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15inch MBP Backpack... big enough for books.

C

chonald

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 27, 2008
16
0
Hello,

I will be purchasing a 15inch Macbook Pro this summer. It will be used for my Software Engineering major.

I will be looking for a nice backpack to use with this laptop, and I am wondering if you guys could recommend one for me. Looks don't matter all that much. What matters the most for me is a backpack that can comfortably fit the laptop with enough room for school books and notebooks. Possibly 3 books at a time with a few notebooks?

Let me know if anyone has any ideas or can point me in a better direction.

Thank you,
Cole
 
I just did a quick search. The backpack that caught my eye was the Tom Bihn Brain Bag with one of the Brain Cells.

Does anyone have experience with these bags? People on the forums make it sound like these bags of very high quality and make the laptop safe for travel.

Is the Brain Bag big enough for school books as well?
 
this just arrived yesterday for me

http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/medium-messenger-bag-cl55108

I love it! i have used a northface backpack for the past 8 years or so, but it didnt have a laptop compartment, so i carried my previous mbp in a separate bag, which was real annoying. this is plenty big to hold books, cables, accessories, and an iphone in the front with a hole for your headphones. i highly recommend it.
 
chonald said:
I just did a quick search. The backpack that caught my eye was the Tom Bihn Brain Bag with one of the Brain Cells.

Does anyone have experience with these bags? People on the forums make it sound like these bags of very high quality and make the laptop safe for travel.

Is the Brain Bag big enough for school books as well?
Click to expand...

I do, here are my thoughts on both:
Smart Alec
Brain Cell

My current favorite is the BBP Industries Backpack.
 
I personally got the Timbuk2 H.A.L. I place my new MBP15 in it with a few books book here and there. Some people might not like the main compartment though
 
North Face Recon. Theres a dedicated compartment for the laptop itself, and plenty of room and pockets for all your other stuff.
 
I know how important it is to buy a laptop that sits well on your shoulders and doesn’t stress your back, especially if you are carrying a bunch of heavy books to school. Why don’t you take a look at this laptop backpack from Briggs & Riley? It’s one of the roomiest bags I have seen and has lots of space for all your text and notebooks. Besides, you’ll also find separate pockets for stationery, tech gear, and peripherals.
 
it's a backpack/suitcase/messenger bag/mobile lap office

Higher Ground Trillium Laptop Backpack :cool:

a bit pricey. prices range from $100-$150 but i think it's way worth it
holds a ton of peripherals too =]

you can even detach the laptop section for a lightweight sleeve too

http://www.hggear.com/trillium.html
 
You should definitely check out Crumpler! The bags are of very high quality and a weatherproof.

I've had one for 5 years and it shows nearly no sign of usage!
 
without a doubt check out the patagonia bag on apple's online store. It fits up to a 17" mbp (what I use it for) and it's super comfortable, expandable, and useful.
 
Pressure said:
You should definitely check out Crumpler! The bags are of very high quality and a weatherproof.

I've had one for 5 years and it shows nearly no sign of usage!
Click to expand...

+1 - I really like the Crumpler "SeedyBar" backpack I got recently. Fits my MBP in a Waterfield sleeve and all I need to carry (PSU, little flashlight, pouch of cords, spots for 2 rockstar cans) and room for a sweater or a couple of notebooks. Don't know how this would work for someone with a lot of books, I stuck a mobo box I had laying around in it for scale...

Not really a "computer" backpack though (no real sleeve) - for me that was a plus because I was going to use the Waterfield one, other may feel differently...
 

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Brain bag and brain cell

Currently using the Tom Bihn Brain Bag and Vertical Brain Cell for my i7 15" MBP. Love it. These guys make great stuff and their customer service is top notch!
 
I have a Jansport Exchange, and I use it every day. It is huge, but it has straps on the side to cinch it down of you don't need all the space. It is a little loose for my 15" MBP, but it is adequate. There are plenty of pockets for books, pencils, calculators, etc. The main reason I picked this backpack is the gel padded straps and large capacity. It isn't quite as comfortable as an older Jansport backpack I had (which was the most comfortable backpack ever) since there is some tubing that digs into my shoulders, but it is close. Even loaded with my MBP and lots of books the straps are never uncomfortable.

I don't know if it's still in production, I can't seem to find one for sale anywhere. You might be able to find a similar one from Jansport, just make sure it has Air Lift straps (not air core, that's not the same thing).

Edit: another thought... If you are just starting college, you might find that you won't need to carry as many books as in high school. I usually go back to my room between classes so I don't have to carry a lot of stuff. The only time I fill my backpack is when I'm getting a package from the post office or when I'm travelling. So you can probably get by with a moderate size backpack instead of a huge one. I would consider the Jansport Exchange "huge" at >2100 in^3. Jansport's website lists size in in^3 for most of their backpacks.
 
I just got a Hard Graft 2Unfold in grey. It's awesome. It wouldn't have room for too many books in addition to the rest of the stuff, but it could handle some and it looks great. A bit expensive though.
 
kny3twalker said:
http://www.spireusa.com

You will never have to buy another backpack. The backpack also includes its own removable sleeve for added protection.
Click to expand...

Came here to recommend this brand. Bought one in 2005 for my Powerbook G4 and the backpack/sleeve still look brand new even after everyday use. Extremely good quality and also looks good and protects your laptop without looking like a "laptop backpack."

Plenty of room for books/notepads and laptop.

BTW, if you email customer service at SpireUSA and tell them you "really like their product but can't decide between theirs and some other brand, mainly because of Spire's somewhat steeop price" they might send you a coupon. I was told that back in 2005 and emailed them and they gave me 15% off of my purchase.
 
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