Review – When you can have it, who needs a built-in laptop compartment? The Waterfield Double-Take Sleeve can provide your laptop and tablet with full space, and provide you with two different carrying options, as a stand-alone bag or an integrated part of the kit. I like multifunctional multitasking programs. To review!
What is it?
It is a protective case for MacBook and iPad.
Hardware specifications
- Ballistic nylon fabric with wool blend lining.
- 13 inch sleeves:
- 14 inches (length) x 0.75 inches (width) x 11 inches (height); 1.1 pounds
- Suitable for MacBook 13.3-inch (Air or Pro) and similar size devices
- Suitable for iPad Pro 12.9″ or similar size devices
- 16 inch sleeves:
- 16 inches (length) x 0.75 inches (width) x 11 inches (height); 1.4 pounds
- Fits 16-inch MacBook Pro and similar-sized devices, as well as all devices suitable for 13-inch models
Design and features
Waterfield is one of the best bag manufacturers in the industry, combining exquisite design aesthetics with first-class manufacturing quality. Take the outline on this sleeve as an example. Ballistic nylon is the main exterior material, but you can also use a full-grain leather base to increase the grade and provide a comfortable grip.
The beautiful appearance doesn’t just stay outside. Look at the beautiful fleece lining. They are in pure gray or blue, but I feel this checkered pattern. This reminds me of my old Volkswagen GTI, exuding the same style and class.
The closing mechanism is a metal hook system with nylon loops (3 in total), which allows you to hook in for a close fit, but it can also be quickly released. These three loops allow you to tighten or loosen the flaps according to what you are carrying. This is a nice detail that increases the usability of the sleeve.
Speaking of details… Waterfield takes care of everyone. Sometimes it’s something small, such as a delicate company seal on the bag.
Sometimes it’s stitching details. You will not find defects anywhere in the build.
More assembly details, as well as a close-up of the full-grain leather base.
Then there are many details that mean huge differences in usability. Take a look at this. The front pocket is used to hold the tablet. The back pocket is used to store your laptop. But look at how they roar independently? This means you can store larger things (or extra items like notebooks) when you need them and still get the most out of your sleeves.
I am testing the 16-inch model for my 16-inch MacBook Pro. Please note that this is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro I put in the front pocket with Apple Magic Keyboard. And I have free space.
Waterfield also provides a slot for the Apple Pencil in the tablet pocket! Until you use another bag and panic, you may not think it is a big deal, because you think you might have knocked the pencil off the magnet on the iPad when you pulled the iPad out on the train. Been there. done.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro slides perfectly into the back pocket. A layer of foam padding is sandwiched between the outer ballistic nylon and the soft-touch wool inner to protect all precious items (because we must protect them. Yes, we must. Precious.).
You can also find an external open pocket at the back of the sleeve for storing small notebooks, folders, documents, etc.
Waterfield designed this bag for two use cases: minimalism and add-on laptop case users. After using it for a few weeks, I am here to make a case for both (please forgive the pun).
The main use case is Double-Take as a detachable protective cover, which can add laptop protection to a bag without a built-in laptop compartment. This is a cute backpack or briefcase (like my respected Tom Bihn Empire Builder) that you carry with you. It allows you to pull out your sleeves to attend meetings or store the rest of your belongings in the overhead luggage. You can quickly access your laptop and tablet (or two laptops!), and you can still carry your bag with you at your desk. It is elegant enough to be carried alone like a briefcase, and has enough space for notebooks and documents.
For minimalists, you can use it alone, but Waterfield adds other options. You can order a pair of D-rings and purchase a shoulder strap (or bring your own) for shoulder/crossbody carrying. My test model did not come with these accessories, but if I want to add a shoulder strap in the future, I will at least use a D-ring spring. If you want to keep improving, then it is large enough to store the above working tools as well as your phone and some extras.
If you use it as a laptop case in another bag, make sure to check if the size is appropriate. Please also note that in the briefcase style large opening bag, you can easily open the flip cover and slide the laptop out without having to remove the sleeve from the bag. If your carrying is vertical (such as a backpack), you need to pull it out to get valuables.
what do I like
- Excellent manufacturing quality, more durable than your laptop.
- Elegant and sophisticated style, very suitable for business environment.
- It is spacious enough to carry extra items for meetings and on-board events.
Areas for improvement
Final thoughts
This design is another winner for Waterfield. Simple, elegant, elegant and powerful. The quality is top-notch, and in my opinion it is very worth the investment because you can transfer it from one bag to another. I strongly recommend adding at least a D-ring (only $5) to increase your carrying options.
Price: The 13-inch MacBook size starts at $129. The 16-inch size shown here starts at $139. There is an additional charge for choosing D-rings and/or straps.
Where to buy: go Product page on the Waterfield website.
source: The sample of this product is made by Paddy field.
