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Help recommend a laptop/messenger bag for me - Page 2

post #16 of 31
10/13/09 at 9:45pm
I can vouch for Waterfield Designs quality. I don't have their messenger bags or briefcases, but a couple of their vertical bags, and they've held up very well with time, not to mention looking quite snappy.
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post #17 of 31
10/14/09 at 1:11am
I got a Timbuk2 Commute Medium over the summer from REI Outlet. Only time will tell (I've only been using it for about 6 weeks now), but the bag feels extremely durable, and reviews I've read agree that the Timbuk2 line is extremely durable. So far it's met my needs for carrying folders, a notebook, and a book to class every day. The laptop pocket is extremely well padded. The strap pad has been comfortable for me.

Check the REI Outlet website for Timbuk2 bags. They've got some of their laptop messenger bags to choose from (just make sure it's one of the computer models), and they're cheaper if you want to save some money and don't mind getting last years model.
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post #18 of 31
10/14/09 at 1:35am
Thread Starter 
After going to REI earlier (what a coincidence!) I realized I don't want the Commute 2.0 model, and that my 14.1" laptop with 6-cell battery is too deep/tall for the medium bags anyway. I have decided to get the Timbuk2 Commute (non-2.0) Large in black/black/black. The 2.0 medium and large were a little tight in the laptop compartment and I was really disappointed with the lack of adequate padding on the back. The non-2.0 had some nice padding on it. The medium was on the small side but the large seemed to fit nicely. I don't think the 2.0 would benefit me much anyway, since I very rarely go through the airport and when I do I don't mind removing my laptop anyway.

BTW, thanks for reminding me about the REI outlet, I almost forgot! I just placed my order w/free shipping to the nearest store.
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post #19 of 31
10/14/09 at 1:37am
I love REI!! such a great store!! I would have never thought to get messenger bags there though.
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post #20 of 31
10/14/09 at 8:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by intoflatlines View Post
I have decided to get the Timbuk2 Commute (non-2.0) Large in black/black/black.
Make sure you get one in all nylon, not with the wool-like material. I had that in my old Timbuk2 laptop bag, and it did not wear well and I had to give it to Goodwill within a year of purchasing it (the Timbuk2 nylon messenger bags I had before handled just fine). The corduroy-lined laptop sleeve in their laptop bags is much nicer than the usual neoprene foam liners you get in most other brands, though.
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post #21 of 31
10/14/09 at 9:39pm
This one is an handsome affair:



incase messengers!
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post #22 of 31
10/14/09 at 11:14pm
Thread Starter 
Wow, some nice bags here!

Quote:
Originally Posted by majid View Post
Make sure you get one in all nylon, not with the wool-like material. I had that in my old Timbuk2 laptop bag, and it did not wear well and I had to give it to Goodwill within a year of purchasing it (the Timbuk2 nylon messenger bags I had before handled just fine). The corduroy-lined laptop sleeve in their laptop bags is much nicer than the usual neoprene foam liners you get in most other brands, though.
Thanks, I made sure! The one I ordered has the corduroy-lined laptop compartment and the ballistic nylon exterior. Should be good!
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post #23 of 31
10/14/09 at 11:29pm
Splurge and go with a Chrome bag, it will outlast your laptop 3x over. My oldest Chrome bag is 10 years old, and it looks/works as well as my newest. Timbuk2 and manhattan portage have the "messenger look" but I bet you will see a real courier wearing one. Chrome bags are waterproof, bullet proof, protect your belongings, and are comfortable to boot.
(my 2 cents... but whadda I know, I was only a courier for a few years )
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post #24 of 31
10/15/09 at 2:49am
Thread Starter 
If I were planning on riding or using the bag as an actual messenger I would consider getting a Chrome but unfortunately the Chrome bags I've seen online and in person just aren't a match for what I'm looking for in terms of aesthetics. Luckily if the Timbuk2 doesn't work out for me I can always return it and get something else!
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post #25 of 31
10/15/09 at 3:58pm
Glad you chose a nice Timbuk2. I'm holding out for their new messengers for spring that come in some really nice colors, holding out for a Silver/White/Red combo that'll be available in Feb!
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post #26 of 31
10/15/09 at 5:24pm


Crane's*Country...

