That looks absolutely perfect for me, but that price tag is putting me off a bit. Anyone know of something similar, but I bit lower priced?
I just got a Domke 802 for 100 dollars. it fits a r MBP 15 inch perfectly, if you put a thin sleeve it should fit just fine; a large sleeve might be a tiny squeeze or result in a slightly diagonal laptop. There is a little padding on the bottom, but not much. I really like it.
It does not look like a laptop bag (well, its not really). There is no laptop pocket in the main pocket, but it has a rear flat pocket, 2 large front pockets, and 2 small pockets on the flap. So it can hold small items/cables separate in the top pocket, plus papers in the rear, the charger with long cable in its own big pocket (which many cases can't) and still have one large pocket for various things/pens, wallet, keys, etc. I usually carry a leather or paper manila paper folder/envelope in my bag for physical documents as I don't use many. The bag can hold a laptop and a large textbook book easily. There are no pen holders/loops FYI.
It has no dedicated laptop pocket, which I like, because then I can use whatever case I like, and, if there is no laptop in it, it doubles as a camera bag, carry on, etc etc without a needless divider/pocket.
Compared to that nice hard case, the Domke looks professional enough for a shirt and tie, but might be a stretch with a suit unless you are very "hip". It does however blend in with all other levels of dress.
I would not buy this bag for protection, but as a daily, multi use bag that also hold a laptop (with sleeve) you should be fine. I wouldn't drop it; even with previous padded laptop bags I have dented laptops. The canvas will not tear, but will wear over time and still look good (but less "clean" professional more "I've been places" professional). The workmanship is fantastic; they make reporter's camera bags and are well known as high quality, but do tend to wear out after a few years of hardcore abuse (not what a student would do, but what a traveling photographer would do). If the bag is heavy, there is a super comfy big foam pad you can buy for the strap; I have it. It is very comfy, but big ands made for large loads. Its not the little foam tampon looking pad most bags have. It is also fairly slim. Heavily padded bags are too large and unwieldy for me!
The shoulder strap has rubber woven in so it won't slip; the bag has metal clips on the side to attach other Domke pods or just various items. The front clip is a little difficult to clip on and off, but thats to prevent theft/breaking/falling out; its solid. It can be removed and replaced with a carabiner with some work for people who want faster clipping. I generally leave them unclipped at work, and clip once I leave work/get home.
There are reports of the darker versions "rubbing off" on owners, but I have had multiple dark Domke bags in Southern California and the tropics and never experienced it. However, the canvas is waxed (still feels like canvas though) and I imagine a super hot summer or being left in a hot car may melt it and cause some to rub off. Again, never had a problem in 8 years of Domke bags. They do wear over time to acquire a used look. They also work well in light rains, but may absorb moisture over time if not properly cared for. You can rewax them. They are also machine washable. Its a nice alternative to leather IMO.
For anyone needing something bigger, the super satchel is a 1lb heavier but much bigger
Edit: just realized it has another flat thin pocket in front of the main compartment; might be usable for an ipad or pens and such