You want the strength to maintain the integrity of the cover and hold the pocket firmly in place on the back of the screen. The pocket can move a bit on the exterior, but you don't want it to sag, pull and hang off to one side and distract you as you work. Lycra is expensive - talking volume production here, it's overkill.
The fabrics need to be sourced, and the microfiber is nonabrasive and could be used to wipe the screen, a bonus use! I used to sell this stuff, so get more specific and I can call for a spec. My former assistant is a walking encyclopedia... mesh is easy to find and source. My mind went immediately to the grocery bags that scrunch into a tiny, really light ball (2oz) and open out large and strong enough to carry a watermelon. That mesh would be perfect.
A logo could be ironed or printed on the microfiber, then have a mesh pocket sewn on so you can still see through.
A pen holder would be great at the side seam, guys never seem to have a spare pen.
Ann Marie... I like the "four corners" idea, although, I really was hoping for very little to protrude over onto the front of the screen... If it could be done very unobtrusively, could work well. Some laptops are getting displays that are almost edge to edge. I also like the "little balls" tightener sort of concept, as I think that could address the height/width variation issue.
Honestly, the Lycra fabric I use is probably over-speced for strength. It does not need to be strong as steel although there may be other benefits to the microfiber... I wish you could see a prototype -- it works well with this very simple Lycra fabric. My second prototype was made out of fabric I cut from Spanx that I bought.
I did think of mesh -- but I couldn't find a mesh with the stretch characteristics that were needed -- not that there isn't one out there -- I just couldn't find one for the prototype. In fact, mesh was one of my first ideas, but a "stretch mesh". That could certainly be a variation. A non-mesh fabric allows for affinity branding / advertising / logos, etc. Or, for the "skins" type of images that some people seem to like (although they don't do much for me).
I would suggest a microfiber material for the back of the holder for several reasons: 1)microfiber is the thinnest fiber, as strong as steel and relatively cheap 2) the weave has so many interconnecting threads, it handles stress and distributes weight exponentially more effectively than a natural fiber
3)a stretchy material needs a strong foundation
For a stretchy material, you need one that will not lose its stretching integrity. If the foundation fabric is strong and sewn on all the seams durably and the opening at the top is fully secured, this should become irrelevant. A flap with velcro dots would be inexpensive and do nicely for the top closure. No one wants a usb to slip out. (Have you considered mesh - super cheap and flexible - but would allow you to see into the pouch.)
If the holder is made with 4 elastic corners and never touches the screen, it would alleviate all the above mentioned concerns. You could also opt for the little balls at each corner to run the elastic through, to tighten and secure the pouch, so an adjustment could be made to allow for weight and tension variations.
These are great comments. I guess initially, I wasn't clear in my writeup what this would be used for. This is NOT to replace a case. It's NOT for permanent storage. It's to use when you are using your laptop say, on a couch, plane, in an airport, on your lap, etc. and you dont' have a lot of room for your IPOD, IPhone, USB drive, etc. Also, if you're mobile -- moving your laptop from place to place, rather than just putting your papers, mouse, usb drives on the keyboard where they slide off, to put them somewhere secure and stable. This was born out of necessity. I've been using the prototype for close to 6 months, and, most of the concerns aren't issues, but one definitely is -- which is where most of the assistance is needed. I will say though, I use a laptop 100% of the time, and I use this thing ALL the time. It won't be for everyone, but, it is VERY handy.
1) To get the right stretch characteristics, and the right "fit" for the laptop screen, there would need to be multiple sizes. The horizontal dimension is the most important -- you could have a standard vertical dimension -- you don't need much space to store a lot of stuff. With the right design focus, you could probably have about 3 standard sizes: 16-17" screens; 14-16" screens; 12-14" screens. I don't think this is a major issue, but it does add to the amount of models, colors, etc. that would be available, and possibly confusing. The good thing is these can roll up into very small size, so if it was a retail product, would take up very little shelf space for a lot of configurations.
2) With the right horizontal dimension, there is no issue with slip or movement. I've done two different prototypes -- one with a rubber-covered side clip (which worked great, but the attaching to the pouch wasn't elegant) and one with the clips slipped into channels in the fabric. This was more elegant, but, it tended to pop off more. This final design piece is really where assistance is needed. I'm quite sure it's doable (it's not that complicated) but I figured I'd the group could brainstorm on it. I will say though, that once it's clipped on, it does NOT put undue stress on the screen, holds very stable, and is very unintrusive.
3) Re: the multi-pocket comments / lumpiness. The concept here was not to make a "permanent" attached organizer, but, something that say when you had your laptop on your lap at the airport, on a plane, sitting on your couch, etc. and you had your IPOD, phone, USB drive, etc. attached, you had someplace to put them so they don't fall off, disconnect, etc. I also wanted to say with a simplistic design, with the most flexibility. It's actually quite easy to "stuff" stuff in there, and pull it out again. And, admittedly the white looks lumpy -- I used that for pictures to show the product -- since the black prototype blends so much into the laptop screen color you can't even tell it's there. So, absolutely, color is / can be key, but, to each his own, as they say -- some people will likely want a light color.
