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I purchased this particular backpack from a local BestBuy. So far, I've been using it for about six months, wearing it to school every day, usually with the laptop (Inspiron 8500, wide screen and all, fits perfectly), and it is yet to show any sign of wear. I have a tendency of mistreating my backpacks and require about 2 per year, but this one seems like it may be up for another year after this one yet.
Although I never carried my laptop with me back in highschool, so I suppose I'm a bit more careful now. But still, it's excellent! It's only flaw, as far as I can tell, is it's missing a little hole for headphones. But that's alright, I just run it between two zippers.

- shazow

I've owned a Targus Top Loading Notepac Plus for 3 or so years, and it is the perfect bag for me. It's now on its third notebook (a TiBook, previously two toshibas), has travelled with me through more than 125,000 frequent flyer miles, and doesn't show a sign of wear. I recommed it.

The powerbook fits a bit loose, though...

Several people have already confirmed this... but the Targus laptop backpacks are excellent. I had a Dell inpy 8000 w/ the Dell branded bag, and it was pretty good. I replaced the laptop with a Dell inspy 8500, and they didn't have a backpack bag for it... so I bought this targus bag from my local CompUSA. I've been carrying it just about every day for the last 3 months, and it's been great. Targus makes several bags, this one is less bulky than the one others mentioned that has a built in plastic shelf system... but is plenty big for the laptop, a CD wallet, a little linksys WAP, a mouse, palm pilot, USB key, some CAT 5, some blank CDR's ... ;)

I am in the process of finishing up my third laptop purchase order set at work. Each and every laptop I order gets a Targus sport standard backpack or a Targus deluxe sport computer backpack to go with it. The Targus sport standard backpack is better for those who have a great deal of small items (e.g.: CDs, DVDs, etc...). The Targus deluxe sport computer backpack is better for those who have additional equipment and/or manuals to carry with them. Oh, by the way, I use my Targus delux sport computer backpack every day. It replaced my briefcase, notebook case, and duffle bag.

I am in the process of finishing up my third laptop purchase order set at work. Each and every laptop I order gets a Targus sport standard backpack or a Targus deluxe sport computer backpack to go with it. The Targus sport standard backpack is better for those who have a great deal of small items (e.g.: CDs, DVDs, etc...). The Targus deluxe sport computer backpack is better for those who have additional equipment and/or manuals to carry with them. Oh, by the way, I use my Targus delux sport computer backpack every day. It replaced my briefcase, notebook case, and duffle bag.

I am in the process of finishing up my third laptop purchase order set at work. Each and every laptop I order gets a Targus sport standard backpack or a Targus deluxe sport computer backpack to go with it. The Targus sport standard backpack is better for those who have a great deal of small items (e.g.: CDs, DVDs, etc...). The Targus deluxe sport computer backpack is better for those who have additional equipment and/or manuals to carry with them. Oh, by the way, I use my Targus delux sport computer backpack every day. It replaced my briefcase, notebook case, and duffle bag.

I am in the process of finishing up my third laptop purchase order set at work. Each and every laptop I order gets a Targus sport standard backpack or a Targus deluxe sport computer backpack to go with it. The Targus sport standard backpack is better for those who have a great deal of small items (e.g.: CDs, DVDs, etc...). The Targus deluxe sport computer backpack is better for those who have additional equipment and/or manuals to carry with them. Oh, by the way, I use my Targus delux sport computer backpack every day. It replaced my briefcase, notebook case, and duffle bag.

I am in the process of finishing up my third laptop purchase order set at work. Each and every laptop I order gets a Targus sport standard backpack or a Targus deluxe sport computer backpack to go with it. The Targus sport standard backpack is better for those who have a great deal of small items (e.g.: CDs, DVDs, etc...). The Targus deluxe sport computer backpack is better for those who have additional equipment and/or manuals to carry with them. Oh, by the way, I use my Targus delux sport computer backpack every day. It replaced my briefcase, notebook case, and duffle bag.

I also have a Targus, I've got one of their HUGE models. It's heavy, but it's built like a tank and can hold all my accessories, plus all the zillions of paper documents that I seem to always have to carry around. Every couple years I keep fighting with myself as to whether I want a small bag just big enough to hold my laptop, or something bigger... I found that the small bag is great, but I'm always then having to carry a briefcase or backpack or something else to carry all the rest of the crap I have to take to the office or out to job sites. This is the best compromise so far. And it's held up well for over a year now. YMMV.

