Laptop Bags - what do people use?

[herulach]

Starting a new job in a couple of weeks, so new laptop, and (if what everyone that works there is anything to go by) a craptastic bag. I hate my current work one but never got round to getting anything better. Don't need anything mahoosive (already have a roller one for overnights) so just laptop, pad, tablet, phone and a couple of pens. Messenger style, nothing too hipster.

Anyone got any ideas? I've been looking at a pakuma one, but they seem a bit lacking when it comes to somewhere to store the brick. Laptop will be a 12.5" jobbie.

[smargh]

http://www.vetopropac.com/catalog/laptop-series

Expensive though.

[GoNz0]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got one of these, very comfy.

[herulach]

http://www.vetopropac.com/catalog/laptop-series

Expensive though.

That looks a great bag, but unfortunately doesn't really go with the suit - I don't have a tech job, just need to carry a laptop.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got one of these, very comfy.

Same goes for backpacks unfortunately, satchel/messenger is what I'm after ideally.

[Splash]

I've gone through a number of Pakuma rucksacks (Akara K2 and K3) due to their warranty, but I'm not overly impressed with their actual build quality: each one has died due to either the strap stitching coming loose or problems with the zip fastening. They're nice, well padded bits of kit but I don't think I could recommend them to anyone.

Aside from those I also have a Crumpler Wack-O-Phone courier bag which I grabbed off eBay dirt cheap the last time I had to send one of my Akara's back for warranty replacement. It's a great piece of kit and while you won't fit loads in it you can certainly get a laptop, charger, notepad, selection of pens and a small lunchbox in there. It doesn't have a dedicated phone section, but there are a few internal pockets with velcro fastenings that would easily take one.

Not sure if they're still making that particular model but the build quality was excellent, certainly worth looking into other Crumpler gear if you don't mind carrying something that looks a little more distinctive than a standard black nylon laptop case with a horrible strap.

[directhex]

Timbuk2 laptop messenger bag - it was a freebie from work

[ik9000]

I too have suffered at the hands of Pakuma's lack of build quality - avoid avoid avoid. Hardly used the bag. Strap broke - make that came unstitched at the top and detached from the bag within a month of purchase (on only its 2nd use). Should have returned it to Scan but couldn't face the hassle. Think it was a K3. There is no real strengthening of the critical stitching (which is too loose) and there is a paltry (verging on negligible) amount of fabric on the strap actually sewn onto the back (think hem on trousers etc). Result = insufficient capacity to take the load and stitching either snaps, or in my case tears through the end of the fabric hem. And as there is no fabric there to get hold of there is no way I can sew it back on.

Always liked the Wenger range for their build quality, but two things put me off. 1) they weigh a lot even when empty 2) they have a penchant it seems for putting holes (ringlets) in everywhere. Not sure what it does for rain-proofing but 1p sized holes across the front of the bag seems like a daft idea to me!

[j1979]

I got one from scan for £5 it came with a small free retractable usb mouse. It was perfect for my needs and very happy

it's no longer in stock now, but still some great deals
http://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-...oks/bags-cases

[hb904460]

For my 15" work laptop I use a Musto navigator:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musto-Mens-N...usto+navigator

Lots of pockets for pens, paper, manuals, bricks etc. Main compartment for laptop is fine but not the most padded. Good straps and zips and it looks ok too.

[ik9000]

For my 15" work laptop I use a Musto navigator:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Musto-Mens-N...usto+navigator

Lots of pockets for pens, paper, manuals, bricks etc. Main compartment for laptop is fine but not the most padded. Good straps and zips and it looks ok too.

musto are a sailing brand - is it waterproof?

[Guy]

A little on the pricy side but...?

http://www.knomobags.com/uk/kobe-mes...aptop-bag.html

[herulach]

A little on the pricy side but...?

http://www.knomobags.com/uk/kobe-mes...aptop-bag.html

Liking both of those. 215 is stretching it a bit, have you had any experience with it? If it will last I don't mind so much

[TooNice]

This is what I use to take my 15.4" XPS laptop: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&hl=en&ct=clnk

It is nothing fancy, but bought it for far less than retail (but may be discontinued as it was a couple years back), and it served well during travels, work/school commutes in the last 3 years.

It's not very big, but it should fit everything you listed.

[Guy]

Liking both of those. 215 is stretching it a bit, have you had any experience with it? If it will last I don't mind so much

Usually a coupon or two floating around. I know they offer 10% off on your first order.

I've very nearly picked one up a few times after seeing them in the flesh at their popup store, or in one of the bigger dept stores. It appears to be well built and it gets good reviews.

[GoNz0]

I also have a crumpler and it is very well made, basically a seatbelt strap.

[timread]

+1 for Wenger Swissgear bags, if their messenger bags are as great as their rucksack bags.

I've used the same Swissgear Synergy rucksack bag (Amazon link) on a daily basis since June 2008. It still looks great, is comfortable to use even for long distance trips, and even protected my laptop once when my dishwasher flooded the kitchen overnight. It has a fairly waterproofed base covering, and even though bag sat in the flood for the whole night, the contents were dry & protected.