4) With the correct final side clip design (the one area that I think needs the most attention) I don't think stability will be an issue based on my earlier prototype. Also, I think I've addressed the damage to the screen issue, but unless someone is just really stupid (which admittedly there are people out there) if you use common sense, the bulging really shouldn't hurt the screen. There's not that much pressure from the fabric to really push against the LCD.
5) The fabric choice is definitely critical, and it has to have the right characteristics of stretch. I currently am using a single-direction stretch lycra, that has good durability and stretchiness. Also, the fabric protects the laptop screen -- really, no concern about scratching.
6) The safety issue for the laptop keeps coming up, and frankly, in my use of the prototype is just not that big a concern. Honestly, part of the reason I came up with it was because I had USB drives that would get knocked out of their connectors, and portable drives that would slide off the arm of my couch, and I wanted to protect THEM. Once they go in the "pouch" they're very stable -- they don't bounce around, and they really become almost part of the machine. In my demonstration, I "overstuffed" the unit, just to show how much COULD go in there -- I don't normally put that much stuff in.
I think it could be useful to some people...but in general I think people want a little padding to protect the laptop, I know I do. I think otherwise, the lumpy-look could be fine, just like the grocery netting bags that are kind of back in vogue now. To me, it's simply a safety issue for the laptop that is the problem, not sure how to resolve it, unless the stretchable material is also somehow padded.
What kind of things would you put in the pouch? Would it be stable enough to hold them, and why should someone put something on the back of their laptop instead of just putting those items into the case they paid $50+ that has a bazillion pockets. Just some things to consider.
Hey John. What type of stretchable material would you use? How would you prevent "overstretching" to prolong the life of the product? I'm concerned with storing anything along the back of my screen. While my laptop does get scuffed up, I like preventing that. I would be constantly worrying about whether I'm scratching the surface by keeping materials attached there. Good luck!
I agree with Lee - the lumpy look is NOT what people want to see. I would also worry that some people would overload the darned thing, putting undue stress on the screen hinges and/or causing the laptop to tip over.
Frankly, this makes no sense to me. I carry my laptop in a case to protect it, and that same case has plenty of room for papers, pens, cables, etc... (I love Tom Bihn cases, btw.)
My biggest concern is that this screen "sleeve" would push whatever objects are being stored un-evenly into the laptop screen, causing permanent damage.
Comments
You want the strength to maintain the integrity of the cover and hold the pocket firmly in place on the back of the screen. The pocket can move a bit on the exterior, but you don't want it to sag, pull and hang off to one side and distract you as you work. Lycra is expensive - talking volume production here, it's overkill.
The fabrics need to be sourced, and the microfiber is nonabrasive and could be used to wipe the screen, a bonus use! I used to sell this stuff, so get more specific and I can call for a spec. My former assistant is a walking encyclopedia... mesh is easy to find and source. My mind went immediately to the grocery bags that scrunch into a tiny, really light ball (2oz) and open out large and strong enough to carry a watermelon. That mesh would be perfect.
A logo could be ironed or printed on the microfiber, then have a mesh pocket sewn on so you can still see through.
A pen holder would be great at the side seam, guys never seem to have a spare pen.
Ann Marie... I like the "four corners" idea, although, I really was hoping for very little to protrude over onto the front of the screen... If it could be done very unobtrusively, could work well. Some laptops are getting displays that are almost edge to edge. I also like the "little balls" tightener sort of concept, as I think that could address the height/width variation issue.
Honestly, the Lycra fabric I use is probably over-speced for strength. It does not need to be strong as steel although there may be other benefits to the microfiber... I wish you could see a prototype -- it works well with this very simple Lycra fabric. My second prototype was made out of fabric I cut from Spanx that I bought.
I did think of mesh -- but I couldn't find a mesh with the stretch characteristics that were needed -- not that there isn't one out there -- I just couldn't find one for the prototype. In fact, mesh was one of my first ideas, but a "stretch mesh". That could certainly be a variation. A non-mesh fabric allows for affinity branding / advertising / logos, etc. Or, for the "skins" type of images that some people seem to like (although they don't do much for me).
Great comments.
I would suggest a microfiber material for the back of the holder for several reasons: 1)microfiber is the thinnest fiber, as strong as steel and relatively cheap 2) the weave has so many interconnecting threads, it handles stress and distributes weight exponentially more effectively than a natural fiber
3)a stretchy material needs a strong foundation
For a stretchy material, you need one that will not lose its stretching integrity. If the foundation fabric is strong and sewn on all the seams durably and the opening at the top is fully secured, this should become irrelevant. A flap with velcro dots would be inexpensive and do nicely for the top closure. No one wants a usb to slip out. (Have you considered mesh - super cheap and flexible - but would allow you to see into the pouch.)
If the holder is made with 4 elastic corners and never touches the screen, it would alleviate all the above mentioned concerns. You could also opt for the little balls at each corner to run the elastic through, to tighten and secure the pouch, so an adjustment could be made to allow for weight and tension variations.
