Looking for a tough 17'' Backpack with storage

Hi guys,

This is my first post here. I wanted to start by saying how great these forums are. Just by reading the forums, I have been able to pretty much nail down what laptop I am going to buy. Now I need to ask a question for the backpack.

Here is the situation. I will be going to the big sandbox (Iraq) in a few weeks for 1 year. I plan on purchasing a 17'' notebook, Clevo m570u/Sager 5760. We are only allowed to bring 2 duffle bags worth of stuff and a carry on. That is where a backpack comes in. I want to carry the lappy in a bag with accessories. I am looking for a tough bag with a good amount of storage. The accessories will be mouse, external hard drive(s), cd books, power cables, and anything else that I may need to be up and running with the machine.

I have read some other threads. One backpack that caught my eye was the Mobile Edge: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834997073
It looks like it would be a good bag for the laptop, but my concern was how much other stuff I could fit in there.

So I am open to suggestions. I am willing to spend some cash on this as it will be protecting a $2700 laptop. Also if there is any other accessories that you guys would suggest to keep the lappy in good shape over my trip, I would love to hear those too.

Thanks in advance.

 

You could look at this pack:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104

Add the 2xl Soft Cell but then you are looking at around $200 for the bag. Or you could try the Aeronaut which doubles as a backpack or a carry on bag when traveling by plane. I just ordered the hard sided Horizontal Brain Cell but that will not fit in any bag other than the Super Ego bag which is a messenger style bag.

I really like the Mobile Edge bags. I think they give a lot of performance for your money. Plus they are very sharp looking!

I have been shopping around for a couple weeks now and did settle on the Bihn stuff for a couple reasons one is the build quality and the customer loyality. I have yet to read a single negative opinion of the bags or the company itself. Second, I respect how they do business. All the bags are made in the USA. All of the people who work making the bags are paid a living wage. Meaning it's not illegals in sweatshop somewhere in downtown L.A. or NYC or Hong Kong, making the bags. I respect that as a genuine attempt to offer a quiality product and conduct their buiness in an ethical fair manner.

OK, I admit it...I just think the bags a COOL & built well...lifetime warranty cannot be a bad thing.