X-Bags CTSS Case Carrier / MTSS Monitor Carrier

Manufacturer:  X-Bags
Supplied by:  X-Bags
Price: $45.95 - CTSS / $34.95 - MTSS

by Dean Barker  3/1/2002

 

Introduction

Personally, I’m not a huge LAN party goer but I do have the need at least twice a month to go here or there and take a machine with me.  Computer carrying kits are nothing new.  The only case carrier I have ever owned was some no name, bargain basement, computer show, piece of crap.  What made it crap was the overall quality.  The webbing used to lash around my computer that ended up forming a handle, made me about as comfortable as an Enron executive testifying in front of Congress.  Up to now, I have not really seen any confidence inspiring carrier that would make me part with my hard earned jack.  Needless to say, when the X-Bags folks contacted me about reviewing their product, I was courteous but I really didn’t have high hopes.  That changed about 10 seconds after I was into the X-Bag shipping box. Before we get ahead of ourselves we wish to thank the X-Bags crew for sending the units over to us.  (In a second you will understand why it is a BIG thank you we send to the X-Bags peeps.)

The CTSS (Case Transport Strapping System) is pretty straight forward in its form and function.  It designed for mid and full tower cases per the X-Bags web site.  When they say full tower, that does not necessarily mean a server case.  The main box here is a Global Win YCC-61F1 which is wider than your average case.  The CTSS simply could not handle the width of this case without being bent all around.  I don't see this as a big issue because why would you be hauling around a server or an otherwise oversized case in the first place?  When you look at the CTSS you can immediately figure out how things work.

  

The X-Bag wraps around the midsection of the case.  Things are held together at the top via two very sturdy clips on opposing sides of the handle.  The handle is formed from the hoped strap at the top of either side being bound together by a padded Velcro handle that is part of one of the hoops.  The case is kept from sliding about by the use of a 1 1/2 inch wide Velcro strap at the front and rear of the CTSS.  Pending the arrangement of your PC’s drives, you won’t need to unwrap your PC in order to run your machine which is a nice plus. 

  

     

On one side of the CTSS are two zippered pockets.  The first is clearly for a keyboard.  I was impressed by the size of the pockets.  My personal keyboard preference is a Microsoft Internet Keyboard.  This keyboard has a plastic wrist rest at the bottom making it a few inches wider than your standard keyboard.  The X-Bag was able to accommodate this keyboard with ease.  So if you use a Natural Keyboard or anything that is oversized I don’t see any problems with being able to pack it in the pocket.

The smaller pocket was also able to handle more than just a mouse.  The pocket was large enough to hold my mouse, Ratpad, four CDs and a bottle of booze with some room left over.

  

On the opposite side is a heavily padded piece that I originally thought had no real function until I put my case in it.  My LAN box has a window in the side.  As most of us know, Plexiglas of any sort can scratch.  If you have a Plexiglas window on your box with some neon or other type of lighting, that scratch is definitely going to be noticeable.  The X-Bag folks apparently took the mod guys into consideration when trying to design a bag that (let’s face it) will be used for the most part by gamers. 

The CTSS also came with a shoulder strap that was comfortably thickly padded with very nicely made aluminum buckles at each end.  The CTSS itself has four rings in which to attach the shoulder strap to for a couple of possible combinations.

The base of the CTSS has four thick plastic feet to keep things off the floor a bit.  This will surely lengthen the unit’s life by not wearing out the bottom from sliding it across the floor.

 

NEXT