Best Messenger Bags for a Macbook Pro (15) - with Room for textbooks

[jargonblimp]

Timbuk2 make great bags.

As a photog, i immediately thought of Think Tank.
They make a normal laptop bag http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtChkIn.php

As well, you can take their normal lineup that can fit laptops (Urban disguise, what not) and take out the camera parts.

They are expensive, because they are that good. Check out the Urban Disguise 60; i can store two digital bodies, 15" MBP (they say it can take 17) and 3 lenses and my flash unit along with everything else. If i took out the camera dividers, i could easily put four or so text books and a writing pad.

 

[I want a MBP]

http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-messenger-bag-cl55039
you're welcome

edit: whoops i didnt read that you wanted a leather bag. in that case, id go check out staples or office depot or someplace like that. or even the apple store

 

[ianvjohnson]

Timbuk2 medium Laptop Messenger with new macbook pro

Does anyone have any experience with the new macbook pro size fitting into the timbuk2 medium laptop messenger? Comparing dimensions the bag seems just a tad small, but I don't want it to be swimming in the large. I was looking at making a custom bag and don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't work.

 

[warrencheng]

casemate is best!

So I've had my macbook pro for a year now, I love it, and I've been using a Swiss bookbag which was just too big to go from class to class in.

So I thought a nice messenger bag would do. What I'm looking for is it to have good protection for the laptop without the use of a sleeve and in addition have room for some notebooks and a textbook. Enough to go to two classes. I'd like it to be leather but then again I'd like to afford it. I'd probably go as high as $200 but if i really like it who knows.

So what I've been looking at:

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/

http://www.fossil.com/jump.jsp?itemID=2567&itemType=CATEGORY

http://www.vajacases.com/images/bags/messenger15_wide.html (Incredibly Expensive)

http://usa.roots.com/style.aspx?catid=120&dptid=7&saleGroup=&template=1

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=DBB96B8F&nplm=TN097LL/A

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=76D82591&nplm=TN374LL/A

http://booqbags.com/s.nl;jsessionid...888e9.e3eTaxePaNqNe34Pa38Ta38Mb3f0?it=A&id=96

I would prefer leather or color but if it's just black nylon and it's a great bag let me know. Just want to know people's opinions of these bags and their own experiences with their own bags. Also if anyone knows if the fossil or roots bags fit a 15 inch Macbook Pro, let me know.

Thanks!

i would advised u go for the brand, casemate.u could inscribe your name on it too,and it's leather.

 

[FuzzMonkey]

I have a booq mamba saddle bag (link). It's a great bag, plenty of room for books etc.

edit: Youtube link for a video showing how much stuff you can fit in!

 

[macrem]

Still my fav... Crumpler Ugly Divorce:

 

[paddingtonpear]

The Bag of Holding $49.99

Awesome bag, Carries LOTS!!!!

Clicky: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/aaa5/

 

[skyrider007]

Louis Vuitton Damier Spencer

Damier canvas with smooth leather trim
Shiny golden brass hardware
Adjustable canvas shoulder strap with Louis Vuitton signature and link attachments
Rear zipped pocket
Flap top with zipped pocket
Interior pockets and protected compartment for laptop
15.3"x 12.1"x 3.9"
Made in France

Available at eLuxury for US$1,580

 

[ianvjohnson]

Timbuk2 and new macbook pro

I emailed Timbuk2 about how their medium messenger fit the new 15" MacBook Pro and this was their response:

"We have been told that it does fit, but it is VERY tight. We have also heard from some customers that it doesn’t fit. So the fit must be very snug. Depending on how easily you want to remove the computer from the sleeve, you might want to upsize to the large. The $25 off sale off custom bags would help offset the additional cost."

I would normally be willing to take the risk (fabric can stretch), but while I was waiting for their response I was checking out the field and ran across the Booq Boa Slimcase M. Seems like high build quality, good laptop protection (seemingly better than the Timbuk2) and good clean design. It is small, but I only need to transport my computer and a few other necessities daily, so it should work perfectly.

Should be here Friday.

 

[fisforeric]

Have any of you owned or know about Chrome messenger bags? I was thinking of getting a mini metro. Most days I carry around an 15 inch aluminum MBP and a binder, maybe a textbook here and there to study. I am a college student who bikes to school, so I am looking for comfortable bag that won't move around alot when I'm on my way to school. Thanks

 

[Gloor]

I got this one. Brilliant for the price

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Inch...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236941999&sr=8-11

 

[machomer]

I know Tumi has a rather expensive reputation, but my family has had great experience with the company, so I decided to buy two of these messenger bags for my new MacBook/MacBook Pro (I haven't decided yet...):

http://www.tumi.com/business_laptop...er_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=41681

I like the styling a lot, and given it's a Tumi, I'm sure it'll last me through college. It says it only fits a MB, but I've tested it with a MBP with no problems. However, I'll have to see how it performs in everday school usage.

I had a Tumi messenger bag for a MBP and I've switched to a traditional backpack, Northface Surge. The Tumi bag is constructed nicely with ballistic nylon, but it did not have cushioned compartment and enough space for books. Also, based on your need for plenty of room for books, a messenger bag might be tough to carry. I find that a backpack spreads the weight evenly on both shoulders.

Good Luck

 

[JMann2380]

I have a BBP bag ( http://www.bbpbags.com ) .. .Their new one is called the Hybrid Hamptons, but I have the old one... the only difference is mine just has a plain front flap instead of the compartments. Now for the kicker, the old one was on clearance and I paid $42!!! shipped.

I got the large and it is PERFECT for my laptop, 2 textbooks, a couple smaller paperbacks, some folders and a notebook. Best part is, it will fit my 17" UMBP when I get it.

Now on to the two KICKASS features that no other messenger bag has!!!...

1) Separate laptop compartment - You don't have to open the top flap to access the laptop... I can't tell you how convenient it is and I think it is safer for the computer.

2) Backpack option - This gets hugely mixed reviews, but let me tell you, it works great for walking around campus, very comfortable. And the messenger option works good for a quick trip into a coffee shop or walking into a meeting.

Quality is great too, highly recommended. Even for the full price.

-Josh