WTB/looking for suggestions for laptop backpack

[techound1]

Looking for a laptop backpack. Let me know if you're looking to get rid of one or if you've got suggestions for one (that you love and can't part with :D).

[uicandrew]

tell us what laptop you have.

[techound1]

What? And be helpful? :rolleyes: Sorry - 15" MBP. Need to haul laptop, lunch, and shoes (haven't found a messenger-type bag that has enough room AND a way to secure the laptop to the bag).

[MacDann]

I bought a Wenger (the Swiss army knife guys) laptop backpack a few years ago when I was in my final years of college. It started out carrying a 14" iBook, a 15" PowerBook, and lastly my 15" MacBook Pro.

It's got boatloads of room and does a good job of protecting my MBP and all the other laptops I've carried in it. I use it daily to carry my 15" MBP and work related stuff when I ride my motorcycle, since my MBP won't fit in my saddlebags.

If you need more detailed info let me know and I'll see if I can find an example for sale somewhere.

I separated my shoulder in school because of the huge load of books and stuff I had to carry in the backpack, so I bought a roll-around Wenger case with a removable laptop case to give my shoulders some relief. One of the wheels on it got noisy, like it had some grit in the bearings, about 4 months after I bought it. I e-mailed Wenger and within a week I had a brand new one, without even asking - I suggested that they just send me a new wheel and I would install it.

MacDann

[uicandrew]

are you SURE you want a messenger? all that weight isn't good for your shoulder. (pinched nerves)

if you insist on a messenger, timbuk2 has a line called "commuter" that holds a bunch of stuff. the "back of the messenger back is like a stiff shell. great company with a great reputation, that virtually specializes in messengers.

i tried using one for my 17" macbook pro, but it got painful after a while.

i currently use a jansport backpack "air cure" which has a laptop sleeve. it isn't that bulky, so it might not hold everything you're looking for.

[MacDann]

The Wenger bag I have is a "Maxxum Computer Backpack". You can find them all over the place - looks like the going price is around $50, depending on where you buy it.

MacDann

[techound1]

Yeah, the commuter is what I have now, interestingly enough. I loved the pockets on it, but I need more room and have the lofty goal of biking to-and-fro in the summer.

[techound1]

The Wenger bag I have is a "Maxxum Computer Backpack". You can find them all over the place - looks like the going price is around $50, depending on where you buy it.

MacDann

How's the durability been for you? Popping seams or getting wear marks??

[MacDann]

How's the durability been for you? Popping seams or getting wear marks??

Great. I've had it for over two years, and while I haven't used it the whole time, it's holding up very well as far as I'm concerned. Zippers work great, no worn or popped seams, nada.

When I bought this and later the roll-around bag, I did a lot of research, and the Wengers seemed to hold up the best and got the best ratings from users, considering the price. I didn't want to dump $100+ into a backpack, which isn't hard to do these days. I have both and they are both in great shape. The roll-around bag got a lot more wear on it and it still looks and works like new.

I don't care about all the fru-fru stuff like a cell phone pocket or an mp3 pocket with a hole for the ear bud cable, but it's got that if you go for that sort of thing, too.

MacDann

[Mikebuzzsaw]

check out timbuk2... they have great stuff.

I have this one...
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/track-day-pack


It has a separate compartment for your books. Another compartment made just for you laptop. Lots of cushioning for your lappy. It can fit 17' lappy.


If you want mine, hit me up with an offer. I might get different color and style from timbuk2.

[techound1]

If you want mine, hit me up with an offer. I might get different color and style from timbuk2.

What color is the one you have now?

[robo74]

Honestly, my company bought me a targus:

Link (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=CVR600)

I could not be more happy with the room, protection and comfort.
I take this with me all over the place. I would rate myself to be hard on this thing since its in and out of multiple airplanes on a weekly basis.
Has not tore, broke, or even shown any signs of wear. And I have had it nearly a year.

Good luck with your search.
Rob

[Mikebuzzsaw]

What color is the one you have now?

