Over the weekend, I received a hefty package from Think Tank Photo full of new camera bags I ordered. I'm in the process of changing my bags around since my needs and mindset have recently changed (more on that in a future article). One bag that I wanted to jump on quick and provide my initial thoughts on was the Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0.
After only spending a few days with the Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0, I already know my thoughts about the bag will remain the same in three months as they are today. The Artificial Intelligence series of laptop cases are extremely simple and highly efficient. What you see is what you get. No frills, no gimmicks, just pure Think Tank love.
The Artificial Intelligence series of laptop cases do not offer a place to carry a camera, though you can fit a compact camera, Fuji X100, or a micro 4/3 body with pancake lens in the front accessory pocket. The cases are designed to take your laptop and a few accessories to the coffee shop, client meetings, or school. The Artificial Intelligence series was recently updated to V3.0, which offers a deeper and roomier front pocket, more durable fabric, and a new 13" size.
Sizes available:
Artificial Intelligence 13 V3.0 – 9.4"W x 13"H x 1.2"D, holds up to a 13" laptop.
Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0 – 11"W x 15"H x 1.4"D, holds most 15.4" laptops.
Artificial Intelligence 17 V3.0 – 11.4"W x 16.3"H x 1.4"D, holds most 17" laptops.
More after the break.
The Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0 is extremely slim and has no excess fat. It's a comfortable size to carry if you walk one mile to and from your local Starbucks like I do. The shoulder strap is thin and narrow, however it is adequate and comfortable. The vertical positioning of the Artificial Intelligence series is interesting and awkward at first, but later shows it's true benefit when maneuvering through the insanely crowded coffee shop at 5pm. The laptop compartment is also padded on all sides, including the always forgotten bottom.
Build quality is top notch, matching the other Think Tank Photo bags I own. The material is robust and is sure to last. YKK zippers are smooth to the touch and pull. If anything the zippers are a bit loud, but not obnoxious like velcro. The shoulder strap buckles are beefy and are the same ones used on the Urban Disguise series.
I am impressed with the amount of gear I can jam in the Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0, which includes:
– Power block with long cord
– G-Technology G-Drive Mini with leather case and Firewire 800 cable
– Small business book
– Pens
– Business cards
Not only does the load feel light, there is plenty of room to spare. I can add another G-Drive Mini in the front pocket and a Moleskine notebook in the rear pouch.
Partially loaded Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0.
The Artificial Intelligence series offers a dedicated padded slot for a laptop and a roomy pocket for accessories.
Contents of the partially loaded Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0, with room to spare.
Organization is easy with a dedicated business card sleeve, three pen slots, and two other shallow sleeves inside the front accessory pocket.
YKK zippers are buttery smooth and won't scratch your laptop, iPhone, or accessories.
The thin-yet-adequate shoulder strap uses the same beefy metal connectors as seen in Think Tank Photo's Urban Disguise series.
A full sized documents pocket is located on the back of the Artificial Intelligence series. It has velcro closure for added security.
The Think Tank Photo Artificial Intelligence series of laptop cases is not for everyone, but can be useful for most. The selling points of this case include the streamlined styling, excellent build quality, and the price point. At $49 for the 15" model, the case is not inexpensive, but it is not expensive either. The price point reflects the quality of the bag and the Think Tank Photo brand. Add in the fact that many of Think Tank Photo's backpacks and Airport series rollers have a slot with the Artificial Intelligence in mind, this laptop case becomes increasingly convenient to use, especially for the flying photographer.
Where to buy:
You can order your Artificial Intelligence V3.0 laptop case directly from Think Tank Photo. All orders over $50 receive a FREE gift.
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ReplyDeleteLaptop Bags
when maneuvering through the insanely crowded coffee shop at 5pm. The laptop compartment is also padded on all sides, including the always forgotten bottom.speech recognition software
ReplyDeleteI purchased the 13" AI shortly after purchasing the Airport International Version 2.0 camera bag. My only complaint is that the zipper pulleys on the Artificial Intelligence are cloth instead of metal.
ReplyDeleteThe Airport International offers several combination cable locks to snake through the zipper pulleys of the bag, to prevent access to potential wrongdoers. I expected the Artificial Intelligence to inherit this security feature, especially considering the laptop compartment of the Airport International is just a simple open pocket in the front of the bag.
A cloth zipper pulley means a pair of scissors is all that it will take to cut it free from the bag.