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Recommendations For A Good Laptop Bag?
YOU LIKEWISE FAIL IT writes "So, I was jogging to the bus stop this morning when suddenly - snap, the weight of the laptop on my shoulder vanished, and I heard the dull thud of my powerbook bag hitting the pavement at a wince-inducing speed. The laptop seems to be alright, but the bag (a WWDC giveaway) is completely knackered. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, impact resistant laptop bag that won't come flying apart under stress? Perhaps it's not too late to guilt work into buying me one for a late Christmas present."
Columbia makes some good bags too. Maybe something from North Face would be a little sturdier.
I have been pwned because my
Get yourself a good backpack. I got a great one for $40 at staples made by Samsonite.
is a Victorinox WebMessenger bag. I heard good things. Link
I'm a big fan of the cases from Willow Design.
They're relatively heavy-duty and not too bad-looking, although they could be better.
Extreme Laptop Backpack made by Hedgren.
I find it to be very sturdy I'm sure I could drop it and the laptop would be fine, unfortunatly it can be rather pricey.
I find it important that it does not look like a normal laptop bag and therfore does not attract thieves
There is no god
I own one of those samsonite bags, and I seem to see them everywhere. They are well designed, plenty of pockets for mice, cables, PC cards, etc., and the internal structure is sturdy enough that I wouldn't be too worried if I dropped it (which I haven't done yet, thankfully). The shoulder strap is strong nylon (seat belt material, looks like) with metal clasps, not likely to come apart without severe abuse. Of course, they're not cheap, but it'll probably last forever, or at least until we replace laptops with brain implants.
Toronto-area transit rider? Rate your ride.
Don't jog with a $1000+ laptop.
As Wile E Coyote would say "gravity makes a great servant but a terrible master"
Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, impact resistant laptop bag that won't come flying apart under stress?
You might try bag-modding one of these
Imagine how much harder physics would be if electrons had feelings! -Feynman, maybe
I've got a Crumpler "Very Busy Man" messenger bag and it's great. The bag itself is quite padded; plus it has a laptop compartment that itself is padded. Holds my 15" Powerbook with room to spare, with space for lots of other stuff. Top-notch construction, waterproof flap, zippers that will never break, and more.
Plus you can't beat the names of any Crumpler bags: Wack-o-phone, McBain's Lovechild, etc.
http://www.crumplerusa.com
#DeleteChrome
Road Wired has some great bags, check them out at http://www.roadwired.com/
They're easier to carry, and have two straps, so even if one breaks, your laptop won't go thud. (Like mine did last week. Santa brought me a new laptop today :)
Timbutk2 makes custom bike bags with laptop inserts, they are a bit pricey, but you get to choose everything down to the littlest detail.
The bag that thinkpads come with is great. Has a support system so the laptop literally hangs internally from the top by an elastic fabric. There's 2 full inches of dead space at the bottom.
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.
Brenthaven makes really nice, highly padded bags, that have an extra, built-in, removeable sleeve in them. They make them for all the PowerBooks including the 17in ones. I got one about 6 months ago and have been very happy with it. (I've got the Deluxe Slim I think)
It was a bit on the pricey side compared to what I was thinking (about $100), but it's a really nice, well constructed bag and the padding will pay for itself if you ride the train like I do and would otherwise bang up your laptop.
http://www.brenthaven.com/products/index.html
I got a really nice backpack by Trunk&Co, a subbrand of samsonite. It's big, has a padded pocket for your laptop, a pocket for your mp3/cd/whatever player (including a passage for the headphones), and lotsa pockets to put cables, mice and pcmcia cards.
;)
I found all that out after I bought it tho, because I wanted a laptop bag which didn't look like a laptop bag...
The way to corrupt a youth is to teach him to hold in higher value them who think alike than those who think differently
I'm probably too far down in the posts to be noticed but...
Nothing has gone wrong with my 5 year old massive targus bag and this year's model looks very strong.
mattdev@server$ touch
cannot touch `/dev/genitals': Permission denied
Waterfield Designs has some really great bags. I've had both the medium and large cargo bags and I've never had problems with either.
Thus spake Josh.
Have a look at ThinkGeek, there are plenty of them.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/
Check out the bags from Crumpler - they're from Australia but they have stores all around the world. Simply the best bags you can get.
They started off doing bags for bicycle couriers and developed from there. Very strong, very well designed, pockets for everything and no dirty great "Hey, I've got a laptop in here so steal me!" logos and designs.
I have been using their "Crisp Suit" bag (look in the computer bags section) for over a year, including four weeks using it to carry two (yes, TWO) laptops around Asia while working in Korea, Thailand and Japan. The bag goes with me whenever I carry my laptop (read: almost every day) and I'm still in love with it.
Definitely worth finding the nearest Crumpler store / distributor and picking one up.
I left my body to science, but I'm afraid they've turned it down...
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=R G0322
It works quite nicely, holds everything (loads of books and cables and my digital camera too, along with my laptop)
-Cnik
I have a Targus laptop backpack that I think is much better than the shoulder sling type bags. I (used to) ride my bike a lot armed with my laptop, and the laptop backback spreads the load a lot more symetrically. I never had any concerns that a strap was going to break or anything (and my laptop is a heavy old Gateway 9300). I think it's better for your posture/back as well.
grib.
maybe
I've found Targus bags to be pretty durable. My bag is still as good as new after a year of abuse. All the locks and latches are made of metal, so it should be good for years to come.
u =C NP1
http://www.targus.com/uk/product_details.asp?sk
I have used Tom Bihn's Eclipe case for my G4 Powerbook for two years now. It has been from coast to coast with out ever giving out on me.v c?Scre en=PROD&Product_Code=TB0700
Here is the link
http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.m
Bags and sleeves http://timbuk2.com/
An addition to the question: does anyone have any good suggestions for a bag for a big 17 inch laptop? It's considerably larger than the 17" powerbook, and i'd also like to be able to fit books and/or my other smaller laptop (tablet) inside. Are there any bags that would fit this?
Lack of eloquence does not denote lack of intelligence, though they often coincide.
I received a shoulder bag from american eagle (ae.com) as a gift about a year ago. I ended up getting a 17" Powerbook that fit perfectly in it, and I don't have to look like a geek walking around town with it.
Check out ae.com > men's > belts+bags, they're inexpensive and easy to carry. The only thing they don't offer is heavy duty shock protection, but I don't go around slamming my bag into things very often so that hasn't been an issue.
As far as price... well, they're cheaper than a Tumi, at least.
Have you been touched by his noodly appendage?
San Francisco's finest: Timbuk2.
They do a bunch of different bags, including commuter and courier bags with padded laptop sleeves. I got one after lots of friends steered me in that direction. Had it for a couple of years; it's bombproof. And also waterproof.
I just purchased a MacAlly CB-JSMV Messenger Bag V (Vertical)
It carries my PowerBook G4 15" side ways, it's slim, well padded and ridged enough and to top it off it's a metallic color; It's wicked looking.
All the hardware on it is metal with exception to the latch which is a big metal buckle with a plastic clip on the inside.
It's very comfortable to say the least thanks to its large rubberized strap.
As a whole the bag is a perfect match for a PowerBook. An iBook would do well in it as well, heh.
This bag despite being sold by a Mac company would nicely handle a PC laptop as well, but it would have to be thin.
Pelican makes excellent protective cases. Almost unbreakable, water-tight, air-tight, dust-tight. The ones with the "pick-and-pluck" foam can be configured to fit a laptop and all accessories nice and snug. They have a few laptop-specific cases, and several general-purpose cases of all sizes/colors.
If you don't know where to find them near you, check with surveying supply shops, and electronics parts supply (the commercial type, not Radio Shack)
I have a ebags laptop backpack and I have been happy with it. the weight is good and the over-all quality is good. Plus it has a lifetime warranty.
Just the right size, great durability, and the padding on the back is nice and smooth so it doesn't abrade away your clothes. Beware of cases that can carry more than *you* should.
Tumi is a little over priced, but the bag will last longer than your current laptop.
--H
I highly recommend a backpack over a hand bag, because you wont get tired as easily carrying it, and because it doesn't say "He look at me, I've got a $3000 computer waiting to be stolen" the way a Targus bag does. I've tried 3 different notebook bags (and the best targus handbag out there) and the Northface network really did it for me, even if the side padding is a bit weak.
I'm a writer, a poet, a genius, I know it. I don't buy software, I grow it.
Didn't the bag do what it was supposed to do- take the beating itself to save your laptop?
You're asking how to buy better surge protectors that won't get ruined (while saving your computer system) during a lightning strike.
http://www.spireusa.com/
I've been using an Endo for a few years now, super rugged.. even survived the washing machine when it got super stinky once (another tale for another time) with no ill effects. Looks good enough for meeting rooms, rugged enough to handle travel, and slings across the back for bicycle/motorcycle rides or just to get the hands free.
The wife uses a Volt pack. Both come with padded sleeves for your laptop and the usual sets of pockets and storage.
Well worth the money.
Dump the IRS - http://www.fairtax.org
I recently picked up a Jansport PC Port. It's a backpack bag and has plenty of padding for the laptop. It has these neat "Airlift" shoulder straps that actually help with weight alot. It was also one of the few laptop bags I was able to find that would hold my 17" Powerbook.
- U
I looked at alot of laptop briefcases and backpacks (Targus, Columbia, etc.) and the one I liked best is called the Ogio Metro. I ended up getting it at ebags.com ebags.com. I've had it for about 5 months now and am very happy with it.
I love my targus backpack. It provides awesome
cushioning between campus, work, school, wherever.
It has pockets within pockets, so it pisses off the barney's in the federal building (too complicated for their fragile little minds) but it will carry the world and if one strap breaks you still got the other, though the construction is heavy duty.
It was $80 from a local vendor, and can be purchased from thinkgeek.com for the same price roughly. Expensive, but worth every penny...especially when you consider the value of your laptop
I would go with one of the Laptop backpacks with two shoulder straps. Not only are they better for your back but you wouldn't have to worry about dropping them accidentally like described in the topic.
i nd ex.cfm?modelid=15441&NDA=N-2003825
:)
I got the Ogio Rebar on sale at ebags.com:
http://www.ebags.com/ogio/rebar/product_detail/
but you can see the product much better here:
http://www.computerbags.com/backpacks.html
Not bad for the price and they hold other useful things besides your laptop.
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
And it doesn't hurt that buying hemp means less oil money for petroleum-based synthetic clothes.
--
Power to the Peaceful
I have been using a North Face "Big Shot" about a year with a Dell Inspiron 4150, it's great: It has plenty of room for a laptop, a sweater and some books, plus handy side pockets for a camera and sundries.
If your laptop survived, get another one of the same bag. $20 bag saves $1,500 laptop, I'd stock up on 10 of those instead of hoping your next bag does as good a job.
~Pev
booqbags.com is really a great company and a great bag. I got the backpack and sleeve. Its the best. Great customer service.
sfbags (aka Waterfield Designs) has some really nice, customizable bags.
I use a sleevecase for my powerbook. The sleevecase fits the powerbook like a glove, and does a great job of protecting from bumps and scratches.
Slip the powerbook into the sleeve, and slip the sleeve into a messenger bag (or better yet, a leather version)... Perfection!
I then got a Coach leather bag as a gift. It's also been quite sturdy, and I've been happy, but when I recently moved to an IBM T40 laptop I found with its oversize battery, it barely fit in the designated space -- so it won't serve your purposes but might be of use to others.
Mencken had it right. So glad that's old news.
I have two words for you... duct tape
http://drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=5184-TIC2
I havent got to use one, but the form and function of this case looks like it could be teh win, as such. And it looks badass.
"Stuff... In my home!? NEVER!" - Zim on Invader Zim
"I want the toilet seat!" - Little Dog on Two Stupid Dogs
Timbuk2 makes some bombproof messenger bags - I've kept my PowerBook in one when I ramble about for the last two years, and it's held up great. You can custom-design your bag online, as well, which is most cool. If you prefer stock, they keep several types/styles in stock, and some are carried at the Apple Stores.
Mine is a Bolo with a few goodies and a center divider. I made mine with waterproofed canvas (unfortunately, they don't offer that fabric anymore), and I also have a sleeve for the 15" PowerBook as well. It's the best bag I've ever owned, and if I ever get another PowerBook I'll just make sure to buy a sleeve to fit. The sleeves have handles, too, for a little extra protection.
Timbuk2 also makes the best iPod holders, as well - and they make a handy case for a 1900-series iPaq handheld, too, along with a couple of SD cards. And their custom bags are US-made, which I find to be a nice bonus.
-- Josh Turiel
"2. Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
The Kensington Saddlebag has been the trusted protector of my various laptops over the years. This thing is indestructible, goes over the shoulder or as a backpack, has a spot for cell phone, pda, and zippered pockets for everything else. It's even big enough to be an overnight bag in a pinch. It's internal padding could be a bit thicker, but I wouldn't travel without a padded slipcase around my powerbook anyway.
Yeah imagine discussing a tech related purchase on a tech related discussion site. I mean obviously this question should be directed to a salesperson who would obviously have no bias and would know everything about the available options... I remember one salesmen I asked once about a digital camera... he explained to me that it didn't do any compression (it of course was jpeg) and that is took regular batteries (regular specially made battery packs of course) when I asked about picture quality I would say something like is the picture X? and he would say yes very X. (of course you can replace X with anything) Then he explained to me that I couldn't see the camera used because it wasn't set up... Yah people should stop being so lazy and just round up opinions from guys like him and make a damn decision. lazy Americans lazily jogging to work to lazily earn a living... makes me just wanna suicide bomb em I mean the rest of the world is doing it.
...but the bag (a WWDC giveaway)...
How about any bag that didn't come from some marketing supply house that was cheap enough that they could give them away.
I've use a Timbuk2 bag with laptop sleeve for a couple of years. Still looks brand new.
Check out www.spireusa.com. They have some excellent bags that have a cool rugged design. They also have some extra padding so incase you accidentaly drop it , your laptop will get minimal damage.
I've personally seen these bags used all over Boulder, CO. they're highly recommended!
Dropped it many times, laptop always functioned fine. The bag was a pre-owned "Ebay Special" and worth every penny. True story: About five years ago I was working helpdesk and a bunch of laptops came in from the field to have their custom written salesforce app upgraded. At my initiative, I created a laptop intake form that included, "condition of packing and laptop." The categories were "excellent, average, and 'amazed it arrived intact.'" One laptop earned the latter distinction by virtue of the fact that the salesrep sent their laptop in a FedEx "Pizza Box" type container, that fit the laptop so perfectly, that he included no packing. I was indeed amazed to find the laptop intact and functioning, but made sure to tell my manager to give that guy a packing lesson.
Tom Bihn makes and sells backpacks and shoulder bags for all kinds of laptops. They're made in the USA of nice materials.
Many of the bags that don't have built-in laptop support have snaps that can be used to hold a ``Brain Bag'' (available in various sizes) for a laptop. The Brain Bags suspend the laptop in a cradle inside a box with hardish sides.
Nice bags. Nice people.
I don't know if you want to go this route, but if you're at least considering it let me make a couple of points.
1. a backpack (usually) has 2 shoulder straps. that was the biggest advantage in my opinion. why you may ask? well, for once I've carried a regular laptop bag and I had to kept switching shoulders every now and then, but it ended up killing me - the freakin' bag was almost as heavy as the laptop, I swear. 2 straps means the weight on each shoulder is basically half of what you'd have to support with a regular case.
2. so having 2 shoulder straps also means that I can use it as a regular backpack (for longer trips - I ride my motorcycle to work), or just throw it on one shoulder for short trips (short = from the building to the car, when I'm driving).
3. larger capacity. you already know that what you can fit in a laptop case is pretty much just that: the laptop, cables and some papers. but that's pretty much it. I can put a bunch of other stuff in my back pack. In addition to my laptop and its cables, I also carry papers (in a back pocket), my cd-player in a front pocket. even my papers fit it. I can even cary one 2L bottle of coke in addition to the laptop. or whatever...
4. reusable. I can hardly think I would want to use my laptop case for anything but carrying a laptop; however, I use the backpack when riding bikes, when going out to play sports, when going out to shoot some pictures, I even use it as a carry-on for trips and travel.
My backpack it's been one of my most useful things in the past 3 years. I suggest you buy one and try it for a couple of weeks. if you don't like it you could always return it.
But, would it protect my laptop in case it would fall? No, I think not. But it's been through a bunch of stuff and my precious laptop is still fine, thank you. I'm willing to bet that part of the fact that being a backpack is built sturdier.
Oh, if you do decide to go with a backpack, I suggest you get one with a leather bottom. I don't know if it's better (i.e. more resistant), but it looks more stylish.
__________
Don't belong. Never join. Think for yourself. Peace!
I've used several bags, and my favorite is my Compucessory bag. It is a rolling laptop case - with an extendable handle and fairly rugged wheels. It also has straps that make it a fairly comfortable backpack. Nice also that when using as a backpack you don't get the uncomfortable feel of the internal braces. Description from OfficeMax
For pure safety, try the Anvil or Zero Halliburton computer briefcases. My first laptop - an IBM ThinkPad - survived an 8-foot fall in one of those things. The ZH ones come in aluminum finish too - very nice.
Random Musings
I have a timbuk2 sleeve for my TiBook in a messenger bag that i totally love. I take it everywhere! from coffee shops to random places and its been great. I have no complaints about it what so ever. The quality is top notch and theres a good solid padding on it. Some say its a bit pricey for the sleeve but i figure i spent close to $3000 at the time with all my "ever so important" upgrades, i can spend a few dollars more. I spent weeks looking for the perfect bag and been routed over and over again to eBags, searched high and low and couldnt find anything else better. anyway play with their site! i believe its timbuk2.com. you can fully customize your bag, and if you think about it... when do you really buy a new bag or backpack? so spend the money!!
The guy is an Aussie, dipshit.
TUMI safecases are the best... I've had mine for 5 years now, it's leather and still looks very good... Lifetime warrany on it, as well as the contents, never had to use it tho, those things are awesome..
i've got the backpack version
Check out http://www.standardtm.com.au
(They sell in the USA too)
I bought one of there laptop bags a while ago, and man are they good! they are very durable and strong, you get a separate padded laptop satchel/bag that goes into the laptop bag itself which has even more padding. My laptop has survived a lot with this bag on many rough trips.
I have mine loaded with a heavy inspiron 8200 and accessories.
The good thing with these laptop bags is they don't look like laptop bags, they just look like a stylish carry bag, and so maybe the chances of it being stolen are less? who knows but they get my recommendation.
I have a Trager Cross Country Laptop Bag. It can alternate between a bag you can swing on your shoulder and a backpack. I've been carrying mine for over two years now and love it. You can do a search for Trager at ebags.com and pick one up for about $100.
I've found some very well designed and functional bags and carrying cases for laptops (and other high-tech doodads) at Koie Products' website.
Main Site
Here are a few links to laptop specific stuff:
one
two
three
four
Try a Rakgear deluxe backpack.
I bought mine 6 months ago and it changed my life (actually, my back life). The backpack is well padded and very comfortable. It include a removeable plastic rack so you can put many books and keep them organized.
You'll have no trouble running with it and it's very robust.
I bough it at Radio-Shack fo less than $50 CAN.
You can't go wrong with it.
Timbuk2 makes messenger bags (like biker messengers in San Francisco and other metro cities delivering packages). You know they're rugged from all that abuse the package deliverers go through while biking through San Francisco.
I got one and these bags are great. You can order a slip sleeve which is great protection for the laptop (it looks like it's about a 1/2" foam tightly snuggling the laptop). The slip case is great as it allows you to just carry the laptop by itself if you're going from say your cube to your meeting.
Their messager bags comes in four sizes. I like the messager bags because you dont have to take the bag off to access it (as opposed to normal backpacks). Their "Bolo" series messenger bag (the largest one) allows for 3067 cubic inches of space, so if the geek needs to bring the ham radio and the hand crank generator with him, he can.
You can also customize it with something like 20 different colors, a custom ipod holder and a radio holder that attaches to the strap.
Best of all, it seems like their bags are very Apple laptop friendly (and colors that match the old imacs). Highly recommended from a highly satisfied customer.
I have a TI bag from http://www.tibag.com and it's the best laptop bag I've owned so far. It's has a messenger bag style strap that goes diagonally across the chest. Best looking bag I've seen for the price. Sturdy too.
just go to amazon or any other place that sells laptops and go to the "bags/cases" section... it's amazeing what a little common sense will figgure out isnt it?
The "Webpak" got a good review in C.net a while back. The removable shoulder straps are great for long lines at airports. I'd rather look like a geek than arrive at my destination with a sore back. http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/mai n/0,14179,2864799,00.html
The MacNN forums have an on-going thread about this.
