Review: Tom Bihn's Archetype Cork Laptop Case

There's certainly no shortage of laptop bags for Macbooks or Powerbooks, but I found that the less you carry, the better. That's why I'm really digging Tom Bihn's cork laptop case called The Archetype. The company sent me a review unit to test out, and I love how my 13-inch Macbook fits so well inside. There are times when you just want to head to the coffee shop for a quick caffeine fix, and you just don't want to carry a huge heavy laptop bag along. I find it easier to pack my Macbook inside this lightweight sleeve with handles, like the Archetype, and either carry it alone or inside a bigger bag.

The Archetype is made of 0.25" (8mm) thick closed cell foam which entirely encases your laptop. The padding in the middle may not be extremely thick, but the way it thickens up around the edges keeps your laptop in place and protected from bumps and scratches. The outside of the bag is made of real cork, which is both aesthetically pleasing and gives the sleeve a second layer of protection. I love the way the handles are lined with webbed plastic, giving it a slightly more comfortable hold.

If you're a minimalist, you can't go wrong with this bag. It has no compartments, no pockets inside or outside, and no shoulder strap. What you see is what you get. This could be frustrating for people like me who carry an extra wireless mouse and a power cord at least, but those are things you could stick inside your handbag when you're making a quick trip to the library or coffee shop. Overall, I think the bag is a bit pricey at $95, but when it comes to complimenting the Mac's minimalistic style, this bag couldn't be any more perfect.