Please recommend me a laptop backpack for the M14x

Hi all,


I'm planning on getting an Alienware M14x soon for college and I need a good backpack.

I want one to allow the laptop to fit snugly, with features like water bottle compartment, extra room for my books, actually just lost of room and compartments. Other nice features would be good too. I'd prefer one with lots of practical functionality over one which looks like it was made for gamers.

Also, I'm not considering Alienware's backpacks because it displays the alien head logo and I'm paranoid my laptop might get stolen.

Thanks!

 

I've always wanted them Alienware Backpacks..But it is kinda like screaming "Hey, please rob me!" lol

 

Exactly! 10char

 

It's difficult to recommend a specific backpack for you (and most other people) because some questions need to be answered: How big are you? How heavy of a pack are you willing to carry and how often will you carry it? How much are you willing to spend? etc. Even with these answers, coming up with the perfect solution is tough because there are so many choices and individual preferences vary widely.

That said, I can definitely recommend Jansport as a brand. Their packs aren't particularly expensive or gaudy-looking, yet I have owned several over the years and they have all exceeded my expectations to the fullest degree imaginable. Jansport's build quality is legendary. In fact, I don't know of any other brand that can match the quality of their backpacks, and I have used a LOT of backpacks.

As for the Alienware Orion backpack, I don't think it makes you significantly more likely to be robbed compared to another brand of backpack. Thieves know that most people have their laptops in their bag anyways, and in any case I would expect students to keep an eye on their valuable stuff, especially their laptops. Not that I would recommend the Orion, either; leave the bag-making to the bag-makers, I say.

 

BTW, I don't know if the M14x will fit, but I carry my M11x around in a messenger/body northface bag. But there isn't much room for anything else, and it is pretty heavy to carry on one shoulder. I'd say go with a backpack brand you're comfortable with. Style wise and one with many compartments to separate your laptop with your books and such. Actually, come to think of it, my quicksilver backpack has all of these things. Great style too, I've been using it since I was in high school, something like 5 years ago or so, and there are no tears or anything whatsoever, thing looks brand new. So Quicksilver is pretty good I guess..Though I've never had any other backpack so I can't say lol

 

are you set on backpacks? ever consider messenger bags?

 

I'm about five-seven and I'll probably be carrying a backpack all day.

@Tthursday, I'm just worried I'd be especially targeted as people will know I have a high-performance gaming laptop inside as I'm expecting the average student to be carrying a sub $1000 system. It just makes me stand out and I don't like that in public places; I'd prefer to carry a bag that doesn't make it look like I've got a laptop inside. I will definitely browse Jansport.

@MikeeDinh, I prefer backpacks over messenger bags; I'm not a very tall person so I like it when the weight is distributed across my shoulders. My 22L tramping bag makes my old 6 pound Toshiba feel like nothing, though it's a shame it doesn't have separate compartments as I don't want my laptop to be scratched by all the other stuff I put in there.

 

My preference would be backpacks geared more to hiking/tramping or similar because these have more comfortable straps and are designed to carry heavier loads (textbooks and a 14 incher laptop in my case). Another brand I want to avoid is probably Targus for its brand name associated with technology; like I said, I want a pack which makes it look like I'm not carrying a laptop.

 

i use a timbuk2 zeitgeist, the straps are quite comfy

 

This may be a bit of an offbeat suggestion, but you could take a look at the Speedo Performance Pro Backpack. It's designed to be a swim bag, but it works great as a laptop bag as well, provided that you have a padded sleeve for your laptop (which I would recommend anyways). It can hold more than any non-hiking backpack I've ever encountered and has chest and waist straps for stabilizing a heavy load. I'll be posting a full review of this bag soon; look for it in the next day or two.

Edit: Review is up. http://forum.notebookreview.com/acc...edo-performance-pro-backpack.html#post7442466

Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Speedo-SP02211-Performance-Pro-Backpack/dp/B002N2YEDC

 

I've got a few suggestions for a 14" below from www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com
I've been considering getting the M14x! It's capable of so much for such a small computer. Enjoy


http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/-mobile-edge-alienware-orion-notebook-laptop-backpack-case-17



http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/product/CR4376



http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/product/CR4380



http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/product/BFITPR



http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/product/TANC3



http://www.laptopbackpacksandbags.com/product/MESS1

Happy Laptop Bag Shopping!!
LaptopBackpacksAndBags.com

 

What kind of a suggestion is that? Did you even read the thread?

