Advice On Notebook Backpacks?

UnknowingFool writes "I'm about to go on a whirlwind trip with my laptop. Currently I'm using a generic laptop bag, but it's not really made for trips like this. I want to see if I can get a good notebook backpack and wanted to know what experiences traveling geeks here have had with notebook backpacks. My criteria: 1) Around $50 2) Functional enough to be used after my trip as a generic backpack 3) Tough enough to survive hauling through airport, yet comfortable enough to endure wearing for hours 4) Enough pockets for my chargers, cables , etc." I've been impressed with some bags from Targus; any good suggestions out there?

Comments

Just use a regular backpack

[Rick and Roll]

The targus bags look nice, but they have "EXPENSIVE LAPTOP" written all over them.

My suggestion: get a regular JanSport (or whatever) backup, so theives can't tell you have a laptop.

Not too long ago, a /.'er told the story of leaving his empty laptop bag in the back seat of his car, only to return to a car with smashed windows.

Besides, I think a regular backpack is perfectly functional, unless you have a 17" laptop. Used one all the time for my old 12 incher (which was about the same time as today's 15 incher, because of widescreen and having the screen stretched very close to the edge).

Re:Just use a regular backpack

[aristotle-dude]

Here is a better idea. Put your valuables in the trunk.

Leaving a regular backpack in the back seat can still be a tempting target.

Common sense is a better defense.

Re:repeat

[Mr.Ned]

I think it's hardly fair to call this story a dupe; the one you link to is four years old. I'd be surpried if the recommendations from those comments reflect the market today.

Get a laptop sleeve

[fafaforza]

Backpacks specialized for laptops will automatically demand a premium for the fact that they cater to a specific use. Plus they'll scream out that they are carrying a laptop.

You could just get a decent backpack and stick your laptop in a sleeve inside it. When not using the bag to carry your computer, you won't have the added weight from protective padding, and no nonfunctional laptop compartment.

Kensington SaddleBag

[Yoweigh116]

I have a Kensington SaddleBag Sport backpack that came (optional) with my Inspiron 8600. Padded laptop pocket-inside-a-pocket, with room in the outer pocket for a spare battery & AC charger, and the entire front of the pocket is lined with various sized netting-type things. In that pocket alone I can fit every single accessory and cable I could need except for a keyboard. I even have vertical room to spare. In front of that is a second really deep pocket (that can hold a keyboard if you don't zip it) for books, with a smaller pocket on the front that holds my memory key, cd wallet, some mini-CDRs, and misc. other stuff. It also has a (large, as in can pretty easily fit a first-gen Wireless Intellimouse Explorer) mouse sized pocket on each side, and a little pocket at the top that I assume is meant for a flash based MP3 player with a little gasket type thing for the headphones to pass through.

The only complaint that I have about the backpack is that the zippers are sort of crummy. Those problems, however, didn't show up until I'd given it at least 8 or so months of wear. They're still functional, just irritating. Besides that it's awesome. It even fits my 15.4" widescreen!

Re:Tough? You Want Filson.

[Anonymous Coward]

User comments like Your coat saved me from a bear attack." don't impress me in the slightest, since data like that are self filtering. We never get to hear from the guys whose coats failed at the crucial moment.