The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Backpack buying advice request.

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Lunar_Lamp, Mar 2, 2006.

  1. Lunar_Lamp

    Lunar_Lamp Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    57
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Heya, taking inspiration from the "What laptop should I buy?" style of asking questions, here goes:

    Do you want a backpack, sleeve, messengerbag, or other?
    Backpack

    Budget:
    Not huge - I might stretch to £50 for a fantastic bag, but would prefer to find a solution for half that price.

    Laptop Model:
    Acer Aspire 5024

    Screen size
    15.4 inch

    Space for papers/ringbinders/other required?
    Yes - I need the ability to store at least a ringbinder in the bag

    Space for media player required?
    Yes (Cowon iAudio X5)

    Headphone port required?
    It would be preferable, however I have a bit of a problem on this front. I use an inline remote for my media player, so the plug instead of being a standard 3.5mm plug is a fair bit larger. On my current bag it only *just* squeezes through the port if I apply a bit of pressure and carefully jiggle it around.

    Do you mind buying online without seeing the bag in person?
    Nope

    Where are you buying?
    UK

    Any brands you like or dislike?
    Nope

    How important are aesthetics to you?
    I've had a look around, and I can say that I do *not* want a leather backpack. Euch. I would like something that seems to be refered to as "Urban/Sporty", but I am willing to consider all suggestions.

    How important is durability?
    Fairly, my rucksack gets though a lot of work, and needs to be able to stand up to a reasonable amount of abuse.

    How important is comfort?
    As my laptop is not the lightest, and it will be in a bag with other items, I would like a reasonable degree of padding etc.
     
  2. JiantBrane

    JiantBrane Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    108
    Messages:
    634
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    One I really like is this Timberland model that I can't find in the US. If you get it, let me know what you think, because I'd be happy to order it from overseas if somebody gives it enough of a thumbs-up. Looks like it has a headphone port for a suspended player pocket).
    http://www.ebags.co.uk/timberland/h...ckpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=52716
    (40 pounds with free mainland delivery).

    I really like Jansport, but I can't tell if this particular pack has a headphone port:
    http://www.ebags.co.uk/jansport/explorer/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=55273 (50 pounds w/ free delivery)

    Unfortunately, you're really limited without upping the price to at least 40 pounds.
     
  3. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    18
    Messages:
    2,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0


    Ebags has a great selection of bags at very good prices
     
  4. JiantBrane

    JiantBrane Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    108
    Messages:
    634
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    As prices go, theirs are good. However, I think 25 pounds should convert to roughly $40 USD, and most laptop backpacks are more expensive than that.
     
  5. Lunar_Lamp

    Lunar_Lamp Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    57
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm afraid that I really don't like the look of the Timberland bag, heh.

    The Jansport one looks ok, but I don't think there is a headphone port on it.

    Ebags does look to have a great selection - I've been trying to hunt down a rival to it (for price comparisons etc) but so far without success. There are some really nice Techair bags there for about £50. I think I am going to have to go with most of that budget unless something comes up on ebay.

    The Victorinox Oxford for £55 looks good, but pricey - http://www.ebags.co.uk/victorinox_swiss_army/oxford/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=53041.

    Also, I prefer the red which is out of stock, and I can't find another UK supplier!