Backpack

[Maciej]

I am looking for a new laptop backpack. I have a 15" PB, and have been looking around a little, and now am looking for some owner input. I'm taking a look at Crumpler's "King Single" (http://www.crumplerbags.com/cartIndex.php?prodId=206&prodType=Bag&catId=5) and Incase's DC Skatebag (http://goincase.com/prod_laptop/prod_lt_dcpack.php). So my question to any owners of these fine backpacks is whether you would say they contain space for everyday college use and carrying of textbooks. I simply need more space than is offered by my Incase Sling Pack (http://goincase.com/prod_laptop/prod_lt_slingpk.php) and more padding than in a regular backpack.

Also, you might suggest looking at MacNN's extensive sticky about this, but I really couldn't find anything useful there - other than company links and various people ignoring each other's questions.

Other suggestions would be great to.

[onlyafterdark]

I have a Brenthaven backpack and absolutely love it. Plenty of room for all your school stuff and it has a removable sleeve for your PB. Not to mention that the backpack itself is built like a tank.

Its definitely worth a look.

[Franz Josef]

Brenthaven Flex 12 - they make an equivalent for 15" PB.

[_Ω_]

I personally have the Booq System.

You get a sleeve as well as a bag which I found to be handy around Uni. The bag was large enough to transport books between home and Uni, and the sleeve good for taking my PB around classes once at Uni.

[Maciej]

Yeah both of the bags I am considering come with sleeves. The Brenthaven Fusion Flex, I believe it is called, was also on my list however right now I think a backpack would be more suitable. Maybe I will add a messenger style back to my collection later.

I'll take a look at the booq, but I'm just worried about extra book space, maybe I will have to go out on a limb because they don't sell any of these bags retail - around me.

[onlyafterdark]

Here is the info (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCanadaCustom.woa/71503/wo/oY6fn68YwdKR3Kz9DImXCMByXGn/1.0.0.11.1.0.6.9.5.19.0.1.1.1.1.2.1.0.3) on the Brenthaven backpack I have if you are still interested.

[Mac+]

Shoo-E ;) Booq make some truly beautiful gear ... but the pricing in Australia was mighty expensive. :grumble: If they are more affordable in your neck of the woods and you have the dollars then you should seriously consider them.

Another company that I am fond of promoting (b/c they are Australian) is STM (http://www.standardtm.com.au). Have a look at their web site - specifically the backpacks. Plenty of compartments and room for books and other assorted gear.

[HezMah19]

I wanted an STM bag, However Ive got a Belkin Bag, Its got a seperate/removable compartment for the laptop, fits a 15" well however I think its Designed for a 17".
Cant find the info on the bag, its got heaps of storage space.

Have a look at STM 1st though.

[Koodari]

I had the Brenthaven model for 15" PB and it's built very well. However, the carry ergonomics felt on par with a $30 regular backpack, not a $250 backpack, and the interior "folder" design did not suit me at all. Overall the backpack felt big from the outside, and small from the inside. I was relieved when I got rid of the backpack along with the Powerbook.

The Booqs look good, but I'm not sure I will ever again buy a bag that expensive without getting to try it on and examine it in my hands.

You can't go wrong with a laptop sleeve and a quality non-laptop backpack.

[Wickers]

I just picked up this computer backpack from MEC.

Here is a link:
http://tinyurl.com/9htyz

I really like my backpack, it's just the right size and is weighted just right on my back.

[Maciej]

Thanks for the suggestions guys - now considering everything. I'll let you know what I end up going with.

[onlyafterdark]

I personally have the Booq System.

You get a sleeve as well as a bag which I found to be handy around Uni. The bag was large enough to transport books between home and Uni, and the sleeve good for taking my PB around classes once at Uni.

Omega, which model do you have and how big is the compartment for books?

Could you hold a university text and some notepads comfortably in it?

Could you also post some pictures (if possible)? The Booq site's pictures dont give you the best perspectives of what the bags compartments are like.

Thanks.

[Maciej]

I don't like the looks of the booq. Call me a metrosexual, picky, or messiatosh - the booqs are just really plain.

[onlyafterdark]

Yes, it does seem very plain but the quality looks great. And the main thing for me is the stuff is weather resistant.

It rains a lot on the west coast. :)

[kaseyha]

I have to say that I do love my Mobile Edge bag. It has enough room for my work stuff, textbooks for class, my iBook, iPod, camera, cellphone, every variation of cord I can think of and my coffee mug. Gotta love it.

[Mac+]

Shoo-E - The Booqs are plain, but the materials used and quality of construction are excellent. If you're after funky though, then these ain't your bags. :\

[Maciej]

Yeah, thats why I like the Crumplers. I don't want something that screams "THERES A COMPUTER IN THERE" like a lot of the Brenthavens and Targus do.

[Mac+]

Again, I'd urge you to also check out STM as their bags don't scream "There's a computer in here" either. You might even find their pricing may be better as well.

[_Ω_]

Omega, which model do you have and how big is the compartment for books?

Could you hold a university text and some notepads comfortably in it?

Could you also post some pictures (if possible)? The Booq site's pictures dont give you the best perspectives of what the bags compartments are like.

Thanks.

Sorry but I do not have a digi camera.

However, the model I have is the BP3 System (http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=44).

It should easily hold what you need. I just had a quick play on how much I could fit into it. With my laptop in the sleeve (in the sleeve compartment) I can fit two reams of paper landscape (thinking of what I could use that was standard!!). This still left enough room at the top of the bag so fit say 15-20 CD's.

If all you need to carry is a couple of books and some paper then you should have no issues.


;)

[onlyafterdark]

Thanks Omega. :)

edit: I found a good review of the Booq Boa. If you are interested you can find it here. (http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2005/08/jkontherun_revi.html)

[Spaghetti]

I have a Tom Bihn backpack that I love. Expensive but worth every penny.