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Ultimate MBP Backpack: Booq Mamba Shift L vs. Tom Bihn Smart Alec

Which backpack?

  • Tom Bihn's Smart Alec

    Votes: 6 40.0%

  • Booq Mamba Shift L

    Votes: 9 60.0%
  • Total voters
    15
Tears Apart

Tears Apart

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 10, 2009
564
13
Outside Closer
Hello all!

So I just bought a new 17'' mbp and I am looking for the ultimate MBP backpack. I came down to two options and I am really in two minds.

1) Booq Mamba Shift L
2) Tom Bihn Smart Alec

My criteria:

1) Functional and durable.
2) Stylish but unpretentious design-wise.
3) Allows not only laptop storage but also enough room for holding few basic clothes/books/food when traveling.
4) Ratio Quality/Price.

They both seem to have about 27 litres volume.

Currently I am in Germany and shipping the Smart Alec from Seattle would cost me a bit more than getting a Mamba.

What would you get? Thank you.
 
the 1st one, second one looks cheap to me, like a backpack you take out hiking or something, kinda odd.
 
Haha - the bags order in the poll is inverted than the one in the post, that's why : )

It's weird though, I think that to me the Smart Alec has a more pleasant design. Simpler and stylish.
 
Last edited:
I think they are all ugly, but you obviously don't which is what matters. Out of them I like the first the most though.
 
Hube01 said:
While of the three posted, I prefer the first one, I also like the Brenthaven. I have an older version and can't kill it. I've had it for almost 10 years and four laptops later. I've taken it with me on trips, and work (fire department). Overall, the case looks almost as good as it did the day I bought it!
Click to expand...

Hi Jay! I read only good things about the Brenthaven. However (call me a design freak) I just don't personally like its look. I find it a bit lacking personality.
 
I have a North Face Recon and I think it works really well. You should check out some of the North Face Backpacks. i know the North Face Surge has a dedicated laptop compartment.
 
I am more of a messenger bag girl- I like Timbuk2

And as a side note, one of my Timbuk2 bags has a tag inside that says "Making god **** in San Francisco since (19-whatever). Cracks me up!:D
 
Messenger is stylish but backpack is just more comfortable (in particular if you fly with it).

As for the poster who suggests North Face, that's too sophisticated design for me.

aimeeinohio said:
I am more of a messenger bag girl- I like Timbuk2

And as a side note, one of my Timbuk2 bags has a tag inside that says "Making god **** in San Francisco since (19-whatever). Cracks me up!:D
Click to expand...
 
Tears Apart said:
Hi Jay! I read only good things about the Brenthaven. However (call me a design freak) I just don't personally like its look. I find it a bit lacking personality.
Click to expand...

Yes, I have had my bag fall off the engine, desks, and so on; never having any issues with my laptops. However, my latest one is a Panasonic toughbook!

I just ordered Oakley's "Kitchen Sink" backpack. While I am not sure if I'm going to like it; it looked good! Besides, I can always get my money back!

Jay
 
I've been using an older Booq Boa for my 17" for years now. It is rock solid and looks great. Highly recommend it.
 
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