<p>Bag or backpack?</p>
<p>Depends on gender. I think a backpack would be more practical if you're on the move a lot. Though, a bag would be good if you're only carrying your laptop.</p>
<p>Depends on gender? That's odd - I see both genders with both kinds very often. I'm male, if that helps - which one should men get?</p>
<p>And I think I'll be carrying textbooks, too, unless textbooks aren't as necessary as I'd imagined in college.</p>
<p>I see girls more with bags + laptop bags.</p>
<p>But, I meant, usage. Probably, a backpack would be better if you're trekking around with your laptop + notebooks + textbooks. Though, if you're organized, you probably could fit it in a bag...</p>
<p>I'm probably going to get a nice backpack. I don't like on-one-shoulder bags...they hurt after a while. :(</p>
<p>I have a briefcase for my laptop. And if I need to carry books too, then I carry my backpack as well and put the briefcase strap over the top of the backpack straps.</p>
<p>I think a backpack would be more discreet. You have less of a chance for that laptop to get up and walk away, if you know what I mean. It's safer than say a Dell carrying case advertising the goods you have inside</p>
<p>A laptop hanging off of one shoulder does hurt after a while.. make sure it has good padding if you go for it.</p>
<p>I prefer the laptop backpack... again, shoulder strap padding is a must. Also make sure there is sufficient padding for the laptop, especially if you're sorta rough about throwing your backpack to the ground.</p>
<p>Check out Links</a> to Notebook Bag Makers, Dealers and Reviews - Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion for info on purchasing laptop cases of all types.</p>
<p>I treat mine as a textbook,
I have the hardcase on it and put it in a neoprene sleeve,
then in my backpack/tote.
It's a macbook so it's compact enough for that.</p>
<p>My dad keeps his work laptop in his backpack, that way it is closer to him, and therefore, as other posters have said, there is a lesser chance of it being stolen.</p>
<p>However, his backpack was stolen out of his car at 4:00pm in broad daylight while he was in a restaurant, so no matter what type of bag you get, don't lose sight of it!</p>
<p>In general, keep your backpack and anything else out of sight. With the souring economy, there are lots of thieves out there willing to do a quick smash and grab for anything visible. I've watched campus crime reports and read reports of people wandering around in parking lots or taking things that were in plain sight.</p>
<p>Those Swiss backpacks are very cool and comfortable. I'm pretty sure they got for like 40 bucks at Sam's. Wait till back to school and I bet they'll be down to like 30.</p>
<p>I have a Targus Groove laptop bag that I bought for ~$20. Excellent, great quality, just wish it was completely water proof/resistant (top absorbs it, bottom is actually water resistant).</p>
<p>I also have a Swiss ($30 on sale- just look around at local discount sales) and it's pretty decent. The laptop pouch in the back is a hair small though...</p>