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b3b0p · Mar 20, 2003, 10:15 PM

OK, I have narrowed it down to 2 bags:

1. The brenthhaven backpack
2. Waterfield Designs Cargo Suite

I have never seen either of these bags and would like someone elses opinion who has perhaps used one or the other or both.

Cost aside (The Waterfield Designs Cargo Suite is nearly $100 more) does anyone have a preference for one or the other and why?

Thanks,
Chris

William_F_House · Mar 20, 2003, 10:20 PM

Don't think twice; Waterfield is the best thing going. We have three sleevecases (15" Tibook, 12" and 17" Albooks) and their iPod case.

b3b0p · Mar 20, 2003, 10:23 PM

I guess I should add this question:

I am a student. Will I be able to fit a book or 2 in the water field bag with my computer?

This could be the deal killer.

Thanks,
Chris

William_F_House · Mar 20, 2003, 10:47 PM

Can't answer that since I only have the sleevecases and iPod case.

Call them and talk to them. Ask for Rommel.

JayTi · Mar 20, 2003, 11:00 PM

I have the SF Bag Cargo suite for my 17" Ti, I love it. I fit a lot of my legal pads and other books in there when I go to meetings...I love it--should have plenty of room for a book or two.

justinhale · Mar 20, 2003, 11:04 PM

i don't know, i got the slim 17" case from acmemade.com
it's red, i think it's pretty slick.

ships to me monday. powerbook tuesday.

great timing i'd say.

justin.

Wet Jimmy · Mar 20, 2003, 11:23 PM

You should really look at the Smart Alec and Monolith from Tom Bihn.

Wet Jimmy · Mar 20, 2003, 11:30 PM

Little review here -

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...29#post1300129

pamelah · Mar 20, 2003, 11:54 PM

Originally posted by JayTi:
I have the SF Bag Cargo suite for my 17" Ti, I love it. I fit a lot of my legal pads and other books in there when I go to meetings...I love it--should have plenty of room for a book or two.

There's a 17" Ti?? I didn't know that?!

Wet Jimmy · Mar 21, 2003, 12:00 AM

Take it with a grain of salt...

b3b0p · Mar 21, 2003, 12:17 AM

Thanks everyone!

Go do homework for 1 hour and you get dozen replies. This is great.

I think I am going with the Large Cargo bag from Waterfield designs. It looks good and professional at the same time and appears to have plenty of room.

Thanks,
Chris

b3b0p · Mar 21, 2003, 12:27 AM

Whoa! I just looked at the Tom Bihn site and that Brain Bag is mighty nice.

Scratch the Brenthhaven. Now I have to decide if I want Messenger type bag like Waterfield designs or if I want Backpack like the Brain Bag from Tom Bihn.

Tough decision.

Chris

b3b0p · 12:55 AM

Me Again

Read the F.A.Q. about the Brain Bag. I am only 5' 4" that thing is probably going to be too big according to their F.A.Q. Now I am looking at the Smart Alec.

Update: Started to think a backpack may be the best option for me as a student.

Any students out their use a Waterfield designs Cargo Bag to carry their books and/or computer around campus with?

Thanks,
Chris

aka_pascal · Mar 21, 2003, 04:02 AM

I have a large Waterfield Cargo bag, and it is about the most nicely made computer bag I have seen, and I've seen a few.

However, it is _heavy_. I've been using it to carry my TiBook, and it is borderline uncomfortable (it doesn't help that I fractured my collarbone a couple of years back.) I have a feeling that the extra weight of the 17" may push it over the edge.

I also have a Spire "Zoom" pack, which I've had for about 5 years (and it's still in great shape.) Carrying the TiBook with the Spire is blissfully comfortable by comparison with the Waterfield. Spreading the weight over both shoulders makes all the difference, and the Spire is a comfortable pack even by regular outdoor gear standards, let alone computer bag standards. From what I've seen, Tom Bihn and Brenthaven aren't quite in the same league, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

So I am seriously considering buying a Spire "Volt XL" pack when the 17" arrives. (www.spireusa.com.)

Don't get me wrong - the Waterfield is an awesome bag - and the customer service is as great as everyone says, but the weight & ergonomics issue is worth bearing in mind.

b3b0p · 10:59 AM

Thanks that is exactly what I wanted to know.

I remember sometime ago when I had a messenger bag for school I felt as though I was walking crooked at times.

Anyone else care to chime in?

I see the backpacks carry the laptops vertically. Is this something I should ever worry about? I mean could it damage it or bend it in the future after long usage?

Thanks,
Chris