Need a nice backpack for a 15.4" notebook

[mparr1708]

I'm looking for a nice backpack that will fit a HP DV4000. I swore off HP a while back but I got a pretty good deal on the new revision (w/ x700 ...close to same specs as z70va but about 300-400$ less ) so I pulled the trigger.

Specs as far as size goes....

Weight 6.45 lbs
Dimensions 14.11"(W) x 10.16"(L) x1.32"(min) / 1.67"(max)(H)

I want a medium to smaller sized pack. I need something to hold the notebook, its extras, and maybe a few other things (Say one change of clothing for an over nighter). I do not want to look like I'm going camping with this thing on my back.

I was thinking about this one but I've never used it before and its kind of hard to tell how large it is online. It says it will hold a 17" notebook so I'm thinking it will be a bit large for what I want.

One last requirement is that the bag cost less then $50.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[alexcoffeeman]

I have this one. Although it was a gift that I hardly use I can tell you about the features. Although in the specs this has ALOT of compartments, remember that this backpack is a standard size. With a laptop and an adapter, you soon realize you have little room for books, notes, paper...ect. I am currently in college and I can tell you I can?t have a laptop/adapter and a full load of books.

I do love the compartments; although like I said, they are small, it?s great for organization. If you don?t like the regular laptop cases and you don?t like to have a shoulder pack...then this is your best bet. It provides plenty of padding, but if there are books in there and other obscure objects just keep in mind that these may put stress on the laptop. To sum it up, this is a great pack, if your walking to school/class then without a doubt get this pack.

 

[arcas]

Before you buy one online, I suggest you head to your local B&M stores (Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Office Max, etc) and look at them firsthand. Make sure it'll have enough room to do what you want. I kind of got burned buying a Kensington 17" backpack because I've found that due to its 2-compartment design there's not really enough room for a tupperware dish unless I want to risk storing it on its side.

I think it would be better to get a decent internal frame hiker backpack and add your own foam-lined compartment for the laptop. You'll definitely have more room that way.

 

[mparr1708]

Thanks for the info guys!

Arcas, I did just that the other night and I will have to tell you I am glad I did. There are some packs that I looked at online and thought "That one would never work" only to find that I really liked them in person. The matrix by targus is a good example. I thought it would be to large while looking online but after trying it out in the store I like it a lot. Now if I can just find it at a reasonable rate.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Check out Swiss Gear in Best Buy. I've had one of their backpacks for over a year; still holding strong. Large pocket inside, should fit the dv4000 just fine. I think ~$50 retail

My buddy swears by his Targus Matrix too and he has a 15.4" Compaq R3000 P4 (big mofo)

 

[mparr1708]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Check out Swiss Gear in Best Buy. I've had one of their backpacks for over a year; still holding strong. Large pocket inside, should fit the dv4000 just fine. I think ~$50 retail

My buddy swears by his Targus Matrix too and he has a 15.4" Compaq R3000 P4 (big mofo)

Thats for responding fbrdphreak. The swiss gear bags are nice but my local bestbuy had them all for $70 or more.

I actually just purchased the matrix through newegg.com along with a two 1gb transcend chips. I ended up paying close to $60 for it by the time you factor in shipping. I probably could have shaved another $5 off the price of the bag but I hate putting in seperate orders if i do not have to. I don't mind stretching my budget a bit if I know its a product that will last. Every review I read of the matrix gave it high marks so hopefully I made the right choice.

Now lets just hope these transcend chips don't bomb out on me. I was close to just saying screw it and purchasing the kingston but the rebates on top of an already lower price suckered me in.