backpack or messenger bag?

well i just ordered a 15.4" sager np2090 last week. should be arriving in september some time i hope. in the mean time i wanted to prepare. i dont have anything to carry it in so i was wondering which is better? a backpack or a messenger bag?

ill be using it to carry my laptop and couple notebooks/books for college. u know college stuff.
i was leaning more towards a messenger bag because they look better i'm mostly for the looks.

i checked out a couple brands and really liked the laptop messenger bag that u can custom build on the timbuk2 site.( http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/bagbuilder) i would definately buy it, but it's a bit too pricey. can somebody suggest similar styled bag but for a cheaper price, say less than $80ish?

also if there are some good loocking backpacks out there, i'd be glad to take a look.

 

Belkin NeuElements MS 15.4"

Bought this yesterday, great bag, looks good, excellent padding

 

First of all, congratulations on your new notebook.

Sager's usually come with a standard messenger bag (mine did). Though it can only hold your notebook and no books and it's really nothing special.

As for backpack versus messenger bag thing, it's a matter of personal preference. I myself would tell you to get a backpack, backpacks don't look bad (I don't even like how messenger bags look) and they're more comfortable to carry.

I have a Heys ePac17 for my 17" Sager and I think it's a great backpack. You can look at the ePac15 for your 15.4" notebook.
Have a Look at this topic for pictures of how much stuff I can put in my ePac17.

 

I had the same concern as you and got a messenger, the biggest problem is the weight that gets on one shoulder, if you are using this bag for class, and are planning on doing a lot of walking (prob. a requirement of college) i would go with a backpack.

I have found brenthaven's to be the best.. they really protect your laptops ... i have a mbp and the 1 1/2 yr old looks new....and trust me, i use them...

 

I used a messenger bag before but since I have a 15 minute to college everyday I get really tired in my shoulder, especially when I have a lot of books as well. So I've ordered a backpack which will definately feel better. I really say screw the looks after that shoulder pain..

 

Yeah it's really bad for your shoulder to carry all that weight. Even though you might think messenge bags look good, that's about it. If you plan to carry a lot of weight you're better off getting a backpack.

 

There is one ogio messenger with a "shling" which distributes weight evenly. The boss ss, at www.ogio.com.

But I would recommend a backpack. I got the Nyquist.

 

The Samsonite L45 is a good messenger bag to consider.

 

Interesting design.

 

I have a northface surge, which has a waterproof pouch for notebooks up to 15.4"......its quite comfortable has pouches for ipod, cell phone, calculator, pencils and others.... and a large area for books

I hike a lot so I want a larger dual purpose bag, so I am going to be getting a gregory halo pack that's a bit more expensive and a little bit larger, but it comes with a rugged frame to keep from putting any bend on the laptop and the pack size is a comfort fit to most peoples features

 

i just bought a mobile edge express backpack, it's really nice for $30. It's pretty thin, but it's nice in that way. it's got place for a laptop and about 3 textbooks. it look REALLY good and the asthetics are GREAT! it's not gonna break any time soon. It's very comfortable as well.

 

Alrite I think you guys have convinced me to get a backpack. Can you guys reccomend me a store where I can go take a look at some of these laptop backpacks? Say like BestBuy or something?

 

Circuit city has a pretty good selection, only place I could find an ogio in a store. Officemax and Best buy have a pretty nice selection of swissgear and targus backpacks. Otherwise i might check out a local luggage store.

 

the backpacks I buy can be located at an Eastern Mountain Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, REI or Campmor