*sigh* Timbuk2 Commute, or Classic messenger for laptop and school stuff?

[in2themystik2]

Alright, well, I know there have been a gazillion posts about bags, and backpacks, and sleeves and all that jazz from 64 different companies. I have searched the forums a few times, but still have such difficulty making a decision since it's sometimes hard to visualize when you can't see a bag up close and personal.

Anyway, initially I wanted a Crumpler considerable embarrassment, but now I am leaning towards a timbuk2 bag. I was leaning towards the commute, but I really like how you can customize your own messenger bag. The unfortunate part about that, is they are not laptop bags. I have a neoprene sleeve for my 12 inch iBook, but my question is, for those of you who have experience with this, would that be enough protection in the classic messenger bag? Or would the commute be better, obviously adding more support?

Thanks for any advice and sorry if this is redundant!

 

[benthewraith]

Alright, well, I know there have been a gazillion posts about bags, and backpacks, and sleeves and all that jazz from 64 different companies. I have searched the forums a few times, but still have such difficulty making a decision since it's sometimes hard to visualize when you can't see a bag up close and personal.

Anyway, initially I wanted a Crumpler considerable embarrassment, but now I am leaning towards a timbuk2 bag. I was leaning towards the commute, but I really like how you can customize your own messenger bag. The unfortunate part about that, is they are not laptop bags. I have a neoprene sleeve for my 12 inch iBook, but my question is, for those of you who have experience with this, would that be enough protection in the classic messenger bag? Or would the commute be better, obviously adding more support?

Thanks for any advice and sorry if this is redundant!

What is a messenger bag? Is it like a backpack? I have a Swiss Army backpack that I can carry stuff in. It's rather nice and comfortable.

 

[livingfortoday]

Go with the Commute! I've had mine for years now, and it's been really great for everything I've hauled, including my old Powerbook. My girlfriend has a regular messenger Timbuk2 bag, since she has no laptop, and I still prefer mine even if I didn't have a laptop.

 

[sfdarwin]

.

 

[benthewraith]

Alright, well, I know there have been a gazillion posts about bags, and backpacks, and sleeves and all that jazz from 64 different companies. I have searched the forums a few times, but still have such difficulty making a decision since it's sometimes hard to visualize when you can't see a bag up close and personal.

Anyway, initially I wanted a Crumpler considerable embarrassment, but now I am leaning towards a timbuk2 bag. I was leaning towards the commute, but I really like how you can customize your own messenger bag. The unfortunate part about that, is they are not laptop bags. I have a neoprene sleeve for my 12 inch iBook, but my question is, for those of you who have experience with this, would that be enough protection in the classic messenger bag? Or would the commute be better, obviously adding more support?

Thanks for any advice and sorry if this is redundant!

This is the bag I use. I like it a lot.

 

[erikistired]

This is the bag I use. I like it a lot.

that's the bag i use for school. for regular use i have an stm small alley (i have a 12" g4 powerbook). i have an incase sleeve as well, but i only use it with the swiss army bag (altho it fits both).

 

[in2themystik2]

Thanks for everyone's help so far. It's embarrassing how long i've been agonizing over this decision... since January/February. I have terrible decision making abillities!

 

[in2themystik2]

Now I'm just curious is someone uses the classic (non laptop version) messenger bag (say, size medium?) to carry their laptop, among other things. How do you feel the laptop is protected in that bag, and overall, do you like using it for your laptop? Thanks!!

 

[Lyle]

Do I need a sleeve?

Along the same lines as the previous question: If I were to go with the timbuk2 Commute (for my MacBook), would I also need to get a sleeve, or does the Commute's notebook pocket provide adequate protection?

 

[MrSugar]

Along the same lines as the previous question: If I were to go with the timbuk2 Commute (for my MacBook), would I also need to get a sleeve, or does the Commute's notebook pocket provide adequate protection?

I am using it with a sleeve, I feel better knowing I have a bit of extra protection.

 

[cschreppel]

I've been using my Custom Messenger (Cordura fabric, not Ballistic Nylon) for over a year now. I have an inCase sleeve for my 15" TiBook (soon to be 13" Black MacBook). There's tons of room in it, plenty of space, and it's fairly lightweight.

I like the strap adjusting mechanism in favor over the Commute as I like to keep my bag pretty snug around me rather than hanging down over my hip or lower back.

I've also got a Treo case that attaches to the strap for easy access.

I went for the Custom bag because the strap adjusting mechanism is typically on the right hand side as most people wear the bags over their left shoulder. However, it's opposite for me. So I custom ordered it with the adjusting mechanism on the left so I could wear the bag over my right shoulder.

Didn't really do anything fancy with the colors (navy-silver-navy), but it was nice to change the stock position of the strap adjust.

BTW, I have an STM Cargo bag I got as a gift for sale if anyone's interested.