The Ultimate Laptop Bag?

[Seasought]

In honor of wasting more money on computers and related accessories, I'd like to know what all of you recommend for laptop bags for a 15" Powerbook.

I've found two extremes. Either the bag is nice, sleek and protective or big, bulky and full of room for adapters, mice, etc.

So, what's the compromise here? I'm on a quest for the perfect laptop bag.

 

[asherman13]

In honor of wasting more money on computers and related accessories, I'd like to know what all of you recommend for laptop bags for a 15" Powerbook.

I've found two extremes. Either the bag is nice, sleek and protective or big, bulky and full of room for adapters, mice, etc.

So, what's the compromise here? I'm on a quest for the perfect laptop bag.

Go for the best of both worlds: something big and bulky with a sleek, removable insert that you can stick anywhere and carry with hand-straps or something.

 

[yankeefan24]

My favorite bags seem to now be unavailable. But i have 1 big IBM bag from the very late 90's which is big, but durable, very secure, and has room for everything i need for my 15" powerbook. My other one is a smaller one which doesn't have alot of room for my computer and a couple of accessories (charger, games, etc.).

I would recommend getting a big one and a small one. You'l probably need both.

 

[corywoolf]

In honor of wasting more money on computers and related accessories, I'd like to know what all of you recommend for laptop bags for a 15" Powerbook.

I've found two extremes. Either the bag is nice, sleek and protective or big, bulky and full of room for adapters, mice, etc.

So, what's the compromise here? I'm on a quest for the perfect laptop bag.

Booq makes killer bags.

http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=96

APC TravelPower™ Case (allows you to charge devices by plugging the bag into outlet)

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=TPC1000S

http://www.apc.com/solutions/displa...index.cfm_F47B3D99-6844-41C1-BCE7C576375B5ECA

 

[Seasought]

Booq makes killer bags.

APC TravelPower™ Case (allows you to charge devices by plugging the bag into outlet)

That looks like what I'm looking for...not the nicest looking, but it has a bunch of separate compartments for my gear. Thanks for the link.

 

[Seasought]

My favorite bags seem to now be unavailable. But i have 1 big IBM bag from the very late 90's which is big, but durable, very secure, and has room for everything i need for my 15" powerbook.

I'm using an old Gateway laptop bag (cringe). It's all black thankfully and you have to really look for the logo.

 

[yankeefan24]

I'm using an old Gateway laptop bag (cringe). It's all black thankfully and you have to really look for the logo.

its the same with the IBM one. Its all black except for the lining (on the inside) and it has one black mark on the bottom and on the zipper. I got it with a business machine, so it was a business bag, probably designed to have places to put files instead of cameras, etc. It does have convienient pockets to put the charger and my PSP.

 

[obrien234]

I use a Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag. Its very sleek and looks exactly like the regular messenger bag.

I really like this, but it might not have all the pockets you're looking for.

 

[stoid]

Check out the Tom Bihn bags. I have a Brain Cell insert and the ID Messenger bag for my 15" Aluminum PowerBook, and it's the most durable versatile bag I've ever used. I've had it for about 2 years now, and it accompanies me on my bike through rain, mud, and ice on a near daily basis, and still looks as good as new!

 

[yankeefan24]

I use a Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag. Its very sleek and looks exactly like the regular messenger bag.

I really like this, but it might not have all the pockets you're looking for.

thats what i use. i find it very big for the amount of space you get, but it is convienient. I use it when i am not going a long way and need everything.

 

[Seasought]

I use a Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag. Its very sleek and looks exactly like the regular messenger bag.

I looked at these at my local Apple store. It doesn't have the room and theh compartments I'm wanting in a laptop bag. Thanks though.

 

[Seasought]

Check out the Tom Bihn bags. I have a Brain Cell insert and the ID Messenger bag for my 15" Aluminum PowerBook, and it's the most durable versatile bag I've ever used. I've had it for about 2 years now, and it accompanies me on my bike through rain, mud, and ice on a near daily basis, and still looks as good as new!

Thanks, I bookmarked Bihn's site as well. Right now I'm leaning toward the Booq bags...they look sweet. I'll post when I pick up my new one, whatever I decide on.

 

[cycocelica]

I prefer mine small and sleek. I got the incase bag. It holds my 15" PB very nicely and I can still fit my power adapter in there as well with out it touching the PB. The only about it is it doesnt have that much padding. The bottom has a good amount but the sides do not. I have yet to drop it so I can not tell you how well it would with stand a drop. None the less, still a great bag.

