Ebags Downloader and other bag related questions

Hey there,

i did a search on this forum and came up with irrevelant results. I just bought a W3J 14.1" widescreen laptop, and am looking for a nice bag.

My 3 choices at the moment are:
1) Targus Chicago Citygear http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TCG650
2) Ebags Downloader http://www.ebags.com/ebags/downloader_laptop_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15025
3) Ogio Metro

It's very hard for me to decide between the Ebags Downloader and Targus Citygear. i was hoping if anyone can help point some pros and cons they have personally experienced with those respective bags. For instance, I don't like how the headphone hole for the Targus is located on the outter pocket whereas it's at the top pocket for the Ebags. However, i tend to like the Targus a bit more because it has more pockets despite the fact that the bag will probably do poorly in raining weather due to that middle pocket being held up by rope. I've only been able to physically look at the Targus @ my local CompUSA. Ebags is no where to be found.

Also, i have a question about the Metro. I notice it's side loading. I didn't have a laptop to play around with it, but do you guys prefer side vs top?

I also plan to buy a 15.4" Sumdex sleeve or Targus sleeve @ a local retail store, so that should fit in any of those backpacks right?

Thank you for your assistance

 

Depending on how much you are carrying might depend on what you pick. I looked at an Ogio in store, and the Metro is a really great pack. It also has the most cubic inch room. Ofcourse, Targus is known for their laptop bags so they seem like a reliable choice. Wouldn't know about the downloader, but lots of reviews on it, so most of them are positive.

I would pick the ogio. The Side loading is great. It reserves it's own seperated pocket from everything else, and is generally better protected. There is lots of padding in the back of the Metro. Unfortunatly it didnt fit my 15.4 inch wide screen, so i settled on a Dakine Team backpack which has less padding, but has the side loader which i prefer.

Oh and the sleeve wont fit in the Metro's side loading pocket (It would fit in its main storage pocket I believe though), but you really shouldnt need it. It is well padded, on the top, bottom and the sides.

 

Is there any benefit to side loading vs top loading? When i tried on the pack, i would take off one shoulder and see if i can angle my arm to open the side, but it didnt work out too well

 

I have a Targus Chicago, and I'm perfectly happy with it. I have pleanty of space for two maybe even 3 large text books and my note book. I haven't been in the rain with it so i don't know how well it'll hold up. The headphone hole doesn't bother me much, I rarely use it since I like having my mp3 player in my hand anyway. It's comfortable and the padding's quite good. The roped middle pocket was a cool feture I thought. I use it to stuff my jacket in there when it gets a little warm.

I don't like side loading packs becasue I'm always afraid of my laptop just spilling out if the zipper bursts. With a top loading one, you'll know the laptop won't just flop out.

 

hmm... I do carry my ipod in hand a lot, so i guess i shouldnt worry too much
about that then. thanks... it looks like im leaning more towards the targus chicago city gear. Circuit City has it online for $34.99 and i could probably get it PM'd @ CompUSA