Moderate Cost MacBook Backpack

[Mal]

Didn't see anything in the other threads that met my requirements, so here goes.

I need a moderately priced (under $50) backpack or possibly nice messenger bag that fits a 13" MacBook. My preference would be for one of those single strap backpacks, because I want it to fit nicely against my back (I don't have the best back in the world, so a snug bag will be helpful). It doesn't absolutely have to have a laptop slot, although I prefer that extra protection. I do have a soft sleeve I already keep it in, doesn't protect it from impact or pressure, just scratching and the like.

Oh yeah, and the price range is because I really do have only about that amount of money to spend on it (birthday cash).

jW

P.S. Yes, I like parentheses (they really help get the point across).

[Lucky8]

I have a brand new STM laptop backpack that I was going to sell on ebay. if you want, you can have it for 50 bucks. It's definitely worth more than that.
Here it is : http://sewelldirect.com/stm-backpack-notebook-laptop-bag-macbook-pro.asp

[Mal]

Nah, not really the type I'm looking for. Don't usually carry a whole ton more than my computer, just a few books, so that's a bit oversized.

BTW, the mods generally frown on offering sales outside of the Marketplace. Just a tip.

jW

[iJimmy]

i currently have my eye on an incase slim backpack ($100). i've been searching for awhile but havent been able to find a decent looking backpack except the incase.
i went to the apple store, but they didnt have it in stock.
http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-slim-backpack-cl55028/2

[Mal]

OK, really, no offense, but did you not see where I said $50 and under? I don't have that kind of money to spend on a bag to haul around my stuff.

jW

[iJimmy]

you get what you pay for

[Mal]

Gee, thanks. :rolleyes: That's exactly what I needed to hear.

Anyone have any useful comments to make?

jW

[LeahM]

well, if you have a specific price range, and its in cash (eg, no Visa, MC, or AE) then a good place to look would be at your local stores, because over the net you'll more then likely have to pay shipping. So, I know Walmart has some, or Staples (but they seem to be more costly). Have you tried a discount bag/luggage shop? I know at Bentley's they have some for $30 that are fine backpacks. But Bentley's is Canadian so your S.O.L.

good luck

[Mal]

Anyone know of anything similar to Bentley's (never heard of them since I'm not in Canada, what type of store is it? Maybe I know something like it) in the US? Also, if I'm looking in stores, which I was planning to do (looked at Walmart and Target without great luck), which brands are good in that price range?

jW

[LeahM]

Jansport and Targus are cheap back packs.

Bentley's is a discount bag/luggage store.
Do you have a Burlington Coat Factory near by?
Have you tried CompUSA?

[Mal]

Hmm, didn't think of Burlington Coat Factory, there's one on my way home from work. Unfortunately, all of the CompUSA's here have completely shut their doors, otherwise I would have looked there already.

I haven't seen any Jansport backpacks with the single strap previously, though I haven't seen any in the stores I've looked at so far, but I have heard they're good. Same with Targus, I'll keep an eye out for those brands.

Thanks for the advice!

jW

[kpritcha13]

You should check out ebags.com. They have a huge selection and great prices. I got one of their brand name laptop backpack and I love it. They have ratings on the bags too, so you can read what other people think about them.

Here are a couple of one strap backpack that are under $50

One (http://www.ebags.com/f_l/brick_house_sling/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=86456)

Two (http://www.ebags.com/everki/fling_light_laptop_sling_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=84846#)

[flyfish29]

I would check amazon- the free shipping on much of their stock can be worth it.

As far as one strap vs. two, if you have a bad or sort of bad back go for two straps and not a messanger or single strap bag. Studies show two straps are much better for your body than one. The being said, it depends on how often you carry it, how far, and how much. I know you said you don't carry much with it. If you did I would recommend this bag.

CityGear Targus backpack at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Targus-TCG650-CityGear-Notebook-Backpack/dp/B00024ENVG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207017523&sr=8-5)

Targus still makes really good bags. I have owned the above one for two and a half years and it is bomber!!!

The Swiss bags (Staples and Amazon carry them) are nice bags, but most seem bulky.

You can get a really good bag if you are willing to spend between $40 and 65 . Don't go cheapo and get a $30 or 40 bag. You will either have to buy another in a year or so, or worse yet the strap will break or padding will be inferior and damage your computer.

LL Bean and Eddie Bauer sell some great bags and they have some laptop bags of various styles. llbean bag- one style less than $50 (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=47995&sc1=Search&feat=sr)

Remember, bags can be used for years beyond the life span on your current computer. So invest wisely!

[Mal]

Thanks for the links. The first one kpritcha13 posted is either the same or nearly identical to one I saw at Target (about the same price there), but wasn't sure that the MacBook would fit. If it is indeed the same bag, then eBag's measurements confirm that it will. I'll have to go take another look at it.

jW

[robanga]

I have one of the Wenger (Swiss symbol) backpacks. The model number escapes me at the moment but it was the top of the line one of that brand in the store (Office Max) . It has worked great.

[flyfish29]

Thanks for the links. The first one kpritcha13 posted is either the same or nearly identical to one I saw at Target (about the same price there), but wasn't sure that the MacBook would fit. If it is indeed the same bag, then eBag's measurements confirm that it will. I'll have to go take another look at it.

jW


Beware stuff at Target. While Target is much better than Walmart and a few others, I have found much of their off brand stuff to be inferior as of late. If it is a brand name you recognize and see other places then it is most likely fine (though not always the case). However, I bought a laptop bag for my wife there and before she used it one day it was falling apart. We got her a great one on Amazon for $60 and it is six months old and doesn't look one bit worn!

Also, check out the protection for your bad boy computer! They are not all adequate protection even though a company might sell it as a laptop bag!

[LeahM]

you could also just get a good sleeve for your comp and then get a "regular" comfy backpack.

I agree with the other poster that it would be better to get a backpack rather then a over the shoulder. It'll help a little with your posture (if worn properly) and that will improve your back.

[Mal]

you could also just get a good sleeve for your comp and then get a "regular" comfy backpack.

I agree with the other poster that it would be better to get a backpack rather then a over the shoulder. It'll help a little with your posture (if worn properly) and that will improve your back.

Yeah, I have a sleeve but it doesn't provide a lot of protection. I'd consider getting a better sleeve and a normal backpack but I think that would require a higher budget, which I just can't spare right now.

As far as the double strap backpack versus single strap backpack, I'm opting for the slightly more comfortable and convenient single strap because I don't carry my computer that far most of the time, and I'll be out of school soon so it'll be even less distance. I figure it'll be better for me than a messenger style bag because it still rests up close to my back, which is better for weight distribution.

jW

[Convoy]

Check your local Marshall's/TJ Maxx/A.J. Wright. They carry laptop cases, too.

I scored a Kenneth Cole ballistic nylon bag for my new macbook for $30 last Friday. They have a ton of cases at the downtown Chicago T.J. Maxx. Well, they did last Friday.

[Fuchal]

http://www.radtech.us/Products/ShoulderBags.aspx

I have the Alley one in 13" green and it is fantastic :)