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I use an Incase slim carrybag, with just enough room for the power adaptor and some supplies. I was looking for the most portable, lightweight protective case for my PowerBook. I'm happy with it as I don't require anything bulkier.
 
Waterfield Cargo Bag by SFBags.com

I got the large, which has a semi hard shell around it and healthy side pockets big enough for a few books on the outside of the shell underneath the flap on one side with a magazine/notepad slot on the outside on the other side of the bag (the laptop side, which on this bag goes in toward your body), and a neoprene sleeve for the computer itself which sits inside the appropriate slot in the bag. Advantage is versatility -- computer, some books, a notepad, PDA, cell phone, cables, power adapter, business cards; in short everything a grad student could need for work. Also it is very well made; no fussy stuff, just heavy duty Cordura. And it does not look remotely like any kind of computer bag. Eccentric is one way of describing it.

Disadvantage is weight; the bag alone weighs over four pounds. Also, it is not the most forgiving bag in the world because of the shell.
 
ic1 said:
Although the OP said he was interested in a messenger bag, I will put my 2 cents in for a Brenthaven backpack. Like another poster, I use it not only for my 15" PB but also, with the computer sleeve removed, it is a very handy general purpose backpack and I have used it that way many times. It's now almost 18 months old, has been in about a dozen countries and still looks like new. One of the best things about it is that it doesn't shout, "Laptop inside, please steal!", which is a drawback with some of the gimmick bags earlier posters have touted.

Having said that, my recommendation is qualified. Back in my ThinkPad days I had a Tumi which would carry everything, including my BJC-80 and all associated cables and power supplies and still have room for books and papers. Once, I had to shift stuff to my check-in luggage before BA would let me on a flight - I think the bag weighed around 15 kilos or something equally ridiculous. Still have the BJC-80 and it will go in the Brenthaven but it doesn't have the nice compartments that the Tumi had. Don't think Tumi makes that model any more.

Just my two cents on the Brenthaven backpack...I don't like it because it is just too bulky, and doesn't really seem to carry a whole lot. I used this one for a couple of years before I got my Tumi. The Tumi fits the 15" PowerBook perfectly.
 
Tom Bihn

www.tombihn.com

ID bag. Optional Brain Case (I didn't get it, but I think I will) provides excellent protection for a 15" PB. Bag is not too big, and very well made. Only problem is stuff can fall out if bag is inverted. Otherwise it's a great model for one-handed use.
 
crdean1 said:
I posted some reviews of my bag in this thread. Love the Crumpler Considerable embarrassment. It is a little tight on the pb at first, but after a week or so it fits perfect.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/144104/

I sure wish I'd seen that thread before I ordered my Crumpler! I wound up being very frustrated with the very tight fit of the CE bag, and I still haven't gotten it loosened up enough yet to take out in public, as I don't want to be seen fighting with the bag when getting my PB in or out of it. Aside from that, though, I really do like the Crumpler bags, which are well-made and don't scream "expensive laptop inside!"

OTB
 
yeah, it still takes a little work, but I do like the snug fit, at least I know it isn't going any where. I only wish they included a sleeve or pocket on outside of the bag (front or back).
CRD
 
spencecb said:
My boyfriend bought my a TUMI bag, and it is awesome.

http://www.tumi.com/tumi_collection...er_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=11929

Mine is in black, however. It has plenty of storage, and I use it for school everyday, even when not transporting my PowerBook.

I second Tumi. They are like the Apple of bags. :cool:

I have this tumi bag in black and it's rugged, has a lifetime warranty, and looks amazing. I use one of the booq sleeves and my 15" powerbook fits snugly into the laptop compartment. Has plenty of room for other things as well.
 
I use a 12" Brenthaven and like others love it. There isn't tonnes of extra space with it, but the super tight fit is awesome as I routinely jog to work with it and I don't want my PB bouncing around. Pricey, but when you get it for free you don't have to worry about that. Great bag
 
Messleeve2.jpg


and i love it!
 
I just cant justify paying $200 - $400 for a backpack or bag. I bought a Targus backpack from Best Buy for Like $70 or $80 and Ive had no complaints for the 1.5 years since owning my 15" PB.

Its sturdy, its waterproof, and it doesn't scream, "Hey! There's an expensive computer in here!"

Word.
 
I keep it low tech. I put my Powerbook in a neoprene laptop sleeve (offers nice amount of padding) and then fire in in my 5 year old Burton AK backpack with my books. This pack was designed for carrying a snowboard and a days worth of survival gear in the backcountry, it has no trouble rollin' around campus with some books and a little laptop.
 
I just ordered a Booq Vyper M sleeve from Amazon.com
I did much deliberation and had considered several others.
I intend to jsut throw the Vyper in my regular Jansport backpack with books.
Only think I wish the Vyper had was a simple handle. only complaint so far
 
dblissmn said:
Waterfield Cargo Bag by SFBags.com

I got the large, which has a semi hard shell around it and healthy side pockets big enough for a few books on the outside of the shell underneath the flap on one side with a magazine/notepad slot on the outside on the other side of the bag (the laptop side, which on this bag goes in toward your body), and a neoprene sleeve for the computer itself which sits inside the appropriate slot in the bag. Advantage is versatility -- computer, some books, a notepad, PDA, cell phone, cables, power adapter, business cards; in short everything a grad student could need for work. Also it is very well made; no fussy stuff, just heavy duty Cordura. And it does not look remotely like any kind of computer bag. Eccentric is one way of describing it.

Disadvantage is weight; the bag alone weighs over four pounds. Also, it is not the most forgiving bag in the world because of the shell.

good review. I've been thinking about these bags and I am still on the fence.
thanks
 
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