The perfect laptop bag for powerbook 15"

[ToddW]

Okay so I have serached around quite a bit and haven't really found a perfect recommendation for a laptop bag for a powerbook. This is what I am looking for:

-something I can use to replace my backpack
-I travel at times and need a good bag to protect my powerbook
-need to carry a few books
-need to carry gadgets, such as ipod/cellphone/day planner

anything else I should be looking at?

I have looked at timbuk2 or crumpler which of these brands and which bag would you guys recommend?

 

[Inspector Lee]

Whichever you choose, just make sure you get a sleeve as well. I've heard horror stories of what a wayward pen or paperclip can do to a laptop if it is put in a bag with other peripherals.

I can't vouch for the timbuk2 bags, but I have 2 of their sleeves (15" powerbook and girlfriend's 12" iBook) and they definitely (and stylishly) get the job done.

And not to beat a dead horse with these bag threads, but make sure you pick up an lcd protector to cover up your keyboard when it is closed. They run around $10 (Marware). You don't want that beautiful 15" screen to get key impressions.

 

[Westside guy]

I recommend the Crumpler Very Busy Man messenger bag, since you're carrying other stuff as well. Lots of pockets and space for all the extras; well-padded and secure laptop compartment; well-padded bag; first-rate rain flap; first-rate construction and materials; plus it just looks cool.

You most definitely do NOT need a sleeve with this one.

 

[jermsmingy]

Belkin makes a really nice back pack. It is perfect for the 15inch powerbook. Has a place for your cellphone and ipod. It even has a specially designed place for your headphones to go. It also has room for books. I found it online at apple. You can probably find it cheaper, but I own it and it is a great backpack.

 

[jasonwood]

Crumpler

For a backpack, I'd definately recommend the Crumpler Base Toucher.

http://www.storeos.com/laptopbackpacks/

The laptop bag is removeable so you can use it as a regular backpack too.

For cell phone, PDA, etc, you can use the internal pockets or add a John Thursday <http://www.storeos.com/johnthursday/> to the outside loop.

These backpacks are unbelievably comfortable, with their "Dr. Bodenschatz back hugger"... haha.

The Base toucher fits a 15" PowerBook, 1 ream of paper, 600 page textbook, and probably another 600 page textbook if I kept putting stuff in. Plus there's room on top for lunch.

I should probably mention that storeos.com is me, so you could say I'm biased, but I think the bags speak for themselves.
--
Jason

 

[blawson]

Trager bag

I purchased a trager bag from my schools bookstore, and it's been working wonderfully. It's basically a bookbag with a separate protected compartment for the laptop. It's a nice snug fit, and seems pretty padded on the sides and bottom. It's got a lot of extra pockets for school supplies, etc. too. Good quality construction, and a lifetime warranty to go with it. Plus, I'm a big fan of the bookbag look.

-Ben

 

[Powerbook G5]

I personally love the Brenthaven backpack I have for my 15" PowerBook. It's really well padded and has decent storage space. Also, you can check out spireusa.com since they have some pretty heavy duty bags with loads of space for books and other stuff if you need it for everyday use as well.

 

[aricher]

I second PowerBook G5's suggestion of the Brenthaven backpack - not great on looks but it doesn't scream "HEY - I HAVE A $3K LAPTOP IN ME... PLEASE STEAL." seriously though, I had a Waterfield Cargo bag that I returned after using for 1 month. I do a ton of traveling and a messenger bag is not the way to go. After hiking through airports and around town for any amount of time your shoulders feel like they're detaching - a backpack is the only way to avoid this kind of stress. the Brenthaven is very durable, guaranteed for life, comes with a removable sleeve and has TONS of storage. I've had many messenger bags and backpacks in my life and the Brenthaven is the best.

 

[michaelrjohnson]

i reccomend getting a Tucano SecondSkin neoprene sleeve, and buying any bag that you like (meant for laptops or not). Thats what I do, and I have the perfect bag for my needs. this way, you dont'have to limit yourself to "laptop" bags. good luck!

 

[Steven1621]

i would take a look at timbuk2. i have been very impressed with their products. you can also customize them to exactly how you need the bag to be.

 

[Xero]

For a backpack, I'd definately recommend the Crumpler Base Toucher.

http://www.storeos.com/laptopbackpacks/

The laptop bag is removeable so you can use it as a regular backpack too.

For cell phone, PDA, etc, you can use the internal pockets or add a John Thursday <http://www.storeos.com/johnthursday/> to the outside loop.

These backpacks are unbelievably comfortable, with their "Dr. Bodenschatz back hugger"... haha.

The Base toucher fits a 15" PowerBook, 1 ream of paper, 600 page textbook, and probably another 600 page textbook if I kept putting stuff in. Plus there's room on top for lunch.

I should probably mention that storeos.com is me, so you could say I'm biased, but I think the bags speak for themselves.
--
Jason

$699.99 for a 40gb iPod?!?! You're joking right?


Anyways, although ive never owned a Crumpler bag, they seem way over priced for what they are... i mean $200 for a normal backpack? you can get low-end hiking backpacks for that much.

