Jarn

Bag or backpack?

asdfjkl1

Depends on gender. I think a backpack would be more practical if you're on the move a lot. Though, a bag would be good if you're only carrying your laptop.

Jarn

Depends on gender? That's odd - I see both genders with both kinds very often. I'm male, if that helps - which one should men get?

And I think I'll be carrying textbooks, too, unless textbooks aren't as necessary as I'd imagined in college.

asdfjkl1

I see girls more with bags + laptop bags.

But, I meant, usage. Probably, a backpack would be better if you're trekking around with your laptop + notebooks + textbooks. Though, if you're organized, you probably could fit it in a bag...

HisGraceFillsMe

I'm probably going to get a nice backpack. I don't like on-one-shoulder bags...they hurt after a while.

hops_scout

I have a briefcase for my laptop. And if I need to carry books too, then I carry my backpack as well and put the briefcase strap over the top of the backpack straps.

Hamman

I think a backpack would be more discreet. You have less of a chance for that laptop to get up and walk away, if you know what I mean. It's safer than say a Dell carrying case advertising the goods you have inside

Pearlinthemist

A laptop hanging off of one shoulder does hurt after a while.. make sure it has good padding if you go for it.

I prefer the laptop backpack... again, shoulder strap padding is a must. Also make sure there is sufficient padding for the laptop, especially if you're sorta rough about throwing your backpack to the ground.

srunni

Check out Links to Notebook Bag Makers, Dealers and Reviews - Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion for info on purchasing laptop cases of all types.

khrushchevtm

I treat mine as a textbook,
I have the hardcase on it and put it in a neoprene sleeve,
then in my backpack/tote.
It's a macbook so it's compact enough for that.

embroglio

My dad keeps his work laptop in his backpack, that way it is closer to him, and therefore, as other posters have said, there is a lesser chance of it being stolen.

However, his backpack was stolen out of his car at 4:00pm in broad daylight while he was in a restaurant, so no matter what type of bag you get, don't lose sight of it!

BCEagle91

In general, keep your backpack and anything else out of sight. With the souring economy, there are lots of thieves out there willing to do a quick smash and grab for anything visible. I've watched campus crime reports and read reports of people wandering around in parking lots or taking things that were in plain sight.

Rich Hobo

Those Swiss backpacks are very cool and comfortable. I'm pretty sure they got for like 40 bucks at Sam's. Wait till back to school and I bet they'll be down to like 30.

Coopjust

I have a Targus Groove laptop bag that I bought for ~$20. Excellent, great quality, just wish it was completely water proof/resistant (top absorbs it, bottom is actually water resistant).

I also have a Swiss ($30 on sale- just look around at local discount sales) and it's pretty decent. The laptop pouch in the back is a hair small though...