Best bag or backpack for new laptop

Hey guys,
I just purchased a new Sager NP8150 and I need a bag to protect it and keep it with me while I'm on the road. I'm a pilot so I do a lot of traveling and my bags tend to get tossed around (not always gently) so I'd like something with reasonable protection for my new investment. I'd prefer a messenger style bag but could live with a backpack if there were obvious advantages. My price range is roughly $150 or less. I've looked on sites like ebags.com but I'm looking for some real-world experience and opinions. Thanks.

 

have you checked out CD Cases, DVD Cases & Laptop Backpacks, Bags by SLAPPA, I have two of their bags and really like them. they have a huge variety of options too.
I just think their styles and build quality is great, and they give you all sorts of extra goodies. anyway take a look

 

Thanks MrButterBiscuits,
I've never heard of Slappa but I checked out their site. They look like they offer some quality products. I only saw a few bags specifically sized for 15" laptops however. If i went with a bigger bag (since I will probably be carrying a lot of stuff in it) would that cause my laptop to get tossed around?

 

hmm I remember them having alot more messenger bags... anyway
thats something you would have to research, I know there are quite a few messenger type bags that will still keep your laptop secure by strapping it in to the pouch, but honestly too big is better than too small

EDIT: I also thought maybe the hard body pro messenger bag might be right up your alley, since it has a cool look, but is still professional.

 

If you're a pilot, I'd suggest finding a hardsided roller case that fits carry on dimensions.

Here are a few ideas:

T.Z. Case Aluminum Wheeled Briefcase, Rolling Attache Case for Man, 17" Hard-Sided Laptop Case

YouTube - Mezzi Traveler Edition Roller Aluminum Black Laptop Case

Aluminum Padded Rolling Laptop Computer Case NC400: tzc-NC400 Cases Delivered

If you can combine your carry-on bag with your notebook, you might have a far easier time traveling. I don't see any problem with packing clothing and travel items, if there is a separate compartment for the computer.

 

Meh, those are some really ugly cases... basically boxes on wheels, people still like some style lol

 

If you could extend your budget to the $200 price range, I would highly recommend the Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer messenger bag. It's one of the most sturdy bags on the market due to the 1050 denier ballistic nylon material used and would be perfect for those that often have to go through security checkpoints at the airport (no need to take your laptop out for the x-ray machine).

See sig for review.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, although I probably should have clarified that I'm a pilot in the Air Force so I don't do security checkpoints and a roller-type bag wouldn't really work, it needs to be something i can carry on my person.

Biscuits, I looked at the hard body pro and liked what i saw but i'm a little worried about storage for other things. I'm going to be carrying a lot of papers and maybe a binder or two along with my laptop and its accessories.

 

Gotcha

In that case I'd suggest wheeled breifcase-like bags from Tumi. Their retail prices are quite far-fetched from your budget, but it is often offered at a discount in stores like Marshalls, TJMaxx and outlet malls.

 

offtop:
Reading these forums sometimes give me a feeling that USA is preparing for some large scale war — every 4th guy here is going for some sort of military deployment or is an air force pilot w/e

 

Id recommend the timbuk2 d-lux messenger bag or command 2 messenger bag.
They are sturdy and look gorgeous

 

I think that's what it's come down to, either a Timbuk2 bag or one of the Slappa's. Just trying to decide which one's for me.

 

I like Fossil bags in terms of messengers.

 

How do you feel about these bags? I really Booq as well
Laptop messenger bags for your iPad, Mac or PC laptop by booq very high quality line

 

I've been using a Timbuk2 Messenger bag for years and it works very well for being nothing more than a glorified manpurse.

 

Really? Could you care to explain? It gets good reviews across e board.

 

check out Incase: A better experience through good design. i have their non-skateboard version of their skater messenger bag, I really like it. My m6500 fits in it plus it can double as a safety boat, because its water proof, lolz

here's the mini review I did on it: http://forum.notebookreview.com/acc...ag-makers-dealers-reviews-15.html#post5983315

 

I would like to share my personal experience that I am using a laptop case of south-pak.com....The stuff is of really good quality also its come under in your budget..for more information visit this:

Custom Cases and Foam for Cases by South-Pak, Inc.

 

My Sager 8170 will fit in the below bag with lots of room. I can put the 8170 in a sleeve and it still fits in the this bag. The bag has room for all my accessories.

Here

 

Okay, now Alienware is a company I (and many others) seem to hate, but I'll say this, their Orion backpack is one hell of an excellent bag. It holds my D900F (which is HUGE), as well as my power brick/cords, my mouse, my controller, my toolkit, my notebooks for school, a folder page stack, etc. I'm pretty sure you'd be able to work things out with that, and it's pretty good. It has some front protection and the entire thing is padded very well. I've had it over a year and it's done me quite well.

That's just my two cents, and the only thing I can suggest because it's pretty much the only thing I've had other than an old Jansport that was coming apart at the seams hehe.

 

Wegner Synergy

I just recently bought this one and it's been working wonders for me. I highly recommend it especially if you are going to college and have a great deal of books to lug around. This thing has lots of pockets and is great durability as well as comfort, I don't think I'll ever buy a Northface ever again.