What's better, hi-priced computer backpack or ordinary backpack?

Well, from my thread title you already know that my vote goes to everyday (and lower priced) ordinary backpacks.

And everyday backpacks sometimes come with far better (cushioned) straps for shoulder comfort.

 

I use a LL Bean Deluxe as a general, all-purpose bookbag. Works fine hauling my W520 around, even with other stuff in the bag. Never saw the point in buying a dedicated laptop backpack (yet again, I never get why anyone buys uber-specialized items anyway).

 

Many general purpose backpacks these days come with padded laptop compartments. Unless you're prone to doing Greco-Roman wrestling with your backpack on, the extra padding of a premium laptop bag is simply for peace of mind.

That said, most people who buy an expensive laptop backpack fall into two categories - those who ignorantly assume they need it because it says laptop in the description, and those who want to feel like they've truly mastered their mobile computing situation, from buying the perfect to pairing it with the perfect accessories.

 

I've done the same with my Timbuk2 HAL backpack. It's just like ordinary big backpack with a laptop compartent. I can carry lots of gear to work, change of clothes or my groceries, whatever. Most laptop bags I see have lots of small compartments so I can't fit there something large (such as a 4-pack of 2L soda bottles I just bought).

Timbuk2 HAL isn't sold anymore apparently and I'm not sure what model has replaced it if any. My second choise was Slappa Stovepipe.
600rr.net reviews the StovePipe 18″ Duffle Laptop Backpack « SLAPPA
STOVEPIPE Duffle Backpacks by SLAPPA
I would have gotten either of those, just happened to get a good deal on the Timbuk2.

A Long rant but my choise is a regular-ish backpack with a laptop compartment

 

You can also get a laptop sleeve and a normal backpack regardless of whether it has a laptop compartment or not too. Personally, I try to go for whatever is the most functional for my uses whether it is a regular backpack or a dedicated laptop backpack.

 

Nice posts by all, and nice post and refs by you.

My own longtime favorite light backpack is by Jansport, and it has these odd but wonderful cushioned shoulder straps. I bought it roughly 8 years ago at a local sporting goods store, and on sale at an attractive price. Little did I know the great deal I was buying.

Anyway I'm in the market for another "everyday" backpack, this time with laptop in mind, with great cushioned straps. So thank you very much for the refs!

 

backpacks nowadays are as much of a fashion statement as a means of carrying stuff around.
however, ordinary backpacks these days look terribly good imho.
i use a timbuk2 zeitgeist and i like its urban looks, its ergonomic laptop sleeve, and its slim but expandable profile. afaik its not on sale anymore.
i saw this recently and im thinking of getting one. i liked the look of thing, and it was well padded. just have to check if my lappy fits:

Little America Canvas - SHOP

personally, i wouldnt spend on those 600 usd high end backpacks. theyd just be a thief magnet. but i must admit they look awesome:

The Arkiv R6 Field Pack / Completely Weatherproof Modular Backpack Made in the USA with a Lifetime Warranty.

 

Well I'm pretty happy with my Everki Titan (which was cheaper in NZ than the US for once). I got it a few months back for travelling (carrying all my electronics basically) from New Zealand over to the US. The only serious snag I ran into was in New Zealand, they only allow bags with a total weight under 10kg for carry on luggage. So I had to get another bag (just a cheapo canvas looking shopping bag) to put half my stuff into which defeated the point of getting something which could carry all my stuff. Now I still use it everyday for work, but I don't usually take a laptop with me and most of the time its pretty much empty inside. Its nice and comfortable though which is good for walking around with (did the Freedom trail in Boston when it was snowing).

Probably not worth the price I see it on Amazon (~175 USD), plenty of other cheaper/better looking solutions out there.

 

This is exactly what I do.

 

I think the super expensive backpack thing is mainly just the obscured perception of quality. People spend a lot of money on their laptop and then think they need an expensive bag to protect it. Although it's true that you shouldn't skimp on laptop protection some people overcorrect and think they want an awesome bag to match their laptop. I say just find a quality bag that'll work. Once you're over $50 on a backpack the returns to added investment are pretty minimal.

