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I vaguely remember a US supplier being publicised, but you can get them everywhere in Australia

See also http://www.standardtm.com.au/ who are the main competitor in this sphere and make (IMHO) damn fine bags!

I have one from STM. Their bags are labelled as "luggage for the global digerati". I can recommend their 'sports' model.

The good things about these bags are:

• They don't look like laptop bags. Targus = Target.
• The laptop compartment is in the 'centre' of the bag and raised off the floor. This means plenty of knocking around and the laptop will be unaffected.
• There are plenty of pockets for palmtops, MP3 players, batteries, pens, books, keys, etc. It also has a large vented area for food, smelly shoes, etc.

Good bags.

I agree, STM makes very good bags. I have this one, the sports model. It doesn't look like a laptop bag, its very well padded, and very comfortable. My laptop is very secure, and the compartment isn't totally useless when I don't use it for my laptop. Plenty of room for accessories. The quality of stitching and materials is great. I think it is reasonably water resistant, though I have never tested it. The only problem I have had, was the reseller I bought from was laptoptravel.com, which added their own logo on the outside, advertising that it was a laptop bag. Once I removed that, it look just like a normal backpack.

They don't look like laptop bags, although they do look like upscale bags I suppose.

Head on over to

http://www.standardtm.com.au/

The one we bought was http://www.standardtm.com.au/backpacks_sphere.cfm

The laptop section carried my 12 powerbook in perfect comfort. Very well padded, an inch or two of extra padding at the bottom to protect it when you put the bag down too hard, this section is water tight (well the zip is meant to be water proof, and it worked for us).

The front section holds an iPod (the cables can pass througha specially design hole to the outside) and a digital camera (Sony DSC-T1 fits perfectly). Both are stored in their own little velcro pocket, and with the headphones sticking out through the designated premade hole, we padlocked this section closed.

Side pockets for bottes of water, mobile (cell) phones, keys etc. and the back pocket is big enough to shove a jumper or two in.

We bought this backpack before we left Australia specifically to keep our three tech toys safe while we toured Japan and the US. Worked flawlessly. There is so much padding on the back it's a pleasure to carry. You can fit more in than you think, but it's quite small (which is a godsend when travelling, who wants to lug?).

The only catch is now that we've settled into Toronto for a while, the fact that it's divided into 3 sections means that it's not easy to shove extra warm clothes into it, now that we no longer take the laptop with us.

I'm sure one of their other models will suit if you don't have a 12".

Cheers,

Oracle.

They don't look like laptop bags, although they do look like upscale bags I suppose.

Head on over to

http://www.standardtm.com.au/

The one we bought was http://www.standardtm.com.au/backpacks_sphere.cfm

The laptop section carried my 12 powerbook in perfect comfort. Very well padded, an inch or two of extra padding at the bottom to protect it when you put the bag down too hard, this section is water tight (well the zip is meant to be water proof, and it worked for us).

The front section holds an iPod (the cables can pass througha specially design hole to the outside) and a digital camera (Sony DSC-T1 fits perfectly). Both are stored in their own little velcro pocket, and with the headphones sticking out through the designated premade hole, we padlocked this section closed.

Side pockets for bottes of water, mobile (cell) phones, keys etc. and the back pocket is big enough to shove a jumper or two in.

We bought this backpack before we left Australia specifically to keep our three tech toys safe while we toured Japan and the US. Worked flawlessly. There is so much padding on the back it's a pleasure to carry. You can fit more in than you think, but it's quite small (which is a godsend when travelling, who wants to lug?).

The only catch is now that we've settled into Toronto for a while, the fact that it's divided into 3 sections means that it's not easy to shove extra warm clothes into it, now that we no longer take the laptop with us.

I'm sure one of their other models will suit if you don't have a 12".

Cheers,

Oracle.

I've been using sleeves recently for laptops that you can just chuck in a backpack, briefcase or whatever. Then you can just stick it in whatever type of bag you want, rather than having a specific bag such as a laptop/backpack or whatever.

STM

stm

I'm very happy with mine. I tell people that i carry my Scanning Tunneling Microscope in it. Only the liberal voters believe me.

I have one of these. My 15" PowerBook lives in it. It gets used for everything, motorcycling, walking, carry on luggage.