Pricey, but sleek and sturdy. If there is a better bay I didnt find it. Mine is actually two bags - a reinforced sleeve that encases the laptop and clips into a roomier bag. You need both if you want to keep the laptop safe.
http://tombihn.com/
Why was this modded down? I've used this product before and the qualty is outstanding.
Check out Tom Bihn bags. Very well made. They have many options for laptops, including a padded sleeve that will fit inside other bags.
Don't get a laptop case, laptop backpack, or anything like that. If you do that, your precious laptop is a thousand times more likely to get stolen.
Instead, get a decent backpack meant for carrying books and binders and the like. If that does not offer enough impact protection... just find some soft foam and stick it in there.
It will cost less than a fancy laptop bag, and it won't get stolen.
no thanks
http://www.standardtm.com.au/shoulder_bags_alley.c fm
:)
Sydney-based laptop bag company. I don't know about availability in your area but these are in all the Applestores I've seen locally.
I like the 12" Alley, but if you are very girly the Diva is for you
-- INTX Grouch. http://www.midnightblue.net
Definitely check out Spire. As I write this I see 2 other suggestions for this company and I wholeheartedly agree with them. I asked around before I bought mine and EVERYONE I talked to was happy with them.
Seriously dude...Spire...
J
Abiit, excessit, evasit, erupit.
Use a backpack laptop bag. The shoulder strap bags have a single point of failure--the single shoulder strap. They also divide the weight unequally.
I have:
a zitteli bag from ebags.com (not available on amazon) which fits a big Inspiron 8500 or an 8200.
Much, much more comfortable than my old shoulder strap bag. The non-laptop pockets have less organizational doodads, but works well enough.
I can't stress how much more comfortable it is, though. $40 for this is much better than the $100 for a nice looking shoulder bag.
I have the inCase backpack listed here at the Apple store online. The sling pack has a clean design with the laptop riding against your back and the accessories riding on the other side. It doesn't have a lot of room for other items, but will store the power pack, cables, some jewel-cased CDs and sports a mobile-phone pocket on the front strap. The way the cover is designed appears to be suited for protection against falling.
-B
Try something like the Mountainsmith Day Pack 03. It's a waist pack, a shoulder bag, and a backpack. Different, at least. The only thing is the Mountainsmith bags tend to have an overabundance of straps. Also check out the REI Mother Lode - cheaper. You see these sorts of things on eBay, too, beat up and really cheap - but good ones last forever (get a good laptop sleeve). The last thing a bag like this says is "laptop bag" - good if you're not interested in advertising the fact that you're carrying around expensive hardware.
must... stay... awake...
I've had an Eastpak backpack with a laptop pocket and it's worked great for the last few years. Even better, it doesn't scream "I HAVE A LAPTOP INSIDE ME" since it's designed as a regular backpack. Their website shows a couple, and I'm sure other companies make them as well. Find them where you would buy a backpack (Target, where I got mine or a sports store).
(keep in mind that I have an IBM X30, currently - a fairly small (8.5"x9.5"x1") laptop)
:P The end result here is a nice, durable laptop bag that's inexpensive, looks nifty, and is washable.
;)
The store-bought solution:
I'm a big fan of solid things that don't break. Thus, the item that fits the bill is a small aluminum briefcase. The briefcase I got was a bit big for what I need: 14x12x3 inches - a bit too big for my laptop (I foolishly didn't pay attention to what I was ordering). For a larger laptop it would work quite nicely - and in my case, it will fit the bill for a general carry-all, being as there's enough room for course books and a laptop side by side, as well as an envelope for things like pads of paper. There's also a sturdy synthetic fiber strap. It's maybe 3 or so pounds.
Additionally, I saw an iBook (more in your line of interest, it appears) at the local ibook shop in a similar case - only it was about 1.5" deep, and seemably just big enough for an iBook. (This briefcase was what I was looking for; alas, I never found it online)
Now, for the inventive geeky solution:
Another option I've found that might work nicely is a nice homemade bag. buy some 1cm rubber foam (or some other sort of impact-insulative of your choice) and some canvas of your choice. grab an old packing box (ofthe cardboard variety) as well. Then, wrap the foam around the laptop and cut it so that it would be a fairly snug fit around all but one edge - so it would cover 5 of the 6 surfaces - and cut it appropriately; secure with duct tape. then take the cardboard and fold it to fit over the rubber foam, and duct tape it so it makes a nice little sleeve for the laptop. tape over the edge of the foam/cardboard to form a 'single' glove. I wrapped ductape all around the cardboard on mine, so as to provide water/liquid resistence. This alone makes a nice carrying device if you use a backpack or briefcase to carry things around, as it's quite protective (I wrapped a palm pilot pro in such a manner - minus the foam - years ago, and it's been used since then, with many an encounter with the ground. no such encounters with the laptop thus far).
Then, if you're interested in actually having a 'laptop bag' take the canvas and stitch it together to form a fairly form-fitting sleeve for the cardboard/foam sleeve.
I'd recommend getting a plastic-fiber strap of some sort and sowing each end to the bottom of this bag, securely - then stitch it up the sides so as to prevent your little laptop falling incident. if you need a shoulder pad, sheep hide/fleece works quite well - just wrap a piece of canvas around it and sow it up. Use a nylon strap from an old backpack w/ the clasps to provide a nice closeable pocket for the laptop. I put a smaller pouch on the outside of mine for the AC adapter and some cookies.
I've toyed with the idea of using tanned deer hide (quite soft and very strong) for a "professional" cover for my sheath.
~/ssh slashdot.org ssh: connect to host slashdot.org port 22: too many beers
I bought one of these recently and use it every day. Padded inner sleeve, but I wouldn't drop it. Very comfortable to carry on either side. Bright color inside makes it easier to find small things and a nice water resistant outer pocket for the MP3 player. Not too pricey compared to some of the other things mentioned and it doesn't look at all like a computer bag.
When I got my PowerBook G4, I got the Marware Sportfolio from the Apple Store and I've loved it. It doesn't hold tons of peripherals, so if you have lots, it's probably not adequate, but for those of us with only a mouse, power supply, and a few cables, it's great. I don't know how impact resistant it really is, but they advertise it as being able to cushion a blow. It sure is sleak and I like that the material is a little stretchy. It just doesn't take up too much space at all. It's very low profile. Some of the newer models look a whole lot better too.
Life today. Uncertainty tomorrow.
A little pricey, but worth being acting nice all year for. Well hard protection for your preciouss.
Holiday Cheers, Jouni
Jouni Mannonen | Game Designer, Consultant
I'm biased. I work at a bike shop that sells Crumpler courier bags. I got my brother that same bag (Very Busy Man) for his Compaq x1000 last August and he's thanked me every chance he's gotten since. Holds his 17" screened doodad snugly, pockets ABOUND, it's really well padded, completely waterproof (forget-it-by-the-side-of-the-car-in-a-rainstorm waterproof)... I could go on, but I won't. Buy online or find a dealer; anyone in/near DC, I can show you one if you e-mail me.
Only quirk: they've got some FUNKY color schemes. If you work in an at all conservative place, the green-and-fluorescent-yellow type stuff might not fly. Personally, I think they rock.
The pain was excruciating and the scarring is likely permanent, but that just means it's working.
How is this a troll? Ask Slashdot has to go. It's absolutely useless and a waste of front page space. If you don't know how to shop then maybe it's time to give up. Fuck! This Ask Slashdot makes me physically angry. Go to the fucking store and take a look at what they have idiot. Fuck you.
When they say indestructible, they mean indestructible.
I once had a $80 kensington case [with 'special impact density absorbant padding'], but when a coworker knocked the laptop off of a conferance table onto the ground [not even three feet], it broke one of the hinges for the LCD. Ahem.
The ideal situation I found was this: Fill a cheap walmart school bookbag with 16 inches of foam. I used a mattress-enhancer [lots of foam for around 12 bucks, and in convienient sheet form]. Cut as appropriate and fold the sheets in a coil, until the entire bookbag [get a smaller one, obviously], is almost bursting at the seams with excessive foam load. Leave just enough room for your laptop [and don't forget foam on the bottom and a few layers to fold over the top. I once dropped this down a flight of stairs. It just bounced happily to a rest, no damage to the laptop.
Plus, it looks crappy enough you can take it anywhere without it being a target for theft, like as a swanky specialized laptop case would be.
---
the pen is mightier than the sword, the sword is mightier than the court, the court is mightier than the pen.
I bought the incase Sling backpack here and I really like it. It'll hold a 15" powerbook (or something fatter), and has lots of places for accessories. Comfortable to wear most importantly.
Yak pak, just like Piro has, except you're going to want the largest one there (Large Tech) and you can fit your laptop, power cord, mouse, and a couple other things. I use mine and have had it for 2 and a half years or more... can't quite remember. It's lasted my wreckless throwing around and over stuffing, and it's still all together. (They have the smaller ones at ThinkGeek, but you'r going to want the largest)
I play guitar.
You might check here
They organize potential bags/cases by dimension using the laptop's published specs as a cross-reference.
A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
I use the laptrap for carrying my 15" toshiba and accessories but use the crumpler when I just want to carry the laptop with no accessories. I would recommend a crumpler bag over any of them. The wide selection of bags that they have are great and made tough. Ebags has a wide selection to choose from of bags. Hope this helps.
If money is no object, you might also want to investigate Tumi. Fantastic stuff, but at very high prices.
heres a case http://www.ebags.com/samsonite_business_cases/4_al uminum_attache_computer_case/product_detail/index. cfm?modelid=15017&NDA=N-2006675+120015|Ne-1200 00 that besides protecting your powerbook, can protect you from disgruntled employees by simply stuffing it under your shirt although your tibook caan do this for you and because its one inch thin is barely visible under your shirt, youll feel safe knowing that your powerbook/laptop case combo can easily stop a .454 magnum to even a 50 calibur rifle round. this product is even endorsed by fifty cent http://www.vh1.com/shared/media/news/images/f/50_C ent/sq-50cent-press-sny.jpg
Please don't use improper slang words to describe things... Knackered means "tired from sex" in the UK and elsewhere. I'd hesistate to start saying that to describe computer accessories. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=kna ckered&f=1
...
I'm very happy with a Spire laptop backpack I bought a couple of years ago. It has a separate padded sleave for the laptop, several internal and external compartments, and chest and waist straps for stability when running. See http://www.spireusa.com/.
I'm a satisfied customer.
...for your powerbook.
V EL
I have a Brain Bag backpack, with a snake charmer, for all my cables and mouse, etc. and a Brain Cell, hard individual protection case custom fit for my 15" Powerbook AL.
It is comfortable, durable, looks sharp (if you're into REI chic) and all just works together (like Apple products.)
First item on their Guarantee Page:
Everything you buy from TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed: no sale is final.
Other satisfied users:
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/_TRA
If that's too much of a monster for you, try this. This is the Kensington Astro Pack. It has a very roomy padded compartment for your laptop. It was designed for the original "Clamshell" iBooks, and a 14.1" screen black PowerBook is very comfortable in there. Right now my ThinkPad 600e is very much at home in there, as is its power supply, trivet, external floppy drive, Palm sync cable, a couple of PCMCIA cards and a 25" ethernet cable. I could probably cram a partridge and a pear tree in there too if I pushed hard enough. ^_^ It looks stylish and spiffy and like something from Starfleet General Issue. It certainly does not look like a laptop bag, especially if you do as I do and put a patch over the Kensington logo.
You can't go wrong with either of them. I have both.
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.
The Waterfeld line from SF Bags is outstanding. The padding is thick gel, the outer and inner covering are extremely well-made (and with a great deal of care), and the person who runs the place seems to take a genuine interest in making sure his customers are happy.
I bought one for my new 12" Powerbook, and couldn't be happier.
.@.
I use an LL Bean briefcase that I picked up on sale, and on liquidation sale on top of that. It was about $15 for an $85 bag.
I use one of the outer pockets to store my iBook in (12" version) and store my cables and few papers in the main compartment. I'm careful to not drop it, but were I to be flying with this bag, I'd make a foam insert for it.
I've also fit the office's windows laptop in the bag along with the ibook, making for a convenient two computer bag.
It's a great bag that was reasonably priced. And it comes with the LLBean guarantee, which is second to none.
A cow-orker of mine uses a slightly larger one and he stuffs reams of paper into it. It must weigh about 40# full.
I can't seem to find it on the LLBean website right now, else I'd put a link in here.
Good luck
-- There is no sig line, only Zuul.
It really depends on your budget though.
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A good one definitely costs over $50 or so.
Here's a ncie one from Targus:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details
If you have a really thin laptop, this might be worth a look:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.a
by the way, usually I don't trust shoulder straps. That's why whenever I use it, I put one hand under the case, so when the strap kicks the bucket, at least I've got a hand under it to hold on to it.
HTH.
http://www.palmzone.net
I suffered shoulder pain after schlepping a large bag with one (or two) laptops and associated peripherals, cables, and media. Solution 1: get a wheeled bag. Solution 2: after that one died, get a _good_ wheeled bag. I've had my Swiss Army for two years and have never had a better bag.
I'll second this recommendation.
Durable, lots of pockets, wide straps, padded insert for the laptop itself.
I have the Brenthaven Mobility Backpack for my Powerbook and I love it. It has protected my computer through three encounters with gravity. There is a removeable internal sleeve that fits specifically each model of Powerbook.
Good web site, good company to deal with, great product. I have one, and three out of three kids have them and all of them LOVE 'em.
Get the padded case with handles for your computer. And I like the iPod case and cell phone case for the straps.
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).
Willow Design's case for the 17" PB was the only case I've actually bought for a laptop- and I'm pleased with it. It has a lot of padding with plastic protective panels on the outside under the fabric, reflective stripes on all sides save the back, and the "portrait" orientation is VERY nice for such a wide laptop(otherwise, you DO take people out on the subway with it).
The handle on the case is padded and comfortable- the shoulder strap is padded and has sticky rubber on the inside so it won't slip.
The bottom has riveted rubber feet, so it stands off the ground. The back pocket expands out two inches or so if you've got something bulky. The front compartment holds my cell phone, pens, power supply, and light paperwork- the pockets are stretch fabric and once something's in, its not going anywhere. The 'lid' has an ID pocket and a mesh zip bag(which currently contains the DVI->VGA, s-video, composite, and mini->rca adapters(basically, every adapter it came with and more.)
As for looks- it's navy colored(and available in many other colors), so that's a drastic step over most everything else. I selected it because: a)it was compact b)it had a lot of pockets c)it was specifically fit for the 17". I've been very pleased with it, and I'm a very tough customer. About the only thing I'm going to do is apply outdoor-grade scotchguard(which I strongly recommend on ANY case, but do it OUTSIDE, it's NASTY stuff to breathe!)
For each powerbook model, they have basically 3 or so levels for how big a case you want. "just a case", "case with pockets for stuff" and "case with pockets for the kitchen sink". They also have models for regular PC laptops- I think they somewhat build-to-order.
The bags also carry a lifetime warranty. It came with a hand-signed letter by Nigel Peck(sp?), the owner of WD, stating as such. The online ordering was handled flawlessly.
Please help metamoderate.
I hit a pawn shop a year and half ago. I got myself a old ATARI laptop that came with a case. So I now have this old Case with ATARI on it. I imagine there are hundreds out there. Perhaps hit ebay or pawn shops. Those old bags were made to carry the huge and heavy laptops and typcially have plenty of room to also store a few cd cases or a notepad or three.
-THIS SPACE FOR RENT!
Use a bag as little as the laptop
Or you may end walking with many things you don't need
Earlier this year I was doing a lot of travel, both with a laptop and a bunch of PDA-type devices, and desperately needed to replace my crappy old laptop bag. I shopped around ebags and decided to get the High Sierra A.T. Gear case. It's discontinued now, but ebags still has some left, as well as the newer models. Note that the link is to one with wheels. Mine is without.
I like it because it's got a removable inside second bag for the laptop that I can use to carry it around inside work, and then just use the bigger bag when I need to schlep stuff home or on a trip. The little pockets on the front are perfect for carrying all my PDA stuff. I thought the backpack straps would be useless, but I've used them several times in airport and they're quite handy. The only downside is the shoulder strap can be a bit tiring on the shoulder when the bag is full, but I've never found a laptop bag that isn't.
If I were to do it again I'd get the version with wheels. And the funky orange version. The blue I have is nice, but it's a bit tame :)
Hey.
I was looking for a good laptop carrying apparatus, and I found a really good backpack that is made to hold a laptop.
It can hold network cables, power adapters, chocolate, xbox controllers, winter gear, school books, my cell phone, wallet, linux magazines and lots more.
Also, carrying it on your back is a lot better for you than a shoulder-strap type laptop bag. The one I got is from Rakgear, and it's pretty high quality. (takes a lot of abuse)
Xemc
Get a tumi. They will last forever (lifetime warranty) and have saved my Dell Inspiron 8000 more than a few times. They are tested to withstand a drop from about 3 feet if I'm not mistaken.
I've been using my Targus laptop bag for 4 years now. I carry it everywhere and it has not ripped or gotten weak anywhere. The links are solid metal and handles are made of tough thick leather. I highly recommend Targus brand laptop bags.
John
So far, this backpack has served me wonderfully. It's nice and comfy, and extremely sturdy. I've used it to haul around textbooks and my laptop without any problem. It's also durable: after 1.5 years of use, not a hint of wear and tear, despite all-weather and bicycle use. It's relatively inexpensive, only 44 bucks, last I checked.
I just got the Webmessenger. Best laptop bag I've ever seen or used. Tons of compartments, pockets, etc. Thick padded shoulder strap. Metal (not plastic) everything.
Oh yeah, and it has laptop insurance for a year. Pretty handy.
I just got myself the Victorinox WebSeries 2.0 Bag. It comes with a removable insert laptop suspension sleeve that has very hard sides to proect against hard edges and a "suspension system" that apparently passes 30" drop tests. Being victorinox it has enough zippers and pouches and a detachable mobile phone belt clip holder. The strap and strap holders all feel nice and solid. Also has a nice paper/folder holder.
I bought an old laptop case at a garage sale. Along with a bunch of old rusty tools. Upon arriving home, I discover my laptop won't fit the case. But, the case was nice and sturdy. So, I figured I would just keep that assortment of tools I picked up at the garage sale in it should I suffer a breakdown on the road and need a screwdriver or wrench, no matter what condition, in the worst way. So, the case became a generic toolbag for the assortment of wrenches, screwdrivers, and assorted hose pieces, old belts, clamps, and crap wrapped in towels so they wouldn't make so much noise rattling around in there. I figured it was pretty cheap insurance from needing a tool for a five dollar investment at a garage sale.
You already know what happened. I come out, and find someone has done about two hundred dollars damage to my car, busting in the window, to steal the dammned thing!
I've had 2 or 3 shoulder type bags from various vendors. My last was an IBM bag.
While I liked the bags, the IBM was nice, I always felt lopsided with the bags. I also broke each bag's shoulder strap.
Due to a car accident a couple years ago, I was seeing a chiropractor. I asked him if he knew of any good laptop backpacks. He recommended the Targus Rakgear. I've been very happy with it. It has ample pockets and padding for my Thinkpad. My back/shoulders no longer complain about carrying my equipment with me.
I definitely recommend a backpack. The only downside is people look at me funny coming into a business meeting with a large backpack. I'll keep my back, and my laptop bag.
-joe
I got one of these about 4 months ago for my new laptop with a 15" screen (the old one was a Sony PictureBook, slightly smaller). And I have found it's pretty much buller-proof. There's also one decent review of it on Epinions (not by me). One thing to note, it's small but not tiny: my laptop, clie, cell phone, several file folders, a newspaper, a hardcover notepad (the paper kind), a mini mag-lite, a swiss army knife, ear buds, a leatherman, a wallet's worth of cards, several pens, power brick, sundry cables, a small mouse, some floppies, some cd-r's, and business cards all fit in it.
[what?]
Check out the Marware Sportfolios and bags. I have a Sportfolio II for my 12" PowerBook. Great bag. 1/4" Neoprene, rubber-band like shoulder strap (very comfortable), and form-fitted to your PowerBook. Worth a look.
www.marware.com
http://www.tombihn.com/
This is where a friend and I both got our bags and they have worked wonderfully.
The stores all have the same chinese made targus crap you've seen a million times. If you want something custom fit, higher qualty, or otherwise unique, then look to other slashdotters. This page is already full of vendors you won't find at Best Buy.
