The MTSS

The Package

The MTSS

The small "utility pocket"

Screen Protector

Another description of the product from the MTSS product page:

"When it comes to your monitor, it's a must to have piece-of-mind in knowing that your monitor is safely restrained and out of harm's way. This is where the MTSS shines.

It's important to point out at this point that the MTSS is meant to carry the monitor as a "Frontpack" not a "Backpack" as it may look. By carrying the MTSS on the front, you can better navigate corners, loading and unloading, and know that your screen is protected in every way. Speaking of the screen, the MTSS boasts an 1/8" flexable board with half inch padding to absorb any knocks and bangs that may come its way, and is designed to handle 15", 17" and most 19" monitors. There's a removable utility pocket that can be placed atop the MTSS which you can place any tools, cables, or extras you feel you'll need to carry.

The MTSS is made of the same durable materials as the CTSS, however, the MTSS has 2 padded shoulder straps instead of just 1, and they fasten with the same carabiner to cast aluminum fasteners as the CTSS has. There's also a carrying handle which does up with Velcro© for those who wish to carry their monitor by hand rather than wear it."

Setup

Front View

Back View

Side View

Like the CTSS, at first glance setup seemed confusing, but unlike the CTSS, setup was quite confusing and difficult. The instructions are very clear, but there are just so many things to deal with that at times it gets very confusing of what goes where. I would explain how to set it up, but this isn't a guide. Besides, explaining how could make a guide alone. If you can't figure it out, read the instructions. With the difficulty involved here, it almost gets to the point where if you have a smaller monitor, carrying it in is less of a hassle. But with a bigger monitor, it's definitely worth taking the time to get it setup.

Usage

Ready to go

Some detail

Ahh... the fun part. Taking my 19" monitor to Quakecon this year was a breeze compared to past events. Using the shoulder straps were virtually useless when moving my monitor while standing in line, it was basically stop and go traffic. This made the handle on top very useful. But carrying it from the car about 100 yards to the line made the shoulder straps very useful as well. When it was over, it ended up holding its own, I brought it back without it showing any signs of stress.

While there are many different monitor designs, with the 3 I tested in different shapes and sizes, it seemed to work perfectly. I don't expect it to fit all CRT's, but the design is very well thought out and should fit most monitors.

Conclusion

These two products definitely do what they were deigned for, not only that but they do it well. The only problem was the CTSS case size support, with it being the regular model, it should be able to handle mid sized cases and even a little bit more. With the odd shape of monitors, I didn't expect for the MTSS to be a walk in the park to get on, especially after I got tangled up in the mess of straps after taking it out of the box. After the first time you get it setup though, it's much easier each time after. The engineering in both of these products is nearly flawless. The materials are strong and very durable, as they should be. I would recommend these to any person who goes to more than a couple of LANs each year and hasn't already spent a bundle on a LCD monitor and a miniature sized barebones setup. For those of you who don't LAN but hate moving your computer around the house, get some case handles. But this product is definitely worth every cent you pay for it, I can't wait to see what XBags comes out with next!

I'd really like to thank Trendetronics for providing these items for us, click here to purchase the CTSS, and here to purchase the MTSS or get more information on the XBags products.

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