They're an Australian company, so I'm not sure if you'll be able to get them anywhere else.

You should check out STM backpacks. These are really excellent pieces of equipment, look really sturdy, and definitely don't scream "lots of of electronic goodes within!". Lots of pockets for phone, mp3 player, PDA, etc. They even have an opening for headphones so that you can keep your player in your backpack!

I got a Toshiba 5200 for my birthday last july and it's the first laptop I've had which has been my primary work tool as a programmer. I take it to work, plug it in and take it home at the end of the day (for extra security, since equipment has a habit of "going missing" at work).
The first thing i did was use a second power cable (with the figure 8 connector) to keep at work (tethered to the physical desktop for easy reaching). That way all I have to do is plug my battery pack into the cable and I can keep my power cable in the bag and only unravel when it's needed.

That brings me to the bag. As I have a large 15.1" laptop screen (for the time), it took me literally a dozen bag tests to find one that even fit the bloody thing. I went for an STM Alley bag bag. But there are a lots of good ones out there. A good bag with good compartments can save your day and make carrying the laptop more than a burden!

In the front pouch of my bag, I have:

• a crossover cable (has proven its worth many a time)
• a kensington key-based security cable (have used it once.)
• A/V out cable (came with the laptop. also comes in handy for presentations and shows)
• a usb memory key ( 128MB USB 2.0). invaluable for when a network's not available. High speed helps as well.

I'm considering getting a second battery. But it's not an urgent requirement as Toshiba is usually pretty good with spare parts availability. Getting access to available parts is an entirely different manner. it'll be more relevant further down the track.

I'm quite happy with my setup. There's nothing I miss or terribly need. But it all depends on what you want to do with it. How often do you plug stuff into/ out of your laptop?

I can highly reccommend anything by STM.

Their collegiate backpack was home for my laptop while travelling (3 months of work stuff, hotels = ugh!) recently.
I didn't have a problem at all, and it proved to be quite roomy.

I can highly reccommend anything by STM.

Their collegiate backpack was home for my laptop while travelling (3 months of work stuff, hotels = ugh!) recently.
I didn't have a problem at all, and it proved to be quite roomy.

It's always better to go for a bag, which doesn't attract unwanted attention. and STM bags are definately suited to that. I carry heaps of stuff in it as well:

• 3-4 CD's in the front,
• spare power cable (I have a fixed one at work) with the small power supply.
• 1.8m crossover cable,
• laptop security lock (for those less-than-safe workplaces...)
• uh.. *looks through the bag* hey I have earphones in here!
• ...and audio cables!

Can you tell I love my bag? :)

VERY big recommendation on these backpacks.

I have had two so far, the other one I still use as a regular back pack. (I got given a new one 'cause my ex thought the old one looked dirty) They are indestructable. I carry WAY too much stuff in these bags and they don't give me an ounce of grief.

The base of these bags is padded, and there is a seperate section in the back of the bag (also padded) for a laptop. You slide the closed laptop in from the top of the bag, and then you can lock it in with a strap held down by velcro and a draw cord (I personaly don't use this but if you wanted to hide your laptop in an open bag you could). This section is within the bag, so you still do the zip up around this.

The bag has multiple sections for carrying stuff, they have a pouch in the front for carrying iPods, Discmans and the like and a hole in there which sorta seals around the cable when you poke the cable through the pouch. Works brilliantly.

All the pieces of fabric are at a minimum double stitched and sealed I believe. As stated above I can't break them no matter what I do, and I consider myself hard on my equipment, my friends think I am nuts.

I have got the STM Ultra and the Sports.

Laptop travel has the STM Sports back pack. I don't know where you are from, but have a look around the STM web site and I am sure you can organise something.

The best laptop backpack I have ever used, the build quality is great, the fabrics are strong, it doesn't get better than that.

Berny

For anyone in Australia, I would highly recommend the standard technical merchandise range of bags. Being a *cough* hip, young */cough* teenager, I really wanted a laptop bag that looked nice.

