Notebook backpack for college

Hi,

I'm going to college this year and I'm looking for a notebook backpack for my laptop, a ThinkPad T61p 15.4" with 9-cell battery. I prefer backpacks over messengers because they feel more balanced and easier on my back. Comfort is the most important criteria.

I'm looking for a bag that's stylish and doesn't look like a computer bag. The North Face Surge and Burton White Collection look very nice, but the Mobile Edge ones are too tank-like for my tastes.

Another thing is that it has to have a dedicated compartment for the laptop. A lot of them have a laptop compartment that's in the same place as everything else, so it doesn't protect it from whatever is in the backpack.

As for my budget, I'm looking to spend less than $100. The North Face Surge and Burton White Collection are $90, which is very expensive to me.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

 

I go to law school and this is the best bag of all-time.

Targus Matrix. I bought it from Amazon about 2 weeks ago. Holds my laptop, as many textbooks as I need and anything else. It's the ultimate backpack

 

It's a little big for my tastes though. Thanks anyway.

 

i told u ..that Bag is really good.

I am able to put 3 Laptops of mine in it..

15.4" HP

+ 13.1" VAIO

+ 7" ASUS EEE

 

It's too big for my tastes. I prefer a bag that doesn't look like a notebook bag (not because I don't want to be targeted by thieves, but because I just like the style better). The Targus one looks too thick and sticks out a lot.

 

Won't the backpacks be smaller when you don't have much stuff in them?

 

Well, I just don't need a backpack that holds that much.

 

Targus makes other style of backpacks also which are Compact.

see This page: http://www.targus.com/us/cases_notebook_backpacks.asp

 

Look at Lowepro for a backpack. I have one for my 17", but im sure they make ones smaller. I bought it at Dell for $60. Its a great and well made bag. Good Firm padding too.