Poll: Laptop Carrying Case: Backpack or Messenger Bag/Briefcase?

oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
3,907
0
76
Backpack. You really should separate messenger bag and briefcase b/c the former is bike-friendly while the latter is not.
 

tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
i prefer a backpack with padding, since i like to distribute weight evenly as the laptop i used to travel with is heavy.

HOWEVER, i got a new 700m on tuesday and don't know what i'd put it in yet.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
Not much of a poll sample here!

When I was a kid, NOBODY used a backpack. Of course, nobody used a breifcase either. :p
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
15,670
1
0
Messenger bag. Backpacks are too much of a PITA to use.

But, on the other hand, my fully-loaded laptop bag, with JUST the laptop and associated equipment (charger, inverter, external HDD, spare batt, mouse, mousepad, TI-89, multimeter, ethernet cable, USB cable kit, Uplink codesheet, reimage disc set, GPS reciever, cheapie WAP/switch, blank CD-R's, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.) weighs like 40lbs, and that's a LOT for one shoulder.

Also, I can't cram any books in there, so I have a seperate backpack for those (while I still have them, suspect that soon as I'm out of HS, I won't be using paper much at all, and I can definitely find room for a coupla textbooks). It's uncomfortable (and undoubtedly looks fairly hillarious) to carry both at once.

I guess I should mention that my laptop is primarily a mobile desktop and needs to be used for severe-duty work in a number of different environments. Cars, customer calls, school, basically anywhere except at home.
 

BornStar

Diamond Member
Oct 30, 2001
4,052
1
0
When I go to work I leave it in the briefcase. If I take it to class, I put it in my messenger bag.
 

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
0
0
I use this, of course I service 400+ switches, 20+ routers, 6 DSLAMs and a number of other pieces of network gear housed on a 152 square-mile Army installation. Yeah, I need a free hand or two from time to time. ;)

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TR601

Also, this bag has a hideaway beverage holder that fits a 1-liter bottle of Mountain Dew perfectly.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
I just saw an identical Targus at MicroCenter today, but the feet had small wheels, and a pull out handle at the top. Ah, here it is. Is that too, uh... metrosexual? :p
 

RKS

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,824
3
81
what I use.

Extremely durable and still looks good enough for use in a professional environment. It is kinda pricey however.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: Ornery
Protection from bumps or drops. What's the point of it? :confused:


Errr. I don't drop it or let things bump against it. I'm not a teenage boy :p
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
15,670
1
0
My bag, BTW.

Got it for $30 with the laptop. Fits the HP ZV5000, ZV6000 and ZX5000 like a glove.

Also, I don't get WTF they're saying about the "mobile phone pouch" It's detatchable, and smaller than any non-candybarphone. I use it to holster my knife when I'm not at school.
 

BMdoobieW

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2000
3,166
0
76
I use a leather messenger bag as my regular bag but when I want to take my 700m anywhere I have a laptop backpack thingy I got a Staples on sale for like $10. The manager said he was out of them but then I spotted one behind the counter and he was like "oh,ok" and he let me buy it.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: Ornery
Then, what's the point of it? :confused:



Protection from scratches and fingerprints, keeps it closed, covers ports so they don't get dust or catch on anything if loose, has a hand strap. Makes it look like a portfolio so draws less attention and looks professional. It's a small and light notebook and easily fits into my leather briefcase (in its own area).
 

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
backpack.

less obvious to thieves, better weight distribution, and easier to carry if you're riding a bike or have your hands full with other stuff (imo)
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
I think I'd just throw it in the leather briefcase and be done with it, but whatever...