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, too, was using a free bag from WWDC (2000), and it was actually a very well-made bag (converted from shoulder-slung to backpack, and very solid construction), but had to finally put it down (there was an issue with it getting rained on, I think). Now, I carry a bag from Leeds (this model, although I didn't get it from this site), which has proven to be very well-made, as well. I've used it to carry my entire O'Reilly web development book set (Programming PHP, PHP Cookbook, Web Database Applications with PHP & mySQL, Managing and Using mySQL, and the mySQL Cookbook), along with my 12" iBook, Palm, cell phone, sync cable, power adapter, and assorted things. It hasn't shown any signs of stress on the shoulder strap stitching, nor do the side seams or zippers show any signs of stress. I don't carry that much all the time, but I do frequently, and I've been using this bag for going on 18 months now.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. (Einstein)
First, (and the hardest). Don't buy a bag that looks "too much" like a laptop bag. Why? because the bag is going to scream: "I'm a small, expensive laptop, I want you to steal me!.
Secondly, (the easiest). Don't buy a bag with a computing name brand on the bag (IBM, Dell, etc). And try to stay away from companies that are obviously laptop bag manufacturers (Tagrus, etc). Why? because the bag is going to scream: "I'm a small, expensive laptop, I want you to steal me!.
In conclusion: Draw as little attention to your bag as possible, and make your bag doesn't stick out from the crowd either.
Sunny Dubey
really? i thought it would be worn out soon, no?
This is what you're looking for:
http://www.highergroundgear.com/
Absolute best laptop case I've seen. Hands down.
I only buy Brenthaven bags for my laptops. A little pricey, but well worth the expense. In most of the bags, the laptop is suspended inside, and the padding all around is very thick.
A good bag is like insurance... after all, if you spend $3000 on a laptop, shouldn't you shell out $200 for a decent bag to protect it?
The best prices I've found online are at Irv's Discount Luggage.
Here's a real nice one from Think Geek, although a bit on the expensive side...
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/5a4f/
This will get lost in the inordinate amount of suggestions, but what the hell, eh?
I got an expanding shoulder bag from Costco that has got a padded independent laptop sleeve. It's a Kirkland bag (seems to be Costco's own brand), and it's absolutely brilliant. It's been around the world with me and still looks brand new. The only slight concern is the weight. It's very tightly made though, so you have to expect some bulk. It's about 2kg on it's own I think.
one of these. Got it for christmas 2 yrs ago, sees daily use, and never a problem.
C|N>K
Timbuk2 started making bicycle courier bags, so they're unreasonably durable in my experience. Waterproof, too. They've started making things like laptop bags, or if you want to, you can buy one of their courier bags and add in one of their laptop cases that fit inside. They make one that fits the 17" Powerbook, I'm fairly sure.
Oh, and they also make a neat little iPod case that'll go on the strap of the bag. (As well as a cellphone case, radio case, and strap bag. Totally handy stuff.)
I've always been using one of Dell's leather bags. They used to include them for free when you bought a laptop, and my current one have survived 5 different (non Dell) laptops on enough flights to earn gold cards in 3 different airlines (I lost count but that is a lot of air miles). It doesn't exactly look "new" anymore, but it is still not broken and none of my laptops has ever broken either.
I will be kinda sad the day it finally gives up :)
marmot makes a few bags with laptop's and school/work in mind. plus they are extremely functional for the outdoors.
they have a padded compartment with a strap on top to keep the weight flat against your back (as to not pull backwards, which increases the weight you will feel). they have a lifetime warranty and are very tough.
expect to spend $100.
i have a marmot "boulder". it has three compartments, plus plenty of useful sub-compartments. it has a nice hip belt, chest strap, and compression straps. it can hold a 30 pack of need be.
help out.
JANDD Computer Adaptable Pack (CAP)
This also clips into their backpacks/briefcases.
I've got this setup for work and I love it. The bags are of very high quality(had one for 12 years now - near daily use) and are functional as hell.
i'll prolly spring for a brenthaven next time around, but when i was in the market, there were very few laptop-backpacks which would fit a 15" tibook. i think market demand for carrying bigger screen laptops has changed that though.
don't be a dumbass ;-) get a new bag to protect your gear(and your livelihood)!
three can keep a secret, if two are dead - benjamin franklin
I use the Brain Cell and Brain Bag, a small solid laptop case and high end backpack by Tom Bihn.
Extremely durable, and the absolute best combination I've seen for students. The site has a wide variety of different bags in many different styles though. Has a guide for which size case will fit which laptop.
Last xmas I told my grandma that I didn't like her crocheted pullovers I get from her every year. She thought about it very thouroghly and decided that this year I was in need of a new laptop bag. Granny is the best!
I know a bunch of people with willow design laptop bags (including myself). I've heard nothing even remotely bad about them. The quality is well above jansport and other more common brands. I've had mine for 3 years now, and nary a broken connector or loose thread.
Their website looks a little seedy, but like I said, I've known nobody who had any bad experiences with them.
http://www.willowdesign.com
Spire USA
- a satisifed customer
Pelican, known for their camera carrying equipment makes a series of laptop cases that cost around 120$. There a bit on the heavy side but are indestructable and airtight up to 30' underwater. I've had one for about a year now and have put it through a number of (unintended) tests: dropping, getting caught outside in a rainstorm.
I have to say, it's probably the same Apple bag that the Apple store gave me for free when I bought my first iBook.... plastic clips, and they have a habit of falling off. Mine dropped my laptop onto the road twice before I chucked it out.
I settled for this:
One of those neoprene slipcases for the laptop... this is for protection.
This goes inside the main compartment of a standard courier bag, so I can hold odds and ends.
I use Brenthaven to protect my most sensitive equipment. Mine's a 15"er. I've taken it all round Asia...no problems at all.
Max.
I have a Crumpler "Very Busy Man" - Australian company - very good bag.
I use my 15" PowerBook in it and it has been great.
There are some odd things afoot now, in the Villa Straylight.
Tumi and Victorinox.
My wife and I are both daily users with bags that exceed 2-3 years old. Hers is a Tumi, mine is a Victorinox.
I personally like the Victorinox better. Better straps and it has the groovy 'sling' system (w/o being too bulky...some are). It's perfect for my PBg4-15.
www.tenba.com
Extremely well made, 5-year warranty. They make backpacks tailored for carrying laptops, have products specifically designed for Apple computers and a wide variety of other products.
One of their items is an insert called a "computer safe insert" that is highly effective module to provide cushioning against impact.
I use their cases to carry computers and cameras all over the world.
Best I have ever seen.
No, no, no. Get a laptop bag made out of pussy. You'll never wear it out!
I've had excellent experience with my InCase. They're stylish enough that at one point you could buy them at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
I'm sorry, but ever since Timbuk2 started to be sold in more mass-market fashion and stores, I've seen nothing but dorky 20 year olds with them. Don't be That Guy. It's the safe-hip messenger bag that's easily accessible to the masses.
The "cool" features of the bag used to be that they were all custom-made-to-order by San Franciscans in SF. Now they're making them in China and trying to pass it off as a good thing. It's not.
You need the Brenthaven bag.
Get it Here
I believe in buying the absolute best when it comes to items I'm going to use every day (at the expense of things like, uh, food). This bag has carried my Powerbook plus a ton of other junk to 17 different countries and almost a million frequent flier miles.
It has so many pockets and compartments I actually lost my keys in it for two days.
Please trust me here, spend the money get the best.
I have an ePac:
http://www.epac.uk.com/
This basically means that I can make sure my laptop is protected and use any bag I want to store my laptop in (cheap rucksack, record bag).
In practice, I'd recommend a good record bag for carrying round, as they're used to holding quite a weight and have a nice padded strap. They're also a good size and you can get a few folders, books, magazines, etc in there with the laptop in an ePac case.
I gave up on laptop bags a few years back. Basically they are all heinous, generally uncomfortable, and universally unwieldly.
I find the best route is to go with a padded sleeve/case to hold and protect the laptop, and go with a bag/satchel that can accomodate it. I currently use a combination of a Case Logic neoprene/foam sleeve (zipper on one side for insertion, other side to access ports when its inside the sleeve) and a messenger bag. I can carry the laptop longitudinally in teh bag, it doesn't look like a computer bag, its comfortable, etc.
Of course whether this setup could save my laptop from a 5-10mph strike on concrete I don't know, but I know my bags double reinforced 2" nylon strap isn't going to break.
-rt
Most of them are heavy, can't accomodate much in addition to your laptop and are either shoddily made, or overpriced or both. Oh, and they make you a walking advertisement for any criminal who needs a quick buck. I logged a few hundred thousand air miles and serious distance in cars, trains and other modes of transportation using either a small 600cu inch Lowe backpack or a Patagonia Half Mass messenger bag. Actually, any decent quality bag will do. The trick is not to drop it, but if you are really concerned, some foam (or a rolled up t-shirt, if you are traveling) works probably as well as any "laptop bag".
I just got one of these new bad boys last week:
_ ps bc.html
http://www.macally.com/new/carrying_case/new_cb
MacWorld will be my first real road test of it, but it's great so far. Handles when I want to look professional, shoulder strap for when I'm walking around, and hidden backpack straps for racing through the airport. Lots of internal zippered pockets. Room for my Wintel laptop in there as well. It isn't 100% of what my old Petral bag did, but that didn't fit the 17".
My video compression blog
... did I know that this story was put up by timothy just by looking at the title.
I really can't imagine who is interested in the laptop bag of someone too stupid to carry it around.
I highly recommend a Kensington Saddlebag. It'll fit up to a 16" laptop, with plenty of padding for everyday use, and it looks fairly conservative. I use it in and out of classes, and with a few clicks of the straps, turn it into a briefcase that I can carry to meetings. It reconfigures three ways:
1. Backpack straps
2. Shoulder Strap
2.5 None of the above, straps tucked away in spare pocket.
It expands out to carry several notebooks or textbooks, as well as spare cables, pens, PDA / Calcs, and extra "stuff." I know of at least 5 people that own them that I deal with on a day-to-day basis, and we all recommend them.
Michael C. Hollinger
Check out O'GIO for some cool bags. Buy them cheap at EBags. I like the "clip", but don't believe the dimentions given for the size of laptop it will accomodate. Read the reviews for more accurate info. This one was too small for my HP Pavilion, so I got the "switch." Check out the "metro" for one of the coolest notebook backpacks made.
sig: sauer
Waterfield Designs sleeve. I use it both as a protector to carry my Albook and as a sleeve in my el-cheapo messenger bag.
They are hand made in the USA and tough as nails.
Clear, Dark Skies
I'm in no way affiliated with them, but the Spire [ http://spireusa.com/ ] bags I've seen have really impressed me. Very well made.Several models will fit that powerbook. They're not free, but, then, neither was your laptop. Good protection is a valuable investment.
From their website:
"Looking for the finest laptop backpack or bag on the planet? All our gear is crafted with love in Boulder, CO USA and backed by a lifetime warranty. Our philosophy: unsurpassed workmanship, intelligent design and comfortable ergonomic fit."
It's not often you order something over the net, and it comes with a *hand written* thank you note.
Clear, Dark Skies
I spent five years of my life in the Luggage and Leather Goods businesss and I have some opinions. There is always a limit to what you feel comfortable spending, but I have seen damned few bags that come even close to the powerbook bag by Brenthaven. USD$149 is not cheap, but it is not a four hundred dollar bag from Tumi or Hartmann either. I would never gamble a $3k laptop on a cheap bag, I can't afford the risk. Buy them at the Apple Store or direct from brenthaven.
Ross Winn "not just another ugly face..."
Just got one of these as a gift. Fits my 15" Ti Powerbook perfectly, and I can slip it into any bag. They have a cool image that shows when they dropped a 100g ball on it a piece of glass inside did not even shatter. Anyhow, these bags are made out of this COOL foam that is amazing. You put your fingers on it and your print stays there for a minute or two. High quality everything, and for a good price. 30 bucks. shinza.com
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.
Otherwise, it depends on the laptop you have. My iBook is sturdier than hell (800MHz white etc) and it goes with me to all my classes (being a comp. sci. major and all). From what I've seen, the cheaper laptops such as low-end Dells are as fragile as Middle-East peace.
So, what bag do I use if I have so much experience? Well, I bought a $10 neoprene sleeve made by Sony for their Vaio laptops and I throw it in my backpack (which is made to carry 40-50 punds of stuff). That bag will never freaking break. The other nice thing about school bags is that they never seem to fail all at once, they tend to rip and give a little, givinng you plenty of warning to replace it. Just make sure not to put your laptop right in the back near your back and below all your books or whatnot.
I've jogged to many a class and that set-up refuses to show any signs of giving up.
Don't use 'knackered' unless you're talking about getting your jimmy blown while downing a few shots of Jose Cuervo...
If you are going to be doing any more jogging, I've been really happy with my Ogio Metro backpack which I found at eBags.com for around $60. eBags is great because not only do they provide excellent service, but they also have terrific user feedback on all of their products. I'm currently using my bag for my PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15". It won't fit much bigger than the PowerBook though, but it holds my laptop snugly, with lots of padding. The bag also has plenty of extra pockets for my power adapter, extra battery, and all of my school work.
I'm guessing you've never had sex with your mom.
Roadwired.com has a whole site dedicated to Computer Bags and Carrying cases.
I would suggest the Mega Media Bag. I really like mine.
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
http://jesus.everdense.com/
Not cheap, but industructible
I myself don't like walking around with a laptop bag, because nobody needs to know there's a laptop in there. I prefer people (for example people who like to steal bags with expensive goods in them) to think there are just clothes in there.
r oductLearnMore=T5892
:-)
So I bought a "Second Skin" for my iBook. It looks like the thing on this page: http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore?p
And then just put your laptop in the second skin in an ordinary backpack. Works perfectly for me, and other people will just think I'm a poor student with a bag of clothes and stuff.
Check this out. I've got the same bag that I've been using for about two months now and it's the best laptop case I've 0wn3d thus far. Durable thus far, and has a top-handle, stowable backpack straps, and a shoulder strap. Lots of pockets and plenty of room for stuff. Current contents: 15" Powerbook, typography book, 3 O'Reilly's pocket references, assorted array of pencils and pens, Gameboy Advance SP, iPod, 20oz. Mt. Dew in side pocket, USB Bluetooth plug, power adapters, and a pair of sketchpads. With room to spare.
blog |
you could go jogging with that sucker and not have to worry about it.
I am the Alpha and the Omega-3
L.L. Bean makes a good, padded partitioned laptop backpack. I absolutely love mine and it's outlasted generations of Thinkpads.... not to mention the stylish, optional monogram. ;)
I personally do not like, the typicall laptop carrying cases, and fortunately when I bought my powerbook i was happy to see the backpack at the Apple Store and this has been great for me to carry my powerbook on my back and have my hands free, and the back pack is deceptive in that you can store a ton of stuff in it.
I have the Jansport Lap Station. I believe they have a new model called the PC Port or something like that, but it's basically the same thing. I recommend it because it is very well-made, durable, and has a bunch of useful compartments. I also like it because it doesn't really look like it has a laptop inside, which is a good thing. I got mine on sale for $80 a couple of years ago... Good luck!
I love my Crumpler bag, and highly recommend them! I have a Crisp Suit right now...used to use a Very Busy Man, but decided I wanted something bigger. They are not all that common and are a bit pricey, but they rock. Plenty of room, and a lot of pockets/compartments to shove things in. Plus the warranty on the bag was mega cool -- mine had a tag on it that said (paraphrasing) "If you found this bag has shat itself, let us know and we'll get it's shit back together for you". I used to have a Targus, which I rank as "acceptable", and a Brenthaven, which I thought was really nice, but now I think I am sold permanently on crumpler....I am a very pleased customer.
Definitely, I bought the laptop sleeve and have been happy ever since.
I got a Vanguard Aluminum briefcase at CompUSA for my Powerbook. They match very well due to the metallic looks of both and I don't have to worry about straps breaking, and the interior of the briefcase is padded as well. Then I got paranoid about people seeing me walk around town in an expensive silvery looking briefcase so now I put the briefcase into a fairly inexpensive backpack with sturdy straps and a snap-on top - no zipper to break at an inopportune time!
I'm not a journalist, but I play one on slashdot
I bought a samsonite backpack a couple years ago. I use it daily to carry my large dell Inspiron 8200 everywhere. So far, its performed quite well. Its got a good handle on top, good protection for the device, and comfortable, sturdy straps. It still looks pretty much new, sept for a missing rubber Zipper tab that my ferret chewed off and stole. Overall, i give it two very enthusiastic big toes up.
http://www.anvilcase.com/
Windows is not the answer.
Windows is the question.
The answer is "NO."
I'm a student, so I need to carry more than just my powerbook. I usually carry everything in a Timbuk2 bag and my powerbook inside of that in a sleeve made by Tom Bihn. I've never had any problems and the Timbuk2 bag has room and pockets enough for books, the powerbook, power adapter, a mouse, pens and pencils, headphones, my HP-48GX and more. I really recommend this combo as it has performed very well for me through weather and beatings.
`which fortune`
I am hard on stuff. I have had three keyboards on my laptop thanks to the "Pepsi syndrome" A book backpack lasts me a year has always been exceptional as far as I am concerned. 3 years ago I bought a Targus Laptop Backpack and the darn thing gives every indication that it is indestructible. It cost me about $70 shipped when I got it, but it shows every indication of outliving my laptop.
I got a custom built Timbuk2 "El Ocho" and the sleeve that is fitted for the Titanium Powerbook form factor. Best laptop bag I have owned in my life!
The thing is made with ballistic nylon, has plenty of pockets and has a double waterproof liner. I have been soaked in a downpour and the bag has stayed completely dry. The straps are very strong and confortable and the cross-strap makes it easy to move fast since the bag is not swinging around. I carry my iPod on a strap pouch which is quite handy.
The bag holds a lot of stuff. Mine carries:
1. A Titanium Powerbook G4
2. Power adapter for the Powerbook
3. Portable firewire drive
4. Digital camera
5. Small tools.
6. Extra keys (it has a detachable keyring)
7. CDs for all the software I have on the Powerbook, in case I need to do an emergency restore.
8. Cables for the digital camera, iPod and firewire drive (these I keep in a cheap plastic pouch)
9. Contact lenses, spare change, etc.
10. A starbucks thermos (the ones that are long but sort of thin)
11. My lunch.
12. At least one book, sometimes two or more.
All the stuff fits perfectly without the bag bulging in any way. This is handy when riding the Metro because people get pissed if you are carrying a back pack and it sticks too much to the back. Messenger bags are usually flatter than a backpack and hang lower, so there is less chance of you hitting a short person in the face when turning around in a crowded train.
It was expensive as hell but the bag takes a lot of abuse and so far it still looks new. BTW, stay away from the Timbuk2 "commuter" bags. These are NOT waterproof (a friend of mine got his camera manuals totally soaked in a Timbuk2 commuter) and are not in the same league as their traditional messenger bags. Also, you need the sleeve (they have one for every form factor Apple sells); it is about an inch of padding all around the laptop, and you can pull it out of the bag if you are just walking around the office with it or just for a very quick trip.
Pedro
----
The Insomniac Coder
I have a Shaun Jackson Design's Lapdog and I have to say it is quite simply the best bag I have ever seen or used. Geek.com gave it 4.75 stars Everywhere I go people ask me about it. It is built out pf ballistic nylon and suede. The best thing about it is that the bag really is designed to be used and used hard. It protects your lap from the heat and gives great storage for your accessories. It is quite simply an ingenious design.
Bad Panda! No Bamboo for you! In matters of importance ACs will not be responded to. Want to say something critical,OK
Timbuk2 bags are the best.
they even have specific sizes for powerbooks.
... is a Tumi. Yes, they are much more expensive than the competition. Yes, they may not look like the flashiest bag with all the cool compartments in all sorts of places.
But, the fact of the matter is, you get what you pay for. Tumi spends an incredible amount of time & money researching typical usage patterns, wear & tear damage, and the types of storage compartments that people actually use.
I'm currently on Tumi bag #2 in my lifetime (I switched from a backpack to a saddlebag two years ago). All the pockets seem to be in the perfect place, there's no significant wear to speak of... the bag looks great & protects my laptop very well. I'll continue to buy Tumi for all my luggage as long as I can afford it.
Do yourself a favor & spend the extra dough.
--Mid
I've been using this bag for the past couple years, and it strikes an excellent balance between style and features. It's got enough pockets to hold media and cords, but it's not a laptop bag's answer to cargo pants. It's also very comfortable on the shoulder. I bought mine in Vancouver, BC, here: http://www.paperhaus.com/item.cfm?pId=70684
I would strongly recommend a Timbuk2 Commute. I have one for my 15" powerbook and I can confidently say it is the best bag I have ever owned. It fits the powerbook perfectly; offering a snug fit and a lot of protection. It also gives you plenty of room for other stuff. I use it to carry everything at college. It's a tad expensive (for me at least) at $100, but worth every penny. I expect it to last quite awhile. PC Magazine gives it 4 of 5 stars.
