laptop bag

[JTLauder]

My laptop came with a really sturdy, well-built case, but it's also really heavy, so I want something lighter and something that doesn't obviously look like I'm carrying a laptop so I won't make myself out to be such a target when I'm walking down the street.

I'm thinking of getting a backpack, which should be easier to carry and some don't have that square shape of laptop cases, which I like. But I want to make sure they are sturdy enough. I hear horror stories of straps ripping out of their seams and their machines go crashing onto the ground.

Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[pgp_protector]

Get a briefcase.

 

[Apex]

My laptop came with a really sturdy, well-built case, but it's also really heavy, so I want something lighter and something that doesn't obviously look like I'm carrying a laptop so I won't make myself out to be such a target when I'm walking down the street.

I'm thinking of getting a backpack, which should be easier to carry and some don't have that square shape of laptop cases, which I like. But I want to make sure they are sturdy enough. I hear horror stories of straps ripping out of their seams and their machines go crashing onto the ground.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Targus is a brand. Although my recomendation is one of the form fitting, basically all it fits is your laptop, then get any large backpack you want. That way if you want to simply take only your laptop somewhere you can just slip it in its case or you can put the case in any backpack you want.

 

[wiggsfly]

I've got a plain old canvas bag from a military surplus store that works GREAT!

 

[FatBurger]

I've got one very similar to this, and I love it. It can be carried by a handle, worn over the shoulder, or worn like a backpack.
http://www.shop.com/op/~SADDLEBAG_P...ACK_BLACK-prod-32232433-42008617?sourceid=298

There are also specific backpacks like this:
http://www.xoxide.com/kensington-saddlebag-sport-62232.html


(Don't take my word on either of those sites, I found them at random.)

 

[Apex]

I've got one very similar to this, and I love it. It can be carried by a handle, worn over the shoulder, or worn like a backpack.
http://www.shop.com/op/~SADDLEBAG_PRO_CONVRT_LAPTOP_BAG_CASUAL_CASE_BACKPACK_BLACK-prod-32232433-42008617?sourceid=298

There are also specific backpacks like this:
http://www.xoxide.com/kensington-saddlebag-sport-62232.html


(Don't take my word on either of those sites, I found them at random.)

xoxide.com is a very good site.

 

[kopilo]

My bag is a Targus (and I love it to bits) its a vertical shoulder bag which can be transformed into a backpack in the matter of two clips. The only way you can tell it is a laptop bag is because of the tread which runs along the bottom and up the sides.

I like it because it's vertical, thus not too wide and can be moved around my body fairly easily when traveling, also it has just the right amount of pockets.

(now I just need a laptop to go with it )

NOTE: The link is just an example of the bag I am talking about, you probably could find a vendor which sells them in your own city.

 

[alphatronics]

I'd recommend getting a backpack. Less likely to be stolen.

I've had a "Mountainsmith Explore" for a good two years now, it's ridiculously nice. --> http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?modelid=62934&sourceid=GOOGFEED01

 

[JTLauder]

Thanks for all your input. I wish I saw the ebags site earlier, as it looks to have a great selection of bags. But I don't like buying unknown items online because you can't really tell what you're getting without taking a real look at them.

I went through several real stores to check out bags and even laptop bags that say the fit 15" laptops don't all have a good fit. Some were really loose without any kind of elastic strap to hold them in place and some were a really tight fit that the top corners of the laptop would snag on the zipper (reading online reviews helps with this info). Some bags were had only a thin canvas exterior while others were completely padded, not just the laptop sleeve inside. And it was important for me to try on the backpack to see how it felt. Some backpack shoulder straps were not very comfortable.

I ended up getting this one (but not from Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/RIVAL-SwissGe...1_5/104-2255233-0185518?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Plenty of room for all sorts of stuff, and really rugged. I wanted to test it to see how secure the shoulder straps are sewn in place and how it fits on my back. I really like the heavy padded back design that allows air flow to go through so it doesn't sit flat on my back. And I like the double straps at the top. Time will tell how sturdy this bag holds up after use, but for now, I'm happy with it.

 

[PatrickJackson1974]

I'll give you a related commentary site wish to be helpful to you

 

[beaverpond]

I have a case for my laptops that has three pockets in the front and three divider pockets in the top. It is a Samsung brand. I have had it for six years, but it looks similar to this. You can carry it like a case or use the shoulder strap and carry it like a shoulder case.

I have taken mine on a trip to South Carolina as carry on. I have no problem putting my 15.5 inch laptop in this, but the 17 inch is a real tight fit. Nice thing about this case is being able to carry both laptops.

Samsonite Expandable Portfolio/Computer Case, Black | Staples®

Mine is made out of a blue vortex material...other than that, it does look like this