Comments on: Backpacks for Laptops (1990s-early 2000s) http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/ Thoughts & Resources on IT Consulting for Small Medical Practices Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:30:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Michelle Godfrey http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-9 Michelle Godfrey Sun, 10 May 2009 13:57:03 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-9 Spire USA Zoom Pack Last month I bought what is probably the heaviest and largest notebook computer available, a Dell Inspiron 7000 with a 15" monitor. When it arrived, I found that sophisticated carrying equipment was an immediate need. My primary concerns were camouflage (i.e., insurance against theft), size accommodation (both mine and the computer's) and weight distribution. The computer shipped with a fabulous standard Dell carrying case (which will make a good flight bag), but it is terribly obvious, bulky, and "briefcase" style (one shoulder strap) that nearly pulled my arm right out of its socket just walking to the train and back. Now I'm a rather large, height deficient woman (5'4" and 180 lbs.), so I'm confident of my strength, but concerned about dimensions of many packs that seem to be made for skinny six-footers. But the Zoom fits me beautifully and is adjustable in every conceivable way. The shoulder straps are ergonomic, curving inward to sit squarely on the chest instead of the shoulder blades. Spire also puts a snap-buckle on the shoulder straps to keep the straps in place, and which is adjustable to any position between your neck and waist -- a thoughtful consideration for women. The straps themselves are very easily adjusted "on the fly" -- to tighten, simply pull down on the cords; to loosen, lift up on the buckle tabs and *zip* you're out. There's a separate, thicker waist belt to keep the pack from bouncing -- not for daily use (too much to unbuckle), but I had the occasion to use it on a trip through O'Hare and Denver airports recently and felt the wisdom of the feature. (I had the belt nearly all the way extended, so if you're thicker than me, you may not be able to use the belt.) There are two buckles on each side of the pack itself as insurance for the zippered compartments, helping to cinch in contents. I find I leave these loose or unfastened in my daily routine, but they were really helpful in keeping the pack tight when going through security checkpoints at the airports. The pack's construction seems suited to years of weight-throwing and wear and comfort. I'm impressed with the heavily padded and stitched straps, and the fabric is the same as that I've seen on quality outdoor gear. I'm a hobby seamstress and can see that this is a well made bag with superior thread, double stitched compartments and heavy-duty seam bindings. The special "floating" pocket of the Zoom fits my 13" wide computer like a glove (the pocket has a drawstring to snug against smaller models). Padding is significant but not bulky. I appreciate this floating design which prevents the weight from thwapping against my spine during a typical brisk Chicago walking pace. I also appreciate the mesh lining against my back which breathes and feels comfortable against thinner summer clothing. The compartments are roomier than I expected... with my computer, I can also pack a desk-size DayTimer AND a large hardcover book in the back of the pack, plus my pouch containing cords and mouse fits on top of all that. It would have been nice if Spire included or sold separately a special pouch to stow cords neatly... I use the zippered tube that was included in the case that came with my computer, but I suppose any dime store pouch would work. The front compartment has slots for pens and two slots for disks or papers (my cell phone fits in one of those), a stretchy mesh pouch, and a large zippered pouch inside the flap. The zippered pouch holds contents of a decent-sized purse, including my large checkbook wallet. With all the pouches full, you can still throw stuff loosely in the compartment such as a paperback, magazines, CD wallet, tape player, etc. And the double zipper lets you unravel it without spilling stuff everywhere. (I'm living up to the old adage -- give a woman a bag of any size and she'll stuff it to the gills!) There's a mesh pouch on the outside of the pack which will hold your boarding passes, reading material, etc. that you want to access without getting inside the pack. I ordered Spire's gray color to be neutral with my backpack 'fashion statement,' and was disappointed that it looks more army-green than gray. But in context, I could care less. The thing could be purple with pink polka dots and I'd wear it with joy. It's that comfortable, and that functional. And worth every bit of the $100 I paid for it -- in chiropractor bills alone. Spire USA Zoom Pack
