Case for laptop, mp3 player and cell phone

Does someone have a recommendation on a backpack that will hold a laptop, an MP3 player and a cell phone? Ideally, I want the headphones to come out through a predetermined hole.

In addition to the laptop being protected by padding, I want the other devices to be protected by padding. I have seen many laptop backpacks, but they don't specifically mention whether the accessory compartments are padded.

This is not necessary, but I would also like to have protection against water (light rain).

Any recommendations will be appreciated....

Thanks,
MT

 

I've not seen one yet where anything other than the main compartment is padded, and I've reviewed/used a bunch of them. Dicota makes one that would be perfect with you, including a rain slicker...but I don't think they're selling them in the US yet. It might be worth emailing them. It's the best small pack I've used.

Here's my review:
http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1031&SearchTerms=dicota

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Most true laptop bags only seem to pad the main laptop compartment and nothing else. Honestly, that's really all you need. Unless you're worried about cosmetics (scratches, dents, etc.) of a device, MP3 players and digital cameras can take a little bumping around.

Depending on the size of your devices, you may be able to find cases to keep them protected while in a normal backpack. I use an 'Otter Box' for my bluetooth GPS unit. If I remove the foam filler, I can use the same case to hold PC-Cards, memory, etc.). Something like that and the Jansport Optimizer could work. The Optimizer does have a slit that can accomodate a headphone cable.

Water wise, you can purchase rain covers for backpacks from various outdoors/hiking stores. They're about $15 - $20 and basically slide of your bag. If you go this route, you have to be sure the one you get will still allow you to use the shoulder straps. Some are true covers and are meant to cover the entire bag, shoulder straps and all. Another way to go is to use waterproofing spray. This is my preferred method. I'm particular about bags so this allows me to choose what I want, regardless of its base water resistancy, and make it conform to my needs instead of me having to conform to it.

 

Thanks a lot for the comments.

I wanted padding for my MP3 player because it is a very expensive item (~$400) and it is hard drive based. If the accessory compartments are not padded and if my bag takes a fall, I will lose my phone (~$100), my PDA (~$200), my MP3 player (~$400) and if my laptop does not survive the fall (~$2000). I live in NJ and last year I took a fall in the snow with a laptop provided by my company. Now, they gave me a good case for that laptop and the laptop survived the whole incident. I just don't want this to happen when I have ~$3000 worth of gadgets on me.

That being said - I know I am being very anal about this, but I always think that it is better to be safe than sorry

MT