I have both a Boblbee Megalopolis and a People's Delight. I have a small laptop so that's why I bought the People's Delight. I am always dropping or banging things. This, by far is the best case for a Laptop. They are ergonomically designed so you barely feel the weight of the laptop. The straps are incredibly strong and it is very well built. My whole family uses them for work and school.
Karma, We don't need no stinkin' karma!
Nice backpack with tons of room for all of your gadgets. 2000 cubic inches of space (yes their site says 1500. Its wrong).
1 d4 bf088720d59f77aa994138a919/Action/Vendor_Prod/CatI d/280/ProdId/1872
Watch for specials... I paid ~$80.
http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/SessionId/1c1
I like my Swiss Army. Lots of pockets and fancy looking.
I consider myself a sort of expert in bags and packs. I actually 'collect' them... well anyway, I'd have three choices: :-) They may have other laptop gear aswell.
1) Backpack Brandname 'Lowe'. They've got one called 'Megabyte' and it's made of some super-extra-hyper thick cordura stuff that looks like Flakwest material. Indestructable, looks cool, costs a little.
2) Eagle Creek. With them I like the bags more than the packs. They got a set that look unobstrusive, yet are specially polstered for laptops. In case you drop it again. Again this is reference grade quality and will cost appropriately. These you can take out to serious business meetings and you won't get queer looks.
3) Big Warehouse inhouse noname brands. Honestly. If you (can) trust your judgement, this is a secret tip. Most brands, exept for the ones I mentioned above, have gone seriously cheapo within the last few years, so it actually is worth a try. My current laptoppack is a no-name from "Horten" (german Warehouse joint), it cost about a third of the brandname stuff, doesn't look to flashy but is of top quality and has some neat extras. Here you have to be carefull and triple check for sloppy seams, cheap material, cheap zippers and brittle cheapo-plastic fastex-rippoff buckles. Keep an eye on all that and you might find a real bargain.
We suffer more in our imagination than in reality. - Seneca
JANDD makes a series of terrific briefcases. The one I use is designed for bike commuters and has a great waterproof cover that can be concealed under a zippered back, which serves the second purpose of covering the bike rack hooks. For their briefcases, they also sell padded laptop inserts which hook securely into the bag so they don't bounce around. The insert can also have its own strap, so you can take it out and use it as its own shoulderbag. The only real drawback to that is that the only storage on the insert itself is a couple of mesh pockets - so don't expect to be able to haul a power supply unless you're planning on carrying the whole briefcase. But I generally keep mine in there and it's a very secure and functional briefcase that is plain and nice without looking overly professional and stuffy.
I would suggest http://www.spireusa.com/ I bought a backpack from them about 2 years ago and used it to carry my dell 8100 (a brick!) as well as some school books (bricks also). I figured the weight would cause the pack to break but it help up quite well. Also some of their cases have what they call a boot that the laptop goes into the give it added protection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Jason O'Grady wastes all his time posting new links for PowerBook-sized notebook bags. Of course, I personally would recommend anything that Spire sells.
What are you on crack?
works for 12" model.
On a side note:
why does it sound so strange to call it the one foot powerbook?
A blog about stuff.
But go for a laptop backpack. Seriously.
They may not look as professional, but your shoulder and your computer will thank you and you will never go back. Just make sure it is big enough for your computer, your periferals, and some other stuff.
Plus it doesn't look like it contains a computer. Security though obscurity does sometimes work. And while I wouldn't leave my computer lying around, it is also less likely to be stolen by a mugger etc...
42 - So long and thanks for all the fish.
The one I have rules. And it goes well with my Ultrasound PnP....
Try any of the pelican products. Mine survived 5 years of use on a "Gator Freighter".
The Oakley laptop bags are perfect. Mine has held up for a long time and still looks great. Not to mention the Oakley style. A laptop bag with rivets. Hell yeah
... since "snap" isn't a sound often heard from them.
[You have a stable society when some nut guns down a schoolyard and the law doesn't change.]
The best bags I've seen are made by Waterfield
-shpoffo
It's ok, I'm just here with my bag.. bag for the badgers, bag for the eels.. for the shashi, shashi right there? No its ok, Japan 4. Japan 4.
Whatever new bag you might get, wire some steel wire in the handles. I've been doing that since ages with my camera bags. One technique to steel them is cut the shoulder strap and grab your bag (ie camera, camcorder, laptop, ...). With steel wire woven into it, it either makes that impossible or slows "them" down enough for you to notice.
I've been using and abusing my Land's End notebook case for over five years and love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. Other bags have gotten better reviews, but this bag has never let me down and has outlived four different notebook computers
Stand Fast,
tjg.
"Stuff that matters" ?!?
I'm looking for a bag that can hold my PDA with cradle, an iPod and cradle, a cell phone with recharger, a tablet PC, a 12" sub-notebook, a 17" Toshiba notebook, a Dell Precision 650 workstation, a keyboard, a mouse, a 20" LCD monitor, a digital camera, a bigger digital camera, lenses for the bigger digital camera, an external USB CD writer, a network switch, a USB 2.0 hub, a UPS, an inkjet printer, and a laser printer. Are there any bags that would fit this?
Disadvantages of this case, though, include:
Prada have a nice line in nylon laptop bags, if you want something stylish. Yes, they are expensive but at least you won't be carrying the same Targus or Jansport bag as everybody else...
Tumi is the way to go. I have an entire Tumi luggage set as well as loptop bag, card holder and portfolio. Very classy and made to last forever. They have a great warranty on their balistic nylon products. A little on the pricey side but they are the best quality you will find.
Tumi computer bags
I replaced my strap with this. It's a great,strong strap and very comfy.
I like my old Wetsuit bag (a snug-fitting bag made oout of neoprene wetsuit material). While it doesn't provide sufficient protection by itself, it works great when stowed inside a backpack, in my case a Kelty day pack with a light aluminum pack frame. The combination is very effective.
Best. Bag. Ever. Tough as nails. Big, easy access front pouches. Adequate padding. (bhphotovideo)
Check out the Brenthaven laptop cases at Apple's Web store. They have bags for each size of PowerBook.
I have the Professional 15 Shoulder Case for my 15" PowerBook and it's incredibly well-made.
The case itself is made with sturdy canvas-like Nylon material. Its shoulder strap is attached via sturdy metal clips on sturdy metal rings. The handles are reinforced with sturdy rods to ensure you always have a good grip. The pad on the shoulder strap has a non-slip surface, which is very nice.
The laptop itself is kept in a sleeve within the case. The sleeve is attached to the case with Velcro so it can come out--but only when you want it to. The sleeve has a semi-hard shell around it for extra protection, which is nice if you just want to carry the laptop in the sleeve (the sleeve has a handle). The laptop fits very snugly inside the sleeve to keep it from slipping out. (It was overly snug when I first got it, but it has since loosened just enough to be snug yet easily removable.)
There are pockets everywhere in this case, inside and out. Pockets of every shape and size. It can hold all your accessories, manuals, CDs, and plenty more. You'll never be at a loss for room.
The case is a little pricey at $149.99 (only available through Apple) but it's well worth it if you're interested in protecting your PowerBook. If you have a smaller budget, there's also the Pro File 15, also by Brenthaven, which I can only assume is made of a similar quality but with fewer features. It can be had, again only through Apple, for $119.99. There's also a more expensive backpack-style case for the 15" PowerBook if... wait for it... that's your bag.
I have and love my Targus Air Protection bag. I've had it for about 4 years and its taken a battering and still is in great condition with no damage to the laptop. They have extra padding to handle all the airport stress (not that I'd ever put my laptop in the hold).
However some beefs:
On the other hand I do like:
As an alternative to the traditional big bulky laptop bag, I recommend Vasola cases sold by Semsons. This is a light, slim form-fitting neoprene case that is perfect for slipping a laptop into any other bag, like a backpack or briefcase, and provides extra impact protection and scratch prevention. We've used one for over a year for our Fujitsu Lifebook P, and we just ordered a new one for our new iBook.
As someone else mentioned, keeping the laptop in a backpack makes it a little less obvious to thieves as well. This case makes that practical and easy.
They're cheap too, ranging from $8 to $16, depending on the size. They were recommended to me by the good folks at leog.net, a site for Fujitsu P series enthusaists.
my Timbuk2 courier bag with the custom laptop sleeve, made for the powerbook, rocks. the sleeve is removable and lightweight (but a sufficient quarter inch of neoprene all around) with handles -- so it transfers well to my regular backpack and even fits well inside my soft-sided leather breifcase when i don't want to give away my slackerdom right off by looking like a bike messenger.
the messenger bag carries my other gear (external firewire drive, mouse, other stuff) all well and is weatherproof. maybe overkill -- but if you have a need for that too and want a good portable laptop case to boot, it's the way to go.
I recently purchased a targus backpack. It has two padded pockets plus a few additional pockets. There is a carrying handle on the top as well as the backpack straps. Easy to carry on one shoulder or on both. And it can fit under the airplane seat.
while laptop bags are made to look okay in a boardroom. I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag with a padded laptop insert that I removed from some Targus PoS when it died. It's lasted through five years of Fight Club-level travel, and I'm confident it could handle five years of Arthur Dent-level travel too.
The bag is also large enough to accomodate some tools, a book, and up to two days of clothing, meaning that I haven't checked baggage for a business trip in a long, long time. The smoothness of your travel experience is directly related to your ability to get from one end of a major hub airport to the other in the ten minutes between getting off of plane A and plane B's planned departure. If there are trams involved, this sort of trick is very likely to result in the death of your classic laptop bag's shoulder strap.
"Nothing was broken, and it's been fixed." -- Jon Carroll
Don't ever use the word knackered.
I would concur with those using aluminum briefcases. I have one to that my Sony SR7K fits nicely into. I then place it in a backpack that has a padded pocket.
The briefcase is big enough to hold my laptop, power adapter, USB LCD fly-light, WiFi card, USB Network adapter, small USB cable, VGA adapter, and a couple of CD's.
All bags I looked at had decent padding but nothing for crush protection. That's when I started looking at a briefcase/backpack combo.
I made this for my ibook cause I like getting examined by men at airports wearing white latex gloves:
http://digitalsushi.com/home/mikec/spycase.jpg
home depot (they national?) has these in all their stores right now in the toolbit section. 19.99. it doesnt come with the foam, but, well, its foam. deal.
slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
I picked up a sort of wraparound thing 3 or 4 years ago at a computer/junk shop near San Jose ... I think it's made by Targus (it's not handy, but it's one of those mainstream bagmakers, and it's not Kensington :)), but I have no idea what laptops they were actually aiming it for, because it's rather small. However, it works well for my iBook. You spread this thing out on a flat surface, then plop the iBook in the middle and wrap the velcro'd sides around, then the velcro'd top. That's it.
Though there is a carry handle on the top, I don't use this much, preferring to stick this sleeve into a courier pouch or backpack.
If your laptop is small enough, I think a sleeve+bag is a good way to go. My "desktop replacement" laptop, though, is a little large for that, has its own briefcase-style softcase.
timothy
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
If you own a Dell and their tech support screws you like they screwed me.. i'd highly recommend a Glad bag. Infact, you should be able to fit other things in there and when you carry it out to the front of your driveway, it will hold up...
Don't get mad... get glad...
1 2 1 2 The Naken Crew
A Backback screams "I am in school". If you're in school, that's a nice thing to scream. But then, what the hell are you doing pissing away money on a laptop computer if you're in school.
Besides, people with backpacks are big pains in the rears... in crowded places, they forget about their backpack and swing it around like they think they're the only people around.
No, all-in-all, backpacks go out the door once you hit grade 13.
I use a "Very Busy Man" from www.crumplerusa.com . Looks like a standard messenger bag, has a special padded pocket for my laptop, and has enough room for my laptop, extra drive & batteries, a couple of books, CD player, etc. One of the best features is that it doesn't have those cheesy plastic clips for the shoulder strap that break and go "SQUEEK SQUEEK SQUEEK" when you walk at a fast clip. They're kinda pricey, but if you search reioutlet.com every couple of weeks the recently discountinued colors show up for about 50% off. The other ones I considered where at www.timbuk2.com & www.pacdesigns.com - they are REAL pricey (~$200) but they can customize the compartments and colors if you want...
http://www.suitcase.com/B2002Swiss36031.php
no complaints from my end with this thing...
By Victorinox(R), Makers of the Original Swiss Army(TM) Knife.
Black ballistic nylon construction
Removable CS computer sleeve provides unsurpassed shock impact protection
Carry three ways: leather haul handle, removable backpack harness, shoulder strap
Fan file system with two dividers for letter or legal-sized files
Clip-on phone pocket for instant access
Zip-away mesh water bottle holder (patented)
Padded and contoured anti-slip shoulder strap
Laptop Protection Program
Click here for more about Victorinox(R) Business Case common features
Dimensions: 13.5"W x 15.5"H x 10"D
The bag is pretty sweet. Very nice German modern design and quite function. Not terribly cheap though ~$100. You can buy it at:
http://store.yahoo.com/sfmoma/fourinone.html
More info on it at:
http://www.lemonfish.de/english/4in1.htm
I've always felt there were multiple choices, depending on what you like
1)A Domke satchel - Jim Domke designed what is probably the most used professional camera bags back when. These are the bags pros use for their "working" bags, (Not storage/shipping cases). You see almost every TV crew with a bunch of them. Well, they make a satchel....
2)Someone else mentioned Eagle Creek - not bad, mine held up
3)You might want to look at what Blackhawk Industries, Eagle Industries (NOT Eagle creek - different folks), Tactical Taylor, LBI etc offer. I know Blackhawk offers a briefcase, I don't think Eagle does. Folks, if it's made by one of this last group, they are built like your life depends on it, frankly because, for most of their customers, it does (They supply "after market" stuff to various military and police units - the ones that say "We'll spend our own cash on better than issue") You can find links via Lightfighter.com
-- 73 de KG2V For the Children - RKBA! "You are what you do when it counts" - the Masso
Most laptop bags are lacking with respect to a confortable, durable strap. I recently discovered that the Sharper Image sells a nice shoulder strap. You may want to check it out.
so ghey
Spire makes some of the best laptop bags ever..
Their backpacks are VERY comfortable (the straps won't strain your back or leave marks even if you have a heavy laptop with lots of accessories).
The backpacks are comparable to military grade backpacks - very durable and wont tear up over time if you like to stuff it full of heavy stuff.
This is their webpage
you can find awesome computer bags at Goodwill for like $3 or $4 dollars.
Case Logic is my personal choice.
www.caselogic.com
Definitely. I've had one of their laptop bags for over three years, have used it daily since I got it, and it is still in near perfect condition.
The cake is a pie
I got the nicer of the two ICON laptop carrying bags from Walmart for $30 USD for my PowerBook 15in and it's been great. It's much cheaper than most bacgs I looked at and it has been very reliable. It has a grip on the sholder carrying pad to hold to you a bit more than normal economy bags, lots of pockets, a nice nitch to hold a laptop snugly without obunce or movement, and seems to be solid in design.
Sure, it isn't a flashy $150 designer laptop bag, but it does what it is supose to and it's cheap. After all, you can never go wrong with black.
There is an excellent list of laptop bag companies in this MacNN thread.
Some of them are geared toward the Apple Powerbook, but most are general purpose ones that would work well with any computer.
-You may license this sig for only $6.99.
I at times need to carry multiple notebooks for my work i've tried a few things including extra padded sleeves in backpacks but they arn't really the best solution and i ussualy end up with a over stuffed to bursting.
Has anyone come across a backpack/carrier specially designed to hold 2 laptops in padded compartments and their basic accessories?
Rather than wrapping the computer in a shirt, I recommend making a neoprene sleeve out of a piece of insulate pad (available at REI or wherever) and some gaffer's tape. Simply cut a piece about twice the size of the laptop, fold it in half, and tape it up. Makes an indestructible nest, regardless of what kind of bag you choose to wrap around it.
Historically, I have found Eastpack to be a better quality backpack that Jansport. But that may have changed after Coleman bought them several years ago. Guaranteed for life... maybe longer.
It is cowardly, and a betrayal of whatever it means to be a Jew, to act as a white man
-James Baldwin
I used to sell luggage, so the important things are the shell and the amount of padding on the inside compartment. Whatever you buy, make sure that the shell (outer) material is a good denier weave ballistic nylon. Where it comes to padding, more is better. Ballistic nylon means what it implies-- the same kind of stuff as in bulletproof vests. Brand name may not matter that much-- you really don't have to shell out serious dough for Tumi or TravelPro (but it will look very professional). You can even get backpacks in ballistic if you want.
Always look on the briight side of life! (whistle, whistle)
At first it sounds convenient, but it also makes me think that it can make everything seem more complicated than it needs to be. Here's the link:
APC TravelPower Case
As the topic is carrying a laptop while engaging in physical activities beyond merely walking, I offer a cautionary tale, and a product opinion:
A laptop bag with a shoulder strap will tend to shift as you move, which is alright while walking, but intolerable on a bicycle or motorcycle. Because of this, I purchased a triangular shoulder bag -- the kind with a single large padded strap over the right shoulder, and a small side strap on the left to prevent the bag from shifting. Several laptop bag makers offer this style of bag.
It worked great until I was hit by a car while on my bike, and landed on top of the bag. The resulting tension concentrated on the single strap of the bag and broke my collarbone in two places (at the edges of the wide strap). I now have a 7" scar, a nice metal plate, and 8 screws in my collarbone to help me remember the event. No more shoulder-bags for me, and most laptop backpacks are uncomfortable (the strap presses on the bolt-heads).
I now use a Mountainsmith lumbar pack (a slightly more dignified version of a giant fannypack). This offers all of the no-shifting benefits of the backpack, without much risk of additional upper body injury if I feel the need to fling myself in front of a car again. As an added bonus the pack offers a small degree of back protection. The "Passage" model is/was designed for a 15" laptop + almost 2" of papers, has both a briefcase-style handle and shoulder strap that stows away. When I'm on the motorcycle, I use both the waist and shoulder strap, just in case one fails. I'd hate to see $2500 of equipment go skittering down the road without me. The Passage bag is very well made, has held up perfectly for more than a year, and provided adequate protection for the laptop in a few minors bumps/drops. It's available here, here, and some other places.
Jon
(Oh, and yes, the laptop survived the accident above -- inside an Otterbox.)
I think not...(*poof*)
Ouch, poor laptop. Might I suggest a Rugged Notebook for your abuse? Mostly shock proof, spill proof, even waterproof(?). I still don't think it'd help if you accidentally press the power cable against the wrong connecters on the back, though...
These guys make some great (albeit pricy) hand stiched laptop cases. Everything I've purchased from them has been top quality and woith every penny.
http://sfbags.com/
I carry my powerbook around in a Samsonite XT470.
I really, really like the stuff at spire. I use one of their backpacks and have no complaints.
http://spireusa.com/
---mike
http://www.tragerusa.com/index.htm
They have inserts with hard shells.
I for one, would like to thank the author for a new word today.
If you like the briefcase format (rather than a backpack), but want something a little more butch, a little more down to earth than a laptop bags, git yerself a Duluth Pack bag.
They've got a nice laptop insert that i've been using for 2 years with my ibook. It would probably hold 3 of them if i needed it to. As it is, there's plenty of space for whatever I need to carry (papers, books, etc.).
Leather reinforced canvas, with honest-to-god brass rivets, available in any color you want, as long as it's black.
My previous laptop I kept in a Targus with air suspension, and my current laptop is in a Brenthaven. I think I prefer the Targus... it's cheaper, lighter, and has the air suspension which has to be the best protection I've seen so far. The Brenthaven happened to be the only one at the time that would fit a 15" tibook so I had to switch at the time. For its credit, the Brenthaven's exterior is tougher, making it more immune to scratches and cuts that mar the Targus's thin leather covering. The Brenthaven also has a more comfortable (better padded) shoulder strap.
When will laptop makers design in some sort of way to transport CDs? I take my DVDs with me, and there never seems to be a good place to stick a CD wallet in laptop bags. I've been making do with binding together pages from a large CD wallet and hanging them in the Brenthaven's folding file area.
I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
I had a girl make me a really nice laptop bag out of fleece and batting... zipper and all. Total suprise to me... She's hot too.
You should try dropping hints.
