Computer Bag Update
19 May, 2009
Computer Bag Update
Ok, here are some options, for those of you who are interested …
This Pinder bag in chocolate with the matching sleeve — which I like, because it’s big enough to carry stuff, and doesn’t look too computer-case-y, but OTOH, I don’t know how comfortable I’d find the straps, because I usually carry bags on my shoulder…
This Timbuk2 bag, which is a little bigger than I’d like, and I’m iffy on the colours …
this other Timbuk2 bag, but the colours are a bit much for me — can’t argue with the price, though
I really like this, but am not at all sure I want a backpack — opinions?
This Sumdex one in green or brown
What do you think, oh lazywebs?
12 Comments
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Blogenspiel 
I just ordered the Pinder in red. I should be grading not hanging out… I’ll let you know how it goes!
I love the first one!
Just to be clear – even though they say the Pinder sleeve will fit inside the Pinder bag, I guarantee you wouldn’t want to use it that way. It’s very lightweight for a bag, but a lot bulkier than anything you’d call a sleeve. If you really want to use a sleeve inside another bag, I’d get a form-fitting, pretty much weightless neoprene sleeve.
Ooh, thanks, TE — because there are some neoprene sleeves that cost a bit less and I like better!
MW, I am leaning that way, I think …
I may get myself the chartreuse Marina (no color is too scouring for my eyes!)…[PS: Don't mind the link to the other blog — blogspot won't let me sign off with name & url anymore.]
I like the Marina myself, or the Pinder. (Can’t get the Tom Bihn to come up, but I know people love his bags.) But really my only point is: DON’T go with the backpack! (I’m surrounded by way too many of them. That one is cute, but, no. backpacks.)
I have, I think, the worlds largest collection of computer bags because I am never happy. So I have a nice tote style one, which is great as long as you don’t want to carry too much else in it (no matter what they say). I have a backpack: not beautiful, but I use it at times for the reason you use a backpack: it’s easier on the shoulders; mine can also carry lots of books. I have the simple black computer bag (it’s obvious what it is) that doesn’t hold much besides some files and maybe a book. I have a neoprene sleeve I can slide into other bags. And I have a rolling computer tote. (I might add that these have been accumulated over about 12 years or so, not all at once — I just don’t get rid of things)When I’m traveling, I tend to use the rolling computer tote. If I have to walk long distances, it’s a whole lot easier. For shorter distances, I tend to use either the simple bag or the nicer tote.I’d think a lot about the conditions in which you’ll be using the bag, and how you like to carry things. If you’re not usually a backpack type, don’t get a backpack.
I have to go against the grain here – I know backpacks tend to scream 'student,' but if you end up with a backache, what really matters? I tried for ages to not use a backpack, and went through a veritable whirlwind of shoulder & messenger style bags. Every one gave me shoulder pains, headaches, back pain. I now use Wegner Backpack, and it's big and ugly, but holds everything, and doesn't hurt me. even with a stack of books, a 15" MacBook Pro, and a dozen other odds and ends.If you are going to carry your bag more than a few steps every day (like across a campus) I can't recommend a backpack highly enough. I know they don't look cool and professorly, but neither does being too hunched over with pain to walk straight, or turn your head! Trust me! Just my 2 cents, anyway…
I’ll join in. I’d never use anything but a backpack for a laptop (unless it’s something a lot lighter than a Macbook). It’s the only way to have the weight evenly balanced. It actually makes the laptop feel lighter. The one downside is that in warm weather your back can get a bit sweaty. But I can live with that.
I have a Samsonite computer backpack that I’ve used since 2004. I with the pro-backpack people here. Especially for traveling with my laptop, the backpack is essential for comfort and ease.
The pinder just came! I’ll look at it as a reward — that was a nasty 4 days of very intense grading (ok, I went camping last weekend because mr. t. was going to be out of town for a few weeks and it seemed like our only opportunity).Anyway, the bag is very nice, lightweight to start with, a little smaller than the bag I was using which may prevent me from overloading my shoulder. It is a bit square and thus does actually look more like a computer bag than I was expecting, but in red (!), it’s hardly looking like any of the other computer bags I’ve seen.good luck!