Guys, I'm looking for suggestions for cool laptop / notebook bags. I'm either wanting a backpack style or messenger/shoulder style. I don't want a business style case, but at the same time I don't want anything too 'young'. I don't want to be walking into the office looking like I stole the bag off some school kid. Any ideas?
I can't remember the model, but Targus do a nice backpack in dark blue/black that looks okay enough for work. Holds up to 17" laptop, has a decent front pocket area thing for sundries, has a phone pocket on the strap, and a waterproof cover if needed. I got it from Dabs AFAIK. Edit: This exact one, actually. I've had it for a little over two years, daily use, and it's holding up fine. Edit 2: A friend swears by Crumpler bags, FYI. They look nice, but AFAIK, cost an absolute shedload of money
TechAir do a nice compromise between casual / business styling, padding sections are good, and holds up well to daily use over 2 years now... http://www.techair.co.uk/store/products.asp
What laptop do you have? If you have an Apple notebook, you can get snazzy neoprene sleeves for them, and then I just use any bag that'll fit it in, as it's already got a bit of padding/scratch protection with the sleeve. Edit: currently looking at something like this
Go to Fossil, or here, I've got a leather one from there and it's soooo nice. They break in quickly but stay durable from there on.
Some great suggestions thanks guys! I currently use my bag (a belkin messenger type) to carry my 13" macbook, however it's a bit snug by the time I put in a few other items (pads, external disk, cables, etc). So it's time for an upgrade.
allow me to suggest knomo. they do very, very nice laptop bags. i have the Sterling model in blue and brown, and very nice it is too. http://www.knomobags.com/eshop/knomo_subcollection.asp?SS=5&C=83&CA=82 pretty bloody expensive, though.
I have a Vaude one, it looks like a normal rucksack but has a padded bit for your laptop. It is removable which is quite helpful, I sometime put it into my smaller bag when I don't want such a big bag (funny that)
+1 on Crumpler love their bags, Ive had mine for two years of rain, snow and mud and still looks like the day I got it.
http://laptoppimp.com/laptop-fun/diy-how-to-hack-a-floppy-disk-laptop-bag-from-old-floppy-disks/ Post a project log
lol Im' not sure I'd want a bag made of floppy disks!! Thanks for the suggestions, some of them are nice but then have a very nice price tag to go with them! Maybe I'll have to drop a hint to the wife, it is coming up to xmas after all.
Personally, I keep it in a protective sleeve then find a rucksack/bag with a suitably sized compartment in it (often the hydration pouch on outdoors-y bags). Most dedicated laptop bags are pretty grim.