When I was a field engineer, I'd run through at least one laptop bag every six months. They'd usually be the "standard" style laptop + bunchajunk case that seems to be the industry standard. Not cheap stuff, either... Targus bags in particular were prone to busting zippers. They'd all leak like mad in heavy rain, too, so I'd have to wrap my junk in little plastic shopping bags before putting it in the case when the weather looked bad.
I got a Kensington Saddlebag in '98, and I've still got it today. It's ballistic nylon with thick suede re-inforcement, and it has a buckled flap rather than a zipper over all the inside compartments. Completely indestructable, mostly weatherproof, and not that expensive. It works well either as a shoulder bag or backpack (with hide-away straps included), or can be toted around like a briefcase. It's taller than it is wide (you slip the notebook into it sidewise), and this makes it more maneuverable than courier-style bags.
Your friendly neighborhood Apple Store will have a black-on-black model with an embossed Apple logo in black on the flap. CompUSA will have the more prosaic models... I have the black-and-tan, but my next one will be the black-and-grey.
I've got a hyuuuge Targus backpack that's been holding up well, but it's overkill unless I'm carying around all my Java books, and the zippers leak in the rain. The belt strap is a nice touch if you're walking long distances with a ton o' junk, tho.
SoupIsGood Food
There are even some designed to look serious. In particular, Samsonite has a line with a lot of padding and an amazing way of distributing the weight: I barely feel my 7 lb laptop. (I am comparing with a Dell backpack with which i DO feel the weight much more).
Also, lots of compartments, even one designed to store your MP3 player with a hole to slide your headphes cable through, and lots of extra room.
The model in particular that I have and am 100% satisfied with is the Rafter[ebags.com] model. If you buy in that site, make sure to check TechbargainsTechbargains for coupons.
Get a bag from Tumi - they make some awesome, high quality products. Expensive, though. See Tumi website for details.
I have a Swis Army pack pack bag that I found at Sears. I features a padded ( on all sides) spot in the back just right for my Dell 5100 and has ass loads of pockets for stuff.
:)
Also sports the side netted holding sections just right for a 1 liter bottel of Mountain Dew
--
Jason
-- Jason...
I have had two great bags, a Tumi and a Timbuk2. In terms of style, the Timbuk2 is more "hip" and they let you design the colors, etc. The Tumi was black leather and worked amazingly well for two years (it's fine, but I upgraded to a 17" and it won't fit). What I will say is that the Timbuk2 laptop sleeve is amazingly well-built. simple, with a latch to keep the computer in and handles, and with around 1/2" of foam padding. I agree that keeping the laptop in pristine condition is a priority, and I really feel that the Timbuk2 is a worthy option for most folks.
... going down the road 15< >20mph. Everything fine, except a little rash on the corner of the bag, still quite usable. That bag went through more airport mishaps than I can count, carried it for three years of road-warrioring and bicycle commuting through all kinds of weather.
But it retailed for @$100
Burton Snowboards and their subsidiary Gravis Shoes make several packs that can take a lot of abuse. I have the Gravis Metro and love it, while a friend picked up the Burton Infantry pack for his 15" Powerbook. The bags are designed to be abused around the world by lazy snowboarders. They can definitely handle a light jog.
The only wear is that the black paint on the metal has worn off, and one of the plastic feet fell off. The 'ballistic nylon' (very thick mesh) has not worn out or cracked anywhere.
About a week ago, I dropped the bag with laptop about 1 1/2 feet onto black top -- again -- though this time there was dammage. Laptop has a crack in the lid near the hinge. While the bag has some padding, it is moderate but largely the same as when I bought it.
Now, that said, the company is 10 years old...so, it's possible that cost cutters have cheapened the current bag down to the point where it's not worth the price anymore. For what it's worth...
A firewall can not protect you from yourself. Turn off what you do not need. Do not use the firewall to do your work.
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
It doesn't scream 'Steal me!' like some of these uber fancy "G4 bags."
I've carried thousands of dollars of Nikkors in domke bags, for over twenty years now, and they've never let me down.
Never...even...once.
I have a couple of Spire (http://www.spireusa.com/) back packs that I've used with a Dell C800 and D800. The bags are first rate as I've traveled with them all over the world (airport travel and actual hiking) with a heavy load and they still look great. Also, you can choose a bag that doesn't LOOK like it contains a laptop. It won't scream, 'I'm expensive, take me!'.
Their cost is reasonable, I think, for the quality you get. They are REAL packpacks unlike many of the kiddie packs that been re-badged with a sleeve for a laptop tacked on and called a laptop bag.
Their customer service is decent as well. I had one bag that I didn't like the padding on the shoulder straps on and they instantly replaced it...without me having to beat on them.
Good luck. Finding one you like can be very time consuming.
They are expensive but I've had them for 4 years and still are very functional.
B.
p.s. Not an employee, just a happy customer..
"I say we take off, nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."
What about your friend?
I love my Zero Halliburton attache. They are durable as hell and you will look like James Bond when you walk through the airport with it. The only problem is, you have to do a little bit of customizing to suit your Apple TiBook. My ZH laptop case was designed to carry laptops like Dells and Compaqs, not 1/2" thick PowerBooks. The straps inside just didn't cut it. Instead, I gutted the interior and glued in a piece of dense foam. Into this foam, which is available at any camera or music equipment store, I cut the outline of my PowerBook and Apple power supply, along with a cutout for my ethernet cable. Everything fits snug-as-a-bug in the new lining and it looks hella cool.
IMO, the Kelty Arrowhead is the ideal all-around backpack. It has plenty of room inside and lots of pockets. For a laptop, it has an inner pocket in the main compartment that is a perfect fit for my 15" powerbook. It would certainly hold thicker computers, and it would probably hold larger ones as well. The inside pocket isn't padded, so I use a sleeve.
The best thing about this pack is its comfort. It is designed for hiking (but it isn't big), so it has internal aluminum stays and a wide, cushioned waistbelt. When I tried it out at the store, I put a full-sized fire hydrant in it and wasn't at all bothered by the weight.
It also has a many-year warranty. I often run to catch the bus, and -- even then -- it is very comfortable.
I think that Port is a division of Targus, but I've been much happier with the Port bag. They are a little on the steep side, but the one that I have has been replace with a new on twice so far under it's lifetime warranty.
Highly recommened.
Versace makes a really terrific laptop bag. I saw it in a local store for under $600 ($595). It's made of some pretty high quality nylon and is lightly padded. Plus, you get the added benefit of an included carrying strap.
I just bought a sweet Swiss Army bag, and I'm VERY happy with it. Nice compartments, good materials, comfortable. Clip-together top layer to keep the snow out.
S
I got to use a Tenba case for a while when I was issued a laptop. I was very impressed with the quality and designmanship of the case. Their website is a little clunky, but I'd recommend their c416 Tenba Computer Traveller.
They have a history of making high quality cases for transporting professional camera equipment in the field, so they know a thing or two about protecting sensitive equipment.
-Crolis
you spendthrift
Yes, the biggest problem I had when I looked for a
bag for my laptop was the only things I could find
were companies that only made laptop bags. Fortunately
for me, a local outdoor good store was going out of
business and I got a very nice backpack (day trip kind)
for $40 and I love it (heck, I use it for everything now)
Read the parent post. It is very wise.
If you're looking for a semi trendy bag. North Face makes a couple of laptop bags. The one I got I picked up at campmor.com for about 50 dollars shipped. It's the single armored case (only metal on the top, not bottom). It's a soft sided case, neoprene handles and such. It looks great, holds the laptop securely and nicely, and it was a good price...can't beat that.
GeekWares - Buy and Download Today!
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.
I also have the Victorinox bag. Got it 2 years ago as a christmas gift. The gel strams are extremely comfortable and it is guaranteed for life.
...is what I have been using almost for the past decade, not that I have a laptop...or a NOTEBOOK...to put into the damn thing. Just makes for a damn huge briefcase/lunchbag/toolbag/purse. I'd love to find another one in this PDA infested world!
If you want to get a decent quality case, think along the lines of Pelican or Storm cases, either of which will survive an air crash!
psxndc
The emacs religion: to be saved, control excess.
I got my Wack-O-Phone online from Crumpler. It has served me well for over three years and still shows no sign of breaking. What's more, its waterproof. Allows me to go running in the rain without worries about my precious ThinkPad getting wet.
RoadWired. I've been using the same RoadWired bag for 2 years, and gone thru 3 laptops with it. The one I have has enough pockets and pouches for all your gear, cables, extras, etc. The shoulder strap is made from the same material that car seatbelts are made from, and the padded shoulder strap and carry handle are both very comfortable. I'd definitely recommend this bag. I purchased it for extra protection when I purchased my Sony Vaio slimline notebook, but I swiftly ditched that laptop, and used the bag with a 15" TiBook and now a 12" PB. Fit both fine. Don't think it would fit a 17" LapZilla though. I think I paid around $150 for my bag.
This works well for me, as I don't need a traditional laptop bag; I usually use it biking or walking to work. It has a nice padded insert in which you place the actual laptop. This insert has a velcro closing flap, so it seals it up pretty good. There is a lot of storage and etc. too. Plus, it does have a handle on the side, so that if you really wanted to, you could carry it like a briefcase. It wasn't too expensive either, and certainly doesn't shout "I'm an expensive laptop, steal me!". My Thinkpad T22 fits nicely. I only wish it had a few padded pouches for the removable floppy drive and DVD player. The padded pouch for the laptop can be hooked up to the interior of the backback with little clips mounted inside the backpack, or you can simply pull it out, or have it floating around in the backpack if you want. Altogether, it's a nice backpack alternative.
"Would it kill you to put down the toilet seat?" -- Maya Angelou
Oh, wait, wife, girlfriend, what was I thinking! This is slashdot.
This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
My girlfriend bought me a prada bag last christmas that costs almost as much as my 12" powerbook. My 'pooter fits in it perfectly, and it's amazing how careful I am with it. It's unpadded, so instead of relying on padding, I'm just very very careful. It's actually remarkably well made, and I actually trust the strap. It's a nice match for my Christian Dior iPod case that she bought me for my birthday.
Now if I could only convince her to get me a Louis Vuitton rack mount case....
~ a low user id is no indication I have a clue what I'm talking about.
just sit down and pull your scrotum up between your legs. and it's free.
pr0n - keeping monitor glass spotless since 1981.
Marmot makes the best bags, I've got a nice one from a few years ago. Unfortunately they don't seem to make it anymore so I guess you are out of luck.
How about nesting 3 plastic grocery bags?
Moderators on crack
Whatever you choose, make sure it has good padding. I've lost a lappy hd or two due to having my laptop in a backpack and putting it down too hard (used to just books in there). The best type of padding is this strap that suspends the laptop from the top of the bag, but cushioning is OK too. I use the bag IBM gave me when I worked there so don't know where to get it actually.
This is probably being posted late enough no one will read it, but just for the record, the giveaway bag that I got at the WWDC this year (i was using it as a bookbag) also broke at the shoulderstrap, about a week ago. I think perhaps the warranties for them just ran out in mid-december.
Irritable, left-wing and possibly humorous bumper stickers and t-shirts
Targus backpacks...
Survived through luggage check-ins, bumpy plane rides, bus, subway, dropped in water and fell off a moving car...
It's the best 100$ I ever invested.
Marriage is considered capital punishment for the theft of a goat in some third world countries...
You're new here, aren't you ?
-
Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find / -name '*base*' |xargs chown -R us && mv zig greatjustice
As much as I love a full cavity search, I'm not sure this is such a great feature.
Yeah, I think that that goatse.cx guy was trying to carry one of those cases through airport security, hence the photo....
I've got an REI lumbar (or "fanny") pack that fits a laptop perfectly. Eagle Creek makes a padded laptop slipcover that fits right inside the REI pack. It straps around my waist, and is waterproof. It's not easy to run with though, since it sways quite a lot. If I need to run to catch a bus, I click it off and carry it under my arm like a football.
In my job, I carry two Dell Latitude laptops rather than one. I've got a shoulder bag that I picked up at a trade show years ago that actually can handle two (one in the laptop pouch and a second in a zippered rear compartment that's not really padded but is the right size).
Unfortunately, though, with all the travelling I do these days, the bag is getting used a lot, and it's starting to wear out.
I need to take both systems with me on trips, so I need the bag to be able to:
1. Hold two laptops
2. Fit under the seat in front of me on an airplane when flying coach (sitting on the aisle no less)
3. Preferably have wheels, as the shoulder strap is killing me having to run through, say, Atlanta's airport at full tilt to make a connection
4. Be able to hold all the necessary cables and such
Any suggestions?
Insanity is a gradual process; don't rush it.
I have a $20-30US backpack made by Black Mountain Sports that I purchased at Costco. Two big compartments, one of which has a neoprene sleeve to hold the laptop. Plenty of pockets, including one on the outside I use for my wi-fi cards. I couldn't ask for a better laptop bag.
Every time you set that puppy down, the impact is transmitted through the case to the laptop.
They are those sled looking backbacks with the hard shell.
http://www.boblbee.com
THey are incredibly comfortable, with a slot right aginst your back for a laptop. I've been biking to work with mine for the better part of a hear and I can honestly say I love it.
Open Source Identity Management: FreeIPA.org
i use a military issue bag from a military surplus store, it's big enough to carry my 12" sony plus much accessories and other gear, and after ripping up a few bags before this, i can tell you that this one is built to last.
plus those stores are fun as heck anyways.
shaolin punk, activist post-industrial
Here now go away...
wtf...did slashdot stop controlling what was posted as an article? who gives a damn about some kid trying to find a pretty laptop bag? forfuxsake...
If you are still lugging a boat anchor weight laptop (finaly got it all debugged and configured right) then check out Goodwill. Many times older laptops that have moved on to greener pastures have left behind a very sturdy robust case. They were made to protect laptops when they were heavy and had lots of external devices to pack with it. Best part is the price is right. The appearance sometimes reduces the theft incentive as a bonus. I use an old Toshiba case when traveling. Who wants an old Toshiba monocrome DOS 5.0 Win 3.1 machine anyway?
That's not what I cary in the case however.
I don't want to cary a case that advertises NEW DELL with WIRELESS and DVD!
The truth shall set you free!
I really like my Waterfield Design's Sleevecase:
_ id=46
http://www.sfbags.com/
The ZeroShock sleeve seems nice too:
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products
Without question, the best bag I've ever used is a Waterfield Designs bag: http://www.sfbags.com/
There's nary a stitch out of place in 2 years of daily use. Yes, that buckle is an airline seat belt buckle. It's a very over-engineered bag. They sit very tight to the body. Many bags are balanced poorly and hang away from the body, but these hold to your body and don't sway when you walk.
They come in a range of sizes, have laptop sleeves that fit nicely with the bag, and accessory bags, iPod sleeves, etc. Check them out.
These bags are made for bicycle messengers, so they hold up fine for squishy geeks. They have a variety of bags, some with special laptop cases, along with cell phone holders, etc. They are bombproof, made of some amazing materials.
They have extra padding they sell for laptops and the like, plus lots of internal pockets and a couple of external ones. Great for mp3 players, phones, etc.
When you go to their site, they will custom build your bag for you (colors, sizes, features, materials, extras) and ship it out pretty quick. Kinda like the dell of bags, without any sucky EULA's in the bios.
I've had one bag for almost 3 years, and it hardly shows any wear. (I usually go through a bag per year).
I just got an Inspiron 8600, and it came with a Kensington Sport backpack. Very convenient. Pockets up the wazoo, and it carries my pretty large laptop. Has enough room for the laptop, keyboard, mouse, spare battery, AC adapter, and I still haven't used the pockets for books (deep pocket) and writing utinsels. It's awesome. Even has an MP3 player pocket. At least that's what I think it's for.
Without a doubt the best laptop bags ever. I've got the Empire BUilder with a Braincell sized specifically for my Powerbook G4 Ti. Check out www.tombihn.com
Get the REI brand "Big Byte" backpack for laptops from REI outdoor outfitters. It looks like a regular bookbag/backpack, so no one will target it for theft thinking it's a laptop. Add a little extra foam padding (cut some from a pad for use under sleeping bags) of your own inside on the bottom for when you set it down frequently, and add an Eagle Creek "Computer Safe" or "Computer Vault" zip-up foam wrapper case (also available at REI) for an added layer of protection. This is my preferred setup... Never had a problem.
I got a small "brief bag" from CourierWare - courierwareusa.com - about four years ago, and it's still in great shape, despite LOTS of abuse. I like that it doesn't look like a laptop bag. Also the construction is such that it is pretty safe from pickpockets and razor artists. Also, when I bought the bag they came with a lifetime warranty, I think they still do. 85$
It's from Toyota. I have an older one 02. In the summer I get over 50 MPG on a regular basis. The new one is listed as a midsize instead of a compact and gets even better milage. The best part is not wasting gas and messing up your oil waiting at lights and in traffic jams.
As an added bonus, the electrical system is fantastic. I added a 1 KW inverter to mine. Makes an excelent emergency power source. Under light load, the engine starts and runs for about 5 minutes every half hour or so. It beats a portable one lung noisemaker. It kept my freezer, lights, & TV going during our last windstorm that knocked out the power.
The truth shall set you free!
I've got a Spire backpack w/ sleeve for my TiBook. Highly recommended. I originally had a Timbuk2 bag, but I guess I just don't find messenger bags comfortable (distribution of weight)?
When I was shopping around for my Powerbook bag, I found bagreview.com to be a great resource. He reviews many different kinds of bags, loads them up with a laptop, iPod, CD, cables, etc, and puts them through their paces. Definitely worth checking out.
$60/Month Colo'd Linux Server
I haven't tried Tom Bihn out, but I've heard this is quality stuff, and would like one day to try it out.
*The* best mfg. for laptop bags I've found thus far, is Trager... Aside from being considerably more stylish than most laptop bags, each bag is rated for its "Laptop Protection Factor"... GREAT bags from these guys, and they've been at it (doing trail/camping gear) for decades.
I used one of their bags for over a year, and was QUITE happy with it, but alas, I'm a slave to fashion and couldn't resist a 50% off Diesel laptop bag, which I use now in place of my Trager.
http://www.thesurplusstore.net/index.html?target=B AGSzm_BACKPACKSzm_BASKETS.html
European school bags measure 15"x11"x8 1/2". They are a versatile shoulder bag with adjustable shoulder strap, top grab handle, two interior compartments, expandable main compartment, two interior pockets, zipper exterior flap pocket and a 12" ruler pocket with ruler. Available in Navy, Olive Drab and Black.
I've owned and abused the Eastpak "Unplugged" for several years now. Rugged exterior. Nice padded compartment for the laptop. Plenty of pockets for your gear. I can fit my laptop, dc pwr converter, smartswitch w/pwr, too much cat 5, 2 digital cameras and all their gear, a change of clothes, a small snack, and about 20 lbs of paperwork. Convenient internal snap ring for keys, fobs, etc. Centers the weight nicely on your back for less strain but still not too bad when just using one strap saddle bag style. For less than 50 bucks.
I have used a sizeable (2200 cu in) Jansport backpack and an Eagle Creek laptop sleeve for the last four years. I need to carry a change of clothes, books, various odds and ends (cellphone, palm pilot, etc.) and a 15" laptop on a 20 mile round trip bike commute. The combo has worked well for me. I keep a medium sized garbage bag stuffed in one of the backpack pockets for rainy days. When it is wet, I put everything in the garbage bag and then into my backpack. My only gripe with this combo is that the Jansport does not have a waist belt. This would be nice for some extra stability.
I would like a bag, sleeve, or hard case, that allows me to use my 12" PowerBook G4 while it's inside the case, so I don't have to take it out (has hinge or zipper goes ALL the way around.) Fitting the PBG4 12"s ports and drive would be nice but not necessary. I saw one such case for PowerBooks but wasn't for 12"s. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks a LOT if you do I have been looking for one of these forEVER!!!!!
http://www.booqbags.com
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...
-.
I've been using Tenba Computer Travellers for a few years now. They run about $150-200 if I remember correctly, and are also designed for carrying photo equipment as well. Not that *I've* ever paid that much...my first one came from Egghead when they went out of business for $34.95, and the next two I bought at the Trenton Computer Festival for $33 bucks each. One of them I haven't even used--it's being saved for when my current main bag gets too beat up to show to clients. The original one is pretty well worn, but it's still being used to carry my Sony laptop. The only complaint I have about the Tenba bags is the nylon scratches up the iBook plastics, so I, like a previous poster, got a Sony neoprene sleeve (made for the 505 series, I think) that is a perfect fit for a 12" iBook and thin enough to fit in the Tenba insert.
