Hands-On Review--Tom Bihn eM2 Mac mini Bag
Apple's new Mac mini (see our review) is so small that it is easily portable, even as a desktop computer. Mac mini owners are likely to carry their mini between home and work, over to friends' houses, to clients' places of work and on trips, whether for business or pleasure. Hey, it's only 6.5"x 6.5"x 2" and weighs less than 3 pounds. All it needs is a case and there is one! Tom Bihn's eM2 is designed specifically for the Mac mini.
Do you want your Mac mini to be protected from scrapes, scratches, dings, drops and the weather while transporting it around? We certainly do. Tom Bihn designed the eM2 expressly to take care of those issues. The eM2 is only 7.5"x 7.5"x 2.75" and weighes just 6.7 ounces so it does not add significant bulk to the tiny Mac mini computer but does add the protection of a .25" thick layer of padding.
The eM2 features a splash-resistant zipper and simple webbing handles for easy carrying. There are rings on the top to snap on a shoulder strap if one wishes and Tom Bihn also makes excellent shoulder straps ranging in price from $10-25. One side of the eM2 has a stretch mesh pocket that will accommodate the power supply for the Mac mini, a cable or two, or a couple of jewel cases. It fits into just about any daypack, briefcase or messenger bag you may have.
The eM2 has a tough, finely-woven 500 denier Geosung Musora® exterior with .25" (6mm) closed cell foam padding to minimize any shock to the Mac mini from a hit or fall. The special "splash-proof" zipper is a #8 YKK Uretek. It's made in Port Angeles, Washington.
Our eM2 is black with a dark gray (steel) interior but they come in three other colors: deep blue, crimson and steel. It is very well made. The materials are first class and the stitching is outstanding as we have come to appreciate in all Tom Bihn bags. Our Mac mini fits snuggly inside the eM2 so it won't wiggle around. The foam padding is not overly pliant, so it's effective, and it encases the Mac mini on all 6 sides. The Mac mini's small white power brick and electrical cord fit into the expandable side pocket with a little room left for a few more smaller things. We especially like the moisture resistant zipper and think one should be included on all computer bags and backpacks.
Tom Bihn's eM2 is an excellent Mac mini case available now for just $40 plus shipping. We highly recommend it for those who plan to transport their Mac mini. [Bill Fox]
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