Edit: Ah, you've added other bags. But have you ever used any of them? I've never heard of Finatex, TRENDnet or High Alpine, and I strongly recommend against buying a bag without a solid number of positive reviews, or at least a recognizable brand name.

Also, $42 for a neoprene sleeve is just ridiculous. The same sleeve is $30 on Mobile Edge's website.

 

I couldn't resist the Alienware backpack because he has an Alienware laptop. Don't deny the Alienware!! (

There are so many backpacks to choose from so I threw it up in case he's forgotten how wonderful it could look hanging off his back. haha, but I do agree that it can be dangerous depending on where you are. You don't want to lose your precious electronics.

Good luck on your search bud.

 

Thanks guys for your suggestions, I probably need to go to a store to try out the packs. Maybe take the laptop with me to check out the fit. All bags are meant to fit 15" notebooks so I have to make sure a 14" would have a good fit.

Are there other good brands to check out? I'll probably browse through styles and read up on features.

 

I just found this:

The North FaceEquipmentDaypacksLaptopSURGE BACKPACK

It's made to carry a 15" laptop with lots of padding, compartment for power cables, lots of zips, etc. Also has compression straps to reduce the thickness when not carrying lots of stuff. Also can be used as a day pack on tramps.

I think this is the type of backpack I'm looking for, from manufacturers specializing in outdoor/tramping packs because the quality is normally better as packs are usually designed to withstand outdoor conditions, wear and tear etc.

I'm still looking for other manufacturers to compare.

 

North Face backpacks are pretty popular at my school, if that means anything to you. I don't own one myself, although I sometimes wish I did. I love their winter fleeces.

If I was planning to try on backpacks in-store, I would make REI my first and last stop. They usually carry a huge number of different bags, most of which are high-quality pieces designed for outdoor use, including some with the REI brand (not sure who the OEM is). I've been using my REI Mars pack for several years now and it's been nothing less than awesome. Even better, they have the most knowledgeable and helpful employees of any sporting goods retailer I have ever been to, so you should have no trouble finding a backpack to fit your needs. Good luck!

 

Does Alienware have any messenger bags? I wish they had, I'd get one if they did..

 

A bit off-topic, but they do. It's also called the Orion, I believe, and it retails for the same price as the backpack.

But unless you're a paper boy, why bother with a messenger bag? I still can't see the appeal of carrying any significant amount of weight, such as a laptop, in an over-the-shoulder form factor. Science has pretty much proven that backpacks are better for long-term back and shoulder health, which I also find more comfortable for carrying items over longer periods of time.

 

I agree with this. Unless you're big, tall and work out often or don't feel a laptop in a messenger bag on one shoulder is heavy then go for it. Otherwise save yourself some problems and go with the classic.

 

Well backpacks aren't very popular here where I'm from. Nobody uses backpacks here anymore, everyone uses messenger bags. But if the messenger bag costs as much as the backpack then I'd say get a backpack.

 

Samsonite backpacks are quit reliable and stylish too!

 

Do any of these work for you?

http://www.slappa.com/STOVEPIPE-Duff...2&category=133

http://www.slappa.com/KAMPUS-Duffle-...2&category=133

http://www.slappa.com/KAMPUS-Duffle-...2&category=133

http://www.slappa.com/KAMPUS-Duffle-...2&category=133

 

i have this:
eBags Downloader Laptop Backpack - eBags.com

it's awesome (and cheap)

 

Samsonite Wander 3 Moscow,
Timbuk2 H.A.L. and
Slappa Stovepipe as pictured above (red&black).

Those are my findings so far. Big enough to fit lot of stuff and general look that stays under the radar.

 

Honestly, just get an Alienware sleeve for it, then drop it in any back pack you like. I personally use a Jansport backpack

 

I recommend the SwissGear Synergy from first hand experience as it offers a great deal of comfort and carrying capacity