The Tenba inserts are bombproof. The bags also have backpack conversion straps available. Mine are all the C416 model, 16x12 inches, 4-7 in. deep. Eventually, I'll switch to the C416-9, which is 7-9 inches deep. The standard models are ballistic nylon, but they are also available with leather trim, or in all-leather. They also make a 13-14" wide model and an 18" wide model, I believe.
http://www.tenba.com/camera/computerstealth.htm
The web site is a little hard to navigate, but check in the photo and computer product sections, as well as the "for Apple" section.
Here's a link to the page which links all the products I mentioned...
http://www.tenba.com/select.htm
I especially like the umbrella straps, and the padded pockets for my HP48 calculator, my LaCie PocketDrives, and other various bits...
You didn't specify what laptop you have - but the Brenthaven Mobility 1 holds a 12" or 14" iBook computer. The straps are perma-straps: no cheap $.79 buckle to bite the dust while you $1500 laptop and $79 laptop hit the pavement. I never trust buckles so I go for bags with the straps sewn in.
This bag has a padded compartment for the iBook with a second internal slot for a small book (currently holding Learning UML) and two other smaller pockets - one for my iPod the other for various cables.
The flap opens to reveal a second pocket (Palm) and smaller ones for business cards and pens and a stun gun or my iSight. On either end are two pockets that can hold water a water bottle (it has a leash to keep it in the pocket) or sunglasses or whatever.
They make various sizes. Here's mine.
The Luddites were ahead of their time.
Stupid stuff should always be modded down.
Goatse? First post? That offtopic racist guy?
Great looking bags, I've been drooling over a Chrome messenger/laptop bag for quite some time. Here's to hoping you see the above link.
Just went shopping for exactly that.
After logging thousands of frequent flier miles toting a corporate laptop, and having many business acquaintances who do the same, I have developed the following guidelines for a good laptop bag:
-Should have the woven "ballistic nylon". Skip on leather, pleather or other such nifty fabrics. The woven artificial stuff just won't wear out.
-Padding is key. Get something with lots of padding around the computer compartment, at least 1/2 inch around the sides where the impact is more focused. Padding is also important on the flat sides, but not as much is necessary, because your bag will almost never land flat. Even if it does, the impact is much better distributed.
Still important to have wide-side padding, though, because it may happen. And it protects the laptop from the rigors of travel.
-Reinforced sides/corners. Plastic or rubber reinforcements on the narrow sides and on the corners diffuse the impact of a fall into your bag rather than into your laptop.
-Storage. A place for everything and everything in its place will prevent situations like having to untangle your CAT5 from your power cord, PDA sync cable, phone cable and security lock. Figure out what you plan to carry and make sure the bag accommodates it by design.
-Wide, padded, highly-adjustable shoulder strap. If lacking in any one of these, you will be uncomfortable with the bag. Guaranteed.
I just bought a bag at OfficeMax that cost about $40 that met all this. You don't need to spend a lot to get a good bag.
The problem with notebook backpacks is that they look too stiff and upright. You look like a nerd wearing one, because it's so high and straight up your back. Ugh!
I have two Ogio Sport backpacks. Both were give-aways from my employer. The first one did not have a pocket, so I got a neoprene sleeve to put the machine in. I used tha for about a year. The next bag was purpose-made with a pocket for a laptop. It's the one I still use. I think backpacks are awesome for carrying machines. It distributes the weight better, and as someone pointed out, it's probably less likely to get lifted because ti doesn't look like a computer bag.
I got a Shaun Jackson Design backpack laptop case off SkyMall of all places. I've found it to be the smartest bags I've seen. It flips open to sit on a plane tray, has an easy access zipper for airport security, and feels light on the back.
The true test... security guards everywhere compliment me on the bag. No kidding, either.
Arc'teryx makes pretty nice laptop bags. The brand is famous for their quality hicking backpacks. Their laptop backpack (called "Blade") comes in two sizes - 13 and 21 liters. Both have HDPE (hard plastic) frame sheets that keep the laptop from hitting your back. There is also sufficient padding on the bottom and sides.
KNACKERED
Definition: [adj] (British) very tired
Synonyms: drained, tired
Maybe your next laptop bag will take some ginsing in the morning. Helps prevent fatigue.
SEO Copywriter. Just Say ON
I have to put a plug in for the Kensington Saddlebag. It runs about $35-$65. This bag is very nice because it can be carried as a shoulder bag or a cross-the-chest bag or a backpack. Plus it has a very comfortable carrying handle. There's TONS of interior space, enough for me to regularly carry all of the regular laptop accoutrements, geek gadgets (mp3 player, palm and keyboard, cellphone) as well as one or two (BIG) textbooks and a few notebooks.
The biggest bonus, however, is that Kensington will replace it if it's damaged or broken. No questions. I am pretty rough with shoulder straps and one of the shoulder straps came loose, but didn't break. They replaced it even though they considered it "cosmetic" damage.
I've only have one problem with the design. If you overload the outer pockets with gadgets and other miscellany, the bag gets front-heavy and has a tendency to fall over. That can cause huge problems when it's sitting on the edge of a table.
"One touch of Darwin makes the whole world kin." George Bernard Shaw
...consists of a Pelican Products laptop case, which fits snugly inside a Patagonia Critical Mass bike messenger bag. A sturdy and neat package, overall, but rather expensive.
Seriously.. anything in their padded rangeby these guys is just amazing. I got onje for my mac laptop, and also use the thign to a) carry home a week's worth of shopping b) a overnight / 2 nights travel bag..
thwy're great, and if you get the 'busy man' ranges they are deceptively small, but carry huge amounts of things, safely.
Ah. That explains why WinCE devices behave the way they do.
The only thing I wish it had was a hip strap, but I guess you can't have everything. The great thing about Swiss Army luggage is the lifetime warranty. Pretty much all of our luggage now is Swiss Army. They do follow through on their warranty claims and are well worth the seemingly higher up-front costs. I highly recommend them.
www.clarke.ca
iPodders everywhere know about iSkins. It's a fitted silicon suit for iPod. Awesome protection. Why can't I have one for my tiBook? I want a fancy clear silicone casing that fits around my computer and just stays there all of the time. It could have cutouts for the ports and CD drive. If anyone knows of one out there, or knows how I can make one, please do tell me!
"One touch of Darwin makes the whole world kin." George Bernard Shaw
...if you value your laptop. I ride an average of 20k miles per year on my motorcycle and my powerbook G4 never leaves my side. Last summer, after exiting the NJ Turnpike, my Zero Centurian parted company with the K1200RS's rear seat when a strap worked loose. The case was flattened by both wheels of a following car and came to rest beneath another car that managed to straddle it. I parked the bike, darted through traffic to recover my baby and was horrified at the carnage. However, the laptop worked fine when I got back to the side of the road and opened it up. I was pissed about the loss of the case, but I figured it was gods way of telling me it's time to backup my drive.
There is no soft case, no matter how hip or trendy, that can offer anywhere near the protection of a solid, foam lined case. I'm now using a Pelican 1490, which is a little closer fit for the powerbook, and it offers a watertight seal which the Zero did not. The Pelican also has a ring on each side for attaching a nicely padded shoulder strap if you are worried about comfort. You can also use them to attach a bicycle cable & lock to your wrist if you're worried about someone walking off with it.
If you care about your gear, put it in a real case. Anvil, Pelican, & Zero are a few names that professionals use to protect expensive equipment. $200 ~ $400 is a cheap insurance policy for a $3500 laptop.
The very best bags I've had were 1) a Gateway bag bundled with the laptop (didn't like the laptop, though) and 2) a Kennsington bag. The Gateway bag was on the small side with barely enough room to cram the supporting bricks, but it provided the best protection: a second, inner, completely removable, padded bag that surrounded the laptop. It slid into a compartment inside the outer bag that had the pockets. It was not necessary to remove the inner bag to extract the laptop; just open the outer flap, un-velcro the inner bag, and extract. Being a bundle, the bag just fit the laptop. The Kennsington bag has survived multiple laptops and quite a bit of abuse. The one I got has enough room for all the bricks plus enough space to completely replace a briefcase (something the Gateway bag couldn't do). The laptop compartment came with enough stuff to customize the size to fit the various sizes I went through. The best feature for me was the round, cylendrical, padded handle; I don't use shoulder staps, though the one on the Kennsington was far superior to the one on the Gateway bag (more padding over a larger surface area, better shoulder-fitting curve). After years of abuse, including getting a drink dumped on it by a waiter, the zipper is just starting to come apart at one of the corners, but continues to hold up very well.
Stylish, sleek, solid build, cool compartments, lots of pockets and stash spots. Cool part is that the way it is built provides lots of padding/protection for a laptop. The flip up front panels are rigid reinforced nylon so it is like having a hard shell case on the outside. The side against your side is padded (thus protecting the laptop and you).
The main compartment has padding along the bottom and a floating document/laptop sleeve area suitable for a 12" Powerbook or iBook that is isolated from the sides and bottom. A larger 15" or 17" Powerbook will have to sit on the floor of the main compartment, that's ok, it's padded. The access to the main compartment is via double/parallel zips and is really wide making access really easy.
The strap has a really nice cushy pad and carries very well, it does NOT detach so no fear of failure there. It looks like a messenger bag but techier and does not scream "I'm a laptop steal me!!!"
Bigger Picture Here
I like the color, Black...like my soul.
DaveC
There are no stupid questions...just stupid people.
If you want to be a little different than all the other run of the mill laptop owners, you can try to track down a Luovi 001. It's a minimalist bag/worksurface. If you like design products, it's definately interesting. It's sorta hard to get if you're not in Finland. If you are in Finland, just go to the Stockmann in Helsinki. Not in Finland? Go to Finland.
a big plastic grocery bag. except it goes over your head, and you're supposed to hold it around your neck and breathe as deeply as you can over and over until you pass out and die because you geeks are worthless drains on society and you'll at least do the earth a service as worm food.
The company Standard Technical Merchandise of Australia has an amazing laptop sport backpack that you can look at here:
f m
r on t/3fe940e7061c6f942717d02a43030642/Ext/LT_InfoCata log/ViewProduct/SPORTBACKPACK-1?catid=4439&prodid= SPORTBACKPACK-1
http://www.standardtm.com.au/backpacks_sports.c
You can get the bag here:
http://www.laptoptravel.com/cgi-bin/lapt.storef
I use this with my 12" Powerbook and carry all my laptop stuff in it and still have room for usually a textbook or two. The backpack is very well made and is padded nicely for the laptop compartment, which is suspended up so the laptop doesnt hit the ground when you set it down.
This laptop backpack is easily the best buy for the money. I did some extensive research into this when I bought mine and I did find other computer backpacks buts they all cost way over $100 or were not big.
Did I mention the backpack is on sale now? It's a really good deal.
(Note, I don't work for either company I am just really happy with this backpack)
because you didn't post fp45!
A book bag or soft briefcase made by a company that make rugged outdoor gear is less likely to come apart under typical use/abuse, and doesn't attract as much attention as a Logo'd laptop case. Put your laptop inside a neoprene sleve inside the soft briefcase or small backpack, add a thick magazine (Wired, etc.) on the display side, and you will have a rugged case that doesn't yell "steal me!" in crowded public spaces.
And if you need an expensive briefcase to be seen along with your Armani business suit at some client meeting, carry your laptop in the backpack and your clean shirt/underwear in the expensive case on the trip thru the airport (but this is Slashdot, so never mind...)
you can afford a powerbook but you can't afford a car!
get a cheap car and a mediocre laptop and stop jogging to bus stops...
as for your powerbook, the damage might not be apparent yet, just give it some time and the effects of that concussion will become apparent...
My "technology bag" as I call it is a Targus Model #TSB315-001...I can't remember what the noun-name of the bag was. Targus sells some smaller, generic black backpacks, but this thing is the topline model...I think I paid nearly $100 bucks for it from Best Buy, but then it was brand new. It has two zippered main compartments. The inner section has a pouch and velcro retention strap for your notebook, and a zippered pouch for documents, etc. The outer main compartment has slots for pen/stylus/Sharpie, etc., two pouches, one enclosed, one simply for retention (good spot for magazines). It has two zippered two-section pouches on the lower left and right parts of the bag, two web pouches with retention cords, a webbed pouch in the top cover, and a locking mechanism in the top cover. It also has a velcroed pouch for your cell phone. I have used this bag for overnights, weeklong business trips for all my gadgets, and most significantly, it's the bag I use if I'm taking my laptop or gadgets to work or to the bookstore on weekends when I'm riding my motorcycle. In other words, this thing has been strapped to my back at speeds in excess of 100mph on my morning commutes both to and from work and there hasn't been a hiccup. It also has locking straps that go across your chest and around your waist like a rockclimber's bag. Hope this helps.
http://acmemade.com/bags.html
Another vote for Spire (http://www.spireusa.com/). There's a lot of design know how going into these, particularly the way the laptop is suspended (inside a padded bag) in the center of the backpack. Mines had a few drops with an Inspiron in it and it's still going strong.
Stu.
these bags are made from truck-planes and are nearly impossible to destroy. and they look nice too.
I bought an eBags Downloader Laptop Backpack not long ago (for about $35) and I couldn't be happier. With a 5-lb laptop, and a total of 10 pounds of other stuff in it, I walk a total of 4 miles to and from work. It has all the pockets you'll ever need, the laptop area is well-enough padded that dropping it onto concrete (accidentally) didn't cause me a moment's concern, and I can carry it 4 miles a day at a brisk walk with 15 pounds of stuff in it and not even notice any shoulder or back strain, and all without a waist belt.
Basically, if you are looking for a laptop bag, and you don't *mind* it being a laptop, this is a beautiful thing.
Go to www.ebags.com and search for 'downloader laptop backpack'. I'd give you the URL, but it's longer than my arm.
-fred
Sign #11 of Slashdot overdose: You see the phrase 'moderate Republican' and you wonder if that would be a +1 or a -1.
I have a Zero Z3 case for my Powerbook. This case has played plinko down a set of stairs, been dropped, had trunks closed on it, and aside from some cosmetic damage has not let one iota of damage happen to my computer. It still looks pretty good after 4 years of nonstop use.
The Zero 'Z' series computer cases are well lined with high density foam and a velcro mounting strap. This is bar none the best computer case I have ever seen. My only complaint is the Z3 was better suited to my vaio than the larger powerbook; I'll be getting a Z5 soon.
..don't panic
and my TiBook, too!
True story: I was bike commuting in San Francisco one evening in March of 2003 when a car took a U-turn right in front of me. Unable to stop in time, I plowed into the car, was thrown off my bike, somersaulted through the air over his car, and landed squarely on my back in the street.
I was carrying my 15" Powerbook in a Brenthaven, along with some other stuff, so the backpack was fairly full. When I hit the street, the Brenthaven cushioned my fall perfectly. It felt like I landed on a big pillow! As I felt my body hurtling through the air and crushing down on the pack I thought, "There goes my Mac..." (not: "I wonder if I'll ever walk again...").
Luckily, I was on my feet instantly without a scratch. After exchanging information with the driver, I immediately opened my pack and pulled out the laptop and was happy to see the calmly pulsating light of my sleeping machine. When I got home, it woke up fine and the screen had no new defects that I could see.
Apple deserves some credit for making a fairly durable machine, but I think most of the kudos go to Brenthaven.
Brenthaven: Recommended gear for the urban bike commuter!
Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history.
I use a proper backpack - they are so much more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time than a shoulder bag or even the backpack style laptop bags. I currently have a 35 litre lowe apline day pack, which has ample space inside.
To protect the laptop I use a snug fitting zipped case, which keeps it away from other potentially sharp things inside the bag.
The backpack is almost completely waterproof, although as it is several years old (getting on for 6 years) some of the waterproofing is wearing off the side pockets, but the main part of the bag is still fairly secure against most types of Weather European winters can throw at it.
That's simple:
"Not a free bag from the WWDC."
I mean seriously. Beyond that, if you are carrying around an expensive laptop and running at full speed, why trust a shoulderstrap in the first place? Carry it while you run! Or at least brace it with your arm.
DrPascal: Not the language, the mathematician.
I have to put in a very very strong recommendation for Stu Crumpler Bags. I house my (non apple, caveat) laptop in one and it's by far one of the best *and* safest-for-laptops laptop bags I've ever seen, and I've seen and tested quite a few. Like tumi, they're expensive, unlike tumi, they don't look like they should be in a scifi movie -- they look like plain old messenger bags. As one who carries this every day everywhere in the course of work and studies, I can't give a better recommendation. BTW, the bag I have is the "Very Busy Man".
I have been exceedingly happy with my laptop backpack from Spire. It's Stylish, rugged, and simple. What more could I ask for?
-- We've secretly replaced his regular signature with Folgers Crystals®
You want the impact protection as snug around your laptop as possible, and without losing the flexibility of choosing any bag you like with as much (or as little) room for other things beside your laptop.
I've been recommending Targus bags for years. Pretty much everything they make is good quality. (Well, I'd probably avoid their most basic nylon bag for a nice laptop, but it's just the thing, at $29 or so, to carry around an old "beater" laptop in.)
The "Universal Air" is a good option.... Under $100 and lots of padding.
What really impressed me with Targus was their willingness to honor their claimed "lifetime warranty". I had a bag that was years old and obviously well worn. The strap finally tore off on one side, and the zipper broke. Targus let me send it in, and they actually re-sewed all the torn stitching and replaced the worn inner panels with new ones, and returned it for free within a couple weeks.
I use a normal bag, but with a sleeve from SFbag.com inside. They sell sleeves and bad sized especially for Macs. Never tried the bags, but if they are as good as the sleeves, go for it!
as always, caselogic do excellent protection products...have a look at those...although mine is some generic case that has served me well...
I wasn't happy with the laptop bags I found in my price range, so I decided to make my own:
1/2 hide of 8oz black latigo (Saddle leather)
Some 3/4" foam
4 nickle plated buckles
2 hours measuring and cutting
6 hours stitching
And it will outlast my next 3-4 laptops...
I would recomend this line of backpacks by Samsonite.
It has an extra compartment for a MP3 player (with an extra gate for headphones), cell phone pocket on one of the shoulderstraps, separate compartment for notes and stuff. The laptop compartment is very well padded. The whole bag is excelently balanced, so it doesn't keep hitting your legs when you carry it around by it's handle. Really excellent.
"It usualy starts with some screaming. Afterwards there is much running around."
I can only speak from my experience but RoadWired's MegaMedia Bag (despite the dumb name) is extremely protective of your computer and will carry everything you can possibly imagine. I have had mine for three months now and can attest that it's great.
looks cool, feels right, patented air bag technology, could get you the cheeks. they started selling stuff online at their website. for best protection leave the laptop in the trunk of your burning car.
is the picture anything? yes very anything. WTF?
I bought a dicota bag for my laptop. It was about 60 euro. I'm very pleased with it.
p ?s=140c9260a4f20114 7a3619f5c2d162b5&tID=1&lID=1&action=products&CODE= 6&p=63
Specifications:
http://www.dicota.com/index.ph
I used to consume a bag in 6 months. They couldn't handle my lifestyle, but the Timbuk2 model I've had for three years now is AWESOME! (Sadly the model is no longer produced, but it is very close to their current Bolo)
It's been with me in every country in europe (except for portugal, and that's not really a country is it?), in random locations in Asia and americas. It's been thrown out of convertible, dropped several metres from a clif, puked into by a platinum selling artist and it has survived several parties at the architecture department where I study.
It's been everywhere and it's done everything and still it keeps my canon 10D, powerbook, ipod, cellphone, sketchbooks and pens safe!
I SIMPLY LOVE IT!
and no, I do not work for them or get paid to endorse their products.
Your column. Back pain? If you use any kind of one strapped bag that may be to blame or a big contributing factor.
IANAL but write like a drunk one.
If you are looking for something a little bit different and are based in Europe, then you should check out the AirBag range. They are hand made from recycled rubber dinghy material, with seatbelts as shoulder strap (probably shouldn't snap while jogging...). Each bag is different due to the manufacturing process so it is worth finding somewhere that has a range that you can look at. The only distributer that I am aware of in the UK is smallfish records who have quite a selection of bags available.
The only Good System is a Sound System
I've been using a Boblbee bag for the past few years and it is excellent. The People's Delight bage fits a 15" screen perfectly and I've used it with my Powerbook Pismo and Alu 15". It is orthopaedic and moulds to your back. The best thing about it though is that it doesn't look like a laptop bag. This means you can carry it on the tube and people have no idea what's inside it. The hard back is available is many colours and i've only broken it once - i was snowboarding and landed on it after i cought an edge on some ice. I phoned them up and they sent me a new shell for free! -
http://www.boblbee.com/ for more.
for your notebook - toss it down stairs, throw it in the pool - your laptop will be protected.
http://www.pelican.com/cases/2bo_1490.html
Not just because we're a reseller or because it is made on this shore or for any other reason than they are the best I've ever used/seen: http://www.brenthaven.com/
I purchased a Hedgren bag over seven years ago. It has been around the world several times since then almost always with a laptop in it. It has proved to be incredibly robust and quite versitile. The thing I like most about mine is that it is a soft bag of a brief case size with a fold over top and a brief case handle, however it has an optional over should strap and optional backpack style straps. The backpack style straps mean that I can carry the hugely laden bag without screwing up my back. Very convenient.
