<p>Any suggestions for a great backpack to carry S's new laptop? He's getting a Sager and the fact that it weighs a ton (don't ask) and needs extra battery packs (oy) means the right backpack with proper padding (?) may be key.</p>
<p>My S is resisting the idea of getting a sleeve (of course he is) but if this is really the best choice, please help me convince him.</p>
<p>Thanks so much.</p>
<p>Wegner Swiss Army makes a great, sturdy comfortable backpack for around $75. I found my son’s at Staples. Amazon has some as well
[Amazon.com:</a> swiss army computer backpack: Electronics](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-alias=electronics&field-keywords=swiss%20army%20computer%20backpack&page=1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-alias=electronics&field-keywords=swiss%20army%20computer%20backpack&page=1)</p>
<p>If he will not use it, it won’t be the “best” backpack. My S is not at all careful about what type of backpack he uses. I don’t mean that he doesn’t care about his laptop - he does. But he has zero interest in any kind of special padding/special backpack etc. He just puts it in his regular backpack and that is that.</p>
<p>I would just let him choose whatever mode of transport he wants for that laptop. If he cared enough to get a special one, he’ll likely take care of it.</p>
<p>Oh, wait… what am I saying? He’s a male! :eek: So, if he’ll be careless probably best things are to:</p>
<ol>
<li>Let him know that he - not you - will be responsible for any repairs, damage, loss, replacement.</li>
<li>Buy the special insurance that addresses every possible crazy problem - coffee spilled on it, super glue stuck to it, it gets stolen…</li>
</ol>
<p>One or both of the above.</p>
<p>try the website ebags.com and take a look at The North Face 2008 Surge backback. It’s expensive but it has a separate padded laptop section that can hold a pretty big laptop. It’s nice looking.</p>
<p>Ditto on the Wenger. It is one of our company standards for our laptops and I love mine. It has tons of pockets and things and is very padded. Comfortable to wear, too.</p>
<p>Yeah, tried the super duper backpack with compartment for laptop. Son used it for last half of senior year of HS and freshman year of college and then switched to a $20 olive drab canvas messenger bag thing. It is all he uses - the $70 L.L. Bean with monogram was brought home at the end of sophomore year with a “I don’t use this anymore and don’t need it at school. I’ll just throw it on the luggage shelves in the basement.” Hmm, maybe it will fit my laptop . . .</p>
<p>The PR600 Port from Targus. In 25 years of schlepping portable computers around the world, this one is the best. Great padding, great shoulder straps, really well-thought-out pockets, and even a detachable hip belt if you have a long way to walk. Their patented shock absorbers are impressive, too. Two thumbs up: [Targus | PR600 – PORT</a> 3.1 15 Laptop Backpack](<a href=“Targus | Backpacks, Docking Stations & Computer Accessories”>Targus | Backpacks, Docking Stations & Computer Accessories)</p>
<p>We purchased this one (Targus) for our D for college this fall. She likes it a lot. </p>
<p><a href=“https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Targus+TSB03201US+Feren+Notebook+Backpack+-+Olive&x=0&y=0[/url]”>https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Targus+TSB03201US+Feren+Notebook+Backpack+-+Olive&x=0&y=0</a></p>
<p>How much do students actually carry around their laptops? My son has taken quite a few college classes (as a high schooler) at the state univ. here, but he never drug his laptop to them. He took a notebook and took notes by hand. He did take his laptop to the library to work sometimes, but that wasn’t an everyday thing. I can’t see why he wouldn’t just throw his laptop into his regular old backpack if he had to take it to the library or somewhere. Or I missing something?.. like it will be different at the college he’ll be attending this fall from the college he took classes at for the last couple years?</p>
<p>Another idea: My son schlepped his laptop around to classes for 3 of his college years in who-knows-what of a backpack. But now he says his iPhone has replaced his laptop for taking notes, carrying photos, using the internet for research, IM, and so on.</p>
