15.4" Messenger bag

I've looked at some reviews for bags but I don't want to screw up my purchase or get screwed. I'm getting a HP dv5t that I will carry in this bag but will also use the bag to carry a book, notepad, and pencils for class. I won't ever be combining the two so it doesn't have to be big enough for that. I'm worried that if I get one in a retail store that it won't be good enough for protecting a laptop and if I get a laptop bag I'll overpay and get numerous weird compartments.

Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction on this. I should also note that I'm jobless since I'm awaiting leg surgery and am tight on money for college so I'd like to keep the purchase fairly cheap.

 

the best of both worlds backpack and mess bag. i paid 29.99 at bestbuy awhile back but worth the 79.99.

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TBB001US

 

You can get a good notebook sleeve, for example a memory foam sleeve which offers better protection that a neoprene sleeve. And then purchase a bag that you want. That you you have a more flexible choice. This combination worked well for me until I moved over to a notebook messenger bag.

 

I would suggest the Samsonite L45.

 

Thanks for the help. I say a nice messenger bag and found a good sleeve to use. Looks and works amazingly.