[beefstu01]

Well, I'm waiting for a 15" PowerBook, but in the mean time I've been looking for a backpack for the puppie. I'm starting college Friday (Orientation, that is, classes start next Thursday), so I want to speed up the process of getting everything.

So, here's my problem. As a college student I'll probably need to lug around my laptop. That requires something to lug it around in, and I'd prefer a back pack. Why? Well, because I probably will need to lug around a book or two with the lappy, and being a Boy Scout, a back pack is the most comfortable thing to wear.

I'm impressed with this backpack, however I'm not sure if it'll be able to hold the textbook or two that might have to go with the laptop. Does anybody know if this'll fulfill my needs, or have any suggestions as to a better backpack?

Oh, and one more thing.

Go Big Red!

[jorgem4]

Nooo Dude...I think that back pack has no room for books....in college you are going to carry a **** load of stuff...binders text books...and your computer...so what I do...is that I have a big messenger bag and I bought a sleeve for my PB..the marware sleeve is cheap and work well!

[ptoomey3]

I am in the same position as you and have my eye on this backpack SpireUSA Volt. The only reason I am waiting is because this backpack has a builtin hardshell slot and corresponding sleeve for the powerbook. I am waiting to be sure the new powerbook fits in the exisiting sleeve or if they release a new sleeve for the updated powerbook. In all of my research I haven't heard a single bad word on these backpacks (besides the expense).

[Earth Mk. II]

Personally, I'd suggest something that at least looks like any other bookbag and doesn't scream "there's a computer in me," opportunity theft being a big thing on college campuses and all.

I know JanSport makes some laptop bookbags, as do Eastpak, Kelty and HIgh Sierra Sport. A few companies who specialize in laptop cases/bags have a some bookbag models as well.

If you're looking for something to haul your books and 'Book around in, you might want to look at some stuff here and here to get some sort of idea about what's out there.

[The Placid Casual]

Originally posted by jorgem4:
Nooo Dude...I think that back pack has no room for books....in college you are going to carry a **** load of stuff...binders text books...and your computer...so what I do...is that I have a big messenger bag and I bought a sleeve for my PB..the marware sleeve is cheap and work well!

Good advice jorgem4...

Yep, I always find you need a big bag for college/Uni!

I'd be tempted to check out a large www.timbuk2.com messenger bag and sleeve...

Of all things, I use a huge cK messenger bag and a Booq Powersleeve15 sleeve... I could fit my house in there, but I still sometimes find I need more room when I have all my files and books with me...

Peace,

Marc

[jonasmac]

One backpack. Oh yeah!

www.spireusa.com


No, I don't work for Spire, but I do own an Icon (circa 2001). I think that the Volt replaced it. Best backpack I've ever owned. Seems like they built it just for my Tibook, and it was.

--jonas

[s0litude]

I agree with the placid casual. You should definitely go for a messenger bag. Much roomier. I use a Chrome bag for my 15 PB. I outfitted it with what is supposed to be a holder for a walkie talkie and that's where I keep my iPod. For the sleeve I use the same thing, a Booq Powersleeve15 sleeve for added protection.

The cool thing about the Chrome bag is that it uses what looks like a belt buckle for your strap. Plus, its used A LOT by couriers because it is sturdy, AND WATERPROOF!! I've had my bag since my junior year of college and even now in grad school it still kickin butt. Helps ward away the snow fall as well. Hope that helps... Check out the link:

http://www.chromebags.com/citizen.html

[Melchizedek]

I have the Boblbee Megalopolis Executive bag and it rocks, with the lumbar cassette add-on bag, I can fit all my TiBook accessories, pens, etc. and in the main compartment my Tibook and a few books and binders. It's REALLY comfortable and will turn a few heads!

www.boblbee.com
www.macroluggage.com (sells for cheaper here)

[CrazedVW]

I have this pack from Jansport:
http://www.jansport.com/productdetai...5&pid=T685
Its the Big Student model if the link doesn't work.
It works pretty well. I have to carry my PB plus a bunch of books. That particular pack has a seperate compartment that can be used to hold the laptop (And mine is in a sleeve on top of that) plus a smaller compartment I use to put my power cable and ethernet cable.
It cost me like $45 or so at a local place. The size might be a bit overkill but since I commute to school I tend to carry a lot more with me.

