Best Bag for the 17" MBP?

[David N]

I just picked up my new 17" MBP and absolutely love it. Avoiding the debate as to whether or not it's a desktop replacement (which is is for me, but my "desk" travels with me ), I'd like some opinions on what is the best bag to carry it around in! It will be living in a Speck Hard Shell case, I had one a few years ago on my old MBP and loved it!


So, here's what I've found so far:


Brenthaven 17" ProStyle III-XF Shoulder Case
http://store.apple.com/ca_edu_125199/product/H1516ZM/A



Thule 32L Crossover Backpack
http://store.apple.com/ca_edu_125199/product/H6666LL/A


As you can see my budget is around $130, but I'd go up to $150 for a good bag if it helped. Does anyone have experience with either of those bags? I'm generally more fond of shoulder style bags, but the Thule obviously has more room. Which is more "drop/crush" resistant?

I'll probably be carry my MBP, an 8x10 notebook, a few pens, a 100Wh Hypermac Battery (in a few weeks, haven't ordered it yet, I'm currently nursing the pain from the MBP ) and an external drive.


So, opinions?

 

[datniceguy]

So I've been shopping around for a bag for a 17" MBP, too. From personal experience, I had a much bigger laptop (an ASUS G73 - freaking behemoth) and it actually fit into my ASTRO Scout Backpack. That's what I'll be using for now when my MBP comes in.

I second this post. I'm looking for briefcase/messenger style bag that's more business appropriate.

ASTRO Scout Backback - http://www.astrogaming.com/astro-scout-backpack

 

[David N]

Interesting that you mention that, I have the Astros headset for gaming I'll look into their backpacks briefly, I forgot they made them, but this is more for my professional side, so maybe a gaming backpack wouldn't be the best idea


I can't find a single review of the Brenthaven, but it's looking like the best option so far...

 

[TechStooge]

incase nylon or canvas backpacks. fits up to 17inch macbook pros

 

[Jaro65]

Quite a few to choose from: http://www.booqbags.com/17-inch-macbook-pro-bags

They don't make the one I have anymore, but it is similar to the current Boa squeeze. Nice bag for traveling light, though they offer other, more voluminous, options.

 

[Macman45]

I have the XL City Messenger....Takes my 17" MBP, my MBA AND my iPad.


http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...a=X&ei=Nk4cT6fhMYT-8QOCk9muCw&ved=0CFIQ8wIwAQ

Won't break the bank either.

 

[Jaro65]

Also, as far as Hypermac, do take the numbers they offer with a (decently-sized) grain of salt. I have their 150Wh battery which I used to take with me on longer flights. Since I now tend to travel with my MBA, I got their 60Wh battery as well. Their generous battery life estimates extend to that product as well.

 

[dmccloud]

I use this bag for my 15"MBP, but it can hold up to a 17" model:

SwissGear IBEX Laptop Backpack (BestBuy)

 

[David N]

Thanks for the suggestions; I think I'm going to go with the Brenthaven, it seems to have the best combo of storage, protection, and professional design so far


I have a smaller Hypermac for my iPhone and iPad [Which I sold to buy the MBP] that works ok, I get about 70% of the claimed battery life, which is ok with me. It would be nice if they gave an accurate number, especially where they're one of the few firms in their market (Not much competition that I can see...), I don't see much need to over inflate the numbers.

 

[CountBrass]

Knomo

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned my favourite MacBook bag maker.

I've got this one for my MacBook Pro 17": http://www.knomobags.com/uk/women/bags/laptop-sleeves/slim-large-laptop-case-17-black.html/

It's quilted, extra protection for the precious, and overall it's not much bigger than the MBP: what's the point of buying a slim, light laptop and then carrying it in a bag that doubles the bulk and weight? Comes with a strap in case you prefer to carry it over your shoulder (spoils the line of my suit so I carry it like a briefcase).

Mine is slightly different from the linked one in that mine is blue and doesn't have the little zippered pocket (I guess they added that for the 2012 model!), but otherwise identical.

 

[edk99]

Also check out http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/shop/function/laptop Pretty high quality well made bags

 

[takeshi74]

what's the point of buying a slim, light laptop and then carrying it in a bag that doubles the bulk and weight?

Depends on who you ask -- same as asking about the point of any topic. It's a subjective matter. Some people need to carry stuff. Others have other reasons.

 

[AppleWarMachine]

I have the same Brenthaven bag for my 15" MBP, which I love. It is stylish and a high quality laptop bag (lifetime warranty). You can't go wrong with this one (IMO).

 

[Romeo604]

try STMBAGS.com. They have very sturdy laptop bags.