I have one of these, and it's been great so far. Lots of room for my HUGE Thinkpad A21m, and room to spare for my digicam bag, CD case, and a bunch of other misc. crap. It doesn't look too much like a laptop bag, so it doesn't catch the eye of thieves, and it's even comfy too!

I found it for about $50 Canadian at FutureShop (after rebate).

The Targus sport backpack is great. It's been to London from Phoenix twice and I use it on my motorcycle every day for my daily commute. Still going strong. As is the laptop.

In the past, I've used LOTS of bags; Spire makes some wonderful bags, and I used the heck out of an Endo with a previous employer.

I bought a Port bag for my TiBook when I actually cared about the "work appearance"; it's a sharp looking bag, and Port goes to great lengths with their air-suspension system. Heck, when I bought my first PowerBook, I bought the Apple-branded Port case to go with it!

I'd still recommend any of these cases, but most highly recommend Booq's bags.

Should have put this in the original post:

Something like this (only older)

grib.

I feel your pain, that has got to hurt!

I have a Targus Sport Deluxe for my floptop, and I really like it. It has a padded insert for the floptop and lots of other storage for peripherals etc.

You can check it out
here

I have a Targus bag, solely because of the fact that it was one of the only sturdy bags I could find that actually fit my 17" Powerbook and was under $100.

It's very sturdy, has a very strong shoulder strap & handle, and has enough room to carry my documents, my powerbook, iPod, iPod Dock & headphones, iPod & Laptop adaptors, extra power cable, and digital camera USB cable. It does everything I need it to, and it was pretty cheap too ($65 at Best Buy, IIRC).

And if you want to know if it's strong enough...I let my friend carry my powerbook in the bag. He tripped and dropped the powerbook, only to then land on top of it. Everything inside was just fine, and everything outside is fine too; barely a scratch on the bag itself.

What I assume will happen is some enterprising company like Port (now owned by Targus) will come up with a generic external variety fuel cell battery with interchangeable power tips (tm). This would allow folks to retrofit their existing laptops (and mobile phones, etc.) with this technology.

I know I would gladly buy a couple, one for the car, one for my laptop bag, with the power tips (tm) to cover my critical devices. Use them only in an emergency (like 10 minutes to go in your DVD movie and the battery dies). They will have to figure out the different voltage issue, but that seems very solvable.

Try this one for USD$24.99. Or if you're in Oz, wander into the stationery section of any Big W store and buy a "GO TECH COMPUTERWARE OPTICAL MINI MOUSE" (keycode 4392347, barcode 9329555132099) for AUD$22.95.

I use DJ binders. They are large binders that hold around 200 CD's at a time, originally intended for use by DJ's at clubs and such.

Here's an example:

http://www.targus.com/cases_media_104_208.asp

CD's are stored 4 to a page, and pages are double-sided. CD's are stored in plastic sleeves, and the plastic is flexible enough to allow the liner notes to be placed behind the CD when stored. Putting liner notes behind the CD also marks the proper location to put back the CD when you are done using it.

When filled, each binder is around 3" thick. It fits in a standard shelf, and its height is roughly that of standard paper in the US (11"). The only disadvantage is that the binder is rather wide, and can require a deep shelf to store without risk of toppling out.

The plastic cases for CD's are then thrown away. I keep interesting ones that would be hard to replace if ever needed (imports, etc.) and use them as generic cases for CD's I frequently use, keeping them outside of the binder.

The result? Around 40GB of music on the hard drive, and all CD's safely tucked away in binders!

Extra Batteries are *way* over rated. They are heavy, and if you can't find a plug, well, enjoy the scenery, not your laptop.

For the flight, get one of these:

Targus

These days, most planes (esp. on long duration flights) have 12 volt adapters under the seat.

She will be *much* happier.

I did have a problem with one of my flights to Japan on United. They don't use the 12 volt car adapter, but a smaller connector. My power brick had the appropriate connector, but kept kicking in a circuit breaker when I'd power up. I bought the "offical" one ($80) on the flight, and was fine.