[Freeflyer]

I use a kelty back pack and have a waterfield designs sleeve that fits neatly inside. There's plenty of room for books and the other essentials. I use this as my regular carry on luggage when travelling as it doesn't look as though I'm carrying a laptop.

Stealth is the best security.

Always love the look on some peoples faces as the scruffy looking git that seems out of place in business class pulls out the classiest laptop on board. You wouldn't believe the number of flight attendants that want to know what sort of computer it is.

Sad I know, but it's the little things in life that give you pleasure.

J.

[Axo1ot1]

If you aren't used to taking notes on a laptop then I recommend you wait on buying a bag for carrying it around all the time. There are a lot of limitations associated with taking notes on a computer. I suggest you get a protective sleeve for your laptop and use a normal backpack. Then you can put the computer in whenever you want it without risking getting it scratched up or anything.

[dialo]

I have the spire zoom XL and it is really great in every aspect. It is extremely durable, well padded, and can be used for just about anything. I carry books, my powerbook, the powercord and all sorts of random reading materials. It really it is best backpack I've ever owned. I carry my powerbook around in the boot so it doesn't get damaged, and the space where the boot it and the slot adjacent to it fit a ton of stuff with or without the powerbook in there.

I just looked on the spire site and it looks like they don't carry it anymore, but it is basically the same thing as the volt. There was a much wider selection when I bought mine, but they probably just weeded out what wasn't selling so they could focus on the bags they were doing well on.

[malone]

Eh... I find just the opposite. I didn't bring any of my books with my on campus. Just a clipboard and pen for notes.

I agree with the sleeve idea. I just bring my sleeve and clipboard with me whenever I don't need to lug much with me, and bring put my sleeve in the backpack whenever I need to feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Originally posted by jorgem4:
Nooo Dude...I think that back pack has no room for books....in college you are going to carry a **** load of stuff...binders text books...and your computer...so what I do...is that I have a big messenger bag and I bought a sleeve for my PB..the marware sleeve is cheap and work well!

[Fyre4ce]

Originally posted by beefstu01:
Well, I'm waiting for a 15" PowerBook, but in the mean time I've been looking for a backpack for the puppie. I'm starting college Friday (Orientation, that is, classes start next Thursday), so I want to speed up the process of getting everything.

So, here's my problem. As a college student I'll probably need to lug around my laptop. That requires something to lug it around in, and I'd prefer a back pack. Why? Well, because I probably will need to lug around a book or two with the lappy, and being a Boy Scout, a back pack is the most comfortable thing to wear.

I'm impressed with this backpack, however I'm not sure if it'll be able to hold the textbook or two that might have to go with the laptop. Does anybody know if this'll fulfill my needs, or have any suggestions as to a better backpack?

Oh, and one more thing.

Go Big Red!

Heh.

You know, as I was reading your post I was thinking, "hey, my college has its classes start on the same day!"

Then I read the "Go Big Red" and all became clear.
I'm a third year mechanical engineering student there, by the way. If you happen to see a few guys with a red race car hanging around Ho Plaza, that's my crew.

[Chemmy]

Just because you have a laptop doesn't mean you need to bring it to all your classes.

It's tons easier to take notes on a normal notebook, and you won't be distracted with games or music or videos on it.

That said, get a laptop sleeve, and a normal backpack. You get that whole "stealth" thing, and solid protection.

[RGB]

Originally posted by Earth Mk. II:
Personally, I'd suggest something that at least looks like any other bookbag and doesn't scream "there's a computer in me," opportunity theft being a big thing on college campuses and all.

I know JanSport makes some laptop bookbags, as do Eastpak, Kelty and HIgh Sierra Sport. A few companies who specialize in laptop cases/bags have a some bookbag models as well.

If you're looking for something to haul your books and 'Book around in, you might want to look at some stuff here and here to get some sort of idea about what's out there.

Wow, first time I've ever seen a site I worked on linked to somewhere. The place I work at did the High Sierra Sport site, I was involved in various spots. I wanted to get one of their bags but I couldn't find them in person to try. Oh well.