:-) I have only ever superficially damaged a laptop that was inside when I have dropped it, and I have several (many) times.
The bag is seriously tough. All the "loaded" fittings are metal (they look and feel like gal steel) and it has really been around the world twice with at least 6 return trips London/Sydney as well, on average about 15 - 20 trips a year and because it is expandable it can double as a small overnight bag (particularly without the laptop
Their website shows an extraordinary range of products around today, mine has a metal plate rivetted into the back with a serial number around the 500,000 number. I suspect that if that policy has continued then the numbers will be a little higher now. But by the same token seven years is a long time for a manufacturer to maintain "early days" quality (if that is where they started).
"The first thing to do when you find yourself in a hole is stop digging."
If you really want rugged (and don't mind bulkyness), Pelican has a couple of boxes suited for laptops...
Cig? No, thank you.
It's a set of simple design features, found in some Kensington (& other??) cases.
- the lappie can only be slipped-in from the top, the case can't be swung open, has an internal Velcro + elastic strap retainer, so lappie can't possibly fall out when you fumble for passport, papers etc.
- neoprene sheets & document pockets on both sides, adding to protection
- sturdy air-bubble shock absorbers on lower and side edges
- poaches for holding technical implements are _outside_ the highly sheltered inner slot, i.e. your paper documents can't but be put anywhere but BETWEEN the many odd shaped and potentially harmful things (PSU, cords, CD cases, dongles, PC-card cases, handgun, taser, CW detector, rad-alarm, handcuffs, Lineman, dagger, PDA, pepperspray, etc.) and the neoprene sheet that provides last resort protection.
If u're paranoid, you can also add more thin neoprene sheets in the document poaches.
I got this for free from a client who had too many (they buy them new with each generation of lappies) and it's the best I ever had.
ortlieb.com
Extremely durable and not just water resistant, but waterproof -- you can actually but the bag under water. I use the Ortlieb Express for my iBook.
Tumi sells a lot of different bags made with different material and with different features. Their "Fusion Z" material, which is what my case is made of, is simply amazing. It's extremely durable -- my bag doesn't even have a worn spot on it yet -- and it's self healing in the event of punctures.
More directed to the original post, the case also has a suspension system for the laptop. The computer sits in a sling, a few inches off the bottom of the case, and the sling is made out of stretchable material. So if you drop the whole bag, your computer never really even hits the ground. Very, very cool. I looked at Tumi's web site and I believe that this feature is called "SafeCase" but I'm not sure.
Some guys at work own them as they have motorcycles that they bring in to work during the summer
More then 600 people replied to this question and nobody posted the best 2 brands for laptopbags. Shame on all of you =) So up to the real shit:
Boblbee
Crumpler
Check my site: http://pixel.pagina.nl
The laptop seems to be alright, but the bag (a WWDC giveaway) is completely knackered.
I don't know my British very well, but perhaps knickers would stop knackers.
(/a joke you unforgiving marmot)
full laptop crochetication http://www.monochrom.at/crochetication/ that's nice
Try this bag. I have an older version of this that I have used for 3 years now. Very rugged, the leather/canvas combo looks nice (lots of complements) and it travels well (probably been on 200 flights). Rain, etc. doesn't bother it in the least. Best of all, its not the generic black nylon case that everyone has. I bought it after I accidentally got my laptop switched with the company lawyer's, since we both had the same case.
I put my laptop (IBM R31) inside a _stylish_ black leather (Yamani) brief holder with all its accessories and I place this inside an well worn camping/walking daypack (knapsack).
The folio is big enough for the IBM power supplies (which are flat) and for my Logitec (wired USB) optical mouse (never go to bank/trading customer sites with wireless stuff !) and LAN and Phone cables plus the removable CD/Floppy and odd software.
The day/knapsack is old and worn but its a proper strong camping pack. This is doesn't look stealable but at the office out pops the nice black leather contents. On the street the whole lot looks like just any old used bag but its robust. Worked so far for 4 years that way with daily commute via metro/tube plus travel across Europe.
Both Filson
http://www.filson.com/
and Duluth Pack
http://www.duluthpack.com/
make excellent (and quite expensive) outdoor gear. Part of each product line includes duffles/ briefcases/laptop bags. But like i say, they are quite pricey, and are somewhere between 3-5x more expensive as most other namebrand laptop bags.
hth,
jeff
http://www.standardtm.com.au/shoulder_bags.cfm
Its an australian company. I got the alley model last year. the velcro died, they replaced it for free with the new version of the same model.
im thrilled with it.
I use the Mountainsmith Network has a neoprene sleeve for you laptop it acts like a shock absorber for your laptop. They make Mountaineering back packs so it is made to the same standards I have had mine for 3 years now and It has outlasted 2 laptops.
yes, and people should read the parent messages before replying to avoid stupid comments like yours.
As you clearly didn't do this, let me help. Here is the original parent, and there is no stupidity there.
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Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find / -name '*base*' |xargs chown -R us && mv zig greatjustice
I travel enough that I broke down and purchased a backpack style laptop case from Easterm Mountain Sports http://www.ems.com and I love it. I comes with a padded laptop area that also contains a removable laptop holder that is padded as well. Which turned out to be quite useful when I forgot to remove my Leatherman from my bag and went through airport security. I wound up just checking my backpack and kept the separate removable insert with my laptop in it. It was about $65.00 when I bought it at an ESM store, it lists for $79.00 on the web site.
http://homeworktips.about.com/cs/productreviews/gr /raknotebook.htm
I took the 'bookcase' rack out of it, but it remains a good pack: it's got oodles of room, it's sturdy as hell, it has a great handle on top for carrying. It's got side tighteners that allow you to reduce the size if you're not carrying much, and it's got lots of compartents and meshes for letting you organize. One of the best $50 purchases I've ever made.
After deciding that my Apachecon-Europe totebag really wasn't suitable for lugging my Vaio around any longer (due to a complete lack of padding, and the fact that there wasn't enough room to carry my glasses around in it as well), I spent a while looking and turned up the Targus Sport Deluxe Backpack, which I got from ThinkGeek because Targus inexplicably refuse to sell it in the UK...
It's enormous, but as long as you don't mind that, it's great. Enough room to carry books, folders, lunch, etc. in a separate compartment to the laptop. Plenty of pockets for accesories, cables (and my fsck'ing glasses). And I have no worries about the straps going.
I can't believe none of you have mentioned Mountainsmith bags. I am on my second Mountainsmith laptop bag. The first one, the Outback Office, lasted me 8 years. I now use the Network. This bag is Toight Like a Tiger. You don't know what you're missing.
The things that we want we willingly believe, and the things that we think we expect everyone else to think.
I agree. I picked up a leather back-pack at Sears for under $50.00. It's specifically designed for lap-tops. It has a removal, padded envelope that the laptop itself goes into, as well as a removable pouch for the power cord and several other pockets. I absolutely love it. My lap top is at home (posting from work) but I'll look up the brand as soon as I get home.
"The legitimate powers of government extend only to such acts as are injurious to others." Thomas Jefferson.
My previous laptop broke since I only used my little Jansport backpack to carry it around campus.
I got tired of having expensive things break and decided to make my own laptop protection for carrying inside backpacks.
The solution was borrowing my friend's sewing machine, buying some 4mm neoprene online, and make a sleeve (much like a pillow case).
It provides GREAT protection for my machine. I also made a couple more for my friends and they seem happy as well.
Anyways, that's my story, works for me.
P.S. I also got a good LL Bean packpack that is very spacious. The backpack is extremely well made and I have no fear of it rupturing. The lifetime warranty also provides an extra amount of confidence.
...the kenneth cole leather bag that came w/ my Dell laptop (for a bit of an extra charge) is phenomenal. Really sturdy, really good looking, and the most comfortable shoulder strap in the history of the world.
Don't recall how much these guys run if you buy separately; I'm sure it's not all that cheap, but I'll never want another laptop bag again.
=== "Some people see the glass as half-empty. Others see it as half-full. I see the glass as too big." -G. Carlin.
Dell's backpack is superb. It looks small, yet takes a large laptop with ease and a whole lot of other stuff. 4 pcs of 0.5 liter vodka bottles, 96 CD's, 3 large packs of condoms and still lots of space left. You won't be disappointed.
Heavy duty zippers and handles, a great flight bag. On last trip my backpack weighed more than 16 kilos yet looked very small, no hassle at airline checkin, whereas people with 'largest permitted size' Samsonites were being asked to surrender their bags into the cargo hold.
If you're buying a new Dell, get the backpack.
I recently purchased two Gateway laptops and didn't know what to get to put them in. I got one with the "comes with it" attache and one with the Targis backpack.
I like the Targis backpack so much that I've gone and ordered one for the other laptop. I carry it everywhere, even if I don't need the laptop. There is plenty of padding build in and the storage is very well thought out.
. Quit playing Monopoly with Bill. Switch to one of many non-Microsoft products today.
Lands' End has a selection of briefcases that are designed to carry a laptop . They also have a backpack and a shoulder bag.
The Ballistic cases are heavy weight nylon and the others are canvas.
They have a selection of COLORS if you don't like boring black.
The Canvas Square Rigger Laptop Attache that I bought years ago is still going strong. It is great to be able to stuff almost anything into the bag. It also has the advantage of not looking like a laptop bag. The briefcase models range from $90 - $120.
Since I bought my briefcase model, they've come out with a backpack for laptops that looks pretty decent - I'd get one if I didn't already have the briefcase. It has a pocket for a portable CD player with a pass-through for the headphone cord. There is also a cell phone pocket. This one is about $50.
The shoulder bag sounds like it has a bunch of pockets for Cell Phone, PDA, etc. which might be a good thing for some people.
Lands' End stuff is typically very well made and is guaranteed forever - if something breaks (unlikely) or wears out - send it back for a refund or new item.
Judging from the story ("WWDC giveaway..." or something) the one that broke down was exactly such a Kensington Saddlebag. Those WWDC-giveaway bags are Kensington Saddlebags with Apple lettering. Myself I had the same problem. The Saddlebag is nice for its different use cases: Backpack, shoulderstrap, carry-in-hand. But using it every day as a bagpack made the shoulder straps rip out. It's just not tough enough.
That was more then two years ago. Then I bought a bagpack from spire. Still looks like new and I travel 3 hours on different trains with it every workday. Normal operation when arriving somewhere is to drop the pack on the floor. I don't think like there is a laptop in there anymore. It won't break. I'm on the second laptop in that bagpack now and the bag will likely survive a couple of generations of laptops more.
If you want a shoulderbag, do yourself a favor and go get a nice Gravis bag. Extremely sturdy, many pockets for all your laptop's associated junk, and they look damn cool.
I use the Timbuk2 "Bolo" bag, which is the largest bag made in the world ever. It's 27" Top W x 14.5" H x 9" D x 20" Bottom W (from the site) and I use it to usually carry the following:
12" PowerBook
DigiDesign MBox USB audio interface
M-Audio Oxygen 8 25-key MIDI controller
iPod
Koss "can" headphones
Moleskine 12" notebook (non-digital variety)
12V power inverter (about 6" x 1.5")
Maxtor 250GB external FireWire hard drive
A whole lot of audio, FireWire, USB and assorted cables and power adapters
Cell phone
I keep the 12" PowerBook, iPod and their respective power adapters in a Targus laptop sleeve with shoulder strap, which is nice -- I can whip the laptop out if I need it and leave all the rest at home or in a hotel room for mobility. Timbuk2 now makes a laptop sleeve, I notice -- which I'll be ordering.
And in case you're wondering, I keep the Spyderco Civilian razor sharp knife that protects all of these items from thieves in the gun coat of my pocket. The Timbuk2's heavy duty latches make me feel pretty safe, too -- as does the chest strap, which keeps everything close.
I've carried this thing all around the country and even underground in storm drains (don't ask; check the Slashdot archives and you might find the story) and it's absolutely perfect. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Timbuk2 - http://www.timbuk2.com/ - do awesome bags and laptop holders.
I bought a Timberland shoulder bag about 5 years ago, have used it every day for work and school, and it is still in great shape. It is blue and black nylon. Best part about it is that it doesn't scream "there is a laptop in here, steal me".
I bought a Nike Epic, and I really really love it. It was designed by boblbee, and has an exoskeleton. This provides a lot of protection for your laptop, though the internal padding could be better. It is roomy inside, the space is not filled with useless dividers and pockets like most laptop bags. And wow, is it ever comfortable. I don't own a car, I walk/cycle everywhere, so my bag is on my back a lot. This is by far the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned, even when fully loaded with laptop & books.
My tibook fits in it quite nicely. It has excellent rain resistance also, I feel confident hauling my laptop in the rain. The bottom is rubberized, making it much easier to clean the mud off as opposed to ballistic nylon. Even the zippers are better than usual, they never snag. Another bonus is that it stands upright, very stably, when you set it down.
And it looks sexy as hell.
My friend bought a second-hand laptop from me & used it to do German-to-English translations while sitting in mountaintop restaurants: at the end of his work session, he'd ski down with the laptop in his rucksack.
One day he fell, landed on it... the laptop (Compaq 386) was OK but he cracked two ribs. The whole event was coincidentally captured on video & was the highlight of the ski bums' film evenings for some time afterwards.
He didn't sue me (not sure why) or even Compaq. But be advised: athletic activity with laptops may lead to injury.
I only buy tumi bags..i went throuhg about 6 bags being a consultant in manhattan and found tumi's to be the most durable and comfortable.
Ran across this Burton Snowboard Backpack with Laptop Sleeve, it's onsale for $37.99 shipped. If it's made for snowboarding, it's gotta be strong. Now if they only had WIFI at the top of the mountain.....
Great backpack and messenger style bags for laptops. Check them out at http://www.tombihn.com.
I give it three thumbs up. Not cheap (about $140US) but extremely well made and easily handles all the crap I carry with me each day. It also comes with a separate laptop "briefcase" ( a bag within a bag as it were)for those times when you don't need to take the "mother ship" with you and may just need to take your laptop to a meeting or such.
I bought mine from ebags a couple of years ago but I am sure they are available elsewhere.
Got a chorus of people recommending Spire here... but are they water resistent? I have a backpack now with a padded laptop area, but my bigest fear is getting caught in the rain rather than dropping the thing. I went to the Spire website, and they say nothing about water resistance/tightness.
http://www.courierwareusa.com/ Lifetime warranty, many selections
www.sfbags.com Very nice bag. Keeps my Powerbook safe.
Regards, Shogunmoon
If you have the money, a cheap end Tumi backpack is perfect for what you need. I have the slate blue version which costs about $250. It has room to carry my 16.1" Vaio and my 15" G4 perfectly, as well as power supplies, iPod, and a myriad of other things that I can jam in there! It is perfect for flights too.
Just my 0.02. Also, if you take your laptop(s) to Tumi, a salesperson will help you out finding the right bag.
-------
artlu.net
I usually carry around the laptop with the essential cables (s-video to coax adapter and 25' extensions, audio cables, etc), USB cable for my cell phone, headphones, a joystick, my external floppy drive, my extra battery, telephone cable, 15' network cable, 15' crossover network cable, an AOL CD (we all get desperate sometimes), an optical mouse, and my external WDC harddrive WITH its separate padded carrying case.
This case usually just gets tossed around like any other backpack. The laptop is well protected and I feel confident dropping the bag onto a table. I don't feel that I have to baby the case wherever I go.
Connect the waist strap on your Targus, then feed the luggage strap through from the bottom and then through the handle at the top of the targus, then connect the luggage strap back to the carry-on. Sinch up the luggage strap so the targus is snug against the carry-on. If it is done just right, the carry-on won't tip over backwards completely.
This piggy-backs the bag on the carry-on and it accomplishes two things: First it gets the laptop off your shoulders. Second, the additional weight and the location of the weight can balance your carry-on so it's actually easier to pull.
Learn from those who have made mistakes before you.
I am the Lorvax, I speak for the machines.
You need a fairly overweight Perl-spewing companion to go with your overpriced StinkGeek apparel and your useless Slashbot subscription!
sPh
How about... the TiCase from Dr. Bott? its the only case that matches the powerbook perfectly.. and stuff.
Oh so hott.
...unfortunately no one can be told what The Mat^H^H^HGoatse is...they must experience it for themselves...
This is the bag I use, and carry around what seems like 30000 pounds of cables, power supplies, cell phones, books, etc. I've had it for 2 years now and it still looks new. Laptop Bag
Don't pick up the pho*(@)$*@&@!@ NO CARRIER
I know this doesn't answer your question, but I feel it's worth mentioning anyway. If you are jogging around with a laptop on a regular basis, be sure to take extra good care of your feet. Buy a good pair of running shoes, and if your feet start hurting, STOP and see a podiatrist.
Forgive me if I sound a little alarmist, but I learned the hard way what happens when I stomp around with a laptop. I got a pinched nerve in my left foot, was in a lot of pain, and was forced to walk on a cane for a little while. Not fun. It's a year after the neuroma has gone away, and I am still having ongoing problems in my foot, all because I didn't take care of my feet.
I warned ya.
The bag I have is an American Tourister, style 930525.
This is a wheeled case, which I use to save my back from the weight of books and magazines that I carry in addition to my laptop. However, if I don't pack in so many books and such, it is light enough to carry like a normal (though oversized) briefcase.
I don't know about price, though, as it was a 10-year survival gift from my employer.
How can the eyes be the Windows of the soul when they never blue screen?
A friend of mine owns an outdoor gear shop. He makes bike messanger bags so I had him make me one on the bike messanger paradigm instead of a brief case paradigm. It works great, as with the hip belt it keeps your hands free.
putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
I've used the laptop inserts and bags from Courierware for years. There amazingly durable and great quality. They will even create a custom size
1 3
http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/
I work int the merchant marine meeting ships all over the wall. Once had my case drop boarding a ship. Case rolled 20 feet down the gangway. When I got to my room my vaio pwered right up no problems.
- Picture 1
- Picture 2
I cut pieces of neoprene to make a box, super-glued it together, then (ahem) sewed up a canvas sleeve to keep it from falling apart -- the neoprene isn't very abrasion-resistant. I use a separate small cordura bag to carry the charger, mouse, and whisker antenna for wireless. Works great. I ride a motorcycle to work when the weather's nice, and the whole shebang fits neatly into an Ortlieb Cross-Air pack. Um, this solution probably isn't for everybody, though.. . . have quite a selection of bags available.
Man, I followed that link, and all I saw for every single AirBag was
Out of StockOut of Stock
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I guess Slashdot readers are looking for something a little different and based in Europe!
---------------------------------------------
SERENITY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It costs $60,000,000, at least when purchased by the U.S. government through a no-bid contract.
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SERENITY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eastern Mountain Sports has a really rockin backpack that has a laptop carrier in it that fits 15" laptops (my 15" power book and 14.1" IBM T30 both fit nicely). There's lots of space for cables/books/MP3 player/cell phone/power adapters/whatever in there as well. Great if you take public transportation.
Then again, it's not as stylish as an actual bag. But I work at a university, so I fit right in.
Samsonite makes a leather satchel/overnight bag, which works great, the over night part collapses, it has room for everything, even comes with three file sleeves. i would recommend. I bought this when i started recording live stuff. it has room for my external burner, cd's wireless mic, headphones, laptop, wires and loads of other stuff. Plus the bag has sping loaded, metal clips on the leather strap, very durable.
I just got an HP/Compaq nc8000 with the $48 HP backpack carrying case option and it's the best way to carry a laptop there is. The backpack seems very sturdy and well made, looks nice silver-gray colored. Lots of pockets inside and on it to carry extra stuff too.
I got this bag for Christmas a few years ago and it's performed like a champ. I have to be careful not to overload it though. The bag won't break but my back will.
The best part is the extra protective case for the laptop. The strap is wide and comfortable. I've made many flights with this guy.
"Fighting the underpants gnomes since 1998!" "Bruce Schneier knows the state of schroedinger's cat"
The first rule of any kind of shoulder bag that will tote a laptop is, NEVER select one with one of those mini-carabiner plastic clips. They WILL break, it's only a matter of time. Sorry if you really love that eastpak, if the color's nice, et cetera; if it's got the plastic, it ain't boombastic.