Orange one pictured. I get lots of compliments! :D

[elfin buddy]

I highly recommend this backpack (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442545289&bmUID=1202358099435) from Mountain Equipment Co-op. I've been using one of the previous editions of this backpack for two years and it's by far the best backpack I've ever owned. Pretty cheap too, and you'd be supporting a socially and environmentally responsible organisation :D

edit: to add to this, perhaps my favourite 'feature' of the backpack is that it doesn't look like something you'd find a laptop in...

[zirkle2007]

Here's the one I've got.

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?&langId=-1&storeId=10001&splCatType=0&catalogId=10051&productId=158372&cmArea=SC1:CG20:CL142745

Its great! I carry usually carry two laptops, some camera equipment, and some other things. It is very comfortable too!

[FullmetalZ26]

Here's the one I've got.

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?&langId=-1&storeId=10001&splCatType=0&catalogId=10051&productId=158372&cmArea=SC1:CG20:CL142745


I've had one of these for about the last year and a half -- it's a great backpack. Tons of room, and a CD player-sized pocket/slot at the top that's great for keeping your cellphone in during class. The only issue I've had with it is one of the end seams of the top handle padding split open a little, but the handle itself is a steel cable connected to the bag, so I'm not too worried. Other than that, it's held up perfectly after being carried to and from class and work with my Macbook on a daily basis.

[techound1]

Honestly, my company bought me a targus:

Link (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=CVR600)


Thanks for the tip, Rob (and zirk and metal!). I'm always wary of the stuff that Staples and Office Depot carry (for overall sturdiness) and I'm glad to hear it's worked out well. Of course, that makes things more complicated by adding something back into the mix that I'd discounted :cool:.

Orange one pictured. I get lots of compliments! :D

[if somebody can tell me how to multi-quote in one post, I'm happy to do that... :eek:]

Can you send me a pic or two so I can see the condition?


to add to this, perhaps my favourite 'feature' of the backpack is that it doesn't look like something you'd find a laptop in...

Yeah, makes a thief think twice if he's not sure if he's getting a laptop or a kit of dirty underwear. :p

[RainForRent]

I'd have to side with Mikebuzzsaw. I have the same model in the blue on blue, and get a load of compliments on it. Plus, it swaths your MBP in delightful corduroy, and is built like a truck. I use it for my 15" MBP.

[techound1]

Wow! Thanks, everyone for your replies. I have a tough decision ahead!

[Mikebuzzsaw]

The timbuk2 is kinda made for apple laptops. Sure you can fit other type of lappys, but even their pictures online show a macbook in the backpack.

Can hold up to a 17' mbp.

[cdcastillo]

Another Vote for the Wenger Maxxum. I've tried several others backpacks (well, tried them in the store, didn't bought none) before deciding on this one, and I'm very happy with the results. Let me expand a little bit more:

I recently moved to a new city to continue my postgraduate training. Being in a new place, I had more freedom to choose somewhere close to my new work place to live: I now usually walk/bike from home to work. In this new work place, they don't provide a locker to store things I need only at work, so I'm stuck carrying them from work to home and back again every day. These paraphernalia includes (but it's not limited to):

A whitecoat
A few text books (regularly one or two)
A "triangular rod" shaped case/bag full of examination material (it is about 12 inches long, 6 inches deep and 8 inches tall)
My MacBook


I was having trouble finding any backpack that allowed me to carry all of these items while I walked/rided between home and work. That was until I found Wenger's Maxxum: it has plenty of space to accommodate all my belongings (particularly the odd shaped case). In addition, it is the most comfortable backpack I've ever used.

So, I think you should give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

[devilot]

[if somebody can tell me how to multi-quote in one post, I'm happy to do that... :eek:] :) Click on this icon: http://images.macrumors.com/vb/images/buttons/multiquote_off.gif on all the different posts you wanna quote. Note, the order in which you click them will impact how they show up in your post, but you can always manually change that.