View Full Version : What do you folks use to carry your laptop?
FearM9
27 Nov 2006, 11:32 PM
I've gone back and forth between a daypack and a messenger bag. I'm now in the market for something new though to go along with my new Dell. I work parttime at REI so I can get a handful of computer bags cheap (Timbuk, Swiss, Eagle Creek, Jansport, REI, etc.). I don't need anything flashy....cheap something basic that will tote around my laptop. The first thing I need to decide though is do I want a backpack or a briefcase or a messenger bag?
That Phat Hat
28 Nov 2006, 02:19 AM
Personally, I perfer messengers over other style of bags because they're more compact and they're easier to access. I have the Modest Embarrassment from Crumpler (http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5).
I got it when they were doing their Beer for Bags (http://www.thrillist.com/archives/2006/06/beer_for_bags.html) promotion, so I got it for about $35 worth of beer. It normally retails for around $80, and it might not be your idea of cheap, but I love it. It's the perfect size for my 12' laptop and has plenty of pockets for little stuff like books and iPod, and the shoulder padding is a godsend.
If I need to lug bulkier stuff around, I have a laptop sleeve that I throw into my Timbuk2 Ocho. And I prefer the Timbuk2 when I'm on my bicycle because of the cross strap that keeps it from swinging around.
In any case, I can recommend both brands full heartedly - really durable, well designed.
servotron
28 Nov 2006, 02:45 PM
I use a Dickies messenger bag. Does the job, holds my ENORMOUS laptop (ProStar E888, 12 lbs, 17" UXGA screen) and the power converter, cordless mouse, etc. Doesn't really provide any protection for it, but that's what I get for buying a laptop that really doesn't fit into any bags because it's painfully UNportable :)
That Phat Hat
28 Nov 2006, 03:28 PM
I use a Dickies messenger bag. Does the job, holds my ENORMOUS laptop (ProStar E888, 12 lbs, 17" UXGA screen) and the power converter, cordless mouse, etc. Doesn't really provide any protection for it, but that's what I get for buying a laptop that really doesn't fit into any bags because it's painfully UNportable :)
You can always just get a neoprene sleeve so there's some protection. As long as the laptop doesn't shift around in your bag too much, you'd be fine.
Chicago1871
28 Nov 2006, 04:53 PM
Got a IBM messenger bag that I purchased with my ThinkPad. It's a very good bag. Secure and padded pocket for the laptop with pockets and sleeves for power adapters and other misc. items. I used to have a Kennsington bag for my old Dell, this bag blows that one away.
FearM9
28 Nov 2006, 05:40 PM
I'm leaning towards the messenger bag. I've got a couple of day/travel packs that would have enough room for a laptop in a padded sleeve.
I think I'm favoring the messenger bag though for the ability to swing around the bag more quickly rather than taking off a pack.
Ehhh...still looking around.
servotron
29 Nov 2006, 04:11 PM
You can always just get a neoprene sleeve so there's some protection. As long as the laptop doesn't shift around in your bag too much, you'd be fine.
Not for this laptop.... it's HUUUUGE. No room for a padded sleeve. If it's any indication of how large this computer is, it has TWO cd drives, internal.... 4 USB ports, 3 audio jacks, 3 different video outputs, 2 card readers, firewire, an original-size-ipod MP3 player internal docking port, and a floppy drive... and the keyboard is full size WITH a number pad :)
FearM9
29 Nov 2006, 04:21 PM
Damn dude...that is a huge laptop!!!
:eek:
I ended up getting a simple backpack for my laptop last night.
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/826412.jpg
Can't argue against getting it for 50% off of retail.
I looked at a couple of messenger bags as well (Timbuk, Eagle Creek, REI), but wasn't too impressed with any of them.
You want huge, I'll give you huge:
http://joe-ks.com/archives/PortablePC.jpg
Pibe#10
04 Dec 2006, 06:19 PM
haha, that's awesome.
Iceblink
07 Dec 2006, 01:03 AM
You said you wanted cheap, but you need to check out Tom Bihn's bags (www.tombihn.com)
They're awesome.
KesOne
08 Dec 2006, 01:34 PM
I've gone back and forth between a daypack and a messenger bag. I'm now in the market for something new though to go along with my new Dell. I work parttime at REI so I can get a handful of computer bags cheap (Timbuk, Swiss, Eagle Creek, Jansport, REI, etc.). I don't need anything flashy....cheap something basic that will tote around my laptop. The first thing I need to decide though is do I want a backpack or a briefcase or a messenger bag?
I use a targus backpack I got at staples made for laptops. If you can find any backpack in your store with a padded section for your laptop, then I would go with that.
KesOne
08 Dec 2006, 01:35 PM
You said you wanted cheap, but you need to check out Tom Bihn's bags (www.tombihn.com)
They're awesome.
I'd recommend this before tombihn
http://www.targus.com/us/cases_notebook_backpacks.asp?Member=2&PageNumber=1
FearM9
20 Dec 2006, 12:45 PM
I recently had to send back a Timbuk2 messenger bag cuz my damn laptop barely fit in the padded sleeve. I have to get an XL if I do decide to go that route.
I took my laptop with me to Hawaii using the backpack I posted above and it worked great on the trip back cuz I crammed it full of stuff. I wasn't planning on carrying that much crap with me back, but my check-in luggage was overweight and I had to pull stuff out and put it into my pack.
Even though I liked the pack and do plan on keeping it...it could use some improvements here and there....
1) A pocket on the shoulder strap to carry a cell phone.
2) A handle on the side of the pack so that I have the option to carry it sideways. We (REI) make a similar pack that offers this, but I didn't like it that much.
3) A bigger water bottle pocket.
Other than those small things...I thought it was a great pack for my intended use. Glad I got it!