Which backpack for T42 (14.1") - must fit an A4 ring bi

[mhca]

Hey everybody.

I am on the lookout for a wellprotective backpack carrying case for an IBM T42 for my sister. She has to use it in school and it would be nice if she could also fit her A4 ring binder for her notes. Then maybe the books can just be put in the bicycle basket if she has too much stuff to bring at specific weekdays.

I really like the ThinkPad backpack carrying case from Targus from the description and the pictures
http://www.targus.com/uk/product_detail ... ku=73P3599

But it seems that the interior dimensions wont fit a A4 ring binder since it has dimensions of somewhat like 33 x 25 x 4 cm^3.

I might be mistaken about wether it can fit or not but it just sucks to order over the internet and then receive a bag and find out it doesn't really suit her needs.

Any great suggestions from the well-experienced ThinkPad community?

[dorin]

when it comes to laptop backpacks the only brand i can think of its CRUMPLER! built for quality (and the fact that they issue lifetimewarranty i think speaks for itself)

dorin

[mhca]

Yeah I have heard of Crumpler bags but I am not just looking for a brand. Since I am looking for a specific model which fits both the T42 and a A4 ring binder. It's a jungle looking for bags.

[Dead1nside]

Just checked out their UK site, some very nice bags there. Possibly might consider those over the Waterfield sleeve. Cheers for that.

[John Kua]

I have a Kelty Durham bag - my school has a laptop purchase program and these came as part of the package with the T42. It's more of a book bag than the Targus you mentioned, but has protected my T42 well in the two years I've had it.

It's got plenty of pouches and things for pens, calculators, etc. I love the water bottle pockets on the side - they're perfectly sized for a 500ml Nalgene. Also, it has a sternum strap which I like - it distributes the load better. Another great feature is that the notebook sleeve can be unclipped from the main bag so you can carry it separately. EDIT: Hmm - seems the new models are non-removable and they've removed the sternum strap...

There's plenty of space for books and binders - I carry a letter-sized binder and there's about 3-4" of space above it, so an A4 binder should fit just fine.

[mhca]

Well. Sorry for not giving an update on this.

I ended up ordering the Targus Thinkpad Backpack which also costed a bit more than a lot of the other bags I met during my search but everything seems high quality and the notebook room seems well-protecting. Only thing is with most of those bags... the notebook is positioned against your back, which I am not always too pleased about since a bended bag would then probably cause a bit of tension.

I have suggested my sister to put the underside of the laptop against her back and the TFT side turned to the inside of the bag. Hopefully her laptop will be protected well. I really like the "cushion" in the bottom of the notebook room protecting from drops and schocks.

Also the ring binder fitted nicely in there and it has several nice rooms. I hope my sister will be satisfied with it


Thanks for all the suggestions anyway.

[Dead1nside]

mhca: I also just got my IBM Thinkpad Backpack Carrying Case. To replace my only three-week old Organiser case, of the same brand.

Due to the weight of the bag, it's strap wore away the zip, and pulled it off, so that now it can't close.

The Backpack is very sturdy, I would like a little more side protection for the laptop, like the Organiser has. The straps are very sturdy and comfy, I like that it has a grab handle.

MP3 player pocket, was also a big boon for me, as with my old bag, I had nowhere to put it. It's a lot easier carrying everything now and I don't get as tired.

Will report how well it wears, but since there's no rubbing going on. I think it should be fine.