Last month I bought what is probably the heaviest and largest notebook computer available, a Dell Inspiron 7000 with a 15″ monitor. When it arrived, I found that sophisticated carrying equipment was an immediate need. My primary concerns were camouflage (i.e., insurance against theft), size accommodation (both mine and the computer’s) and weight distribution. The computer shipped with a fabulous standard Dell carrying case (which will make a good flight bag), but it is terribly obvious, bulky, and “briefcase” style (one shoulder strap) that nearly pulled my arm right out of its socket just walking to the train and back.
Now I’m a rather large, height deficient woman (5′4″ and 180 lbs.), so I’m confident of my strength, but concerned about dimensions of many packs that seem to be made for skinny six-footers. But the Zoom fits me beautifully and is adjustable in every conceivable way. The shoulder straps are ergonomic, curving inward to sit squarely on the chest instead of the shoulder blades. Spire also puts a snap-buckle on the shoulder straps to keep the straps in place, and which is adjustable to any position between your neck and waist — a thoughtful consideration for women. The straps themselves are very easily adjusted “on the fly” — to tighten, simply pull down on the cords; to loosen, lift up on the buckle tabs and *zip* you’re out. There’s a separate, thicker waist belt to keep the pack from bouncing — not for daily use (too much to unbuckle), but I had the occasion to use it on a trip through O’Hare and Denver airports recently and felt the wisdom of the feature. (I had the belt nearly all the way extended, so if you’re thicker than me, you may not be able to use the belt.) There are two buckles on each side of the pack itself as insurance for the zippered compartments, helping to cinch in contents. I find I leave these loose or unfastened in my daily routine, but they were really helpful in keeping the pack tight when going through security checkpoints at the airports.
The pack’s construction seems suited to years of weight-throwing and wear and comfort. I’m impressed with the heavily padded and stitched straps, and the fabric is the same as that I’ve seen on quality outdoor gear. I’m a hobby seamstress and can see that this is a well made bag with superior thread, double stitched compartments and heavy-duty seam bindings.
The special “floating” pocket of the Zoom fits my 13″ wide computer like a glove (the pocket has a drawstring to snug against smaller models). Padding is significant but not bulky. I appreciate this floating design which prevents the weight from thwapping against my spine during a typical brisk Chicago walking pace. I also appreciate the mesh lining against my back which breathes and feels comfortable against thinner summer clothing.
The compartments are roomier than I expected… with my computer, I can also pack a desk-size DayTimer AND a large hardcover book in the back of the pack, plus my pouch containing cords and mouse fits on top of all that. It would have been nice if Spire included or sold separately a special pouch to stow cords neatly… I use the zippered tube that was included in the case that came with my computer, but I suppose any dime store pouch would work. The front compartment has slots for pens and two slots for disks or papers (my cell phone fits in one of those), a stretchy mesh pouch, and a large zippered pouch inside the flap. The zippered pouch holds contents of a decent-sized purse, including my large checkbook wallet. With all the pouches full, you can still throw stuff loosely in the compartment such as a paperback, magazines, CD wallet, tape player, etc. And the double zipper lets you unravel it without spilling stuff everywhere. (I’m living up to the old adage — give a woman a bag of any size and she’ll stuff it to the gills!) There’s a mesh pouch on the outside of the pack which will hold your boarding passes, reading material, etc. that you want to access without getting inside the pack.
I ordered Spire’s gray color to be neutral with my backpack ‘fashion statement,’ and was disappointed that it looks more army-green than gray. But in context, I could care less. The thing could be purple with pink polka dots and I’d wear it with joy. It’s that comfortable, and that functional. And worth every bit of the $100 I paid for it — in chiropractor bills alone.

