I wrote TT yesterday asking if I could order extra dividers to configure the AI the same as the Tamrac roller.
I also asked why you can't order the low divider set with the AI 15 case. Doesn't make sense to order the case with the standard height dividers...then never use them. I might be reading their order form incorrectly.
Insurance is my business...photo is a hobby. I'd rather have the cable and not need it ...than need it and not have it. Cables and locks just keep honest people ...honest. They slow down the snatch and run types. It's all insured. But it has been my experience (many decades) that carriers are more inclined to continue coverage after a significant loss if the insured has done everthing possible to protect against that loss occurring in the first place. Stuff happens...but carriers know it happens more often to those that aren't vigilant and cautious.
Does that bar across the bottom of the AI serve as a handle so you can lift the case with the top handle and the bottom handle with both hands...like a tray?
Is there anything you don't like or would change on the AI?
Yes, there is a soft grab handle in the bottom of the case which allows it to be lifted "like a tray".
I've actually used both the full height and the shorter dividers depending on my needs. For example, the full height dividers allow me to carry more gear when I do not need the laptop. If I decide that on a particular trip I do want to have the laptop with me, I switch to the lower height dividers.
I like the fact that I have both the standard height dividers as well as the shorter dividers, as I have more dividers to work with and can mix and match.
Since you're ordering the case and already know you want the lower height dividers, I'm sure they can work something out. They have been quite accommodating when I have contacted them for orders.
My complaints or observations? Personally I think they could increase interior volume even more if they used thinner padding in combination with a thin semi-rigid poly sheet that wraps around the walls of the case. This would maintain stiffness of the bag and increase interior volume. The current design uses the poly sheet in certain areas of the bag, but not the full circumference.
The only other thing that bothers me is the divider with the two cutout for camera and attached lens is not sized properly for my equipment because the cutouts are too far to the sides. I simply don't use it, but would if the openings fit my gear.
Otherwise I am quite impressed with the quality and carrying capacity of this bag.
I agree it is better to have the cable and not need it. Actually now that I think about it, I have used the cable on two different occasions.
I have the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW and find it too big for my casual daily use. I just ordered the Tamrac 5618 and hopes it would be more usable for my daily purposes. (NOTE: I am not a professional photographer, just a semi-pro weekend photographer; so daily means going to and from work with some of my camera gear).
