take a beating and keep going.

First compartment and laptop area. (view large image)

The interior of the bag had so many pockets I didn't have enough stuff to fill them. The inside is a blueish-gray color and black. The red, orange and beige accent stitching continues on the inside as well. The compartment that holds the laptop is odd because it is open on both sides, but it is very functional. It basically is a padded barrier.

The three button pockets. (view large image)

There is a clip for your keys, pockets for your phone or cables and a place to stick your pens. The other side of the bag has three buttoned pockets, which remind me of a pair of jeans and a large zippered pocket great for files. However, you have to be careful of what you put in the regular pockets because stuff can fly out and move around the bag. Trust me there is room for everything.

Conclusion

With a price tag of $195, you expect to get a lot from a bag and with the Vyper exo, you do. I would compare the Vyper exo XL to any Tom Bihn bag. It is made of high quality materials, is durable and yet still very trendy looking. The Vyper exo can be a briefcase or messenger bag and you can use your laptop inside since the case opens 180 degrees, now that is functional. There is room for all your accessory needs and since it has a rugged design your laptop stays protected. Perfect for business professionals or college students who want a bag that is going to last more then a year.

Pros

• Sleek, rugged design
• Plenty of pockets for large and small accessories
• Case opens 180 degrees for easy access
• Terralinq security feature

Cons

• Briefcase handles uncomfortable
• Case doesn't stand on its own, no feet on bottom side

Pricing and Availability

The Vyper exo XL is available now for $195 from booq's website. They have many other bags as well including backpacks and sleeves to fulfill any users interests.

 

 

I have the Booq XL backpack and vouch that they are extremely durable and understated and high quality. Very expensive, but you get what you pay for.

 

An interesting concept: It looks a bit like a modern interpretation of an old-fashioned briefcase. However, the lack of feet on the bottom is a bit of an omission. What happens if you try opening the bag on your knees to get at the computer - do all the other bits and pieces fall onto the floor?

John

 

No because the back pockets have buttons and the pockets that are by the computer lay flat when you have the bag open to get the computer out. If you weren't careful though something little like a pen or chapstick could fall out.

 

Nice article. Booq merchandise is absolutely great to review on. With my former system, Dell 700m, I had the Vyper sleeve and, if you would believe it...my kid dropped the laptop outside in the rain.

He came running in and the exterior of the case was very wet.

Opened it up and you would never have believed it was dropped or in the rain!!!

Good Job Tiff!!!!

EDIT: Kinda wonder whether its bulletproof in my job lol!!!

 

nice backpack & seems like good consruction too....
but it would look more apt at a business setting rather than at college
but thats just me
the contrasting stitching is good touch too
guess its the small details that really count
and with that premium i guess ut should
cheers for the gr8 review

 

Looks like it's worthy of the price tag, I defiantly plan on purchasing one!