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?

Most importantly

[powerpuffgirls]

I thought the most important feature is to prevent theft? Well, a notebook bag isn't going to prevent theft, but a normal-looking back will prevent thieves from realising you're carrying a notebook.

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:repeat

[Anonymous Coward]

A dupe from 4 years ago on a subject like this really isn't much of a dupe...

Re:Just use a regular backpack

[KhanAFur]

I use a regular backpack with a laptop sleeve. It protects my laptop and doesn't screem "TAKE ME."

I would recommend a laptop sleeve along with the rebular backpack becuase regular backpack don't offer much in terms of protection.

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.

Re:Targus backpack..

[Chuqmystr]

Agreed! The one I've had for about 1.5 years now looks just like the model called Citygear at the link provided. It's been quite handy, comfortable and durable. It even has som weather resistance to it. I'd not intentionaly take it out uncovered and into a downpour with the precious in it but I have been caught in a few rains while on my bike and my lappy and often accompanying O'Reilly bible d'jour were still snug and dry when I arived at point B.

I've toted a 14" Dell and currently a 12" iBook for some time now with it and never damaged one or the other. I tend to be rough on portable goods.

I also do many a bike trip to the "coffee office" as well as many a road trip and that means bringing along all sorts of Giz - the peripherals change along with the excursion. Digital cam, USB cables, cantenna, dongles, patch cable, iPod, charger(s) and perhaps a book or two. It can all be stuffed in there, not put undue presure on the LCD side and even though it can get hefty it wears nice for long periods of time. Mine even has a belt strap and a big n' beefy handle at the top with a good rubber grip. And yes, it's done double-duty as a generic back-pack sans lappy. Best $70 American I've spent in a long while.

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.

One word: Tumi

[Incognitius]

The be all and end all for any luggage concern: Tumi.

As the Robb Report calls it, "the Rolex of luggage."

http://www.tumi.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=se arching&search=category&categoryid=13015&sub_site_ id=3

Two answers.

[Futurepower(R)]

I can't find my previous post, to the former story.

I said that there are two answers: 1) Find the ugliest backpack you can, so that you won't be the target of thieves, or 2) to distract the thieves, everywhere you go, take a supermodel.

Targus bags shout, "I have a laptop, probably an expensive one."

--
Is Bush drinking NOW? [dailykos.com]

Re:Two answers.

[aristotle-dude]

Or you could just grow a backbone. Thieves only go for easy targets. If you look like a victim, you will become one.

Going out of your way to hide what you have will either:
1. Make you stick out like a sore thumb.
2. Put your laptop at risk to damage or just dampen your trip experience (especially if the backpack you choose is less functional).

How do you know thieves don't read slashdot?

How do you know thieves have not read Sun-tzu's The Art of War? Know your enemy.

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:Two answers.

[tftp]

How do you know thieves have not read Sun-tzu's The Art of War?

Because they steal notebooks. A thief with a brain, who reads Sun Tzu, steals millions, and nobody even notices.

Recommend High Sierra - Access

[jmbrauny]

Since no one has mentioned it, I'm on my 4th bag, and I like the Access, by High Sierra.

- $60 (I paid $49.99 at my local luggage store)
- compression straps (I really wanted compression straps -- and they are hard to find in a laptop bag)
- padded compartment
- plenty of pockets
- hip belt
- built in bag rain coat that may be deployed (which also pads the buttom of the bag during encounters with gravity)

Re:A little pricy, but excellent

[Zen Punk]

You could always remove the logo with a razor.

Kensington SaddleBag

[Yoweigh116]

I have a Kensington SaddleBag Sport [kensington.com] 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.