I ended up going with the STM Alley, a messenger bag type affair. My bags go through alot, as my hole ridden previous backpack would tell you, yet thus far my STM Alley has not a single scratch. The Alley comes in two sizes, one for 12"s and one for up to 15.5"s. My 15.2" Mitac 8060b (sexy, sexy laptop) fits snugly inside along with some thin books, adapters, mouse and a CD wallet in the other compartments. However, if you need to carry any uberfat manuals and such around, a backpack would very likely have more space and be kinder on your back. My laptop is 2.7kg, and I find the combined weight of laptop and bag is fine for me.

STM also make backpacks and laptop inserts, as well as products to store/carry iPods, cameras, etc. Their website is standardtm.com.au . Plus, they're Australian made if that matters to you.

If you're not in Australia, or looking for a larger backpack, I think the Ogio Metro looks very nice.

If you can find a place to get one in your country (they're made in Australia, but available throughout the world), go for STM.

Their bags look good (and importantly unlike notebook bags so you're not a target for thieves), are very well constructed, and protect the laptop extremely well from any impacts. I've had 2 of them for years and both are as sturdy as the first day I bought them.

Check them out: www.standardtm.com.au

I bought a 17 inch widescreen laptop, and hated having to lug it around. So I got myself a "Loop Backpack" from STM. They have about an inch of padding on the sides and bottom, plus a removable bottom that adds extra protection.

It also has a really big section at the back for large items, and heaps of pockets in a front section.

STM Backpacks

STM make wonderful bags, sleeves, cases and so on. I've had one of their standard backpacks for two years and it still looks pretty new, but I'll probably sell that to a friend so I can buy a newer (smaller!) one. They make bags for all screen sizes and have some really weird styles, too.

I have tried a couple of bags, including the ones from STM who make great backpacks, and a leather one from Samsonite (no URL included, it is about 5 years old and probably unavailable). I currently use the Nike Epic E1 (sorry flash guys). But for comfort factor, either the E1, or the Sport series offer the best balance of weight and comfort. IMHO I'd say the E1 compromises weight for more comfort and better protection as it is a heavier bag.

While I hate the source, the Nike Epic E1 is my current bag of choice.

Features of the E1:
1. Plastic exoskeleton which channels weight of bag to lumbar. The contents of your bag will rest on the exoskeleton which covers the entire bag, starts high and ends at your lumbar / waist.
2. Adjustable torso height and lumbar size. This is what makes this bag so comfortable.
3. Auto-compression straps do work, and when fully used, make this bag very comfortable.
4. Lots of other pockets including one for music player, waterproof pouch at bottom of bag, and organiser for personal effects. This is a huge feature since it means all your little other gadgets, keys, phone, and nick-nacks can be organised in your bag and ready wherever you need.
5. The bag has a built-in stand in the exoskeleton so it stands up; all the time. This ends the tiresome lean the bag up the wall trick you have to play with most other bags.
6. External netting for helmet and wet articles that can be used for expanding the capacity of the bag while still channeling weight down the exoskeleton.

Gotchas of E1:
1. Breathable pellicle for back support doesn't work (you will sweat underneath this)
2. You can't really use this bag on one shoulder, since the auto-compression straps only work if you use two.
3. Exoskeleton means the bag stays at one size -- isn't expandable, isn't compressible.
4. Heavy and expensive.
5. Nike, supporter of child labour, isn't really my brand of choice. I think this bag is made in either Vietnam or China too which doesn't really bode too well.
6. No warranty.

STM Sport Series is a great bag which I used before E1.

Features of STM:
1. Arguably better protection for laptop than E1, less protection for personal effects. The laptop slip in the STM doesn't sit on the bottom of the bag and is elevated, so if you drop the bag it is padded.
2. Intelligent padding between back and laptop gives protection to laptop and breathability. Also allows bag to be used on one shoulder.
3. Compression straps for bag make it thinner, and expand it when you need more space.
4. Simple organiser for items in front pocket.
5. External breathable section for wet items.
6. Portable music player pouch, plus rubberised hole for cord.
7. Extensive warranty (at time of my purchase, lifetime warranty for bag).
8. Relatively cheap.

Gotchas of STM:
1. Not as comfortable as E1.
2. Doesn't carry heavy weight as well as E1. This bag had design limitations, and it gets uncomfortable when you exceed them.
3. Doesn't look as cool as the E1, especially with their huge logo on the front (the first thing I took off with a pair of small scissors).