I know there have been a lot of notebook bag buying threads, but I think mine is a bit different. I'm not only looking for suggestions on bags, but I have a couple questions and concerns about design as well.
Currently, I have a Rakgear backpack for my iBook, and although it works ok, I'm not really happy with the design. If I put anything other than the laptop in the bag, the weight of the cargo is completely supported by the laptop. This isn't a big deal if you just have a small binder, or a lunch in the bag, but if you bring a text book and a few other things, there is significant pressure on the machine. In my opinion, the laptop compartment against the back is just plain bad design, and I expect a lot of the wear and tear on the iBook was because of this. To keep the screen from being marked up, I kept the foam insert between the screen and keys all of the time. Both the screen and logic board have been replaced, and this is likely due to flex and compression of the notebook.
Now, I have ordered an MBP, and while it will fit in the bag, I'm concerned that the metal case will be more likely to warp/bend/dent and that an even thinner design will be more likely to flex (causing internal damage). I am considering buying a new bag, but so far all backpack based solutions seem to put the machine against the back rather than elsewhere in the bag. I have considered messenger style bags, with and without built in compartments (using a sleeve if there isn't one), and this seems like it might be a better solution, at least for protecting the machine. The problem with a messenger bag is that I'm concerned about how it will affect my body. I walk 30 min each way to school every day, which means I need a bag that is comfortable and doesn't put stress on my body in strange ways. It seems to me that a messenger bag would put all the weight on one side, making it hard on my back and neck. At least with a backpack, the weight is distributed evenly.
What are the personal experiences of people here with bags? Which style is easier on the machine itself? Do you find a messenger style bag hard on your body? Are there hybrid style bags of some sort that I haven't seen yet that have the best of both worlds? What bag do you have, and what are the pros and cons that you personally find with it?
Finally, price is a consideration, but if I can find a bag that will suit all of my needs, I am willing to make the investment (assuming it is a quality item)...so this is also something to keep in mind. I would also like to avoid having 2 different bags, because this is very difficult to manage when walking, and the more things I have, the likelier it will be that I will forget something somewhere (a sleeve is ok because it can be put inside a bag).
Anyway, help on this topic would be greatly appreciated...and let the mayhem begin.
Currently, I have a Rakgear backpack for my iBook, and although it works ok, I'm not really happy with the design. If I put anything other than the laptop in the bag, the weight of the cargo is completely supported by the laptop. This isn't a big deal if you just have a small binder, or a lunch in the bag, but if you bring a text book and a few other things, there is significant pressure on the machine. In my opinion, the laptop compartment against the back is just plain bad design, and I expect a lot of the wear and tear on the iBook was because of this. To keep the screen from being marked up, I kept the foam insert between the screen and keys all of the time. Both the screen and logic board have been replaced, and this is likely due to flex and compression of the notebook.
Now, I have ordered an MBP, and while it will fit in the bag, I'm concerned that the metal case will be more likely to warp/bend/dent and that an even thinner design will be more likely to flex (causing internal damage). I am considering buying a new bag, but so far all backpack based solutions seem to put the machine against the back rather than elsewhere in the bag. I have considered messenger style bags, with and without built in compartments (using a sleeve if there isn't one), and this seems like it might be a better solution, at least for protecting the machine. The problem with a messenger bag is that I'm concerned about how it will affect my body. I walk 30 min each way to school every day, which means I need a bag that is comfortable and doesn't put stress on my body in strange ways. It seems to me that a messenger bag would put all the weight on one side, making it hard on my back and neck. At least with a backpack, the weight is distributed evenly.
What are the personal experiences of people here with bags? Which style is easier on the machine itself? Do you find a messenger style bag hard on your body? Are there hybrid style bags of some sort that I haven't seen yet that have the best of both worlds? What bag do you have, and what are the pros and cons that you personally find with it?
Finally, price is a consideration, but if I can find a bag that will suit all of my needs, I am willing to make the investment (assuming it is a quality item)...so this is also something to keep in mind. I would also like to avoid having 2 different bags, because this is very difficult to manage when walking, and the more things I have, the likelier it will be that I will forget something somewhere (a sleeve is ok because it can be put inside a bag).
Anyway, help on this topic would be greatly appreciated...and let the mayhem begin.
