Recommendations on a messenger bag?

Can I ask why a messenger bag would be better than a backpack for (presumably) protecting the netbook from longboard falls? Surely having it up on your back would be better?

Try REI. They have a good selection of bags and I've always been jappy with the durability of their gear. Be sure to check their outlet (same site), too.

It's like a man-purse aka Man-Bag.

FYI, not hating - I have a few myself.

I had a targus messenger bag in the past, worked fine. I have an incase backpack that was $100 that is still fine after a year (although a little dirty), they have a lot of laptop protection.

Oh, I use a man-bag myself, but not combined with an activity that would be likely to send me plummeting towards the earth!

I've been using messenger bags for a long time. I dunno--it's a style thing, it's a convenience thing. You throw it over your shoulder and you're done with it. A good-quality bag can get dropped on the sidewalk in the rain or accidentally slopped in a shallow puddle, and your papers and lappy don't get soused.

In order of most recent purchase:
1. 1 no. ORTLIEB SLING-IT Medium messenger bag. I got it on sale at REI (as Erik suggests). The Ortliebs are manufactured in Germany; the seams of their principal bag compartment are fused or welded, rather than sewn, which keeps the seams from coming undone and helps keep moisture out. The Sling-it has a slightly padded laptop compartment. I recommend it: it's easily the most convenient of my bags. Here.

2. Last year I got an old version of the classic Klein tool bag off Ebay (mine belonged to a Ma Bell logo telephone tech). They are understandably strong and voluminous. The old ones and the more expensive new ones are double-stitched composites of leather and heavy canvas. I bought the optional leather adjustable shoulder strap from Amazon. It's great, I'll have it forever, and I can pack four sections-worth of writing portfolios and final exams into it--with overdue library books. But it is bulky to the point of being unwieldy for everyday use. Here.

3. I got a messenger made by Timbuk2 back in 1995, and it's still in commission. I'm just not confident that they make them with this quality any more. My old T2 black medium messenger has a sturdy canvas compartment, and I know that they still produce special editions of their bags that use cotton duck canvas. Here. But one of their old options was that you could line the interior with the rip-proof rubber that's used for manufacturing zodiac inflatable boats and river rafts. After ten years of walking in the rain in Dublin, that rubber lining proved to be the best part of the investment.

I also dig Timbuk2 products.

If you want to make any bag fifty billion zillion times better, add one of these Domke pads to the carry strap:

Amazon.com: Domke 725-310 FA-031 U.S. Post Office Shoulder Pad: Camera & Photo

@Samgotit: that Domke strap looks really good for serious daily use. Thanks!

Timbuk2 all the way!

Thanks for reminding me of REI, although I bought a lot of backpacking gear from them in the mid 80's I had forgotten all about it. Thanks again.

Seconded. I use one of these on my Domke camera bag - they're wonderful.

I still have a 15 year old canvas Domke D2 and a smaller bag both with padded partitions.
Great bags.

Try a Crumpler Messenger bag. They cost a little more, but worth it. I've had mine for 5 years and it is the best daily use bag I've ever had.

www.crumplerbags.com