TiStrap

PowerBook Strap: TiStrap V2 TiStrap V3
Other Projects: Coat Mods Coat Hanger Ring Table DeLorean
And while we're here... Kittens

Who needs a laptop case when you can carry all the accessories in your coat? Previously I had a black webbing strap wrapped around the body of the laptop between the case and the screen. This worked, but wasn't terribly convenient. The TiHandle proved that the little screws on the back of the Powerbook's screen hinges are indeed strong enough to support the entire machine. Unfortunately, the new 12" and 17" Powerbooks have a different hinge design that will require a different approach.

• 1/8" thick L-shaped aluminum cut down and rounded with a file is used as the mounting hardware. Two small holes for the screws and a larger hole for the webbing were drilled into each.
• The original hex screws were replaced with longer flat-head screws to account for the added thickness of the brackets.
• A 1" wide strip of webbing was run through the larger holes and is sewn into place.
• A 1 1/4" diameter ring on the end of the webbing is used to attach the shoulder strap to.
• Webbing tends to unravel over time; a few quick taps with the edge of a soldering iron is all that is needed to melt the frayed ends and keep them together.
• The Eagle Creek shoulder strap is clipped onto a carabiner with wire wrapped around it to keep it from slipping. The carabiner in turn clips onto the ring on the laptop for quick removal.
• When worn, the laptop dangles at about waist height. The excessive swinging that would normally occur is dampened signifigantly by wearing a trenchcoat over it.

Thanks to Matt Andrew for helping with the bracket construction and design.

UPDATE: This verison of the TiStrap unfortunately failed while I was on a trip to San Francisco. Those little screws were really just designed to keep the hinge covers on, after all. I'm curious as to how well the TiHandle holds up. The more robust TiStrap V2 can be found here

Permenantly-mounted strap	Right-side mounting hardware and ring	Left-side mounting hardware
Connectors visible with strap attached	Closer view of the open connectors	Ring/Strap Connection
Shoulder Strap Attached