Laptop Backpack for a ThinkPad

I have a Lenovo backpack to carry a ThinkPad T42 around. (I bought the backpack about two years later than the laptop, hence Lenovo not IBM.) It is kind of heavy (about 2.2kg/4.9lbs) and pulls my shoulders very uncomfortably to the sides. After a while, the laptop weighs me down heavily.

I will be getting a new ThinkPad and would rather have a configuration which I will happily carry around. Sadly, I too often left the T42 at home because of its weight.

Which backpack do you think is the most comfortable to use? Which features are important in a backpack? Which comfortable backpacks are available also in EU/Switzerland?

 

Consider checking out the Timbuk2 line of messenger bags instead of a backpack. I've had one for a year and prefer it over a backpack of any sort.

 

I have a North Face Surge backback to carry my T400 with, and I like it a lot so far. Its looks like and is designed like a hiking backpack, so its more rugged and comforitable than most.

The shoulder straps are padded very well, and so is the back. It has a padded compartment for the notebook that fits a t400 with 9-cell battery perfectly. It also has two more main compartments, and and a smaller one in the front with tons of little pockets.

I'm a student who rides a bike most places, so I needed something that could carry my computer and books comfortably, and this does the trick nicely. There is a review on this site too that you can check out.

 

I got the surge in the mail today and it looks like they have changed the design. Generator, is your laptop compartment directly against your back? On the new one that is the laptop area and I think this is a change from the old design. I'm not sure if its good to have the laptop like that. It does look like they added some extra cushioning around the laptop compartment though. There are some other minor changes to the backpack as well.

here it is with my t400:

 

Another suggestion would be Waterfield. They are a bit pricey, but their quality is top notch. My friend has the Vertigo bag from them and she says it really easy on the shoulders (plus it still looks like brand new after 2 years of daily use).

 

Yes, that is the same design/location as I have. I haven't seen any older models, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I don't see a problem having the laptop right against my back, even with textbooks in there are well I haven't had a problem with it being squished or anything (and its a Thinkpad, so there's no reason to coddle it). I find that location preferrable too when I don't have much else to carry, since it keeps most of the weight up against my back rather than sagging and pulling on my shoulders.

 

Panini,
I was once in the same situation as you . The only difference was I wanted a laptop bag that was slimmer in look, if not design because a lot of the ones out there appear very wide or fat to me. In any case, I would recommend the Dicotta bag, which is the one I am currently using and it has been great to me.
Here's a link to the manufacturers page:
http://www.dicota.com/start.php?office=62&page=page_productDetails&ds=1341

Here's a link to one place to buy it, although its from the dell store:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...oductdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A1538708

I don't think many people have heard about the bag, I might be wrong. But personally I would recommend it as it has performed wonderfully for me and I carry my laptop to work and to school in it almost every other day.

 

Thanks for your suggestions.

kboyer, vuong05: Alas, a bag is not an option for me since I will be carrying some books and some papers next to the ThinkPad.

Generator, MrMcgee: Isn't it ergonomically better to have the laptop right against the back? I cannot think of a reason they changed the layout.

mziol: The Dicota does indeed have a pleasing look. It is also inexpensive and light. Great suggestion.

I googled around and stumbled upon the Boa3, which is extremely expensive. Do you guys know it? Would anything this expensive be worth its money over a backpack like the Dicota or the Surge?

 

I've had the new version of the North Face Surge for about a month. It has kept my T400 safe while commuting to/from college. At first, I had some concerns about the laptop being against my back, but there is about 1/2 to 3/4 inches of mesh padding where the backpack contacts your back. Also, there are 2 padded "ribs" that run along the other side of the laptop compartment as well as one on the bottom.

Everything about this backpack feels high quality. Read the reviews on ebags (where I bought mine). Finally, I'm not trying to advertise on here, but new North Face products are rarely discounted, but I got ~25 dollars back through Ebags on Microsoft Live Cash Back.

 

Generator, dr88, thanks for the info. I got confused because of this review on here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157487

the reviewer seems to have mixed up and mislabeled the photos, so I thought the old pack had a different laptop compartment. Looks like I'll be keeping it then.

 

you might want to take a look at this Belkin laptop backpack. Very nice one! (I got it for $9 AR @ Frys )

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Slim-B...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222567935&sr=8-2

 

I have a North Face Surge too and it works well with the T400 & 9 cell. Like dr88 said there are 2 padded ribs that isolate the notebook well from touching your back and I haven't had a problem thus far with the bag itself. My only wish is for the opening for the laptop compartment to be an inch to 2 inches wider to facilitate easier entry and removal (a very minor detail).

 

Definitely check out the Targus corporate traveller backpack. Only 80 bucks. An absolute steal feature for feature compared to some of those botique manufacturers (I honestly think many of them are a ripoff)

Lifetime limted warranty, tough as nails construction and materials (ballistic 1680 denier nylon). Extremely versatile.

Also has the airbag cushions on all sides for your laptop. (this was the main selling point for me). Even if you dont like the drab dull style, the safeport cushion makes it three times its worth

notebookreview has a review

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4268

 

I absolutely love my SwissGear Maxxum backpack. It's available in three colors (I have the black/silver because it was cheapest, but black/blue and black/red are available). It has channeled padding in the back in case you wear it distances, to keep you cool. Tons of pockets for every bit of gear you can think of. Reinforced holes for a headphone cord in case you'd like to carry your iPod with you and listen on-the-go. Padded straps for comfort, and a carry handle in case you want it off your back. Can't recommend it enough.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3640&review=Swiss+Gear+Maxxum