Bag and Sleeve for Macbook

[thebiggoose]

What is the cheapest good bag (either messenger, sling, or backpack) and sleeve cobo or sperate for the MacBook (Not Pro)?

[T-Stex]

Before I give any advice, it would probably be a good idea to list what you're looking for in a bag/sleeve, what your price range is, and what you'll use it for. You'll get much better answers that way.

However, I will say that you might be better off buying a decent bag for your computer, rather than looking for the cheapest one. You've spent over $1000 on your computer. Do you really want to be carrying it around in the cheapest bag you can find? I'd suggest buying a bag that will protect your computer extremely well, and last for a long time.

The two brands that I have a great amount of trust in are Brenthaven and Booq. Both of those brands' products cost a bit more than the average bag, but you'll definitely get what you pay for. I own and have owned products from both brands, and haven't had any complaints whatsoever.

I personally have a Brenthaven Fusion MB (http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-fusion-black.html) messenger bag, which I love. It's got an incredible amount of protection for my MacBook, and looks good too. If you look around on the net, you can find one for just over $60 here (http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-fusion-black.html).

Again, I feel that you definitely get what you pay for, and you're much better off getting a quality product right away, rather than regretting it in the future. Granted, I understand that budgets do exist (unfortunately), but when you're getting a product that will protect a large investment, it sometimes pays to spend a little bit more initially.

[cyberddot]

Ditto on needing a better idea of what you can spend, and what you want in a bag/sleeve.
"Cheapest" could include an old school backpack, and a sleeve made out of foam rubber and duct tape, but that's too practical for me too. :D

I'm looking at getting a Patagonia 'One Bag' (http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/collection.jsp?OPTION=COLLECTIONS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.TRAVEL_GEAR#yc) because it's got a built in laptop-pouch, it can go from briefcase to backpack, and because it can haul a couple days worth of clothing for roadtrips. I think this is the 'cheapest' because it's two bags in one. I can cycle to work with it on my back and then sling it around messenger/briefcase style while at work. These bags have been around for quite a few years, and I've wanted one for a long time, but only recently remembered it as a great option for a laptop.

More images here - One Bag images (http://www.ebags.com/patagonia/one_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=67679) - this site has lots better views than the Patagonia site, but not necessarily the best price on the bag. This is not a plug for any eSeller, just for the Patagonia bag.

<edit> Oh...and you might try MRoogle (http://mroogle.yo-momma.net/) to find one of the 100's of other threads started on laptop bags, which would then yield this list (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=laptop+bags+site&#37;3Aforums.macrumors.com&meta=).

[thebiggoose]

Ok...I'd like it to pad my Macbook reasonably well, holdan ipod or cell phone, and hold a textbook or two (I'm a high school student)

[furcalchick]

my suggestion is to get an insleeve bag for $50 (you can buy one at the aple store), and you can put that in your bigger backpack (assuming you have a bag already). that's what i think at least.