]]> By: Erick Reyes http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Erick Reyes Sun, 10 May 2009 13:56:03 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-8 Targus Convertible Backpac I have a Targus Convertible BakPac myself and I love it. It's the hunter greeen one (trying to not draw to much attention to my high-priced contents) and it's great. It's big enough to put my Canon BJC-70 portable printer into also. The hide-away straps are also a good feature (which was why I bought this particular bag). Targus Convertible Backpac
I have a Targus Convertible BakPac myself and I love it. It’s the hunter greeen one (trying to not draw to much attention to my high-priced contents) and it’s great. It’s big enough to put my Canon BJC-70 portable printer into also. The hide-away straps are also a good feature (which was why I bought this particular bag).

]]> By: Dave Hiebeler http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-7 Dave Hiebeler Sun, 10 May 2009 13:55:05 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-7 Targus Convertible Backpac I have the Targus Convertible Backpac. Yes, it does open wide (180 degrees) so in principle you could use the laptop without taking it out. But I never do that -- I adjusted the holding strap inside so the compartment is just the right size for the laptop; so if I used the laptop without taking it out, the fan vent would be blocked by the side of the backpack, and I'm afraid it might get too warm. I haven't used other laptop backpacks so I have nothing to compare to, but I'd say this backpack is reasonably well-padded on all sides. It also has 4 small rubber feet, so if you set the backpack on a damp surface or even about 5mm of water, it should probably be OK (as long as it doesn't tip over). However, the backpack is not water-resistant - I have had some papers get damp inside after I rode my bike through heavy rain for about 10 minutes while wearing the backpack. (I wrap my laptop inside a plastic bag when I think I'm going to get caught in rain). I may apply some waterproofing to the bag. Besides the laptop compartment (which I also keep the power brick and PCMCIA ethernet dongle in), it has another compartment for books, which has a divider splitting it into 3 sub-compartments. The laptop compartment also has an extra half-size pocket on the front wall, and the whole bag has another half-size pocket on the outside which is held closed by velcro. Overall it's a good bag, but I have 2 main complaints: it is really blocky (which I think makes it look ugly), and it says Targus on it, which in addition to the blockiness just advertises the fact that you are carrying a computer. (Once when I went to a doctor's appointment and happened to be carrying the bag, the doc took one glance at the backpack and said "have you got a computer in there?") Targus Convertible Backpac
I have the Targus Convertible Backpac. Yes, it does open wide (180 degrees) so in principle you could use the laptop without taking it out. But I never do that — I adjusted the holding strap inside so the compartment is just the right size for the laptop; so if I used the laptop without taking it out, the fan vent would be blocked by the side of the backpack, and I’m afraid it might get too warm.

I haven’t used other laptop backpacks so I have nothing to compare to, but I’d say this backpack is reasonably well-padded on all sides. It also has 4 small rubber feet, so if you set the backpack on a damp surface or even about 5mm of water, it should probably be OK (as long as it doesn’t tip over). However, the backpack is not water-resistant – I have had some papers get damp inside after I rode my bike through heavy rain for about 10 minutes while wearing the backpack. (I wrap my laptop inside a plastic bag when I think I’m going to get caught in rain). I may apply some waterproofing to the bag.

Besides the laptop compartment (which I also keep the power brick and PCMCIA ethernet dongle in), it has another compartment for books, which has a divider splitting it into 3 sub-compartments. The laptop compartment also has an extra half-size pocket on the front wall, and the whole bag has another half-size pocket on the outside which is held closed by velcro.

Overall it’s a good bag, but I have 2 main complaints: it is really blocky (which I think makes it look ugly), and it says Targus on it, which in addition to the blockiness just advertises the fact that you are carrying a computer. (Once when I went to a doctor’s appointment and happened to be carrying the bag, the doc took one glance at the backpack and said “have you got a computer in there?”)

]]> By: Michelle Bazie http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-6 Michelle Bazie Sun, 10 May 2009 13:50:29 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-6 Spire USA Zoom pack Well, I think I might have struck gold! I ended up ordering the Zoom backpack from the folks at spireusa.com. The bag was delivered today, so I may be speaking too soon, but it looks good. Its design appears to be well thought through by people who were mindful of the challenges of mobile computing. The shoulder straps are ergonomically designed and really well-padded. The bag itself is lightweight and not too big. As soon as I get home, I'll try it out on my heavy laptop and see how it holds up to the test! One of the most interesting things about the bag is that the laptop isn't held directly against your back. The laptop "sleeve" is suspended and attached to the back of the center compartment divider. It's difficult to describe, but it looks like a good product. Spire USA Zoom pack
Well, I think I might have struck gold! I ended up ordering the Zoom backpack from the folks at spireusa.com. The bag was delivered today, so I may be speaking too soon, but it looks good. Its design appears to be well thought through by people who were mindful of the challenges of mobile computing.

The shoulder straps are ergonomically designed and really well-padded. The bag itself is lightweight and not too big. As soon as I get home, I’ll try it out on my heavy laptop and see how it holds up to the test!

