Welcome to Engadget’s Back to highschool guide! We know that this time of year will likely be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we’re here to aid out with the heartbreaking strategy of gadget buying for the college-aged crowd. Today, we have got laptop bags in our sights — and you may head to the Back to faculty hub to peer anything of the product guides as they’re added during the month.
By now you will have had enough time to come to a decision what on our laptop buying guide takes your fancy, but, as Apple will tell you, the protective case is usually as important as the dear hardware itself. You’ll notice that this year we have now a number of bags that include padded camera sections in addition — to the point of perhaps being described as camera bags with laptop compartments — but we feel that’s justified by the huge proliferation of DSLRs into the mainstream market. Entry-level interchangeable lens shooters have grown cheap enough even for non-photography students to contemplate owning one, but we will consider no good it is because they ought to require a separate bag of their own. So, on with the recommendations.
On the cheap
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Case Logic Slimline Laptop Case Fascinated with keeping things thrifty but professional on campus? Grab yourself the sort of Slimline pseudo-briefcases and you’ll be the envy of all of your professors. 13-, 16- and 17-inch variants are on offer, with an adjustable internal compartment letting you tailor your laptop’s home to perfection. The same old garnish of extra pockets and storage could also be present and accounted for, while the whole lot is backed by a stupendous 25-year warranty. Price: Start at $23 from Dell |
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Timbuk2 Freestyle Messenger Comes with an integrated padded sleeve for netbooks, e-readers or tablets. Waterproof lining’s also nice and there are more colorful options to choose from, if you need that extra pinch of panache. Starts at $40 from Dell |
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STM Alley Small Can shelter a 13-inch laptop and an iPad concurrently due to its extra padded slot. Stick an e-reader in there instead and you won’t should cry over the shortcoming of space for any textbooks.
$40 from eBags |
Mid-range
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Kata Sensitivity V backpack An absolute superstar of versatility and a CES-tested classic, Kata’s Sensitivity V is the quintessential do-it-all backpack. Adorned with useful pockets and pouches everywhere, it’ll accommodate your pens, pads, DSLR, lenses, PMP, sandwich, napkins, and laptop. Padding is on the light side and it’s not waterproof, but those are shortcomings we’re willing to overlook for the extremely compact dimensions. Bonus: although advertised for 12-inch laptops, the Sensitivity V will wrap around 14-inchers conveniently and we’ve even been ready to fit a 15-inch MacBook Pro inside its bright yellow shell. Price: $100 from Amazon |
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Timbuk2 H.A.L. backpack The most effective thing about this pack is the straightforward-access laptop compartment that permits you to get at your computer with one shoulder still strapped in. The second neatest thing is the vast cavern of space it provides to your other bits.
$95 from CSN |
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Case Logic SLRC-206 backpack Should your needs (or screen size) extend that little bit further than the Kata provides for, look to Case Logic for a worthy alternative. The 206 costs slightly more but can fit 17-inch laptops and even more photo gear. $119 from Frys |
Money’s no object
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LowePro CompuPrimus AW The AW stands for ” All Weather” and LowePro isn’t kidding around. There’s a bult-in rain cover that tucks away when not in use, while the notebook sleeve is removable and integrates a sunshade. Sure, you’ll appear to be a giant geek employing one on campus, but no less than your computer won’t be a useless glare-station out on the grass. The standard litany of adjustments, straps, velcro, camera-friendly compartments, and trinkets complete a good, if somewhat humongous, package. Price: $195 from Amazon |
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Filson Padded Computer Bag Whenever you can’t bring yourself to sacrifice style for portability, you’d better be wiling to open up your wallet that extra bit wider. There’s even a realistic excuse for getting this bag: disguising your laptop’s presence. $284 from David Morgan |
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Jack Spade Grain Leather Supply Brief We’re such eagle-eyed bargain spotters that we managed to grab you a half-price sale on this fine retro specimen. You get two zippered pockets, a laptop ” envelope,” and a shoulder strap. Killer value. $248 from Jack Spade |
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