Here are just a scant few guidelines from a guy who's spent a lot of time and money buying different, cheapo bags.
First, materials. The shoulder strap ought to be made from something that resembles a car seat belt. Leather would do, as well, provided it's not simply a covering over some foam; it will crack and eventually fail. Two (or three) strips of leather sewn flat together, from one end of the bag to the other, is very durable.
Next, stitching. Examine. It should look better than your mom's (unless she's a professional seamstress). The stitching should be made with thick thread, and should be at least double stitched all over the strap. Single stitching is completely unacceptable.
Make sure the strap is NOT sewn into a seam. I can't emphasize this enough. The repeated stress from the strap will not only rip it out, it will rip the seam apart as well. It should also not be sewn to the top of the bag unless it's not a shoulder strap. It should be sewn into the side of the bag.
Finally, look at it overall.Does it look like something you'd want to take to work, school, whereever? Do you plan to use it daily for years to come, or only for the rare occasion you tote it around? Do you use it only for work, or do you tote around other heavy objects (like engineering textbooks)? All the good things I've mentioned tend to make these kinds of bags very expensive, for good reason. But I firmly believe you end up saving money on buying replacements for cheaper bags.
I'm sure there are tons of good manufacturers out there, but I can't recommend any more than the one company that's solved my problems for almost ten years now. Courierware, an old Cambridge stalwart, makes fairly indestructible bags. (and that they do; I still have and use mine daily.) They make high quality bags from high quality material and hand stitch it very securely. They back their work with a lifetime guarantee; if ever the stitching or material fails through normal use, they will fix it for free. I really, really like these guys and recommend them as the last casual bag you'll ever buy.
But if you don't want to go whole hog and get a new bag, they also make great laptop inserts that I've been using with my TiBook for a couple years now. They keep it scratch free and help it survive the occasional drop (I know).
B
"I'm payin' taxes, but what am I buyin'?" -- James Brown
If you want a traditional style shoulder bag I would go with a Brenthaven bag. Our company used to use Targus bags for laptops, but many would fall apart after 6 or 8 month of use or look pretty crappy.
Brenthaven is more $$$, but well constructed and designed and has held up much better.
Next thing we know, guys will be asking advice about condoms and lubricants and gals will be asking advice about wonder bras and weightloss regimens.
this place grows stupider by the hour!
The combination has proved to be extremely effective at least for me. You can also use just the Vault if you are traveling light.
REI makes a couple of backpacks designed for laptops. My girlfriend and I each have one.. they take her abuse and keep going!
Get one a few sizes bigger than your laptop, get some of that dense gray foam, cut out spaces for your laptop and accessories - voila, instant tanklike, professional looking hard case that you can throw down stairs, tap-dance on, drop off boats, etc etc. Not exactly convenient, or terribly cheap, but very robust; if you're more abusive than that, you can even get aluminum cases you can drive cars over. Disclaimer - I don't own a laptop, but we used this exact setup for the laptops on the oceanography boats at college and never had so much as a key break.
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley
If you are looking for the best bag money can buy, check out www.sfbags.com I'm really impressed with my new sleevecase. -P
I going to assume you're not a Canadian, in which case I don't know if you can get Roots equipment, but if you can, I have to recommend the Roots laptop backpack. I don't know if it would do an especially good job of protecting your laptop if you dropped the thing, but it does do an excellent job of preventing you from dropping it in the first place.
Unfortunately, I can't find a link to a website with a pic, but just check out the nearest place that sells Roots stuff. I got mine at a Radio Shack, but Radio Shack's website doesn't mention it in any search results. My bag has lots of pockets, a sleave in the main compartment for my laptop, and, I think most importantly, really comfortable, really durable shoulder straps. I almost never find myself carrying it on one shoulder 'cause it's so much more comfortable on two. Also, the straps are attached so securely that I can't imagine them wearing out before I'm too big and fat to wear the bag. I usually carry around my laptop, a mouse, a mousepad, my power adapter, a 10- or 15-foot network cable, and several schoolbooks. There's plenty of room left for a whack of CDs, a digital camera, or maybe even a USB keyboard so you can skip the tiny laptop keyboard. It's an excellent bag and I'll never carry my laptop in anything but a backback (and hopefully this backpack).
Ian
Jan Sport Airlift Laptop Backpack, I have owned 2 in the past 8 years, they hold up well and have excellent padding, and many extra pockets for tech goodies. GREAT!! -=j
I run the IT for a mid sized company and we have about 40 to 50 of them used by consultants that absolutly trash laptops.
In over 4 years really heavy use we've not had a single problem with the bags. I've walked for miles, riden motorbikes for hours and they've always been really comfortable too, the people there are really friendly too.
I'm gonna need to order another 20 or so bags in the new year cause more and more people at work see them and want to get rid of the horrible targus bags they start with!
I know for a fact (having both a Kensington Saddlebag and most of WWDC bags produced over the last 10 years) that the WWDC bag is NOT a real Kensington Saddlebag, but in fact a very cheap (IMHO) knockoff. My real Kensington Saddlebag, which I've had for as long as Kensington has been making them (7-8 years?) is so much more durable, rugged, and built to last than those cheap knockoffs, it's not worth the comparison. Just looking at the strap fittings (metal on the real bag, plastic on the fakes) is a clear indication of the difference between them. And *all* the materials of the real bag are better than the knockoffs. -->Zgwortz
I bought a "Renwick" bag - it's leather, and has what I would call "heavy duty" straps and handles. It's truly my mobile office - I carry a spare battery, a 250GB external hard drive, power supply, etc. etc. It's about 3 years old, and isn't showing any signs of real wear. Hope this helps you out. AdM
my scrotum
I have had a few bag and backpacks for various laptops ranging from 7 to 10 lbs plus accessories. I have noticed that when a bag breaks, it is due to the plastic clips that connect the strap to the bag. These tend to break under heavy loads - and stress (running). I fixed my current bag by using a carabiner (rock climbing gear - the small ones are rated for over 50 lbs) to easily replace the plastic clips. You can find them at any decent sports shop.
I'm a strong proponent of a messenger bag with a laptop sleeve inside. The laptop sleeve is more efficient than a laptop bag, and keeps your bag flexible.
The sleeve I have also straps nicely onto a rollerboard's hook thing, making airport security check-in a breeze!
If you really want some thing that will stand up to impact, Timbuk2 makes a laptop sleeve that has 1/2" padding. Wrong application, but... it works. I still prefer the Eagle Creek!
Go for a Pelican Box! You can even take it underwater. Can even survive a motorcycle crash... with a little luck.
The 1490 case is pretty good size, hard case. Not sure if it can hold a 17" Powerbook, but whatever is inside is pretty damn secure
I ordered a bag from gap.com a few weeks ago, and it even came with a padded/removable compartment for laptops. sadly i dont have one, but it the back is a heavy duty messenger style bag. one draw back is its a tad on the bulky size, but not extra heavy, so weight isnt a concern. check it out.
Samsonite. It's got heavy Denier Nylon on the outside, additional padding on the shoulders, and its padded all the way around ( much more than other cases I've seen) It may be a little more than other cases, but spending $60 to protect a $2000+ investment kinda makes sense, don't ya think? ;)
Merry Christmas all!
They are well made and they have a sling suspension mechanism that protects the laptop extremely well against impact.
They are owned by Targus now, but I think they are still made with the Port suspension.
Eagle Creek. Mine is is 7+ years old, looks like new with an infrequent vacuuming and is appropriate for any situation. Not cheap - but worth it.
And, if you're a bargain hunter, this one for sale here:
- http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=EX1
2 00-GRY
is only $16.95! There are other models available from normal retailers....not that I'm a pirate.. Hell I've never even fired a cannon. - oldwolf13
Get one of those enormous aluminum cases, with a lot of foam inside. Oh, be sure to get the one with the wheels, 'cause you won't be carrying it.
Externally it looks somewhat like a black courier's pouch. The outer layer is water resistant mesh that feels like coarse canvas (but isn't) with a fold-over top, and padding. It is all bound with two heavy mesh/cloth strips and metal clips. Shoulder straps are made out of the same mesh material, and it stays close to my body, even when I run. The bottom has a big rubberized surface with two plastic bars for feet. All the seams have three independant rows of stitches, and the inner-most row on one side is just starting to rip out after 4 years of constant use.
The front opens to a good collection of holders (one big and two small elastic mesh compartments, pen slots, big velcro'ed over padded bag, and little pockets, which I store my HP48 in, along with assorted pens, pencils, palm, and laser pointer. The back has a velcro-closed slot for holding papers and such.
On the inside, it has a divider. The inside of the bag is padded again (beyond the outer covering), and the padded divider has velcro on 3 sides which allows you to fit half of the compartment to your laptop, the other half to whatever else. I can comfortably fit the laptop, a projector, all needed cables, and a binder inside.
The worst drop it has seen was with (the company's) projector and (my) laptop inside. It hit at a sharp angle and a loud thud, but nothing inside seems to have noticed. It has survived several smaller drops, without incident.
I wish I could recall the brand of the bag, but I can tell you that it is what I would look for in a bag. Extra-thick shell, multiple layers of padding, and all metal clips and zippers.
frob
//TODO: Think of witty sig statement
I have been using a K2 Jiver for about 3 months now it has made it to the top of my list. Very roomy, padded in all the right places and just looks cool.
www.linux-skunkworks.com
My 12" PowerBook travels in style, or more precisely, in a Marware SportFolio Sleeve, which goes in my Land's End Square Rigger Classic Attache. No complaints on either; the Marware case fits like a glove and the Land's End attache is ridiculously durable. (As is its warranty; this one's been in use for about four years, and its predecessor made it to five before one of the clips for the shoulder strap broke and they replaced it for free.) Bit spendy, but you've got a Mac, so you clearly don't mind laying down a few more ducats for quality. :-)
I just want to clarify what I read - you seriously want to put a small car in the back of your Excursion? You can't be serious. The money you'd save in driving the little car would be completely eaten up by carrying the 2000 lb thing around in your trunk, plus the cost of the car itself. Let alone trying to get it in and out of the Excursion, and how are you going to open the door once you got it in there?
I'm new to these Slashdot forums, so may this is a joke...?
If you can find an old NATO pack they have pockets that are well shaped for accesories, and a small or medium ALICE pack would work nicely as well.
I prefer liners without a flap, makes it easier to pull remove the laptop directly form the bag and without having to hold on to several layers.
Just saw a Specialized bag at a local store, nice messenger bag with a laptop sling, and cheap at about $60. Thought about it, but...
The best disguise is a nondescript wrapper, ala the cameras in the crumpled paper bag in Blowup.
If you need to have a nice bag for business, choose one of the more minimalistic recommended bags and keep it inside the ratty surplus pack for those occasions.
I have used a Rakgear backpack for the last 2 years. It has held up very well, and in addition to a padded "sleeve" for the notebook itself, it also has 2 racks to support textbooks or whatever else you would want to carry in the remainder of the bag. I bought mine at a computer reseller here in Canada, but I know that they are available in Radio Shack as well.
I'm surprised that nobody has even mentioned Victorinox (the original Swiss Army company). Maybe this is because all of their stuff costs a lot more than what it may actually be worth, but I carry my laptop in a Victorinox messenger bag and I am quite pleased with it. (It looks like they don't sell anything but knives and tools on their website anymore. I am "fortunate" to have a Victorinox store in the mall here in Connecticut.)
While dropping my laptop hasn't been a concern for me (I'm paranoid-careful), it is weatherproof (rain is no problem, just don't drop it in the lake), and it is very well manufactured. For $70, you get a messenger bag that will probably never fall apart, and a moderate insurance policy on the laptop, should it get stolen. The collection process on these claims is probably arduous, and doesn't cover the full price of a bleeding-edge laptop that you bought yesterday, but it's an added peace of mind.
Reading through the other suggestions here, it looks like there are plenty of other options that will give you more bang for your buck, but I do highly recommend Victorinox messenger bags (or laptop backpacks). You also get the "cool factor" of having the Victorinox Swiss Army logo emblazoned on it.
Anyway, all of this is useless information because it looks like they don't even make the kind of bag I bought some years ago, but I'm sure their current line of laptop bags are manufactured with the same level of quality.
That's all I've got.
--
The Bailiwick - DESIGNHUB2005
heh, heh, Bevis, he said "knackered," heh heh.
Thank you for your insight. Saddlebags are nice. Have 'em. Use 'em. However, some of us who work and ride have to make compromises. Carrying anything other than a human on a motorcycle is a compromise. Using my old Duo-tec flip-up instead of my new solid rf-900 is a compromise. Wearing work slacks and leather overpants instead of a proper suit is a compromise. Wearing anything with a strap (including a belt in your pants) is a compromise. Putting anything in the pockets of your jacket is compromise just like all the rest, between danger and convenience.
Carrying a passenger is a compromise -- and a far more dangerous one than carrying a 4# pack. Please be more careful of what you label as "stupid."
J
> Spire makes some of the best laptop bags ever..
/. and don't like to see people like you ruining it. Go find some bridge to hide under you damn troll.
Troll! Could you please go somewhere else. Some of us like
I like the Vanguard aluminum cases personally. They're not as expensive as a Haliburton, and they look and function the same. Look around, you'll see these for around $50-80 (cheap for a hard case).
n ot cas.html
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sjgreatdeals101/com
I have a laptop bag made by Vitorinox, the Swiss Army Knife folks. It rocks as you would expect and comes with an insurance policy that covers theft and damage. I've travelled to 5 different countries and lots of local spots and it has held up wonderfully. The fasteners are rugged and it's got all the right pockets in the right places. A premium solution (at a premium price)
I have a backpack made by booq--they are fairly sexy packs designed specifically for laptops. It is SUPER comfortable--it includes a sternum strap and a small waist strap. The padding for your laptop is beefy on all sides, as well as on the bottom. They also have an extensive list of laptops that will fit (and a rating of how snug they fit). The only problem is that they are a tiny company, and the packs are fairly expensive ($119.00). Even with the high price, I can strongly recommend them as a comfortable, stylish, and protective laptop pack (the front flaps are interchangable, so you can get different colors).
SHIT!! forgot the link--can an admin put this in the post about booqpacks?
http://www.booqbags.com/booqpaq.html
thanks,
anony coward
2) HEDGREN with some nice neoprene stiff shell packs.
Shortest reply:
Halliburton Zero computer case.
Medium Reply:
Hard case like a good briefcase. Fits airline regs. Two part claimsheel design with a watertight O-ring. Combo lock. Gunmetel or brushed aluminum surface.
Long Reply:
I have lost laptops in Desert Storm due to dust (Coffea filters worked for my desktops), a river in southern Panama (bloop! Gone!), and once to a cloths dryer. I also ride motercycles in rough weather. I needed a case that was watertight and hard bodied. The Zero case from halliburton was it. I have had if for four years know, and I expect to have it for twenty years more. It also looks like a briefcase and NOT a laptop bag. Laptop bags are a target for thieves. Downside: you will spend $250 on the case. However, why would you not want to spend $250 on equipment that coasts thousands?
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men w
I've found that nothing touches a Tom Bihn lapdog heavy-duty neoprene sleeve inside a Tom Bihn backpack. Simply indestructible, and tight as a drum. Everything custom fits your machine. Foobar
Hefty
Triple Ply
55 Gallon
Lawn Bag
0.o
I know you're trolling, but I've always had a hard time understanding why people have a problem with merging civilization and nature exploration.
:D
I love taking my digital camera and laptop with me when I hike. Not only is it more of a workout (together they have to weigh 7 1/2 lbs) but I can compose a photo album while I'm on my way up and frag at the peak
Why is the assumption made that those who want to go out into nature should somehow be required to want to escape modern civilization? Why can't I love both?
+++ATH0
A good laptop bag is a bag that doesn't look like a laptop bag. Keeping this in mind could save you thousands down the road, especially if you go to the airport a lot. What you can do is get any camping or sport bag (e.g., REI, Jansport) and buy a padded slipcover for your notebook. Put the two together and BOOM! you have yourself a nice laptop bag that can be converted to a camping or sport bag on a dime. Hope that helps.
The makers of the Swiss Army knife, Wenger make a bag you may be interested in. First off there are no strap clips on this bag. The safty belt material used in the strap is stiched right onto the bag and even riveted. You could swing from this bag. The bag has decent padding around the laptop pouch and have all the needed pockets. Even one for your Swiss Army knife (not included). I purchased mine at OfficeMax and have been very happy with it.
Or what, you'd prefer that the bag transfer the impulse to the laptop? Sounds like the bag did its job admirably.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
A couple of years ago one of the mags drop tested a bunch, and found that Brenthaven and Tumi provided significantly better protection than any of the others.
2. Timbuk2 Detour. amazingly weather proof backpack, not nearly as narrow as the digital (the laptop goes in horizontally, not vertically) which is a bummer. also, the laptop doesn't hang like the digital so be careful setting the bag down. otherwise a superb product, supposedly totally weather proof (tho it hasn't taken the torrential rain test yet like my booq backpack did last year, and, btw, failed miserably!), and very well designed for accessories. also it's convertible between a backpack and an over the shoulder bag, unlike the digital which is purely a backpack.
note: i ride a motorcycle so i need extra heavy weather protection for my thinkpad. i've even crashed with the digital on my back and slid about 100 feet and the laptop, while a little banged up, still booted fine. (yes, if you were on the bay bridge at 10:30am or so last tuesday heading into SF, that was me sliding behind my ducati. one word: ALLCELPHONEUSINGCLUELESSSUVDRIVERSMUSTDIE)
in this age of communication i'm just not getting through
Get a Zero Haliburton case. They are not cheap but they coud save you a $500-$1000 repair bill
They are not cheap, but Currier Ware bags are the best you can buy when it comes to durability. The original bag was designed for bicycle curriers, by a couple of curriers. I had one of their bags for the two years I was a bike messenger, and continued to use it for another 7 years after that. The strap never broke. It never started leaking (yes, they're very water resistant). The inside lining started looking prety raged after nearly 10 years of heavy use, but functionally it was still in good shape. The only reason I stopped using it - I got married and my wife thought it looked to old and stained, so bought me a new shoulder bag (which broke a year later)!
Shortly after switching careers and going from a hobby to programming for a living, I got my first laptop. I went back to Currier Ware to see if they had a laptop/brief bag, and they do! I bought one without hesitation and was not let down in the least. They also sell neoprene laptop covers for some extra protection. An extreemly happy customer for 15 years now, I highly recomend them!
HTH!
http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/11
Igonore those Johnny-Come-Lately posers at timbuk2.com, get a Courier Wear bag from www.courierwear.com and stick yer laptop in that.
They were making courier bags at Courier Wear before courier bags were cool: the founders rode themselves & had a delivery company, and have since retreated to a farm in Vermont to sew bags and not dodge oblivious Peoples' Republic of Cambridge Volvo-pilots.
When I was a dispatcher in Boston, I asked the smelliest and fastest riders I knew [Hi, guys at NSS!] what bag to buy -- presuming that any package they carried that a Hale & Dorr secretary would sign for was good enough for me -- and they sent me up Mass. Ave. to Courier Wear. I've had my bag for a dozen years now, and the strap's only starting to fray a little. I used to ride home from the liquor store in Brighton with half a case of longnecks in it, so I know it is (was?) strong; it's waterproof; and you can get an option for an inner pocket that'll cradle Your Precious. They also do trade-ins, repairs, and custom work.
Spend your money at courier Wear and you'll be happy -- and you won't have those lame reflective flag-football tapes hanging from the flap, either.
Get your mom to sew in some pockets for your wifi card and whatnot. Just because you purchase something doesn't mean you can't improve upon the design...
-- the only good thing the French ever did was two chicks at one time
If money is no object (or more accurately, if you believe in paying a premium for top quality goods) get a belting leather briefcase by Hartmann (www.hartmann.com). It is called 'belting leather' because it is the same stuff they used to make industrial belts out of when factories were steam or water powered.
If you can find one of their black belting leather computer backpacks, buy it.
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.
Trager makes an incredibly sturdy laptop-saavy backpack also. I'm a stagehand & lighting designer for a living, so my life is a gulag for my gear, and this backpack has taken 5 years of it and gotten no more harm than it's color fading a bit.
The sleeve is too short for a 17" PB - but then, whose packs aren't? Otherwise, it'll fit pretty much anything. The fabric is waterproof to the heaviest downpour; I never tried submerging it and wouldn't reccomend it. It can also be converted to a shoulder bag, should one so desire.
I don't know if it's a current product any longer, but it's fantastic evidence of their quality.
http://www.mythwear.com/index.php
if you like anime and all they have neat stuff for not so bad prices