One of the most interesting things about the bag is that the laptop isn’t held directly against your back. The laptop “sleeve” is suspended and attached to the back of the center compartment divider. It’s difficult to describe, but it looks like a good product.

]]> By: Walter Lefmann http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-5 Walter Lefmann Sun, 10 May 2009 13:49:55 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-5 L.L. Bean Campus Computer Organizer I got the LLBean pack today, and was quite disapponted: The dimensions of the laptop compartment are *not* what was advertised in the catalog (print or web). There is also a design flaw for water protection. The specs as given here, state dimensions as 'Computer compartment 10"H x 131/2"W x 21/2"D'. Well, the compartment is only 9" high, which leaves fully an inch of my Dell Inspiron 7000 exposed at the top (Dell I7k dimensions: 10"x12.5"x2.1, which is pretty typical for the newer 14+" display notebooks, such as the Apple G3 PowerBooks). In addition, the 13.5"x2.5" measurement is also a bit off: it is 13.5" across the back section, seam-to-seam, but only 12" across the front section seam-to-seam. The effect is more like a "D" shape than a rectangle. That did not cause any fit problems, though. The top flap will wrap over the exposed inch of computer, and fasten somewhat (it has both velcro and a fastbuckle strap, the velcro is nowhere near closure but the strap can be lengthened to just fasten). Unfortunately, the top flap is considerably less padded than the rest of the enclosure (a generally bad thing in and of itself, even if it did fit properly; the original LLBean computer backpack had a very thick top flap pad), and it still leaves the corners of the computer exposed with nothing other then the thin backback cordura shell between it and the outside world. Since the computer compartment is in the front of the pack (i.e., the pack compartment furthest from your back), and the corners of the computer are exposed just next to the zipper closures, I wouldn't trust this to take any amount of moisture exposure at all. Aside from not being suitable for the newer big notebooks, I would worry about water protection in this design even if the computer fit completely within the padded pouch, since the top flap does not seal at the corners. Very disappointing, since the original LLBean computer backpack was a very good product, and I still have it, but it is just a hair too small to fit the newer big laptops ... sigh. Methinks the LLBean Campus Computer Organizer will be on its way back tomorrow ... I saw one positive review of this product on your web site ... perhaps Lisa has a smaller computer, and has not taken it out in the rain yet! Here's a precis of my findings: o Dimensions of the computer compartment are not as advertised: true dimensions are 9"x13"x2.5" o The shorter height of 9" means larger notebooks (with 14+" displays) don't really fit. o Top flap of the computer compartment is not well padded (hardly at all, actually). o Top flap does not seal at corners, exposing the computer corners to the compartment zippers, which worries me with respect to water protection performance. L.L. Bean Campus Computer Organizer
I got the LLBean pack today, and was quite disapponted: The dimensions of the laptop compartment are *not* what was advertised in the catalog (print or web). There is also a design flaw for water protection.

The specs as given here, state dimensions as ‘Computer compartment 10″H x 131/2″W x 21/2″D’. Well, the compartment is only 9″ high, which leaves fully an inch of my Dell Inspiron 7000 exposed at the top (Dell I7k dimensions: 10″x12.5″x2.1, which is pretty typical for the newer 14+” display notebooks, such as the Apple G3 PowerBooks).

In addition, the 13.5″x2.5″ measurement is also a bit off: it is 13.5″ across the back section, seam-to-seam, but only 12″ across the front section seam-to-seam. The effect is more like a “D” shape than a rectangle. That did not cause any fit problems, though.

The top flap will wrap over the exposed inch of computer, and fasten somewhat (it has both velcro and a fastbuckle strap, the velcro is nowhere near closure but the strap can be lengthened to just fasten). Unfortunately, the top flap is considerably less padded than the rest of the enclosure (a generally bad thing in and of itself, even if it did fit properly; the original LLBean computer backpack had a very thick top flap pad), and it still leaves the corners of the computer exposed with nothing other then the thin backback cordura shell between it and the outside world. Since the computer compartment is in the front of the pack (i.e., the pack compartment furthest from your back), and the corners of the computer are exposed just next to the zipper closures, I wouldn’t trust this to take any amount of moisture exposure at all.

Aside from not being suitable for the newer big notebooks, I would worry about water protection in this design even if the computer fit completely within the padded pouch, since the top flap does not seal at the corners.