That's the best place to get them from, I think I've also got a 10% off coupon somewhere. That particular bag also comes in a wool version. The quality of these are amazing.
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post #27 of 31
10/15/09 at 5:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drewfus420 View Post
Splurge and go with a Chrome bag, it will outlast your laptop 3x over.
That's not always a feature. I couple of years ago i bought a briefcase with a laptop compartment large enough for my 15" MacBook Pro (or even a 17", if it came to that). The year after, I upgraded to a MacBook Air that would float and rattle in that bag, put the bag in storage and never used it since.

My favorite bag is a expandable Tumi messenger bag:
My daily work bag, June 2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Unlike overly-segmented laptop bag, you can put a full-size DSLR like a Canon 5DmkII in the single main compartment, while still having enough outside organization pockets to stash umbrellas, water bottles and other sundries, unlike true bicycle courier bags that are optimized for capacity (big enough to carry a significant parcel) at the expense of having all your gear floating about inside them.
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post #28 of 31
10/15/09 at 7:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by majid View Post
That's not always a feature. I couple of years ago i bought a briefcase with a laptop compartment large enough for my 15" MacBook Pro (or even a 17", if it came to that). The year after, I upgraded to a MacBook Air that would float and rattle in that bag, put the bag in storage and never used it since.

My favorite bag is a expandable Tumi messenger bag:
My daily work bag, June 2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Unlike overly-segmented laptop bag, you can put a full-size DSLR like a Canon 5DmkII in the single main compartment, while still having enough outside organization pockets to stash umbrellas, water bottles and other sundries, unlike true bicycle courier bags that are optimized for capacity (big enough to carry a significant parcel) at the expense of having all your gear floating about inside them.
Is this the one you're referring to?
TUMI > Accomplishment Expandable Computer Flap Brief > LXT

Do you have any more pictures of that bag?

I see that you are quite the shutterbug. Are you a professional photographer?

I would like to carry my 5D + 17-40mm around more often, but my messenger bag doesn't afford much protection. My camera bag is too big for everyday usage.
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post #29 of 31
10/15/09 at 8:33pm
I've got a Chrome, gotta support my local vendors in SF. Great bag, big and sturdy, used to hold my Macbook Pro 17".

A few years ago, I moved to a 13" Macbook and ended up with a Timbuk2 bag. I don't see it online anymore but it's close to the Wiki. Slim but enough for a notebook, some cables, Macbook, and a magazine or 2. I got the bright orange one and love it. I recommend going for color because if you travel w/ it, you'll NEVER lose sight of it in the sea of black Targus/Tumi/Swiss Army bags. I've heard good things about Manhattan Portage as well.

Years later, my Timbuk2 is going strong and very little wear. And even though it's not a dedicated messenger bag, it has been used to carry my Macbook on the 18 mile ride home from work.
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post #30 of 31
10/16/09 at 12:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shuttleboi View Post
No, it was discontinued several years ago (style #26091), unfortunately. The closest equivalent is the Tumi Alpha Slim Messenger (#22171).

Quote:
Do you have any more pictures of that bag?
Not at the moment, and there is no point in making you wish for a product that is no longer on sale (unless you have pull and can get Tumi to manufacture it again).

Quote:
I see that you are quite the shutterbug. Are you a professional photographer?
No, just a camera freak.

Quote:
I would like to carry my 5D + 17-40mm around more often, but my messenger bag doesn't afford much protection. My camera bag is too big for everyday usage.
You could get a Domke insert to provide padding, or a camera wrap.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldskoolboarder View Post
I've got a Chrome, gotta support my local vendors in SF.
Unfortunately their bags are not actually made in SF, but in their original Colorado, unlike Waterfield Designs and Rickshaw Bagworks. Timbuk2 still makes some of its higher-end and custom bags in SF, but the bulk of its production is from China.
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