These are great comments. I guess initially, I wasn't clear in my writeup what this would be used for. This is NOT to replace a case. It's NOT for permanent storage. It's to use when you are using your laptop say, on a couch, plane, in an airport, on your lap, etc. and you dont' have a lot of room for your IPOD, IPhone, USB drive, etc. Also, if you're mobile -- moving your laptop from place to place, rather than just putting your papers, mouse, usb drives on the keyboard where they slide off, to put them somewhere secure and stable. This was born out of necessity. I've been using the prototype for close to 6 months, and, most of the concerns aren't issues, but one definitely is -- which is where most of the assistance is needed. I will say though, I use a laptop 100% of the time, and I use this thing ALL the time. It won't be for everyone, but, it is VERY handy.
1) To get the right stretch characteristics, and the right "fit" for the laptop screen, there would need to be multiple sizes. The horizontal dimension is the most important -- you could have a standard vertical dimension -- you don't need much space to store a lot of stuff. With the right design focus, you could probably have about 3 standard sizes: 16-17" screens; 14-16" screens; 12-14" screens. I don't think this is a major issue, but it does add to the amount of models, colors, etc. that would be available, and possibly confusing. The good thing is these can roll up into very small size, so if it was a retail product, would take up very little shelf space for a lot of configurations.
2) With the right horizontal dimension, there is no issue with slip or movement. I've done two different prototypes -- one with a rubber-covered side clip (which worked great, but the attaching to the pouch wasn't elegant) and one with the clips slipped into channels in the fabric. This was more elegant, but, it tended to pop off more. This final design piece is really where assistance is needed. I'm quite sure it's doable (it's not that complicated) but I figured I'd the group could brainstorm on it. I will say though, that once it's clipped on, it does NOT put undue stress on the screen, holds very stable, and is very unintrusive.
3) Re: the multi-pocket comments / lumpiness. The concept here was not to make a "permanent" attached organizer, but, something that say when you had your laptop on your lap at the airport, on a plane, sitting on your couch, etc. and you had your IPOD, phone, USB drive, etc. attached, you had someplace to put them so they don't fall off, disconnect, etc. I also wanted to say with a simplistic design, with the most flexibility. It's actually quite easy to "stuff" stuff in there, and pull it out again. And, admittedly the white looks lumpy -- I used that for pictures to show the product -- since the black prototype blends so much into the laptop screen color you can't even tell it's there. So, absolutely, color is / can be key, but, to each his own, as they say -- some people will likely want a light color.
4) With the correct final side clip design (the one area that I think needs the most attention) I don't think stability will be an issue based on my earlier prototype. Also, I think I've addressed the damage to the screen issue, but unless someone is just really stupid (which admittedly there are people out there) if you use common sense, the bulging really shouldn't hurt the screen. There's not that much pressure from the fabric to really push against the LCD.
5) The fabric choice is definitely critical, and it has to have the right characteristics of stretch. I currently am using a single-direction stretch lycra, that has good durability and stretchiness. Also, the fabric protects the laptop screen -- really, no concern about scratching.
6) The safety issue for the laptop keeps coming up, and frankly, in my use of the prototype is just not that big a concern. Honestly, part of the reason I came up with it was because I had USB drives that would get knocked out of their connectors, and portable drives that would slide off the arm of my couch, and I wanted to protect THEM. Once they go in the "pouch" they're very stable -- they don't bounce around, and they really become almost part of the machine. In my demonstration, I "overstuffed" the unit, just to show how much COULD go in there -- I don't normally put that much stuff in.
Hope these are helpful responses!
I think it could be useful to some people...but in general I think people want a little padding to protect the laptop, I know I do. I think otherwise, the lumpy-look could be fine, just like the grocery netting bags that are kind of back in vogue now. To me, it's simply a safety issue for the laptop that is the problem, not sure how to resolve it, unless the stretchable material is also somehow padded.
What kind of things would you put in the pouch? Would it be stable enough to hold them, and why should someone put something on the back of their laptop instead of just putting those items into the case they paid $50+ that has a bazillion pockets. Just some things to consider.
Hey John. What type of stretchable material would you use? How would you prevent "overstretching" to prolong the life of the product? I'm concerned with storing anything along the back of my screen. While my laptop does get scuffed up, I like preventing that. I would be constantly worrying about whether I'm scratching the surface by keeping materials attached there. Good luck!
I want my laptop IN a case not a case ON my laptop.
I agree with Lee - the lumpy look is NOT what people want to see. I would also worry that some people would overload the darned thing, putting undue stress on the screen hinges and/or causing the laptop to tip over.
Frankly, this makes no sense to me. I carry my laptop in a case to protect it, and that same case has plenty of room for papers, pens, cables, etc... (I love Tom Bihn cases, btw.)
My biggest concern is that this screen "sleeve" would push whatever objects are being stored un-evenly into the laptop screen, causing permanent damage.
Viewing: 1-10 of 13
Show All