The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
My Recon fits my S96J...although I wish there was a bit more room. You kind of have to pull the backpack over the corners of the laptop. Also, this backpack wasn't designed to have a laptop compartment...it's labeled as "universal sleeve" or something like that.
On the other hand, my roommates both have a Surge and there's an actual compartment for a laptop that is padded (way more than the Recon, which really has none). The laptop is easier to put in on their backpack.
Of course, though, you have to weigh the costs of the backpack in too. I got mine online for $70 + shipping (not to mention I got a white one, which I couldn't find ANYWHERE else), while they got theirs in a retail store...MSRP $109 or something. I think I ended up paying like $40 less for mine...so yea.
Oh, and you can also consider messenger bags though I have no first hand experience with using North Face messenger bags. I have a friend that uses Off-Site and it fits his 17" HP.
I'm thinking of getting a backpack because it'll probably be easier to carry with my laptop and books. Out of all the backpacks I have seen, I think North Face has the best style.
Now I'm also considering a shoulder bag. The Timbuk2 Commute XL, RoadWired Skooba Computer Satchel, and North Face Off Site.
I carry my 15.4" T60 in my Recon, and it fits fine - as mentioned, the sleeve isn't very padded, but the bottom
is suspended above the bottom of the bag so it doesn't hit the ground when I dump my bag. Plus, the Recon is incredibly comfortable - I never even notice the computer is in there...
I tried using the Off-Site with my HP 17" widescreen but imho it wasn't very comfortable. The bag itself was kind of heavy and made me feel like I had a hip injury (painful!). Then again, I'm not really sure I'd go with a shoulder bag for such a heavy laptop anyway, backpacks provide better support.
It seems like it would fit a ~15" laptop in there with no problem. The room inside is very spacious. Definitely use a laptop sleeve cover if you plan to put it in your bookbag. I would check out some of the Backpacker stores that might be in your neighborhood area or close vicinity and see if they have any North Face bags. Most likely they should carry them.
I think someone might have asked in this thread. North Face is very reliable and has a lifetime warranty. Ex. If zipper breaks or something, you can pretty much get a new bag as a replacement. Most likely it won't happen since the quality of their products are top notch (bags, jackets, etc), but accidents can/do happen.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
