Okay-I have it down to 3 laptop backpack choices. I will have (soon) at 15" AlBook. I expect to carry this to work and as the "extra carryon bag" on the airplane, ie the one that goes under the seat. I also may want to use it without the laptop sometimes.
Option 1: Crumpler Team Player ($100-125, likely)
Crumpler Team Player
This bag is large, probably 2500 cubic inches.
Pros:
Build quality is good, waterproof
Looks cool
Large
Thief-proof zipper (hidden closer to the wearer's back)
Cons:
No external strap/buckles that would allow you to cinch it flatter, Removable laptop sleeve is likely a little loose for independently carrying the 15" AlBook around.
Option 2: RadTech Sports ($75)
Radtech Sports
This is a more traditional looking multicompartmented bag that hangs the laptop in one section, and has about 2100 cubic inch capacity.
Pros:
More compartments & less expensive
Cons:
Not waterproof like the Crumpler
Slightly smaller.
Option 3: Spire USA Volt XL
URL=http://www.spireusa.com/products/VX4.html]Spire Volt XL[/URL]
This is also traditional-looking, with what I suspect would be thicker/heavier nylon/denier and beefier notebook protection
Pros:
Build quality
Very beefy bottom padding to protect the notebook if the pack is dropped
Entirely removable notebook holding section, e.g fully convertible.
Removable notebook sleeve can be used independently
Cons:
Costlier than the others
Not as cool looking as the Crumpler.
Anyway--I wish I could see these live but I live in a town that doesn't have anyone selling this stuff. If anyone out there has held, used or tested these 3 packs let me know.
waterbuck
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