 

[Seasought]

I prefer mine small and sleek. I got the incase bag. It holds my 15" PB very nicely and I can still fit my power adapter in there as well with out it touching the PB. The only about it is it doesnt have that much padding. The bottom has a good amount but the sides do not. I have yet to drop it so I can not tell you how well it would with stand a drop. None the less, still a great bag.

That's another issue with these "sleeker" bags. They feel like you don't have any protection at all whatsoever. Sure, it's form fitting and nice looking but if you ever drop it or tap a desk corner...

Much like the comparison between spandex and leather when being dragged across the pavement at high speed.

 

[spacehog371]

Best bag by far is the Brenthaven Backpack. I use it for everything, and it is fantastic. If you need more room... there is a video version of the bag for a camera and lenses and all that. They are expensive though... 170 a pop for the non video.

www.brenthaven.com

 

[jsalzer]

Targus

I have three Targus bags - one for my Pismo, one that carries all my work stuff (and food) to and fro, and one being ordered to go with the MacBook Pro my work is getting for me to use.

The Deluxe Platinum and its similar models are built solid and have a handy rubber bumper all around.

Think about how you'll use it before getting one of those messenger bags. I just don't like the idea of having my handle attached to the flap! Which, of course, means that you have to close and click it in order to pick it up.

The Targus bags have the handle sturdily attached to the main body. You can keep the double zippers up at the corners to reach in and pull out your stuff, or you can lay it down like a briefcase. You just can't beat it!

 

[WSFrazier]

I got a nice spymac case to go with my powerbook. Too bad the store on that website is no longer there. It is very sleek and stylish while having compartments for everything. It had a seperate compartment for the iPod and AC Adaptor where they had openings at the bottom so both can still be connected to the PB while in the case.

 

[iQuit]

http://www.axio-usa.com

 

[Seasought]

Best bag by far is the Brenthaven Backpack. I use it for everything, and it is fantastic. If you need more room... there is a video version of the bag for a camera and lenses and all that. They are expensive though... 170 a pop for the non video.

www.brenthaven.com

They certainly look solid.

 

[Seasought]

http://www.axio-usa.com

The Powerbook hardcases look great, very cool.

 

[captainbeefheat]

I have the La Bag thing from the apple store. Tis good, little pricey but there's a 20% off if you buy with a mac.

Seems to hold the laptop very securely and very comfortable and lots of useful pockets inside for all your stuff. Just a shame about the name...

 

[kerpow]

It really depends what you're going to do. If you walk ten feet from your house to your car and then the same when you get to work all those bags mentioned are great.

However, if like me you take the Tube (Subway) to work you might as well hold a sign saying "Look, I'm carrying a really expensive laptop - please mug me".

I use a nice orange sleeve from Tucano, which costs next to nothing and put that in an unassuming backpack. That way no one knows I'm carrying a $1000+ of hardware.

Infact, I rarely take my PB out of the sleeve. A month or so ago I was using my PB in its sleeve and split a full glass of Coke on the table. The Coke just gushed all around the sleeve and left the PB completely unscathed. Without it the PB would be toast.

Just something to think about.

 

[themacman]

i have the timbuk2 computer messenger bag. My bag fell out of my locker once and absolutley nothing happend. IT is a great size and i take it everywhere.

 

[Seasought]

It really depends what you're going to do. If you walk ten feet from your house to your car and then the same when you get to work all those bags mentioned are great.

That's pretty much me, save for trips to the bank and stores of course. I never leave my laptop in my car.

In fact, I rarely take my PB out of the sleeve. A month or so ago I was using my PB in its sleeve and split a full glass of Coke on the table. The Coke just gushed all around the sleeve and left the PB completely unscathed. Without it the PB would be toast.

Just something to think about.

Your link doesn't work for me, but I looked up Tucano's site and looked at their Apple laptop sleeves. Do those dissipate heat at all or are they primarily for transport? I like the idea of having my Powerbook in a sleeve but I don't like the notion of the temperature increasing because of such.

 

[jalagl]

I would recommend getting a big one and a small one. You'l probably need both.

This is good advice... I have a large backpack plus a small Incase Sleeve, and use either one depending on the circumstances.