[opti]

First of all, I know all about the main PB case/sleeve thread on this forum, and I've read through all of it. I was undecided on whether to add to that or start a new thread; I decided to start something new as I would mostly like comments from those who have already shopped for backpacks before.

I've been considering the booq BP3 mainly; I was recently convinced that a Tom Bihn Brain Bag might be the better way to go, however, unfortunately both their Brain Cell and Monolith (one or the other is necessary to hold/protect the laptop in the backpack) are on backorder for a couple of months. I need this by the middle of September, as I will be going on foreign exchange in Japan at that time.

So aside from the BP3, anything else I should be considering? I was looking at messenger bags at first, but was quickly convinced that they are not ideal when carrying lots of books and other heavy items around.

btw, this is for a 15" aluminum PowerBook.

[olePigeon]

Just so you know, laptop backpacks are a perfect way to tell a thief you have a laptop.

I'm getting case protector and a ZeroShock sleeve, then put it in my trusty Jansport.

[opti]

Originally posted by olePigeon:
Just so you know, laptop backpacks are a perfect way to tell a thief you have a laptop.

I'm getting case protector and a ZeroShock sleeve, then put it in my trusty Jansport.

There are any number of things I could say to this...

- From the laptop backpacks I've looked at, there doesn't seem to be anything obvious in the design to scream "laptop inside!"

- It seems that almost any laptop backpack is much less obvious than the other choices

- I'll be in Japan, theft isn't as much of a concern there (though I will continue using it back in the states now and again, most likely)

- I can always guard my stuff more closely

- I have a Jansport currently, but it's not large enough to fit my laptop

[Nawus]

I really like the Branthaven backpack. You can order it from Apple.

[filmmaker2002]

I'm selling my used Brenthaven backpack for the 15" for $100 (retails for $180). Email me at filmmaker2002@mac.com if you're interested. I got the 17" so I got the bigger backpack to go with it.

[opti]

Originally posted by Nawus:
I really like the Branthaven backpack. You can order it from Apple.

Brenthaven has two backpacks, the Mobility and Professional -- the latter being the $200 all-black backpack with the laptop sleeve. I assume you mean the latter? I was considering that one a little, it got a lot of positive comments on the slashdot thread about laptop cases. It does have one advantage -- it is about the only high-quality backpack that I can check out and buy locally, at the same place I ordered my PowerBook.

I thought it felt a bit stiff for my liking (I'm used to the Jansport), but maybe that's going to be the case for any high-quality backpack; I can't compare it to the BP3 or anything else, unfortunately.

[MusicVideosRock]

I have the Spire Volt XL backpack. It's a great bag, holding my 15 inch powerbook and accessories. The removable padded sleeve is available in different sizes for the perfect fit. This is my 2nd bag from Spire. I also have the Endo courier style bag.

check them out at www.spireusa.com

[wuzup101]

I personally say go with a normal backpack and a nice sleeve. I myself use a glove sleeve from radtech.us with my North Face Borealis back pack. The notebook fits perfectly in the pack with plenty of room for note books and such. Currently I'm taking differential equations at a local campus and I have my PB, a solutions manual (which is about 2 inches thick and is almost as large as the PB length and height wise). My Diff EQ book (1.25" thick), and a 2 inch binder in there and it all fits very nice. Also have my mouse, power brick, extention cord, TI-92, TI-83, TI-30, etc... all stuffed in there!

[jorgem4]

I got this one at bestbuy...liking it very much! Although I carry a 12" it will fit the 15". It has tons of compartments it does not screen 'laptop inside' and is well padded.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....3&type=product

[joelcpa]

Originally posted by wuzup101:
I personally say go with a normal backpack and a nice sleeve.

Same here, I've got a Waterfield Designs sleeve and a Kipling backpack.

Works great and I can always just go with the sleeve for carrying my PB around town.

[Powaqqatsi]

Originally posted by olePigeon:
Just so you know, laptop backpacks are a perfect way to tell a thief you have a laptop.

I'm getting case protector and a ZeroShock sleeve, then put it in my trusty Jansport.

I think I'm going to mod my eastpak to transport my powerbook in. Much safer.

[Nawus]

Originally posted by opti:
Brenthaven has two backpacks, the Mobility and Professional -- the latter being the $200 all-black backpack with the laptop sleeve. I assume you mean the latter? I was considering that one a little, it got a lot of positive comments on the slashdot thread about laptop cases. It does have one advantage -- it is about the only high-quality backpack that I can check out and buy locally, at the same place I ordered my PowerBook.