Edit:
Yes, I was the one who made the rollover menu system a long time ago that doesn't work in Safari.

No, I didn't put that hideous In-Sites Interactive on the bottom there, I hate how we do that. Ruins the design.

[beefstu01]

Originally posted by Fyre4ce:
Heh.

You know, as I was reading your post I was thinking, "hey, my college has its classes start on the same day!"

Then I read the "Go Big Red" and all became clear.
I'm a third year mechanical engineering student there, by the way. If you happen to see a few guys with a red race car hanging around Ho Plaza, that's my crew.

Oh **** dude! I'm going into electrical and computer engineering! HAHA!!! I'll definitely be seeing a lot of you. Go Formula SAE! Hey, quick question though- can electrical engineers join that team their junior year, and in what capacity?

[Appleman]

This is the one!

[Spheric Harlot]

timbuk2 are offering back-to-school specials with free shipping etc. on their bags.

Laptop backpack and sleeve (sleeve highly recommended; just ordered one of their regular messenger bags to go with it) here: http://www.timbuk2.com/products/transitbags.html

-s*

[Fyre4ce]

Originally posted by beefstu01:
Oh **** dude! I'm going into electrical and computer engineering! HAHA!!! I'll definitely be seeing a lot of you. Go Formula SAE! Hey, quick question though- can electrical engineers join that team their junior year, and in what capacity?

Electrical engineers can apply whenever they want. However, I don't think we'll be taking any freshmen on as full team members this year. If you want to become involved with the team, I would suggest:

1) coming by our office in Upson hall and asking if you can help out. I'm sure someone will have some work for you if you want it. We can also put you on our "helpers" list serve, but frankly we don't use it much and you'd be better off just showing up.

2) applying to the team next year. As I said we probably won't take any freshmen this year, but we generally hurt for EE's and if you've had a year of college classes and experience, and you've helped us out before, there's a good chance we'd take you.

Email me at cdd25 AT cornell DOT edu if there's anything else I can do for you.

[jeepskank]

i just want to second the people who mentioned that taking notes on a real notebook is a lot easier than taking notes on a laptop. i have a lot of classes that involve copying quick diagrams and charts during lecture, and it's MUCH easier just to have everything in a regular notebook. for me, at least.

i have an iBook, but i rarely carry it around. when i do, however, i use a sleeve for the iBook and just put it in a green generic-looking canvas messenger bag. it works well for me, and like others mentioned, the bag doesn't scream 'computer inside!'

good luck!

[SplijinX]

I also agree with those using a traditional pad of paper and pencil for notes as opposed to notebooks unless your class requires it. Regardless it is nice to have a sleeve and a bag of your preference for times when you do need to have your notebook around such as for projects and presentations.

I have tried carrying my notebook around with me everywhere I went in a Timbuk2 messenger bag along with a book or two and all I can say is your back is going to kill you. I suppose if you are carrying it a short distance it would not be so bad, but I was strictly biking to and from class a couple miles a day. Needless to say after the year was up, I had great legs, but knots like you wouldn’t believe in my back.

Obviously it'll be different depending on how you commute around school, but I highly suggest you do a bit of research and perhaps get an idea of the environment before dropping a lot of money on a fancy bag. Toss the notebook with a sleeve into a conventional book bag you may have been using for high school and try it out for a week to see if you can live with it. And from there see what would best suit you.

Also note, theft is pretty prevalent in most colleges and notebooks are easy hit and runs. You might get up to go use the restroom before class and leave you bag in your chair or something, and before you know it, it's already on sale on ebay. Just be careful where you leave your stuff and who could get their hands on it.

Good luck with school. And beware, electromagnetic theory is pure black magic.

[Chemmy]

Originally posted by SplijinX:
I also agree with those using a traditional pad of paper and pencil for notes as opposed to notebooks unless your class requires it. Regardless it is nice to have a sleeve and a bag of your preference for times when you do need to have your notebook around such as for projects and presentations.

I agree with you entirely. I have a Waterfield Designs sleeve for my laptop. I throw it in a North Face backpack when I need it.

Good luck with school. And beware, electromagnetic theory is pure black magic.

If you know your calculus, E&M is easy stuff.

ps. We're all dorks.