STM Bags Linear Apple iPad / 10" Tablet Bag review

If you are on the go a lot and tend to take your tablet with you as often as your house keys, then this STM case may be the solution for you. The Linear tablet bag is a tough, padded waterproof design with a myriad of pockets and compartments for carrying your digital slate and loads of extra stuff. Also, the quick-snap strap adjuster is a practical feature, and the omission of Velcro strips means you have stealthy access to all that is stashed inside.

Editor's Rating 

The Linear features a smartly designed set of pockets for safely and securely transporting all your daily necessities, including most tablets with a screen up to 10.1" in size. Inside is a thickly padded compartment (device space: approx 7.6 x 0.6 x 10.3 in) made especially for storing and protecting your valuable slate. The bag also has a padded shoulder strap and built-in handle so that you can either wear it comfortably on the shoulder, or in your hand.

In the inner depth of the bag is the main compartment, the largest single space of the package, naturally that’s where your device goes. It’s lined with soft, bright yellow fabric, which looks great, but will quickly get dirty near the top as you slide your tablet in and out. Ingeniously, the top opening is shaped on both sides in a curved line. This provides a tight closure when shut while allowing easy tablet passage when opened.

Just outside the main compartment is a generous pocket big enough for a book, a pocketbook, or a pair of winter gloves. Moving yet another layer outward, you find a zippered pocket with 3 stylus/pen holders, another pocket for a smart phone and even a charger and cables will fit here, not to mention a key chain which you can attach to a tethered clip. But wait, there’s more: when you fold the exterior of the bag over all this stuff, you have yet another zippered pocket for a notebook or whatever doodad you wish to have the quickest access to. Flip the whole assembly around to face the back side, and there’s an open-top slot for some sheets of paper.

The shoulder strap also deserves some words of genuine praise. If you’re not a fan of the classic strap adjuster, then you may appreciate the quick-snap mechanism employed here on the Linear. The over-sized shoulder pad is insanely heavy duty with a rubberized no-slip underside, making it almost too tough to fold well over your shoulder. But with a little breaking-in, a comfortable result can be easy to achieve.

Pros

• 2013 Golden Case Awards winner for Best Tablet Bag
• Thickly padded device compartment
• Lots of pockets
• Water-resistant materials
• Good value

Overall: GREAT

The Linear is a feature-rich, quality tablet bag that offers outstanding protection against drops and moisture. This tablet companion is practically a steal at just under $60 USD. The sporty look probably won’t appeal to everyone’s taste. However, if convenient storage and safe tablet travel is objective number one, then the Linear may easily be your best case scenario.

Features

• Designed to fit any iPad and most 10” tablets
• Smart Cover compatible
• Exterior: water-resistant 300D velocity poly material
• Interior: 200g brushed nylex and water-resistant polyester
• Adjustable, padded shoulder strap
• Soft-lined front and rear-side slip pockets
• Soft-lined front zip pocket with key clip, card pocket and stylus/pen holders
• Fleeced lined tablet section surrounded in high-density padding for ultimate protection
• Device space: approx 7.5 x 0.5 x 10.3 in (WDH)
• Fold-over rain cover flap w/ buckle-style clip lock
• Fleece-lined zip pocket on cover flap
• Built-in handle
• Reflective tab for nighttime visibility

Specifications