Laptop Case Conundrum: messenger bag or Backpack?

I'm getting a laptop for college. This is my first year, and my first laptop. Im thinking about getting the Sager NP8660 or the Alienware m15x (probably the Sager). Anyways, I was wondering which style bag people recommend. I'll probably use it daily for carrying my computer and a few books. Which style should I choose, and what are its merits?

 

If you're carrying the laptop separately, get a messenger bag, otherwise get a backpack. I'm in the same boat as you, and I don't want to carry two textbooks and a laptop over one shoulder.

Shoulder bags are less bulky than backpacks, but they generally don't carry as much and aren't as easy to lift when carrying the weight of a backpack. With a big backpack, it'll look like you're going hiking.

 

go with a backpack. i would buy ne of the swissgear ones. well built and nice pricing.

 

I would say back pack as both of the notebooks you are eyeing are quite heavy and very large and scales their way into 17inch territory. Less strain on your back is better.

 

Back pack = less strain

The weight is evenly spread on both shoulders.

Unless your carrying something like the macbook air which doesn't make a difference.

 

i have gateway p 6869 fx and i have ordered a alienware backpack .

they say its big and it will long a lot

I'm still waiting for it to receive it from DHL , it at phase 5 so ti will be here very soon.

 

best of both worlds

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TBB001US

 

If you going with a back pack...Swiss Gear and Targus make some nice ones

I also like Mobile Edge's backpacks and Messenger bags

Personally, I use a messenger bag...and I really load it up at times...

I have a nice Targus backpack that was given to me a ways back, and I will use that when I am riding my bike somewhere w/my lappy (ease of use)

 

Messenger bag. Always.

Then again, I could care less about my back.

 

Personally I would go for backpacks...

PROS (This is for those backpacks designed with laptops in mind):
1. They offer greater protection (in terms of padding and location, since a laptop in your back basically stays in place)

2. They offer slightly better security against would-be thieves (a laptop messenger bag almost always equates to a laptop messenger bag with a laptop inside)

3. Increased maneuverability and mobility (while messenger bags also leave your hands free, either the left side or right side of your body is slightly compromised)

4. Generally cheaper, pound for pound, and more functional

CONS:
1. Aesthetics. (Unless the laptop bag is slim --- which would then be just like a messenger bag with backstraps, defeating your purpose --- the primary function of a backpack will always be load-bearing)

2. Lowered visibility (messenger bags are usually at your sides or at your front ... supposing you are paranoid and want to check on your laptop's status all the time, it would be slightly difficult unless you were Linda Blair)

3. Weakpoint: sides (apart from the padding, laptops usually have stuff in front and you, obviously, at the rear to protect their dorsum and ventrum. I noticed that only few backpacks offer generous protection for the sides ... now this isn't really a problem, but if you happen to be in a rowdy place. Well, you get my drift.)

4. Carelessness (being backpacks, sometimes people forget the contents within and just throw them on the bed or plop them down the floor ... Also, with a messenger bag, people tend to be more picky of what they put in whilst most people will just stuff everything in a backpack. When the laptop is sandwiched beyond its limits, another enemy comes in: pressure)

Ultimately, the choice is yours

 

go for the sager, and i like messenger bags more, but it depends on you. will you be biking? do you carry your books to class? do you usually take lots of things to class? do you like weight evenly distributed on your back? are you too cool for a messenger bag?

if you answered yes to any of these then get a backpack, else, get a messenger.