Laptop bag suggestions

[janey]

I'm still in love with 3 year old timbuk2 bag, but I think it's about time I got a replacement for it, the bag having been worn out from use. Although I've had a handful of laptops over the course of several years and more bags and sleeves than laptops (everyone ranging from incase and crumpler to the stereotypical laptop bags from the likes of samsonite and targus), there's only been one I liked above the others, and it's the timbuk2 bag. However, I don't want to buy a similar one before checking out all my options.

So, I'm looking for the following in a bag (any bag), and would appreciate any suggestions:

• Has to fit the following all together:
  1. 12" iBook (room for a 15" pbook would be nice, if i end up upgrading later)
  2. one or two standard sized textbooks (around 8"x10"x1.5")
  3. a small notebook (lets say 8"x10"x0.5")
• doesn't have to have a particular compartment for the laptop
• has a bit of padding, preferably not a lot, great if removable
• must have a few pockets (and not velcroed addons) for pens/pencils, graphing calculator, miscellaneous oddities, keys, cellphone, wallet, power adapter and a tin of altoids
• one strap, not two. messenger bags are best.
• must be well built - no flimsy plastic, fabric, or manufacturing involved (having plastic buckle-things that hold the strap together to the bag that break are not fun)
• has a comfortable strap pad (or just recommend this separately)
• should be mostly waterproof
• in regards to size, I would really like it if it weren't a big bag, my current one is a timbuk2 medium (at around 16"x12"x6")
• isn't designed bizarrely as to make it uncomfortable to use when switched around - i use both hands, both shoulders almost equally
• comes in muted colors (grey/silver, black, dark earthy colors, et cetera)
• doesn't scream "laptop bag"...for obvious reasons

In terms of style, I'm not looking for Kensington bags like this, nor the Halliburton aluminum briefcases, or anything else like that.

And finally, my budget for a bag would be $150ish tops, as a replacement for my current one is $100, but I'll spend a bit more if it's worth it.

Thanks in advance


edit: i forgot to add, i'm well aware of the MR wiki article on buying a laptop bag, but I was asking this in a thread for specific bag suggestions - don't want to miss out on a gem of a bag, if it exists

 

[stevep]

I think you've answered your own question in line 1. The Commute or Detour2 bags from Timbuk2 look ideal from what you say above.
The Crumpler that I have fails me on 2 important points - no room for extra bits and pieces; and velcro that makes SUCH a noise when I open it in a meeting!!

 

[zach]

re: my post on your LJ.

i'm pretty sure they don't make those bags anymore, annnnnnnd i can't find anywhere that has them. tear.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

I have a Booq Black Mamba XS but since they no longer are made I guess I can't recommend them. If I were getting a new bag I would look at Booq, Crumpler, Acmemade, or if I bought a 17" Powerbook then I would consider a Zero Haliburton to protect my investment (seriously!)

 

[vga4life]

You might check out Tom Bihn - they might have a bag or two that fits your criteria.

http://www.tombinh.com

I can vouch for them being exceptionally well made & versatile. They're certainly very popular around my (Seattle) office. I like the Smart Alec backpack myself, but their Large Cafe bag or one of their messenger bags might fit your bill.

 

[wildcard]

Another Mac enthusiast board has a stickied post regarding laptop cases...

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?t=178702

 

[janey]

hey guys

thanks for all the suggestions! i'll check out the links and decide on a bag (hopefully) soon