I thought it felt a bit stiff for my liking (I'm used to the Jansport), but maybe that's going to be the case for any high-quality backpack; I can't compare it to the BP3 or anything else, unfortunately.

Yes, it the all black one made for the 15" pwrbk. I also looked at the BP3 but found the sleeve too big for the 15. The Brenthaven sleeve also gives a little more protection.

[opti]

Originally posted by Nawus:
Yes, it the all black one made for the 15" pwrbk. I also looked at the BP3 but found the sleeve too big for the 15. The Brenthaven sleeve also gives a little more protection.

Do you mean the PowerSleeve, or what's built-in to the BP3? You want the PowerSleeve 14 for the 15" PowerBook.

[opti]

Well, yesterday I went ahead and ordered the Spire Volt XL backpack, direct from spireusa.com (I'm not sure if there's any other way). Thanks to MusicVideosRock for reminding me of them -- I went over the slashdot thread again and found many extremely positive comments about their backpacks, but the clincher was this Gadgeteer review that I found in a Google search -- very informative and detailed with lots of pics, typical of Gadgeteer reviews. I just never thought to look there, as I didn't know they had delved into laptop stuff.

They gave the BP3 a very positive review as well, but in the comments thread, a couple of readers had a lot of complaints about the backpack -- and worse yet, booq's customer service, which apparently has failed to give people credit or any sort of response when they returned their backpacks (after 3 weeks in one case!) In contrast, Spire's customer service is said to be very good.

I was considering the smaller two backpacks as the Volt XL looked rather large, but when I looked at the dimensions they were really not that much smaller, surprisingly enough (not even my current Jansport is that much smaller!), and I've read the most positive feedback about the Volt XL.

One more thing: if anyone plans to order from Spire, use the coupon code "NRVW" for $20 off any order. I'm not sure when it expires.

[Darksider]

Incase makes the best backpack ever. Nothing comes close.

[trimaniax]

Please post your thoughts on the pack when it arrives opti. I'm in the same boat as far as backpacks go.

[quadraphonic]

Originally posted by Darksider:
Incase makes the best backpack ever. Nothing comes close.

I'm with you there.. I love my inCase back pack.

[igorsway]

Has anyone tried the BrainBag from Tom Bihn? It looks cool.

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mer...roduct_Count=1

[gbarill]

i have a willow design jacques backpack for my tibook, and it's a killer backpack, most people are surprised when i pull a laptop out of it (doesn't look like a laptop bag) and it's extremely well padded and versatile. however, willow design has closed their doors so unfortunately you can't get them anymore... (they were expensive, but it was nice supporting a canadian company, and they built them in canada so i didn't feel bad buying a backpack made by a ten year old, and also was very well built as a result)

but that's what i would have recommended had willow design not decided to close up shop earlier this year...


http://www.willowdesign.com/

oh, i checked, i guess they still have some inventory to sell...

[McFarmer]

Best backpack for a 15" PowerBook?

BOBLBE-E hardshell. Either Megalopolis (big model) or Peoples Delite (small model).

http://www.boblbee.com/jsp/public/pr..._hardshell.jsp

High-tech, fantastic back support, separate laptop compartment, expandable if you need to carry that bit extra (via flexible sides). Great for cyclists since it totally protects the PowerBook in case of a fall.

Had mine for 5 years now, used it every day to carry my 15" PowerBook. Almost looks like new.

[SoBayJake]

I ordered the Spire Volt XL as well. I have 17" AlBook.
I love it! It's great, comfy, plenty of room, and doesn't scream "LAPTOP - PLEASE TAKE ME"

I took it on a trip from Los Angeles (well Long Beach) to Dulles (I'm now a JetBlue fan), bus transfer, Metro ride (and the reverse coming back).

No problems at all...its survived nicely, had tons of stuff in it, and fit easily under the seat.

-Jake

[Sandbaggins]

I use the Brenthaven 15" Pro Backpack and have been very satisfied with it. Very roomy superb sleeve included. Lots of pockets for peripherals, mags, papers, folders. Its also very comfortable. The bottomis well padded and stands upright if placed on the floor.

Its not cheap but it does provide good protection for your PB.

PS. It doesnt look like you're carrying a laptop inside. It has no visible logos.

Straight black