Laptop Bags
Sep/22/2008 19:59 Filed in: Apple
I’m a stickler for an effective laptop bag and I’ve
gone through quite a few of them over the years. I
wanted to share some thoughts on some of the bags
I’ve used and whey they did or didn’t work out for
me.
The thing to keep in mind is that my primary machine is a 15” MacBook Pro and that I consider my laptop bag to be my mobile office. Because I travel and give presentations quite a bit, my bags tends to be fully loaded with gear so that I have pretty much everything I need to set up shop anyplace.
I always seek out bags that have a single carry handle rather than two handles that must be clasped together. Lugging around a bag by squeezing two handles together just seems like poor ergonomics to me. I also don’t like bags that have a gigantic flap that must be opened to access the contents. I understand the whole “bike messenger” thing, but I rarely find myself delivering ungainly parcels on a bicycle. If I want to fetch a pen, I don’t want to feel like I’m opening the flap of a tent.
Logitech Kinetik 15” Briefcase
Interesting design and materials in this case. It appears to a rigid case at first glance, but the material has give to it with a soft, rubber-like finish. The bag is designed so that it balances upright when sat down, rather than slumping over on its side. Very nice until you unzip one side of the case that is loaded with gear and it falls over. the semi-rigid materials also means that the bag is always going to be the same size, even if it is empty. The two-handle design almost automatically disqualified this model, but the unusual appearance and materials tempted me to try it out.
Good
Oakley Computer Bag 2.0
Very well designed bag that I have used to travel all over the world. More pockets and pouches than you can shake a stick at. High-tech, rugged appearance with easy access to flat storage on the back. Also comes with a nice mesh bag for storing cables and other messy items.
Good
Oakley Vertical Computer Bag 3.0
Excellent bag that offers fantastic features in a compact package. If you don’t need to carry a lot of files or books, or you travel light, this bag is highly recommended. The slim profile means that it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as other larger bags.
Good
Booq Boa M
Newest bag in my collection. Nice design, although a little on the large side. Very high quality materials plus water resistance. I’ll be updating this post with my experiences after I get a chance to use it for a few weeks.
Good
The thing to keep in mind is that my primary machine is a 15” MacBook Pro and that I consider my laptop bag to be my mobile office. Because I travel and give presentations quite a bit, my bags tends to be fully loaded with gear so that I have pretty much everything I need to set up shop anyplace.
I always seek out bags that have a single carry handle rather than two handles that must be clasped together. Lugging around a bag by squeezing two handles together just seems like poor ergonomics to me. I also don’t like bags that have a gigantic flap that must be opened to access the contents. I understand the whole “bike messenger” thing, but I rarely find myself delivering ungainly parcels on a bicycle. If I want to fetch a pen, I don’t want to feel like I’m opening the flap of a tent.
Logitech Kinetik 15” Briefcase
Interesting design and materials in this case. It appears to a rigid case at first glance, but the material has give to it with a soft, rubber-like finish. The bag is designed so that it balances upright when sat down, rather than slumping over on its side. Very nice until you unzip one side of the case that is loaded with gear and it falls over. the semi-rigid materials also means that the bag is always going to be the same size, even if it is empty. The two-handle design almost automatically disqualified this model, but the unusual appearance and materials tempted me to try it out.
Good
- Sleek, streamlined look (if that appeals to you).
- Balances upright when closed.
- Pretty good interior pocket layout.
- Must fully unzip a side to get to gear (which might make bag tip over).
- Semi-rigid materials means that bag is always full size, even when empty.
- Two carry handles.
Oakley Computer Bag 2.0
Very well designed bag that I have used to travel all over the world. More pockets and pouches than you can shake a stick at. High-tech, rugged appearance with easy access to flat storage on the back. Also comes with a nice mesh bag for storing cables and other messy items.
Good
- Well designed interior storage with many pockets and pouches.
- Quick access to external pockets with quick-release clasps.
- File dividers alongside laptop compartment.
- Solidly built rubberized carry handle.
- Metal parts of sling strap squeak when you walk.
Oakley Vertical Computer Bag 3.0
Excellent bag that offers fantastic features in a compact package. If you don’t need to carry a lot of files or books, or you travel light, this bag is highly recommended. The slim profile means that it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as other larger bags.
Good
- Well designed interior storage with a good selection of pockets and pouches.
- Horizontal gadget pocket provides quick access to flash drives or other small items with external zipper.
- File dividers alongside laptop compartment.
- Useful side pouches and hidden mesh water bottle holder.
- Nice beefy carry handle.
- Metal parts of sling strap squeak when you walk.
- Little storage for books or other larger items.
Booq Boa M
Newest bag in my collection. Nice design, although a little on the large side. Very high quality materials plus water resistance. I’ll be updating this post with my experiences after I get a chance to use it for a few weeks.
Good
- Well designed interior storage.
- Large internal storage capacity for those big reference manuals and other large items.
- Nice sling strap (appears to be made of seatbelt material).
- Really comfortable carry handle.
- A little on the large side.
- External pocket isn’t as easy to get to as I would like.
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