Am I dumb?

Ty44ler · April 10th, 2005, 11:37 PM

Am I dumb for wanting to buy a backpack that could fit my 17" widescreen laptop in? I have heard that using backpacks specially made to carry laptops is very risky, as they can easily fall out. I need some sort of bag to carry my laptop in but I dont want to carry around a very ugly briefcase for it. I'm a student so a backpack would be ideal to carry around my books and laptop together and not to mention hands-free, but Im having trouble finding a backpack that fits a 17" display laptop for very cheap and not terribly ugly.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a laptop backpack?
and
is it that dangerous to carry laptops around in a backpack?

Ive looked at the XPS backpacks but I dont think that they can fit an Inspiron 9300 in it.

Blazer06 · April 10th, 2005, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty44ler

Am I dumb for wanting to buy a backpack that could fit my 17" widescreen laptop in? I have heard that using backpacks specially made to carry laptops is very risky, as they can easily fall out. I need some sort of bag to carry my laptop in but I dont want to carry around a very ugly briefcase for it. I'm a student so a backpack would be ideal to carry around my books and laptop together and not to mention hands-free, but Im having trouble finding a backpack that fits a 17" display laptop for very cheap and not terribly ugly.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a laptop backpack?
and
is it that dangerous to carry laptops around in a backpack?

Ive looked at the XPS backpacks but I dont think that they can fit an Inspiron 9300 in it.

I used to carry my laptop to and from school everyday, in the same backpack that had all of my books. Never had a problem.

-Blaze

FatalException · April 11th, 2005, 12:03 AM

I have a Samsonite backpack that I carry my laptop in every day. I've been using it for two years without many problems. The only issue I've had is that my books sometimes press on the top cover of the laptop in the backpack (even through the laptop compartment padding) and push the screen against the keyboard. My laptop doesn't have a very rigid screen-backing, so the screen gets pushed up against the keyboard easily and leaves little marks on it from the edges of the keys. Luckily, though, they wash off with a little soap and water + a tissue or paper towel. So, no issues really... Oh, and I have a lot of trouble with mine coming out when I want it to, it's so secure... so I don't think you'll have any trouble with it just falling out on its own as long as you keep the pack zipped up!

Oh, and you might want to change the title of your thread... people are more likely to read it (and thus, help you) if you use something like "Are laptop backpacks a good idea?" or "Laptop backpacks good or bad?" Just a thought - I know I don't usually read those posts that are called things like "HELP!" or "It's BROKEN!" or "Am I dumb?" in this case.

Ty44ler · April 11th, 2005, 12:07 AM

thanks for the help!

is there any sort of model that anyone could recommend on the net?
or has anyone had any experience with the XPS backpack? I like the looks of it but have heard that it has some storage issues.

rastorize · April 11th, 2005, 12:54 AM

I use a backpack for my T-41...love it. I have a seperate padded compartment for just the laptop and nothing 'rubs' against it. I have a Targus Elite Series, Ballistic Nylon Case, that I purchased for $95 at Best Buy (Fry's has similar one's for $79). More pockets than I know what to do with including a built-in CD case. You get what you pay for...I haven't had any problems with anything 'falling' out.

large_nostril · April 11th, 2005, 01:14 AM

I used to carry my laptop in an old WWII Rucksack (German for "backpack"). It had so many harnesses and straps you could secure almost anything in it. It was also big enough for me to fit a full 22" TV in (don't ask). Best part it only cost me about $15 from a surplus store. And on top of that, I was the coolest kid in school