The reason all of the vendors seem to be out of stock (I believe) is that they are clearing inventory in anticipation of the release of the new XT model. There are a number of advantages that would seem to make it worthwhile to wait.

One of the major complaints about the older Stowaway was that you had to have a smooth, level surface to type on, otherwise the keyboard would try to fold up again on you. You can see in the pics on this page that the back of the case now prevents that. Also, another major complaint was that the interface for your PDA on the old model was off center and had no real support. Again, on that page you can see that they've now centered it and added a nifty pull-out cradle to help keep your PDA stable.

Hopefully they'll bring them to market soon. In the meantime if I were in your place I'd try to make do for a while. Alternatively you could always snag one and sell it later on eBay. Hmmm...actually there may be one or two up for sale now. Might be worth it until the XT hits the market.

Not just ebooks, but rather good newspapers too. My girlfriend, bless her, decided to give me a pocket pc for my birthday. I spent weeks trying to contrive a decent use for the thing. Then i discovered Avantgo. Heh, now instead of spending too many hours of home time staring at the old CRT, i can get my daily dose of news and reviews anytime, any place. E books are much the same, although it takes a bit more tailoring.
Then one day i saw a targus keyboard in a shop window, and finally i found that these little things can be useful. Not so much for the electronic diary thing, but more as a laptop replacement. Not too long ago /. an interesting article on why we still use windows. Well, i use it for my PDA really. With the keybaord, and word, my PDA becomes pretty much a laptop, with no boot up time and a realistic size to carry around. So finally i can grap a minute to write a mail or do a report, anytime, anywhere.
Unfortunately i haven't taken the time or effort to work out how to get linux on the PDA, (i'm sure it can be done) and get the keyboard working. So for now, its Windows CE, ebooks and Avantgo.

-Microdrive (or larger storage support)

-Filesystem hardware abstraction (now you have to load files into their respective applications, and most apps don't understand external storage)

-Bluetooth & IRDA

-GPRS

-a native IP stack & RJ 45 jack

-A full-color screen

-Long battery life

-USB port (keyboards, etc.)

-Good quality screen (Clie scratches very easily)

I understand there are Windows CE device with various combinations of these, but I like the PalmOS interface (I can use a Targus keyboard for text entry).

I am actually considering buying a subnotebook (such as a Vaio Picturebook) but would really like the ability to use a pen (plus I f**king hate touchpads.)

No affiliation with them, just a customer.

No affiliation with them, just a customer.

No affiliation with them, just a customer.

I can see PDA users needing this when desktop space is at a premium (On a 747/757/777/Airbus, for example). I use the Targus keyboard with my HP Journada for notetaking and lecturework; been able to get 8.5 hours out of it between charges.

That being said, I don't think this concept will fly well on the desktop except for the select view who can master typing without beating the hell out of their machines. I can see labels on the box: "Not for Cybersquirters or e-Epileptics"

This is far from a 007 device.

If I attached one of these to my laptop case, hacked it's alarm to a big electromagnet hooked to the drive, or something else appropriate, then the self destruct effect should be possible. All this from "consumer" parts. A proximity detector is also possible, but I just don't recall where to find one.

Try "never." It has an internal Li-polymer (or some such) battery that is about 2mm thick (!). It recharges as long as its on the docking cradle. Its not really a problem, since for the iPAQ to be really useful, its best to sync it at least once a day, and the battery recharges pretty fast while you sync.

what do you think they[PC cards]'re going to do to a handheld on AAAs?

Who knows? Although you can never have too much battery power, I think they iPAQ's battery does pretty well even with PC cards. Of course it does depend on what card you're using as well. Also, there are battery extenders available that can simply plug in to the bottom of the iPAQ, doubling the battery life.

But 64 is ridiculous.

I don't think so. I'd love 64 MB. That way, my iPAQ could have a reasonable music collection on it and it could be my MP3 player as well as a PDA. Plus, when you start putting Linux on it, and get one of these, the iPAQ becomes a serious competitor to a full-fledged laptop. Why lug around a 2 lb brick when you can carry around your iPAQ with wireless (or wired) Internet access, a full-sized keyboard, and the processor power and memory to make good use of both?