Very disappointing, since the original LLBean computer backpack was a very good product, and I still have it, but it is just a hair too small to fit the newer big laptops … sigh.

Methinks the LLBean Campus Computer Organizer will be on its way back tomorrow …

I saw one positive review of this product on your web site … perhaps Lisa has a smaller computer, and has not taken it out in the rain yet!

Here’s a precis of my findings:

o Dimensions of the computer compartment are not as advertised: true dimensions are 9″x13″x2.5″
o The shorter height of 9″ means larger notebooks (with 14+” displays) don’t really fit.
o Top flap of the computer compartment is not well padded (hardly at all, actually).
o Top flap does not seal at corners, exposing the computer corners to the compartment zippers, which worries me with respect to water protection performance.

]]> By: Lisa Cozzens http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-4 Lisa Cozzens Sun, 10 May 2009 13:48:50 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-4 L.L. Bean Campus Computer Organizer I have a Campus Computer Organizer from L.L. Bean. It's just a normal L.L. Bean backpack (which means it's tough as nails -- my previous backpack made it through all four years of high school, and this one has survived the first year of college with no signs of wear), but it's got a special padded laptop compartment inside. While it doesn't have as many computer-specific pockets and crevices as other bags might have, it does have plenty of space for whatever you need to bring along. Also, from the outside it looks *exactly* like L.L. Bean's non-laptop backpack, so it doesn't scream "Expensive laptop inside, please steal me!" L.L. Bean Campus Computer Organizer
I have a Campus Computer Organizer from L.L. Bean. It’s just a normal L.L. Bean backpack (which means it’s tough as nails — my previous backpack made it through all four years of high school, and this one has survived the first year of college with no signs of wear), but it’s got a special
padded laptop compartment inside. While it doesn’t have as many computer-specific pockets and crevices as other bags might have, it does have plenty of space for whatever you need to bring along. Also, from the outside it looks *exactly* like L.L. Bean’s non-laptop backpack, so it doesn’t scream “Expensive laptop inside, please steal me!”

]]> By: Ong Beng Hui http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-3 Ong Beng Hui Sun, 10 May 2009 13:48:27 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-3 JanSport Laptop Transit The pack has a few compartments which is very useful for travelling. It has a laptop compartment which holds the laptop in a pouch. The pouch might be too small for large notebook like Digital Ultra 2000 but fits my [Toshiba] Tecra nicely. It also has a separate compartment for the power adapter and cable. Be careful with the compartment for adapter; it is not padded at all. I guess the most useful feature is a huge normal daypack compartment which I can put documents or possibly, clothes. for travelling. In short, I am an extremely happy owner of the pack. It is very useful not just a regular laptop pack but also as a backpack for short trips. JanSport Laptop Transit
The pack has a few compartments which is very useful for travelling. It has a laptop compartment which holds the laptop in a pouch. The pouch might be too small for large notebook like Digital Ultra 2000 but fits my [Toshiba] Tecra nicely. It also has a separate compartment for the power adapter and cable. Be careful with the compartment for adapter; it is not padded at all. I guess the most useful feature is a huge normal daypack compartment which I can put documents or possibly, clothes. for travelling.
In short, I am an extremely happy owner of the pack. It is very useful not just a regular laptop pack but also as a backpack for short trips.

]]> By: David Hiebeler http://www.fencepost.net/2009/05/backpacks-for-laptops/comment-page-1/#comment-2 David Hiebeler Sun, 10 May 2009 13:47:53 +0000 http://www.fencepost.net/?p=7#comment-2 JanSport Laptop Transit I had to remove the padding from inside the bottom of the actual laptop pocket, but fortunately there is room for it inside that compartment of the bag, beneath the laptop pocket itself, so it still protects the bottom of the laptop as it's supposed to. But it's a snug fit, a laptop any bigger than mine wouldn't really fit in the pocket. Other than that, I like the bag a lot. JanSport Laptop Transit
I had to remove the padding from inside the bottom of the actual laptop pocket, but fortunately there is room for it inside that compartment of the bag, beneath the laptop pocket itself, so it still protects the bottom of the laptop as it’s supposed to. But it’s a snug fit, a laptop any bigger than mine wouldn’t really fit in the pocket. Other than that, I like the bag a lot.

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