<p>I found a TSB089US | Targus 17 Flare Backpack at Marshall’s/TJ Maxx for only $19.99. I just found it on the Targus website for $69.99. I had my son come into Marshall’s to try it on. The main feature we both liked was the consealed “rain flap” that is stored in a zippered cubby on the bottom seam. This attached flap can be pulled out and cover the entire backpack (not the straps or panel closest to the back when it is worn). I also liked the lockable zipper on the laptop section.</p>
<p>Over many years my favorite laptop cases for business use come from
[MacBook</a> Cases & Sleeves, Laptop Bags @ Brenthaven](<a href=“http://www.brenthaven.com%5DMacBook”>http://www.brenthaven.com) and <a href=“http://www.codidirect.com%5B/url%5D”>www.codidirect.com</a>. They both offer very well padded bags which is my preference for business travel.</p>
<p>My kids use messenger bags and backpacks from [Spire:</a> Laptop Backpack, Laptop Bag, Laptop Sleeve](<a href=“http://www.spireusa.com%5DSpire:”>http://www.spireusa.com) which have a bit more style(!). I also got them Brenthaven bags for maximum protection while traveling and I am happy to see they do use them.</p>
<p>I second the idea of the insurance - we use College Student Insurance and they were great. Even careful kids can be thoughtless. My d carefully padded and wrapped her laptop coming home for Thanksgiving, then packed it in her suitcase, and checked the suitcase on the train! Needless to say, the case was smashed. CSI gave us no problem paying for the repair. </p>
<p>The insurance will probably save you more money than the backpack will!
[CSI</a> College Student Insurance Home](<a href=“http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com%5DCSI”>http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com).</p>
<p>Also, Lojack has an insurance for computers:
[Computrace</a> LoJack for Laptops](<a href=“http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/]Computrace”>http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/)</p>
<p>We have that for our D’s computer because she never uses the cable lock that we got her. He should also back everything up to a portable hard drive (which he keeps separate from the computer, obviously) every so often. He may not end up carrying it around with him that much anyway.</p>
<p>My kids love their Timbuk2 bags. They make quality messenger bags and backpacks.</p>
<p>[Timbuk2</a> Bags - Timbuk2](<a href=“http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home]Timbuk2”>Shop All | Timbuk2 Backpacks, Messengers, Travel Bags)</p>
<p>You are all amazing. I’m checking the links you provided and especially appreciate the many great words of wisdom re: locks, damage, iPhone (!), etc. Best bet: the insurance is a must. Many thanks.</p>
<p>I use a TheNorthFace hydration pack- the padded pocket ( with safety strap) works for my macbook pro ( 15.4") & I can swap it out when hiking with a seperate camelbak water bladder ( the straps also have a place for the tubing)</p>
<p>TheNorthFace IMO, deserve their reputation for well made products.
My oldest daughter has been using the same TNF pack through high school and college and is still using it. I used it for 5 years before that.</p>
<p>If it is really heavy, make sure it has a hip belt- that will also make the pack more versatile.</p>
<p>I have a huge Dell laptop (17 inch) from work that I have to travel with. Before my first trip, I ordered the Targus Flare 17" that someone else mentioned. I recommend it highly - it WILL hold your 17" laptop, plus accessories and a few books. It also has very comfortable, padded straps with easy pull tightening.</p>
<p>Another vote for Timbuk2. Son uses his laptop messenger bag daily and it still looks like new after 2 years.</p>
<p>I like the messenger bag look. At 48, with one bad shoulder already, hauling a heavy shoulder bag through airports (in addition to carry-on luggage, etc.) is out of the question. If you can “do” the messenger bag, there are several good options out there. I found the options limited for large laptop backpacks - I couldn’t find one locally, so ordered one online that a reviewer had said would hold my exact notebook. And it did!
The only problem I have had with the Targus is that since it is big enough to hold a 17 inch laptop, some of the compartments are like black holes… I’m still working on an ideal organization setup.</p>