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troublesomekila

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 21, 2008
35
0
Is there any like cheap backpacks for the macbook? I went to the MacStore today and most of em were like $100 or more....Im going as high as $50
 
Get the cheapest neoprene sleeve you can find, toss that in a decent backpack. Usually you can find HP or other box name sleeves at the walmart for about $8, just cut off the rubber label with a knife or take off the printed label with alcohol. It doesn't have to be a laptop backpack then. In high traffic zones, I use a weathered canvas messenger that first saw duty in 1999 and still sees action weekly. When meeting clients or traveling, a Kenneth Cole messenger.
 
Get the cheapest neoprene sleeve you can find, toss that in a decent backpack. Usually you can find HP or other box name sleeves at the walmart for about $8, just cut off the rubber label with a knife or take off the printed label with alcohol. It doesn't have to be a laptop backpack then. In high traffic zones, I use a weathered canvas messenger that first saw duty in 1999 and still sees action weekly. When meeting clients or traveling, a Kenneth Cole messenger.

I agree with getting a sleeve and putting it in a backpack. I'm not particularly a fan of the aesthetics on what most companies label "laptop backpacks". They are usually expensive, large, and scream "geek" (I'm generalizing - there are obviously SOME nice laptop backpacks out there). There are, however, plenty of nice looking laptop messenger bags for pretty cheap.

I would advise not to skimp on the neoprene sleeve though. I've found there is a significant difference between what is considered a cheap sleeve and something "premium" with better padding and protection.

But in general - yes - a sleeve offers much greater versatility than just buying a laptop backpack.
 
Is there any like cheap backpacks for the macbook? I went to the MacStore today and most of em were like $100 or more....Im going as high as $50

I got this one from amazon for my 13 inch MacBook.
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Gear-SA9769-Black-SwissGear/dp/B0019M9EPK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I am very pleased with the quality of the backpack.
It may be a bit small for some people, but it's the perfect size if you don't carry more than 2 textbooks with you.

I highly recommend this one. Check the reviews on amazon for more information.:D
 
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That's another reason that I kept in my head, laptop backpacks lately have been bulky and geeky. Good eye brotherman. My kid brothers, both of them, have awful massive bags that I have the displeasure of seeing since I'm "back home" on holiday for... well, for the holiday. And I see this kind of thing in stores too often. Lots of colors and textures, rubber and nylon meshes on the outside, some kind of plastic structure on the inside. Its all rubbish.

Your bag, like your watch or your shoes, says alot about you, whether you like it or not. A $50 budget isn't unreasonable, which is one of the reasons I pushed the sleeve out there. And yes, a $9 sleeve is different than a $35 sleeve, unless the daily value of $9 is high, such as during a sale at staples or best buy.

But remember that awful geeky backpack we're trying to avoid? What it really says is "rob me" to whomever is looking to do that sort of thing.

If you have a Marshall's or a TJ-Maxx nearby, check their bag selection. You'll find good value there, without the geeky rob me bags.
 
i use an incase sleeve inside a belkin slim backpack (the laptop slot is quite large for my 13" with the sleeve it fits perfect) its smaller, only about 5" deep and together they cost a total of about $60:D
 
i use an incase sleeve inside a belkin slim backpack (the laptop slot is quite large for my 13" with the sleeve it fits perfect) its smaller, only about 5" deep and together they cost a total of about $60:D

Thats like my backpack, its made for a 15inch but with the incase sleeve it fits perfect!
 
Your link isnt taking me to the product page!? Am i missing something??
EDIT: i got it, i just searched mac case... those do look nice

You are fast. I changed it again within seconds after posting it a second time and then realized it wouldn't work. I just posted a link to the manufacturers site and if the OP or anyone is wanting it they can buy from them or do a simple search on MacMall themselves.
 
You are fast. I changed it again within seconds after posting it a second time and then realized it wouldn't work. I just posted a link to the manufacturers site and if the OP or anyone is wanting it they can buy from them or do a simple search on MacMall themselves.

HAHA:D
Im in AZ with nothing to do!! Mac Forums is my life right now! haha!
 
I have been using this backpack for the last 7 years. I have traveled all over the world with it and yet it is decent enough to use in board meetings for the Fortune 10 company I work for.

I have tried others but I keep coming back to it. Super safe, outstanding pocket design. Unfortunately Brenthaven "updated" it with a larger version to accommodate the 15" Macbook Pro which I think ruined it. Last year it finally wore out. However due to Brenthaven"s outstanding lifetime warranty, they replaced with a brand new, older version. I guess the point is that it wasn't cheap but amortized over 7 years, and taking into account how unbeliveably good this bag is, I think it was totally worth it.
 
+1

I love North Face backpacks. Just switched back to a backpack after using a Timbuk2 messenger bag for the past 2 years. I got the Surge, but it's a tad bit expensive. The Recon is very well made too, I'd recommend it.

The Recon is what i originally wanted. I just couldnt find it in a store near me.
I hate ordering things. I need to see them in person first.
 

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I used to use a targus backpack for my old toshiba and sony laptops. It was pretty bulk and I wanted something a little slimmer. I ended up picking up an incase sleeve and incase slingpack. It's about $29 over your stated $50 budget but it is another option.
 
Currently using a Chrome Roll-top Pack (no in-built padding) with a Crumpler "The Gimp" sleeve.

i just put a layer of sponge foam to line the bottom of my bag. works fine.

Booq has some really nice bags as well.
 
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