[Maflynn]

Any recommendations that will hold a PB15" and school books.

I like Victorinox Precision

I've also looked at
Tom Bihn <- I like these also
Brenthaven
Incase


Seems a tad large, and I'm not sure about the padding to protect my PB. As a side note, I'd like to use this with my Comaq laptop (I forget the model but its a 14" screen. Sometimes I'll leave straight from work and use that computer instead of the PB.

I've done searches and read through many posts. A lot of the recomendations seem to only involve backpacks for a work envionment where people may not carry large heavy text books. Since I'll be carrying those heavy text books along with a laptop, fitting the books in and at the same time protecting the laptop are my chief concerns.

EDIT:
I like the Tom Bihn backpack but a component is out of stock till late october so that seems to knock this off the list.

I start school next week - nothing like putting off until the bitter end

Thanks
Mike

[wuzup101]

I use a North Face Borealis w/ a padded slip case from radtech.us. It gives plenty of protection for my 15" powerbook and North Face makes the best backpacks for their price. IMHO they are much more comfortable and stylish than most of the other companies out there... and they are built to last. I own 2.. this daypack and a week pack that I used in europe and both look great. I used the Borealis all last year too and it still looks like it's bran spanking new. Zippers are quality and wont get messed up... and there's a nice organizer as well as a divider that holds the 15" Powerbook perfectly.

[balls]

I have a Jan Sport backpack (just a regular school bag) and a sleeve from Radtech. Works well for me. I also have a small case from incase, but I only use it for travelling.

[azdude]

TomBihn Brain Cell/Brain Bag --- 110% Recommended! (My Review)

I'd recommend that you not permanently discount the Tom Bihn solution because you'd have to wait. (find a cheaper temporary solution?).

Carrying a fairly fragile $3000 piece of equipment on your back along with other heavy, hard objects is not to be taken lightly (pun INTENDED) and really scares me... But the Brain Bag's size and quality along with the Brain Cell's hard/soft sling design really gives me a ton of confidence when I carry the 15PB along with a text or two and a few folders + lots of PB accessories. I can't imagine using a smaller bag.

[Maflynn]

Originally posted by azdude:
I'd recommend that you not permanently discount the Tom Bihn solution because you'd have to wait. (find a cheaper temporary solution?).

Its funny you mentioned Tom Bihn, I ordered one Yesterday. After spending the day researching for a quality backpack, that one seemed to stick out.

Price was really not one of the deciding factors, I couldn't feel comfortable about having textbooks and PB in a backpack that cost me $30, at some point my PB would get damaged.

I liked the victorinox but Tom Bihn came out on top. Now I need to wait for it, hopefully I'll get it by wednesday.

Thanks for all your input.

Mike

[Powaqqatsi]

Get a sleeve for the PowerBook, an Eastpak classic bag and put the sleeve in the damn bag. Much cheaper than a special computer bag and it works the same. And nobody knows you have a computer with you. Works for me

[Maflynn]

Originally posted by Powaqqatsi:
Get a sleeve for the PowerBook, an Eastpak classic bag and put the sleeve in the damn bag. Much cheaper than a special computer bag and it works the same. And nobody knows you have a computer with you. Works for me

I got the "brain cell" from Tom Bihn, a sleeve, and that baby snaps in that backpack. I opted for a specialized backpack for further protection. This will be used for my commuting to work, and to school. This is night school, so I probably have less of a need to "hide" the laptop since it will always be with me.

The more specialized backup, though more expensive affords some peace of mind from a protection point of view.

Mike

[Powaqqatsi]

Originally posted by Maflynn:
This is night school, so I probably have less of a need to "hide" the laptop since it will always be with me.

I meant that when you walk with a computer bag on the street, the chance of beint ripped is much higher (my dad had it once, and gave the guy a smack on the head with his heavy Compaq) than with a bag that doesn't look like one. I didn't really mean when you leave your bag alone (I would never let my PB alone !)

[azdude]

Originally posted by Powaqqatsi:
I meant that when you walk with a computer bag on the street, the chance of it being ripped is much higher....

Especially at night school!

[Komisar]

I am getting a bag and i found a great one for my 12 inch pb it takes up 16 inch laptops targus sports deluxe bag! check it out at targus.com but the server for ordering doesn't go through get it at amazon!

[Maflynn]

Well the Tom Bihn backup + brain cell arrived yesterday - just in time too, school starts tonight.
So far with just using it for my commute into work, the bag appears to be very well constructed, fits nice and overall I think an excellent backup. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a backpack.

Mike