I'm super paranoid about protecting my laptops so I use a sleeve and a laptop compartment to my bag. Total cost: maybe $55-60 and it's lasted me across 3 laptops.

 

Price and quality in backpacks seem to be entirely non-relative (except if you're paying like $10 it has to suck). I buy backpacks from the local outfitter (they have some models with padded laptop sections and they last about 8 years. Just go out and buy one, internet is not your friend when you're buying clothes and accessories because to judge quality you really need to touch it.

 

what is a 'laptop backpack'?

personally, I define that as anything with an externally accessible laptop compartment. as in, you open one zipper and you can drop your lappy into a thin padded compartment that can't really hold anything else.

i buy those for the convenience of fast access to my laptop; most of the time, i don't need a mouse or power cables if i'm only using it for 10-15 minutes.

 

I use hard shell on the notebook itself so it lets me use any random waterproof bag and be reasonably protected.
I wouldnt like my bag to scream "hey i got a $2500 notebook inside" anyway. The more normal it looks - the better. Not to mention that prices on some apple bags are crazy for no reason at all.

Speck hard shell pic

2 the poster above me
I believe notebook bag is a bag which you can throw down while standing and not break the notebook in the process. Besides dedicated compartment for notebook that is.

 

this. unfortunately, this 'marketing' technique does work and not only for backpacks.

 

I have an Incase Campus Backpack that I put my laptop in everyday for class and I haven't had any issues with it despite dropping my backpack a few times.

With that said, it depends on the person. Some people just throw their backpack around without a care in the world. For them, super protective hard case ones are obviously the best but for people who take care of their backpack an ordinary backpack with a laptop compartment will be enough.

 

Might sound stupid but you gotta make sure you laptop fits as well, having a fat desktop replacement means theres usually no guarantee for 17' bags to necessarilly fit.

 

High priced computer backpacks are made in the same production line as ordinary ones.

They're just shiny with brandings.

Tbh I would never pick up any branded computer bags.

 

Disagree.

Yes, you do pay a premium for brand name and marketing in higher-end bags / backpacks / luggage. But a large part of your money also goes into warranty, support, and materials (most noticeable in zippers and stiching).

This is why every airline employee you see will walk around with $250 TravelPro-branded luggage from their Crew-series, instead of just buying the cheap $60 bag from Ricardo Beverly Hills or Samsonite.

I am not saying that buying more expensive bags / backpacks / luggage is always worth it. But what I am saying is that the price difference isn't always just in branding and marketing.

Additional Note: I should also mention, that I would personally buy a new backpack from Monoprice. Just for the simple fact that Monoprice stuff is incredibly cheap, is usually of very high quality, and has such a good price/performance ratio that it is almost always a phenomenal deal.
For only $18.05 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 15-inch Carbon Lite Laptop Backpack | Laptop Bags and Cases

 

True, a lot of the really expensive bags will have better construction/zippers/whatnot and then they'd have warranty as well. But if all you need is the construction, why not just drop by your local Army Surplus store and grab a bag there? I highly doubt that a Crew backbag touches a military bag in strength.

 

I got my cheap Jansport backpack for $25 and $5 shipping. And it's a good value for carrying a 15.6" laptop. See: Amazon.com: Jansport Right Pack Colored Label: Sports & Outdoors

Worth noting is how prices bounce around on stuff like this, as the current price shown is now $31 and $7.50 shipping. So be sure to shop around (google is your friend) for best price.

Also worth noting: the straps are not that well padded, so forget about loading it up with heavy books. It has a better pocket arrangement than I thought from the info on the net. And it's very lightweight ripstop waterproof synthetic in the upper part, and a much heavier synthetic weave for the extreme bottom part.

I also took advice in this thread and got a $10 notebook sleeve. See: Amazon.com: HP 16 Inch Laptop Sleeve - Black and Red: Electronics