Anyone use a Belkin Slim Backpack with their 11in?

[KylePowers]

Link - http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Slim-Backpack-Black-Light/dp/B001586UI2

I've searched (relatively) extensively and found a myriad of threads regarding backpacks, some even mentioning this Belkin Slim Backpack... unfortunately I didn't see too many (if any) actual reviews, or at least in respect to a Macbook Air 11".

I know most people use messenger bags and smaller bags for such a small laptop, but I'd be using mine for college (third year) - which means also carrying ~3 binders, a calculator, pens/pencils, charger, maybe a small book, etc.

I don't particularly want anything big or that has that typical backpack look, so I thought this Belkin may be the right choice. But before I pull the trigger, I thought I'd ask what people think, what their experiences are, and whether there are better (but similar) options out there. Thanks!

*I probably wouldn't get a sleeve for the MBA... and if I did, it may just be a slim one to protect from scratches.

Video review - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vNPopgeTrg

 

[KylePowers]

Hrrmmm, more than twice the price, but does any have any experience with the Incase Nylon Compact backpack? I imagine it's quite similar to the Belkin in size...

I don't really like it as much (in terms of looks; excluding color), but it's not baaaad.

 

[LVappleNOTfnboi]

Does the incase compact have a suspended laptop pocket?

 

[CardboardGiant]

I ordered the exact same color for the Incase backpack.

According to the shipping carrier, I should receive it on Monday.

Will post pictures and let you know what it's like

 

[aeboi]

I have the previous iteration of the Incase compact and the laptop compartment is suspended.

 

[Nico-rhns]

I have the Incase Compact Backpack for little over a year now.

It's a great backpack, i love it!
You can easily cary your MacBook (Air, Pro) without any other protection, and it won't get scratched.

 

[KylePowers]

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For those that do have it, do you think you could fit an 11in MBA plus ~3 1-inch binders? (in a sort of "VAV" layout to maximize space)

 

[LVappleNOTfnboi]

I have the previous iteration of the Incase compact and the laptop compartment is suspended.

Thanks! I'm going pull the trigger on this.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I recently just purchased the Incase Compact Backpack and have been recommending it in bag-related threads here. It's an amazing bag, very comfortable, surprisingly spacious for its size, simple but sleek looking, and protects the 13" Air very well in its laptop compartment (especially if you add a sleeve to the Air).

I highly recommend it.

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For those that do have it, do you think you could fit an 11in MBA plus ~3 1-inch binders? (in a sort of "VAV" layout to maximize space)

The binders will fit no problem. The Incase bag is surprisingly spacious. It has these grooves that extend outward if you need more room. As for the 11" fitting in, of course it'll fit, but there will be some room left over. It may or may not slide; not sure. I know the 13" fits with some leg room, but doesn't slide or move around too much. The bag comes in 15" and 17" sizes only.

You could try putting the Air in the iPad compartment, which would be a better fit, I imagine. But it's not as padded. Best to try your hands on one if you can visit a store that carries it. If you're in NYC, Kamp carries it.

 

[onthecouchagain]

This should give an idea of the 13" Air in the Incase backpack. Hope that helps.

 

[FieldingMellish]

I thought the InCase back pack was as overpriced as other InCase products, but bought it anyway, seeing as how I envisioned it getting lots of carry time. It's got the features, and lack of certain ones, that I like in a back pack. The ones it lacks are lots of rearward externally accessed zip compartments of the type that thieves reach for in crowded environments. One large zip up the sides and around the back gives you access to the entire innards, speeding your access. It also lacks the wild color combos, giant logos, and the all hardware laden appearance of the outdoorsy kind of back packs, as well as the beetle hump-back teardrop shape many of those kinds have.

 

[aziatiklover]

Go for incase good brand.