17" Macbook - Lugging about woes ...

[goodonpaper]

I'm currently using an Incase slip case for my Macbook Pro - but I could really use something with a strap(s) so I can free my hands up for opening doors, shaking hands, eating sandwiches etc. Anyone got a nice bag that they'd recommend? I'm a big Crumpler fan, but they don't seem to have anything that isn't ridiculously oversized...

[Jerman]

I am a HUGE fan of Waterfield. They are a bit on the pricey side, but well worth the money. Very well worth it. I own a sleevecase by them that also came with a strap and a bag so I can carry my laptop without anything else. (MacBook Pro 15") I also bought their large "Cargo" briefcase, but that will run you much more than just the sleevecase. Their sleevecases can be seen here:

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.htm

If it is your only bag, make sure to order it with a "flap" to provide complete protection. As I said before, if you get this with the shoulder strap and bag (piggyback) it will run you a pretty penny, but it is so worth it for such an expensive machine.

[Windswept]

I got a Brenthaven backpack, w/insertable padded sleeve, when I bought my 12" PowerBook a few years back.

I really like Brenthaven. Here's one made for the MBP.

http://brenthaven.com/catalog-apple-pro-15-17.html

Expensive, but oh-so-worth-it, if you're carrying your laptop around much.

Letters from satisfied customers:

Thank you so much! I love this laptop backpack! It took a beating, but it is still serviceable. It protected my PowerBook through the most severe conditions that I have ever encountered, including well above 20 mortar attacks, 382 combat missions, and 2 ambushes. The laptop bags your company produces are the only ones that I recommend to my colleagues.

Sincerely,
-- Erik



I had a situation where my car ran over my backpack and dragged it
down the street. Other cars were honking at me and I didn't realize what was
going on till I looked at my rear view mirror and saw a black bag on the
middle of the road. I realized that I left my bag at the back of the car
since I forgot my car keys. While doing that several phone calls from
clients were coming in and I needed to get underway to work. As you can see
I completely forgot about the bag behind the car. The bag needs to be sent
to the hospital for some mending. All internal organs were protected
without damage. Unbelieveable to realize that the car went over the bag and
dragged it down the street and nothing was damaged. My just bought Macbook
Pro 17 was not bent or tweeked in anyway and startup normally. The
Brenthaven Pro Backpack was the bullet proof vest, the protective angel for my
computer that morning.

George A.
August 7, 2006
The second guy sounds like he has a major problem with attention-deficit disorder, but still an amazing story. ;)

[joveblue]

Damn - I was about to suggest Crumpler :lol:

EDIT: What about the Skivvy 17"?
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/Resources/CartResources/193_res/b193_o10645_ai1167.jpg

[admactanium]

doesn't your incase sleeve come with a shoulder strap? both of mine did.

[709]

booq (http://booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.92/.f) bags are very nice, but I'm really a fan of Acme Made (http://www.acmemade.com/index.html). Their Designer Slims are beautiful, but the new Slim Pack can't be beat for sheer sex appeal.

Behold:

http://www.acmemade.com/graphics/items/theslimpack/SlimPack.jpg http://www.acmemade.com/graphics/items/theslimpack/SlimPackRear.jpg

It will replace my man bag this year given that every trendy male on earth has decided it's 'OK' to carry one now. Goddamn metrosexual wannabes. :grumble:

[turbulentfurball]

http://www.acmemade.com/graphics/items/theslimpack/SlimPack.jpg http://www.acmemade.com/graphics/items/theslimpack/SlimPackRear.jpg

Now that's sex in man-bag form. I'd hit it.

[Wraven]

I second Windswept's recommendation. I have a 17" PowerBook that I tote to grad school and with the greatness that is the Brenthaven backpack I hardly notice it. Breathes pretty well too for how much protection it gives.

Oh, and it's also fairly water resistant (we get a bunch of Spring storms here in the Dallas area).

[Hassan i Sabbah]

http://www.boblbee.com/

These are ridiculously cool.

[intlplby]

i got a Matias armor because laptop protection is very important to me....

i recommend it.... the only downer is that you have to watch not to hit people when walking down crowded city streets.... it's the kind of bag that is likely to hurt others and break stuff

[goodonpaper]

Some awesome suggestions - cheers guys!