Backpack for College

Are notebook backpacks that helpfull? Ive never actually looked inside one, so i dont know. Im almost afraid to get a notebok backpack because it will advertise that i am carrying a laptop. Im going to ucr and i dont know about the people there yet. Would a "slip" case be better so i can just store it in a regular backpack or just got for the laptop backpack?

 

a laptop backpack is generally a regular backpack with a padded pocket for the laptop. it is very convenient and provides additional protection for your investment. IMHO it is a must have if you plan to carry your laptop around once a week or more.

To answer your second question, most laptop backpacks actually are not easily distinguishable from regular backpack so they are a much better alternative to laptop bags.

Take a look on eBags.com as an example and see if you like something. Like this:
http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?modelID=69612&Subcategory_Link=Details_OGIO_69612

 

O cool...i didnt even know ogio made notebook backpacks. I was thinking like a dell backpack or a targus backpack..that would be kind of noticeable imo.
thanks again

 

I got this one for my 1210.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834997649

It looks good, and it dosent look like a traditional notebook backpack, thus not advertising that a $2300 piece of hardware is inside it. It is also big enough to carry a text book or two in it along with notebook and other school stuff. Its also very comfortable and feels like nothing on my sholders.

 

I agree with Leshii. Most notebook backpacks I've seen have a separate, padded compartment for the notebook and a second compartment for books and what have you.


Another advantage is that with a notebook backpack you can carry your notes, books, and whatever else you need along with the notebook without having a separate piece of luggage on you.


Being the cheapskate that I am, I got my backpack (made by Wenger) at Marshall's. The funny things is that I paid $30 for it and it sells for over $45 on eBay for a used one; even higher going to retail stores like Staples or Office Depot. Anyway, try looking around for a backpack. You never know if what you can find...

 

another thing to mention is that the higher price that you pay for a laptop backpack (compared to cheap regular backpacks) is not only justified by that padded compartment, but most laptop backpacks also have certain ergonomic features that help manage the extra weight.

My targus backpack has padded back and straps a laptop pocket big enough to carry my 17" monster of notebooks (sizewise) and has only a small targus logo on the top.

Here's a short story for your entertainment:
I went on a vacation a couple of years ago. I went from Ottawa, Canada to Sydney, Australia. There were 3 flights: 6.5hrs, 6hrs and 15hrs long. I also spent a total of 16 hours waiting at the airports.

For these flights I could have two carry on bags. I picked my Targus and my old laptop bag (that was given to me as a present).

My targus backpack was packed with my laptop (a little heavier than e1705), my external HD, all of the power supplies (that weighted more than the laptop and hd combined) and some other stuff. The overall weight must have been around 30lb.

My second bag was a laptop bag that had some of my clothes and a few other things, 15lb tops.

I will skip over my flights, waiting at airports and other adventures but by the time I got back I've learned a few things:
1. Everybody (at customs etc) thought that the laptop was in the laptop bag. They were all pretty surprised when I would pull it out of the backpack. This is something I hoped for.
2. The second thing however was surprising to me: even though my laptop bag was so much lighter I got really tired of it. It was pulling my shoulder my neck or my arm, it wasn't staying in one place and really annoying me. The backpack on the other hand stayed on really nice and I did not feel like I was carrying a 30lb bag during those long hours of wandering in the airports. My laptop and other did not get damaged and survived those hours of flights and airports safely. (Including 3 bottles of wine that I brought back from AU. Looking back, they probably should have been in a separate bag but at the time I didn't have much choice).


Anyway, the moral of my story, kids, is: thank god for the laptop backpack! Get it, use it!

 

I was also looking for a laptop bag. I was wondering how good that Ogio Fugitive would be for University. I'll have a lot of books and the laptop. I can't find a decent picture that shows a lot of stuff packed into the Ogio bag. That way I would know for sure it'd withstand whatever load I put into it.

I also checked out my local Bentley bag shop, found this pretty cool Reebok laptop backpack, but don't know how it'll performe. The bag seemed good and strong but who knows.

 

I've gotten and have been using a Targus Cityscape Chicago backpack on campus this summer. It's good for two classes stright enough room for two text books (one Biology and one Calculus), a 500 sheet spiral notebook, my notebook (14.1 inch Dell d620), a spare mouse, AC charger, and two water bottles. It distributes the weight evenly across my back and shoulders so I'm not slumping while carrying it around. Great pack.

 

I got a really good deal on my bag. Its a Wenger Urban Pack. It looks more like a regular bag. Got it for 10 bucks at the Marshalls near my house. Wearing it is great really comfortable and has enough padding for my laptop.

 

also look at jansport firewire and theres another jansport...also northface recon is another great bag... umm really just go to a computer store or look on newegg.com or tigerdirect.com you will find a pack that works for you

 

as people suggested, try the bag you want to buy with laptop in it if you can. Otherwise, read reviews on eBags.

 

I got the Targus Chicago Citygear backpack, and it's more than enough to hold books, pen, notebooks, and a 14" laptop. Very durable and very comfortable and not too big.