Laptop Backpack Suggestions?

I'm looking to buy a laptop backpack for my new Envy15 which should be arriving hopefully next week...

I've looked around a little, but I haven't been able to see anything in person and I really don't know where to start, especially with a low budget (<$50 including shipping)


The two that have really caught my eye:

-Targus Feren ($30-45 depending on color)
-Mobile Edge Express ($38)


Can anyone comment on either or these, or perhaps have any better suggestions? I will be using this to carry my Envy and about 2 or so textbooks for classes.

 

I've got an older 15.4" Targus bag that my Envy fits in decently, and has held up great. I can't comment on the models that you're using specifically though.

 

I've always used Targus and Swiss Gear to protect my laptops. My Targus handles beautifully, but I dunno about the model you want in specific, have you read reviews on Amazon?

 

I'll be posting a review of my new backpack soon, Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack. It's a bit over your budget, but I can recommend it from first hand experience. Note that I bought it from Amazon for $54.99 + Free Shipping a few weeks ago, I'm not sure why they are charging $69.99 now.

 

i would say definitely get one with a lot of padding and learn how to wear a backpack properly (straps tighten to make the weight distributed around your hips)..

i carry around my Dell M1330 (4.5 pounds) with 2-3 big textbooks(3 pounds each) regularly... a good backpack with padding feels a lot better than a crappy one

my SwissGear Pegasus (its designed for 15", but my 13" with sleeve fits nicely) works out really well

 

Pakuma Akara K1. I don't know how much it will cost in USD because I am in the Uk but I bet it will be expensive. However, the rucksack is top quality and it has a protective cocoon on the inside that is made from some kind of foam. You might spend less on a bag but end up regretting it.

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Just ordered a Pakuma Choroka K1 messenger bag for my 8690, considered slappa and timbuk2 but the Choroka's design appeals more. Yes, it's expensive, especially the shipping fees here, bought it on ebay, the bag cost around 50 euros, shipping charge is 20+euros, 50% of the price. It's even more absurb on amazon, the bag cost 50+euros, the shipping is 70 euros...

 

[delete please...confused with another thread]

 

Thanks for all the responses. I've ended up choosing the Mobile Edge Express, seems to have more reviews, and looks like it'd suit my tastes a bit more than the Targus. If anyone is interested in the quality of this bag let me know and I'll try to write up some short review on it when it gets here...

 

When you receive it, I'd like to know how it fits the 8690 and what you think of the overall quality.

 

Ok got the mail that it's shipped only 2-3 business days, I think that accounts for the high shipping cost. The HDD caddy I bought with free shipping cost has a 3 weeks shipping time... I guess it's by sea.

 

If anyone is still interested... I ended up visiting Fry's a large computer store (far away) and they happen to have both the Targus and the Mobile Edge I mentioned... After taking a good look at both, I would have the say that the Targus Feren seemed to be better in many departments. Very high quality build and a considerably more padding compared to the Mobile Edge and every other backpack I saw there (Kensington, Case Logic, and more). So if anyone is looking for a cheap laptop backpack take a look at the Targus Feren seems to have INCREDIBLE quality and protection for how much you pay... Since I already ordered the Mobile Edge, I will probably just keep that as a secondary and will be ordering the Feren immediately it left that good of an impression.