n_maher

I actually like the Brain Backpack a lot and will have a hard time not buying it. I love the RedOxx stuff but I picked RO the first time because it was the function over form solution to what I wanted (but still looked good to me). I think case, right now, the Bihn seems like both for what I'm looking for. I wish their factory store in Seattle had better hours so I could go over and find a laptop sleeve or case that might fit in the Backpack but they have really limited hours from what is posted online.

The Meta, which would be a nice option, is sold out and to-be-updated.

Hmmm, I really don't want to go over to the darkside of Bihn... I just wish that the Sky Train had more exterior pockets for stashing stuff that you want to get to quickly. I guess I'll give myself a bit more time tonight to mull over options. Thanks for your input everyone and if other ideas come up, feel free to toss them out there. And CJ, yeah, it's a mammoth 12lb'er. It's my only laptop and I need something with excel for the class I'm taking so it is what it is. Until MAC makes something that you can game on I'm sticking with what actually works not what is supposed to work via a semi-workaround, blah blah blah. Bonus is that it'll be nice to watch movies on at the hotel and for typing on for work that I have to bring with me. I'll still bring the ipad for on the plane use.

W: 16" D: 12.7" H:2.1" Translation, huge. Tom Bihn says they have a horizontal brain cell that will fit it, but I don't think that cell will fit in the Brain backpack. I think I'm going to have to call them...

I'm actually thinking that a Tom Bihn *gasp* Brain backpack might be the way to go for this trip. I think it'd be easier and more comfortable to carry than a shoulder bag, could pull double-duty as my only carry-on and is reasonably affordable. Sadly Red Oxx doesn't make anything that would accommodate a 17" laptop or at least not my 17" laptop. I think I pretty much have to order something today to make sure it gets here in time or pay through the nose for shipping...

Ok, so I need some laptop bag advice. In short order (less than two weeks) I need to travel with my rather large Alienware M17x. I have a crappy bag that I use for schleping it around locally but this is going to require something much better to make sure that doesn't suffer at the hands of the TSA (I may just pack it in my lulggage) and I'll need the bag to be able to carry other stuff back and forth to the class that I'm taking. Right now the leading, but not really preferred, contender is the Orion M17x bag. It appears to cover all the funcational bases that I need leaves me wanting. On the flip side the budget for this purchase is pretty limited so I'm not going to be springing for anything like Dan's link above.

I find it slightly odd that the 3 cast members were never all together during 2 separate specials.

Very cool looking ride, Aerius.

What AF setting are you running Dinny?

I don't have a clue, but I like the fact that you're asking.

Yeah, I went in wanting it to be outstanding and came away nonplussed. It was pretty forgettable in my opinion which left me with a huge sadface.

Happy Birthday Bryan!

My 2¢ is that the D7000 is a worthy upgrade. The low-light shooting abilities were game changing coming from the D80 (not too far from your D90). The video capabilities are also going to be better along with, well, just about everything else. Sure, nice expensive glass is great but really, are you going to shoot raw, spend hours post-processing extracting every last detail or are you going to chuck a lens on a body, shoot with pretty standard settings and use the in-camera jpg output? I'm in the latter camp. I'd love to have the time to tinker but I don't and I'm slowly getting over the fact that I can't do everything. Slowly. So I'm content with my everyday first gen 18-200 and occasional super-wide-angle 12-24 and get better pictures out of that setup because I actually use the setup. Translation - door #1. The D90 is ancient in tech terms and the D7000 is a crazy good consumer DSLR body and you've got some nice glass from where I sit.

Woot! Way to go Vicki!!!

I'm too friggen hammered at work and at home right now to organize much of anything so if someone wants to take up the charge on the jersey thing I'm interested but just can't help. And I'd be down with a custom Road ID, but can't find the dog-tag version to look at on their site. Could be my crappy web at work...

Was in a meeting, missed the Energizer, bummer.

Ahh, life as a series of naps. I remember those nights. Andrew and I watched a lot of old Top Gear during those times.

So I haven't felt well since Thanksgiving night but thankfully felt well enough to get out for a ride this afternoon. Less than ideal conditions, temps in the mid 30's, gusty wind and overcast. But that's why they make long underwear. The only thing that got really cold was my feet, despite having newer, less ventilated shoes on. Might have to break out the booties if I go out again. There's snow in the forecast though and I'm not prepared to run studded tires...yet. Ride Data Icy Marsh

sure Shelly, PM me some details. I'd love to have it for a trip in two weeks but that's not make or break.

Yeah, but could you get one for $1000?

I'd much rather have the Calfee, personally. Actually I'd rather have your Gunnar as well. Seems like you already came to that conclusion and I share your desire to get out of the house. So much that despite the temps in the mid 30s and a stiff breeze I'm going for a MTB ride this afternoon.

Haj, no budget in mind but the lower the better (as usual). CJ, yeah, I was looking at the 5 but I always get confused since there appears to be multiple versions (regular 5, n, and r).

So I'm toying with the m43 idea again... What would a decent entry level setup be? Basically I'm looking for a travel camera for a few upcoming trips.

We love Fitz, he loves you, so welcome and congratulations.

Except that there are folks here who would help if you asked.