Author Topic: Magnetic Tankbags and Laptops. (Read 5007 times)

bgrundy · « **on:** May 19, 2006, 03:09:27 PM »

I commute about 40 miles each way on by B12. I need to carry a laptop and some other items. I'm sick of a backpack. My commute is in the DC area, and sometimes can take me 2 hours going home. The backpack can really be a drag in traffic. It gets uncomfortable.

I've tried a number of tankbags and found some too small, and some with "quick release" mechanisms that are'nt really quick.

I'd like to try a magnetic bag (I really like the Rapid Transit bags), but I'm worried about my government laptop. COMMON SENSE tells me that, especially when off the bike, the magnets would be dangerous to a laptop. There's scant little on the subject through a goodle search, so I thought I'd post here for comments, suggestions and experiences.

Does anyone know of a commercial "magnetic shield" sleeve or bag for a laptop that will fit in a tank bag?

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Barry

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2006, 03:33:16 PM »

Well, are you stuck on using soft tank luggage? Seems a laptop could use hard shell protection. Have you considered a top case? Not everyone's cup of tea, BUT they come off with the push of a button, so it's no big deal taking them on and off.

When I ride to work I can get my lunch, sodas, laptop, and anything else I need in this Givi...

I wanted a BIG one, but there are smaller, sleeker ones out there.

I always found it so useful that I quit ever taking it off. Anyway, something to consider if you're responsible for public property. Soft stuff doesn't work for me. Just too flimsy.

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:04:48 PM »

I have not read about any problems with the tankbag magnets being strong enough to affect the HD in the notebook PC. And that's about the only thing that the magnets would bother. Plus the magnets usually drape down the tank, not under the bag where the notebook would be. If you really want to use the tankbag, put a magazine or portfolio pad & paperwork under it as a buffer.

However...I have read that the vibrations in a tankbag are hard on the notebook, and the mags all promote the use of a backpack/courier bag. Again, the additional padding/paperwork would be helpful.

I have a gummit-issued notebook too, and when I take it home, I put it in my courier bag, but I prefer to use that for commuting anyway. I have duplicate power supply at home, so I don't have to carry all that back and forth.

And make sure you back your data up to the LAN so if you do lose the notebook or the vibrations get to it, you're not screwed!

bgrundy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:47:14 PM »

Quote

Plus the magnets usually drape down the tank, not under the bag where the notebook would be. If you really want to use the tankbag, put a magazine or portfolio pad & paperwork under it as a buffer.

Right, except when you take the bag off, some models are designed so the flaps fold in towards the bottom of the bag. That's actually where I'd expect the most problems.

Quote

However...I have read that the vibrations in a tankbag are hard on the notebook, and the mags all promote the use of a backpack/courier bag. Again, the additional padding/paperwork would be helpful.

You are correct. Actually, the only stuff I could find on laptops and tankbags specifically mentions the vibration problem. I had intended to make a soft foam padded base to put in the bottom of the bag.

I'm wondering if some magnetic shielding material (http://www.lessemf.com/mag-shld.html) would eliminate (or greatly mitigate) the problem.

Thanks for the comments.

Sven · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:56:50 PM »

Quote from: bgrundy

Right, except when you take the bag off, some models are designed so the flaps fold in towards the bottom of the bag. That's actually where I'd expect the most problems.

You're right, mine does that and I totally overlooked that.

bgrundy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2006, 05:08:26 PM »

Quote

Well, are you stuck on using soft tank luggage? Seems a laptop could use hard shell protection. Have you considered a top case? Not everyone's cup of tea, BUT they come off with the push of a button, so it's no big deal taking them on and off.

Not really "stuck" on tank luggage. I just want something easy to pull on and off. I considered soft tail luggage, but the bungee's look like a pain in the ass ensure secure mounting. The only problem I see with the Givi is my vanity...I have a custom "streetfighter". The addition of the mounting hardware would just not look right. I acutually had a holeshot rack on the bike but took it off 'cause it looked like piss, at least on my bike.

I don't know. I'll have to consider the Givi option. Appears to be most secure and convenient. The drawback is looks...

Thanks!

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2006, 06:56:17 PM »

Quote from: bgrundy

Quote
Well, are you stuck on using soft tank luggage? Seems a laptop could use hard shell protection. Have you considered a top case? Not everyone's cup of tea, BUT they come off with the push of a button, so it's no big deal taking them on and off.

Not really "stuck" on tank luggage. I just want something easy to pull on and off. I considered soft tail luggage, but the bungee's look like a pain in the ass ensure secure mounting. The only problem I see with the Givi is my vanity...I have a custom "streetfighter". The addition of the mounting hardware would just not look right. I acutually had a holeshot rack on the bike but took it off 'cause it looked like piss, at least on my bike.

I don't know. I'll have to consider the Givi option. Appears to be most secure and convenient. The drawback is looks...

Thanks!

Streetfighter look, eh? Hmmm, I didn't realize you'd ventured away from the sport/tourer look....could be a problem, then.

bgrundy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2006, 07:03:51 PM »

Quote

Streetfighter look, eh? Hmmm, I didn't realize you'd ventured away from the sport/tourer look....could be a problem, then.

Yep.

Actually, you commented on my "streetfighter" before in your "change of clothes for my sweetie" thread a long while back. You can see the Holeshot rack in some of these pics:

http://users.adelphia.net/~bgrundy/Bandit/

I think it just ruins the look. Still... I really need to be able to ride this to and from work, so I may have to compromise...

LensWork · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2006, 12:35:19 AM »

Check out this link:

http://bat.tiradito.arizona.edu/computing/Training%5CPCMyths.html

The experts say that a magnet will NOT harm a hard drive or media storage devices like compact flash cards. I would be more concerned about the effects that the vibration might have.