I have a Gravis Digi Bag, and i love it to pieces. (these are pictures ive taken of my own bag). there are two main pockets, one thinner one for a laptop, and one wider one for anything else. theres also plenty of extra storage space. there are 2 cd sized pockets in the laptop compartment, big mesh pocket in the wide compartment, then under the flap there is all sorts of room for accessories (you can see what ive got in there). This bag is really well padded too, and uses all the modern "bag" type materials like rip-stop nylon, closed cell foam padding, neoprene, etc... The only reason i have that waterfield sleeve (which is a great basic sleeve, btw.), is because i bought it when i was still using a normal jansport backpack for my laptop. You should be able to find this bag for under $80.

not sure if thats exactly what you're looking for, but hope it helps nonetheless.

 

[Mac|Photo]

Agreed

i would take a look at timbuk2. i have been very impressed with their products. you can also customize them to exactly how you need the bag to be.

Definately have to second this recommendation. I have worked in the bicycle industry for many years, and TimBuks are the only way to ride. They have the lovely arched back, rain protection, custom coloring, sizing, etc etc, just wonderful. They have a computer-commuter bag, which I have, that is excellent for carrying around whatever you need. Look at em sometime, you might be impressed

 

[sandmann41]

$699.99 for a 40gb iPod?!?! You're joking right?


Anyways, although ive never owned a Crumpler bag, they seem way over priced for what they are... i mean $200 for a normal backpack? you can get low-end hiking backpacks for that much.

the prices are in canadian

 

[wwidgirl]

the prices are in canadian

yeah so that $200 in american dollars would be like $50. Friggin canadian dollar. Argh.

I like my crumpler navy wee bee. It looks really cool so even when I don't have my powerbook in it, I still carry it around. I also have a red acme bag but it only fits the laptop- i can't even squeeze in the powercord.

 

[arnette]

acme bags are pretty sweet. I've seen someone with the striped variety for the 15" Powerbook. You gotta be loaded, though. Dim bags xpensive!

 

[Xero]

the prices are in canadian

bah! thats no excuse! ...ok now im just covering for my mistake.

 

[krisjon]

Definately have to second this recommendation. I have worked in the bicycle industry for many years, and TimBuks are the only way to ride. They have the lovely arched back, rain protection, custom coloring, sizing, etc etc, just wonderful. They have a computer-commuter bag, which I have, that is excellent for carrying around whatever you need. Look at em sometime, you might be impressed

I'll third this recommendation. I've got a Timbuk2 Commute XL and just today, my buddy just gave me a free Crumpler School Hymn XL sleeve he had from a photo shoot at work (lucky me). It fits purrrfectly in the padded sleeve of the Timbuk bag - doubles the protection AND looks good. Roughly $200 if you have to buy everything, but that's a sweet setup.

 

[Teronke]

I travel freuqently with my 12' Powerbook and so I too had to make the tough decision as to which type of bag and which brand of bag to get.

Personally, based on the criteria you listed I think the Crumpler bags are your best bet. They're big, strong and look great. Also they don't get that deflated crumpled look when you use it to carry only a small number of things.

Also from my own personal experience I would get a messenger bag such as the Wonder Weenie and a well-padded sleeve as opposed to getting a laptop bag such as the Wackophone (I actually purchased a Wonder Weenie 3 or 4 months after my Wackophone). This is because all the padding in the laptop bags take up alot of the bag's space. It may look huge on the outside but in reality the laptop bags don't carry much. Also the extra padding and strengthing means extra weight and every gram counts when you're lugging around a Powerbook plus books for any lengthy period of time. On the other hand my messenger bag which look much smaller than my laptop bag carries so much more even when loaded up with my Powerbook in its sleeve.

 

[mouchoir]

$699.99 for a 40gb iPod?!?! You're joking right?


Anyways, although ive never owned a Crumpler bag, they seem way over priced for what they are... i mean $200 for a normal backpack? you can get low-end hiking backpacks for that much.

I have a Gravis Digi Bag, and i love it to pieces. (these are pictures ive taken of my own bag). there are two main pockets, one thinner one for a laptop, and one wider one for anything else. theres also plenty of extra storage space. there are 2 cd sized pockets in the laptop compartment, big mesh pocket in the wide compartment, then under the flap there is all sorts of room for accessories (you can see what ive got in there). This bag is really well padded too, and uses all the modern "bag" type materials like rip-stop nylon, closed cell foam padding, neoprene, etc... The only reason i have that waterfield sleeve (which is a great basic sleeve, btw.), is because i bought it when i was still using a normal jansport backpack for my laptop. You should be able to find this bag for under $80.

not sure if thats exactly what you're looking for, but hope it helps nonetheless.

This bag is excellent and made with apple powerbooks in mind. If you prefer backpacks http://www.burton.com/Gravis/gear/products.asp?productID=1030 is also a great product and fits a 15" in its own space.

 

[rt_brained]

The Timbuk 2 messenger bags are great (I have one) and now feature backpack straps...but my girlfriend just bought the JanSport Optimizer from ebags.com(?) and she says it's even better. It has a sort of suspended internal shock protection and the contoured straps are filled with a waffley rubbery material (instead of foam) that "feels like buttah" according to her.

For all the technology built into it, her pack looks very ordinary from the outside...definitely doesn't scream "LAPTOP INSIDE...STEAL ME!" I'm not a backpack person, but hers has tons more pockets than my messenger bag.