There is only one issue I have with my iPAQ: the fact that it can only detect one button press at a time. That is really the only complaint I have (it's making it harder for me to finally beat Super Mario Bros. 3 ;-) If it was really a problem, though, I'd just go get one of these. In fact, I may get one anyway, just because they're SO DARN COOL!

I am very impressed with Compaq's willingness to help out with porting Linux to the iPAQ. The handhelds.org site is hosted by them and they provide technical specs for the iPAQ to porters.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with my iPAQ. It's a great product, don't deprive yourself because of some silly vendetta.

P.S. The best way to get an iPAQ is to simply go down to your local Best Buy (they probably already have a sample unit for you to play with) or other tech store and get on a waiting list. Compaq is doling out iPAQs in small increments to retail chains as they become available. Don't fiddle around with online retailers or whatever. I got my iPAQ in Febuary from my local Best Buy, after waiting a little more than a month.

Sorry, the right link is http://www.targus.com/keywd_search.asp?keywd=stowa way+portable

The Noteworthy model in particular has gone along with me on a number of grueling road trips. I've used to to carry everything from a 12 lb. Dell Inspiron to my current Dell Latitude LS ultralight.

I did a 10-city West Coast tour with my favorite band recently, and I used the Targus bag to bring all my taping gear as well as all my notebook gear to every show. The capacity of this thing is unbelievable, I was carrying:

• Notebook PC with AC Adapter
• DAT recorder in outside pocket
• Microphones/preamp in other outside pocket
• Port replicator (fits easily in the large inner compartment)
• Voltage converter for the car
• Cell phone and charger
• External floppy drive
• External CD-ROM drive
• Digital camera
• Rechargeable batteries/charger
• Assorted tapes, CDs, patch cables, so on

There's no question that this bag could easily handle two notebook computers complete will all the accessories, although only one of the inner compartments is lined with the air protection system.

The bag carries all of this in about the same size as your garden variety backpack. I can tell you that the folks at Targus (and Port, which they own) take their product design and development very, very seriously. They also have an excellent lifetime warranty on all the cases (if it ever breaks, they replace it) and killer customer service.

The Noteworthy model in particular has gone along with me on a number of grueling road trips. I've used to to carry everything from a 12 lb. Dell Inspiron to my current Dell Latitude LS ultralight.

I did a 10-city West Coast tour with my favorite band recently, and I used the Targus bag to bring all my taping gear as well as all my notebook gear to every show. The capacity of this thing is unbelievable, I was carrying:

• Notebook PC with AC Adapter
• DAT recorder in outside pocket
• Microphones/preamp in other outside pocket
• Port replicator (fits easily in the large inner compartment)
• Voltage converter for the car
• Cell phone and charger
• External floppy drive
• External CD-ROM drive
• Digital camera
• Rechargeable batteries/charger
• Assorted tapes, CDs, patch cables, so on

There's no question that this bag could easily handle two notebook computers complete will all the accessories, although only one of the inner compartments is lined with the air protection system.

The bag carries all of this in about the same size as your garden variety backpack. I can tell you that the folks at Targus (and Port, which they own) take their product design and development very, very seriously. They also have an excellent lifetime warranty on all the cases (if it ever breaks, they replace it) and killer customer service.

Aren't they pretty much the only company that makes laptop bags? At least ones that I'd chose to buy. The only tradeoff is the price. They're not cheap, but when you're looking for something to carry a $1200-3000 piece of tech around, doesn't it deserve a $50-100 case to live in? Targus Site.
Unfortunately for me, who carries a portable LAN party with him at all times, I had a hard time finding a case that would hold two laptops, their power supplies, two 8-port hubs w/power supplies, various length cables, all of my LinuxCentral CDs, Windows CDs (95/98/NT/2k), boot floppies, external floppy drive, and 20-disc case of MP3s, and whatever else I think I can cram in there. Enter the case from an old Zenith portable (ZF-171-42). Holds everything I need.

I have a Targus backpack for my laptop (The one shown on the far right on the front page of theyre site). Its not the most comfortable backpack in the world, but it is very well padded, w/ a ton of pockets/zippers/buckles etc. It can fit just about anything you would want to put in it. It is kind of pricey though at $100.00 US. Also if youre laptop is small enough eddie bauer sells a laptop insert that is basically this foam thing you put your laptop in, then put that in any backpack. Nick