Looking for a good backpack! NP8130

Hey guys, my np8130 should be arriving tomorow. I am really excited . I went to the local microcenter and bought the swissgear synergy backpack. I read the dimensions and it should fit it. But I honestly don't like the colors on it. Luckily they have a 30 day return policy. So I was wondering if any of you guys knew of a nice sturdy backpack that would fit my new laptop. I really want one that is all black, or as close to that as possible.

Here is a link to the backpack I just bought:
Micro Center - Swiss Gear Synergy Notebook Backpack GA-7305-14F00

 

i got this one, and love it. it's a bit on the small side (i recently used it for travel and while i fit what i needed, i had to pack some stuff in the suitcase that i previously would have carried in my bag), but i dont usually carry a ton of stuff anyways.

it's pricey now though. i got it on sale for like $45-55 i think?

only complaint i have is that i dont like the way the designed the front pocket. it seems the opening they made is a bit too small imo since the pocket extends down the bag. just a bit awkward to put stuff in the little compartments. also, the straps get in the way if you need to open the middle compartment aaaall the way, but you probably wont need to imo. i dont anyways..

i previously had purchased a Ogio Politan bag (for 17" laptops), but returned it because i didnt like the material it was made out of. felt cheap to me.. not this bag Swissgear all the way..

other people recommend SLAPPA gear and timbuktu

 

I personally prefer Targus for notebook bags.

 

^^ +1
targus does make some nice bags too. i used to not like their looks, but i like their newer ones

 

I'm planning to use this: 5dot Curve Backpack - Fits Laptop with Screen Sizes Up to 16-inch - Black/Blue : Laptop/Notebook Accessories | Dell for my NP8130. The only difference is the blue part is gray instead.

 

I used to like targus too, but after checking out timbuk2 everything else just looks so plain.

 

Using this one, I think its pretty good!

http://www.amazon.com/SYNERGY-SwissGear-Wenger-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NONHYY/ref=pd_cp_e_0_img

 

Good call. I've had that exact backpack for two years now. The right strap was fraying because I tend to lift it up via that strap and carry it on only one shoulder. I emailed the company and they had me send in the old one under warranty- and I got a brand new one back. For like $10 shipping too. It's roomier than the other Swissgear Ibex bag I have too, even though both are 17". The Scansmart has more internal volume. And the side pockets are big enough for my 40oz stainless steel water bottle too.

I also got mine on sale for like $35 when Amazon did some random swissgear sale a while back.

 

Amazon.com: STM Bags DP-0924-1 Medium Rogue Backpack, Fits up to 15 Inch Screens, Grey-Red: Computer & Accessories
this one is for 15" screens

there's a white/grey one for 17" screens.

 

I got the targus chromatic backpack on amazon. it was 19.99 when i bought it, and you get a little dinky optical mouse, too. the interior laptop dimensions are about as close as you can get to the p151hm1/np8130. not flashy, good padding, lots of pockets and gizmos, and CHEAP. also the exterior dimensions are under most limits for an airline carry-on laptop bag, so you can have a full carry-on and use this for some extra storage as well. great bag for the price.

 

That's the same one I bought, I actually am starting to really like it! But I had a question for you. Have you noticed any problems when it rains outside? Cause I would be using it for school and my laptop would be in the backpack with me. Just in case for those times when it's raining outside and i'm walking into the building.

 

any targus bag

 

I've used that backpack for the past 3 years and I can honestly say its pretty rain-resistant. Not that it rains much in the Los Angeles area, but unless you plan on dunking the backpack in water you'll be good =D

 

I have actually used this one here and it is great. A little large for the 15" (fits up to a 17") but it has a lot of room for everything else as well.

 

Are there any particular backpack brands that have a good spot to store the giant power bricks that come with these Sager laptops without getting in the way of anything else I might want to put in the backpack? That happens to me all the time with the bag I have now, though that might just be because I'm using a really cheap bag.

 

I carry around this:

Velocity SPYDER Laptop Backpack - Black by SLAPPA

I fit two laptops in it both 15"'s and their related brick'ens and more stuff than that too, its heavy, but it all fits just fine..

(Note: This isn't a plug for the company directly as I know we sell their stuff, its my personal opinion =) )

 

Mine (different brand and color though).

 

I'm going to put in my vote for timbuk2. They do have sales every now and then. I also have a Brooklyn Industries bag.

 

Now this you don't see everyday!

The bottom there is what caught my eye the most though, looks like a scoop... or a shovel... Oh I know! The backpack doubles as a shovel for our Canadian winters!

(I can't think of what that bottom part is for though, in all seriousness.)

On the topic, my parents got me a $40 Swiss Army backpack from Costco before my first year of university started. The quality of these backpacks wavers, but mine has stood up to two years of university and constant commuting. It fit my ASUS laptop in a laptop compartment, which is closest to your back, and the adapter fit inside the side pocket meant for water bottles. The bottom is starting to show some cracks in the tough fake leather that they use for the bottom of the backpack, but what's most important is the fact that the straps do not show any sign of tearing or anything!

 

My friend has this: Amazon.com: Eagle Creek Travel Gear Hitch Daypack: Sports & Outdoors

It fits his Sager 8690 in there.

 

It's a lumbar support that correctly puts the weight on your back ergonomically.

Most laptop bags will sag and pull down on your shoulders and cause slouching. This puts the weight on the proper part of your spine and maintains standing posture.

 

The Targus XL Brett linked is awesome. This link is a bit better though, as it's cheaper and shipping isn't $18.