I am looking for a laptop backpack for my 13 inch MacBook and my books for school. Does anyone have any model specific information/reviews and links to good prices? I've seen these between $25 and $200. I'm not really savvy in buying backpacks.

Thanks,
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For backpack style Ogio makes really nice bags. For messenger type I think the Tibuk2 are the best. Right now I have a YakPak that is pretty good but I think I might just bite the bullet and spend the $150 on a Timbuk2.

(I know some people will say that $150 on a bag is outrageous but when you carry something every single day for a couple hours a day it is worth getting a good one).

Check out:

http://www.ebags.com/laptop_bag_cent...sub_site_id=52

for some really good deals. I would recommend checking some out in stores though. It's tough to really get a feel for all the pockets and how they will work for you looking at a picture.
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Targus and Swiss Gear makes good reasonably priced backpacks. They are not as fancy as some of the others, but for $40-$60 you can get a really nice one. Check out

http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?...ckpack&cat=all

and

http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?...ckpack&cat=snp

I have used both brands and been very happy with both. My current is a targus sport I believe.
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I have the Targus Sport... it does the job nicely. Lots of pockets and storage... although don't plan on making a big fashion statement!
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I have an older Targus bag as well... :-)
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All the ballers hire one of these guys!
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Whatever you get Darrell, try to "test drive" it. Depending on your laptop weight and book load, no matter how "uber-cool" something looks, if it doesn't fit your body properly, it will make you look like a miserable fashionista-boy. What works for you, much like cigars, may not work for 90% of the rest of the population.
If you have an REI or something nearby, they are quite willing to load a daypack/backpack/whatever with some weight and let you walk around for half an hour. You will know if the straps/loading/pockets, breathability of the backpanel work for you pretty quickly. It will be some time invested, but well spent, I think.
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This one should be tough enough for you Junior!!!
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Turtle Power!!!:-)
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Another vote for Ogio... I have the Metro ( my 2nd since the last one was stolen )
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I have an Ogio Metro. I love it but the part is the laptop pocket right? Well that important part ripped on my Ogio. What I did was went into the De Anza bookstore, we have several variety of Ogio there, and found what I wanted, went on Ebay, waited for the right one and that was that. My $60-80 backpack cost me like $30 shipped.
If you want a brand that's reliable for this sort of thing though go for a Targus. I've seen them and they look like they're built pretty tough. Go for Targus.
I'll let you check out my Ogio when I go to WS next week if you can wait that long.
Let me know if you want a pic of the long vertical rip.
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I have this one and carry my 15.4" dell laptop in it every day... I like it..

http://www.targus.com/us/product_det...x?sku=TSB136US

Scott
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:-):-)
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I have a Swiss Gear backpack that gets light use. I bought it to carry around a 13" Macbook, Video Camera, DSLR, Cables, and Paperwork during IPCPR two years ago. The bag itself is pretty hefty and it weighs a ton when you load it up. I was amazed at how comfortable it was to carry around for several hours on a convention center floor. It doesn't breathe well so I wind up being soaked after wearing it for more than an hour.

You should definitely go somewhere where you can try one on. I tried a few on before I bought mine and a bunch of them felt awkward on my back. Definitely need one that fits you well if you plan on using it often.
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Wenger makes a good cheap laptop bag. http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Gear-Ibe...p_ob_e_title_1 I use the 15" version of this. If you can wait for sales, you can find this for $30. Keep an eye out on slickdeals towards the ends of the semester (next few months).

If your campus is anything like mine was, get a proper backpack, not a messenger bag style. I tried the messenger bag style for a while, but with my books, notebooks, laptop, etc, it killed my shoulders. Do yourself a favor and go with the good old backpack.
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When I was in school I had a NorthFace, actually I still have it and use it ALL the time. It's the NorthFace Recon. Pretty comfortable pack and offers pretty decent protection. I was stuck in a rainstorm on campus w/o an umbrella and no sleeve on my powerbook. When I got back to my apt, which was about 15 minutes, I was soaked but my computer was completely dry.
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I use a Swiss Gear for work, which includes some decent travel/airports. Pretty comfortable but they are easy to overload and get heavy quick.
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I have a very gently used one around here somewhere. My wife bought it and after a few uses decided it was "dorky" and hasn't used it since. I don't remember how much she paid or what brand it is off hand, but if you are interested, I'll find it and tell you what kind it is. After that, if you want it, it's yours. Let me now.
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Targus.
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