<p>Any recommendations? I want to be able to carry my laptop around, but is a padded laptop compartment necessary? I already have a laptop cover (very simple with no handles)... is that enough so that I can just stick it in a regular compartment along with my books?</p>
<p>The backpack you used in high school should be sufficient. There are plenty of other (better) ways to waste your money in college.</p>
<p>I didn't use a backpack in high school. lol Thanks for your snarky response.</p>
<p>If you cant pick a backpack out for yourself... maybe college is the wrong road?</p>
<p>If you do a search, you will find tons of info. I think that there is even one currently in one of the parents forums.</p>
<p>Don't get stressed out over which backpack to buy. It's not like you're getting married :)
Anyways certain things you ought to be looking at while buying a backpack are :
1) Make sure it's big enough to carry all the essentials; laptop, books, water bottle, etc.
2) If you are going to be carrying a laptop frequently make sure it has a padded compartment. It helps protect your laptop, a lot of shock/rough use can screw up your Hard Disk you know.
3) Try the backpack on, make sure you are comfortable with it. Ergonomics ought to be a crucial factor determining your choice. You would't want to be diagnosed with chronic back pain or something by the time you finish college. Trust me, wrong choice = consequences later on. I recommend bags with padded sleeves, they're supposed to ease the pressure on your shoulders.</p>
<p>These are just a few of the basic guidelines that spring to my mind. Just use your common sense and I'm sure you'll get yourself a great backpack.</p>
<p>(By the way I'm using a North Face 'Recon' backpack, I got it as a gift.)</p>
<p>If your backpack does not fit a laptop computer, try to buy a messenger bag with a very padded strap and separate laptop compartment. Make sure you get a bag with adequate shoulder and back support.</p>
<p>Theres a jansport backpack with a padded laptop compartment. I used it last year whenever I had to carry my laptop some where. It held up well and holds a lot without being bulky.</p>
<p>I bought mine online from Ebags last year, not sure if they still have it.</p>
<p>I was using a Jansport messenger bag for a while and it put serious strain on my left shoulder and gave me back pain. Not to mention the strap ruined my shirts and hoodies.</p>
<p>Now I am using a North Face 'Borealis' and feel much much much better off. It was $70 but definitely worth it. I have seen students carrying around their laptops in a regular North Face backpack like mines, so I guess if there are not too many text books in there, it should be fine.</p>
<p>Go to Office Depot / Office Max, and you'll see a decent selection of backpacks with laptop compartments.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Now I am using a North Face 'Borealis'
[/quote]
i carry a north face borealis, too, and it has a nice laptop compartment inside, a padded back/straps, and lots of other little pockets. a lot of other people at my school use north face backpacks, too--they're cute & sturdy</p>