Backpacks, messenger bags, sleeves, etc. What's good?

I hear about these bags that X person says make their laptop feels weightless. I know it's all a bit subjective of course, but what really makes a laptop feel weightless or not so heavy?

For messenger bags, more padding? Or what?

I'm curious, I didn't really believe and a couple of months ago I purchased an this with a discount from a friend who worked at best buy:
http://ogio.com/product.php?product=515

It was an OGIO street city corp messenger bag 17".

I heard OGIO was a pretty decent brand so I went ahead with it. I liked the look too. I spent like 2 hours looking for a bag and decided that was the best one (long enough to get employees suspicious of me, thinking I was stealing.)

Anyway, I took my hp dv5t to school with it, and after a while, my shoulders started aching. The HP dv5t measures around 6 lbs and the bag around 3 lbs.

I would think, sure, more padding would distribute weight, but it'd have to be quite thick, maybe an inch thick.

The bag has extra dividers and compartments that I didn't use much because of the added weight, so maybe i'd just go with a simplistic messenger bag just to hold laptop and power brick.

Is this a bad bag?

Anyone want to suggest backpack or messenger bag?

 

A backpack will always distribute the weight on your back more evenly than a messenger bag, causing less stress on muscles.

Don't know if the bag you have is bad per se, but it doesn't seem to work for you. I'd try a backpack. Its difficult to suggest a bag since I've got no idea what kinda style you like or how much you want to spend...but look at this thread. For myself, I like booqbags. they've got good designs, and really good support...but they're pricey.

 

I use my targus Miami messenger for work and such, and a mobile2go backpack from 2005 for carrying multiple laptops and/or books for the weight distribution. The backpack is nice and slim, yet can hold my 17in, accessories, and books with room to spare. But like many others cant use a backpack in a corporate environment due to it not being professional. Dont get me wrong I can do both laptops or a laptop and some books in the messenger, but it does get annoying sometimes as a backpack feels more natural.

 

I am going to suggest that you take a look at Swiss Gear backpacks..

They are awesome, reliable, durable, and have great look to them.

Here is a page with several 17" backpacks etc. from amazon.com, with Swiss Gear sitting at the top!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=17"+laptop+backpack

Also the Swiss Gear Pegasus is a nice backpack for 17" lappys

http://www.amazon.com/PEGASUS-Swiss...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244497892&sr=8-1

and check the Targus XL...it's on the first link I provided above, like the 4th or 5th down...

If your looking at neoprene sleeves..look at brands such at Belkin, Targus and Case Logic..

And, of course Zeroshock makes excellent sleeves:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-ZEROSHO...6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244498023&sr=1-6


Cin

 

+1 for Booq laptop bags, but as mentioned, they are pricey!

A backpack is always going to be better for your back, more evenly distributes the weight across your upper body. If I was going to be doing alot of walking/riding, I'd get a backpack.

For the casual commute, I'd go a messenger.