Sony PCGA-CK5T
Introduction
I’m a big fan of slip cases for notebooks. This is especially true for sub-notebooks which, due to their diminutive sizes, can easily slip into many different kinds of bags. In the past, I had slip cases for my Sony VAIO PCG-SR7K, Fujitsu Loox-T and my Fujitsu P2120. All of my previous slip cases offered a decent amount of padded protection and allowed me to easily carry them in whatever bag I chose.
When I purchased my Sony VAIO PCG-TR1AP recently, I was shocked to see that Sony USA was not offering any sort of slip case for it. In fact, I felt that their choice of bags were not very attractive nor practical for myself.
Of course, I knew that there were slip cases available because I had been checking on the available accesories at Sony Japan’s website. The PCGA-CK5T semi-hard case caught my eye as the perfect case for my new notebook.
A quick search on Ebay found several reputable dealers selling these import items for a reasonably priced $58. The list price in Japan for this case is 4980 YEN. After a few days, the case arrived and let’s see what I found.
PCGA-CK5T
The PCGA-C5KT is a semi-hard slip case with a clamshell design that is secured with the use of two rubber tipped zippers. The build quality of the case is excellent. This is my first “semi-hard” case and it truly is. The padding is reasonably thick and there’s just the right amount of stiffness in the on the front and back. Additionally, there is padding around the sides of the case so that when you zip up the case, it notebook is fully surrounded from all angles by padding.
Upon opening it you see two halves. One half is for holding the TR and the other half hides an accessories pouch.
The TR is held in the case with a sleeve to keep it from moving around. It’s a perfect snug fit and adds a little bit of extra padding.
On the other side, you can open the accessories pouch which is a stiff board on one side and two slim pouches on the other side. The two pouches were actually designed for CDs or DVDs but you can slip in some headphones, Bluetooth adapter or PCMCIA card in there.
With the notebook inserted and case closed, the entire package measures a little over 2.25” (5.7cm) and should allow the case to be easily carried in a backpack or even the slimest of messenger bags.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend this case if you’re not a fan of true laptop bags or backpacks. The protection the case provides allow you to turn almost any kind of bag into a laptop bag. The price if you can actually find the case is not too bad when you compare it to other high quality cases. Of course, the best thing is that this case was designed specifically for your TR-series notebook so you’re guaranteed a perfect fit.
The one negative point about the case is that you should know is that the case will not accomodate the TR when it’s using the enhanced capacity battery (PCGA-BP3T). If you frequenty use your TR with the enhanced capacity battery then you’ll either need to find another case or disconnect the battery during travel. Update: I’ve received a PCGA-BP3T and it “can” fit inside of the PCGA-CK5T; however, it’s a very tight fit and stretches the case a little bit. So, it is possible but still not recommended.
Here’s one last photo of the case with the extended battery.
I was wondering, are there any external connectors/loops/rings to attach a carrying strap?
I have today received one of these cases (from ehobbyjapan on eBay, after reading this useful review) and I can confirm that there are no external loops, brackets or attachment points for a carrying strap.
Not a problem for me, as the case fits neatly into my rucksack.
(By the way, thanks to gr00vy0ne for providing this great review!)
thx very much for this truely bodacious review homie it rocked my world. u rule groovy one
Love my TR. Needed something to keep it safe from harm. Have just ordered one of these cases after reading this review. Looks awesome. Cheers!
Just wonder if SONY PCGA-CK5T is suitable for PCG-TR5AP?? Thank you!
Very nice review, thanks! You saved me from getting one of those polyester cases (PCGA-CCTR/J) on sonystyle.com
About the fitting the PCG-TR5, I would say yes - the dimensions all seem the same:
PCG-TR5/PS
? Size (H x W x D)
1.37”-1.44? X 10.6” X 7.4”(H) [inch]
Weight: 3.11 lbs
PCG-TR3A
? Size (H x W x D)
1.37”-1.44? X 10.6” X 7.4”
? Weight
3.11lbs.with a standard battery
The TR line looks like the same chasis, just different processors. I am rather surprised the TR5 runs at 1.1mhz (vs. the TR3’s 1mhz) - seems like a Really Tiny amount to upgrade the processor.
Having said all that, I would love to get an X505 except the memory is maxed at 512mb.
I just wish they did a case for the TR5 that was a little bigger than this (with room for a single A4 folder and the AC adaptor), and had a carry strap. The next size of Viao carry case (which I ordered and sent back) completely dwarfed the tiny TR.
Would this case fit the TR with a GPRS/EDGE pc card with the antenna installed? I have the GC83 and the antenna sticks out about a half inch fron the card slot. Minimal clearance would be OK. Anything to not be forced to remove the antenna all the time. Thanks.
Hi, Donovan. I can squeeze my index finger between the pc-slot and the side of the case (but it is a firm fit). I personally wouldn’t want extra tension on my pc-card. You can probably make it work if it really only protudes one half of an inch… the case will stretch a little bit. It isn’t a question of clearance (it is too close to actually have any clearance) - it is more a question of how much tension can your hardware sustain.
Hello,
I’m interesting to buy this PCGA-CK5T for my VAIO TR1.How much your buy it now price?
Can you ship at France and accept Credit Card payment or paypal ?
wow thos pictures look amazing ,
I always liked Sony VAIO , great design..
fpyooiff mviswqdx mimefmkk http://fxtfoubq.com xlekvcjd xxvnvpmo
How much?