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    Carrying a laptop at Uni!

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by VietTran, Jul 12, 2009.

  1. VietTran

    VietTran Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm heading to university this september and I'm having troubles figuring out if I want a backpack or messenger bag! I have 15.4" Lenovo T500 with 9-cell battery. I need to be able to carry my laptop, charger, pens, notebooks and textbooks (does anyone know if I'll have to carry textbooks to all my classes? I'm taking commerce). I'd like to have something that wont rip or tear too quickly, unlike my old school bag. I'd like to know if a backpack or messenger bag is best, and if there are any exceptionaly good bags out there? I live in Canada by the way, so I'd rather have companies are based in Canada so there's no hassle with customs fees.
     
    VietTran, Jul 12, 2009
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  2. cloud_nine

    cloud_nine Notebook Evangelist

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    Get a backpack. Messenger bags are nice if you're carrying one or two things, but can easily become a strain on your shoulder (and spine) if you add in a notebook and a few books. Whether you'll need to carry textbooks into lecture will depend on the type of class and the professor. It's best to prepare for the worst case scenario in which you'll need to carry 2-3 textbooks on top of carrying a notebook.

    I personally recommend Northface backpacks. They are a bit more expensive than normal backpacks (around 80-110 US), but the premium is well worth it for the quality, durability and comfort.
     
    cloud_nine, Jul 12, 2009
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  3. Walshman

    Walshman Notebook Consultant

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    I second the Northface recommendation. I had a nice Northface HotShot that got me through college with laptop and books. I would def recommend a backpack as a primary, there is way more utility there. You could get a messenger bag later or use it on off days when you don't carry as many books, etc, but a backpack will serve you way more.

    Or, you could get a roller bag, and look like you're going to catch a flight on a daily basis, lol, it saves your back/shoulder from pain and it's strongly recommended if you have those 40 lbs. Math/Science books!
     
    Walshman, Jul 12, 2009
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  4. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    backpack FTW! seriously. I tried to do both a laptop bag and a regular backpack for the books at the same time. It's horrible. You have to watch out for big crowds (like around stairwell's, the center of hallways, etc.) where it's hard for you to squeeze through. Also the whole thing was unwieldy at best, and back straining at worst.

    After that, i just said screw it, and started putting my laptop in my backpack. The backpack's not fancy, just a regular one, but it worked much better. I plan to get a sleeve for this year coming up so the laptop will be protected a bit better though. :)
     
    booboo12, Jul 12, 2009
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  5. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Go with a backpack! :)
    I was going to suggest the Synergy, by Swiss Gear..but it appears to be a hard find in CA. :( The Synergy = FTW ;)

    Here is a page from Dell Canada, I found:
    On this linky Targus, Mobile Edge, and Belkin and Kensington make some decent..Out of them I would rate Targus & Mobile Edge..very reliable ;)

    http://accessories.dell.com/sna/cat...s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&category_id=5488&~ck=anav&p=1

    Here is a nice Mobile Edge from tigerdirect.ca:
    http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4505590&CatId=1793

    and, the link to other ones at tigerdirect.ca:
    http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicati...ywords=backpacks&sort=Weight&dir=desc&recs=10

    Hope that helps!

    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', Jul 12, 2009
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  6. VietTran

    VietTran Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks a lot guys! I'm looking into the targus and mobile edge ones right now. I'm not sure if I've ever seen these laptop backpacks in person before, but is it much bulkier than a normal school bag or should I be fine in a cramped buss?
     
    VietTran, Jul 12, 2009
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  7. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    They look almost identical as far as I can tell. But much better quality.
     
    millermagic, Jul 12, 2009
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  8. paper_wastage

    paper_wastage Beat this 7x7x7 Cube

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    and padding.... definitely get one with enough padding so that you won't feel the weight after a long day
     
    paper_wastage, Jul 12, 2009
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  9. lowteckh

    lowteckh Notebook Consultant

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    I just use a Dakine heli pro ski pack (not with a 15.4" notebook though..). When you're in college, USUALLY your classes are on separate days instead of the high school style of same class everyday, same 10 (or whatever) textbooks everyday, so maybe you'll need an econ book on Monday, accounting on tues, etc. You shouldn't need a ginormous backpack unless you managed to make your schedule into one that resembles a high school curriculum.
     
    lowteckh, Jul 12, 2009
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  10. VietTran

    VietTran Notebook Enthusiast

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    LOL, yea I'm planning to switch my schedual around but the most I have is 3 classes on the same day, but usually it's two classes on the same day. Also, by getting good padding (around the strap?) will make a massive difference on the weight I feel?
     
    VietTran, Jul 12, 2009
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  11. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Well padded inside and the straps should always be *ergonomically correct*. :)

    I have a Mobile Edge Messenger bag..its very well padded. :) Works great.


    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', Jul 12, 2009
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  12. lowteckh

    lowteckh Notebook Consultant

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    Won't feel like the strap is cutting into your shoulders. And it will have some major effect on the weight perception (70 lbs of trekking gear felt so damn light after switching to a new pack). I think the biggest problem is the strap cutting shoulder part - you'll want a strap that is not only well padded but also stays firm in place, or else it's gonna rub on your shoulders and you'll feel like someone just did an indian burn on you.
     
    lowteckh, Jul 12, 2009
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  13. Soviet Sunrise

    Soviet Sunrise Notebook Prophet

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    I use a Wenger Ibex for my 17 incher. I think the Wenger Synergy would be a good choice for your 15 inch Lenovo.
     
    Soviet Sunrise, Jul 12, 2009
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  14. DawnsEclips

    DawnsEclips Notebook Consultant

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    Hey you guys think a 17" laptop with 9cell battery can fit in a bigshot?
     
    DawnsEclips, Jul 12, 2009
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  15. ludlud

    ludlud Notebook Geek

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    try the SLAPPA backpacks
    they look pretty good too, and have lots of proteciton
     
    ludlud, Jul 12, 2009
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  16. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Notebook Consultant

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    I got a white targus backpack on newegg a year ago and love it. It held my 17" gateway fx laptop no problem (and its battery sticks out so it should hold any 17). The handle on it is mad thick and good quality (i've had those rip on me on most backpacks i've ever owned). Also, the padding against your back is very thick and makes it comfortable no matter whats inside. It even came with an attached cover thats hidden in the bottom to cover the backpack if its pouring (in case you are afraid the zippers will leak i guess. i dont use it and its never leaked on long walks). I would gladly buy a targus backpack again.
     
    Flaring Afro, Jul 13, 2009
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  17. silverbyte

    silverbyte Notebook Guru

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    i havent seen padding like a Pakuma. The padding goes all around (I think they call it a Coccon or something). I have had my laptop bags tossed off buses in Thailand and not a scratch.
    I really hate the bags with just a strap (or a thin cover) to secure the laptop (inside the bag). Even the ones which have a zipper through which u put the laptop means there is an area with very less padding.
    A pakuma has a coccoon within the bag itself which IMHO is very, very nice.
     
    silverbyte, Jul 13, 2009
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