I hate to admit, but I have had quite a journey to find my perfect bag.
I have gone through quite a few, however, I think I have found 1 to 3 bags that I am finally satisfied with.
I started with a Targus backpack and Thinkpad 600E. The bag worked, but was bulky and uncomfortable.
Then, there was a super loaded large Timbuk2 messenger bag with sleeve. So far from perfect for me. I realized I wanted/needed a backpack.
Third, Targus Sport (Not deluxe) Backpack. Works great, comfortable and not too bulky. Overall, it works well and I can recommend. However, my perfect bag had to be able to fit easily the nalgene water bottles. This thing could barely fit a Diet Coke bottle on the side bottle pockets. My hunt continued.
I finally decided to stop by a local shop that sells outdoors stuff and loads of bags with brands I have never heard of or thought about looking at.
My first purchase on one of the clerks recommendations was an
Osprey Focus. Bottom line, the bag is 9.9/10 rating from me. Works perfect, holds everything, not too big/bulky. However, I never got it to feel right on me. Hence the 9.9 and not 10. I think it has to do with my height as the bag is more tall then most I think, I'm only about 5'4", my dad thought it was the most comfortable and best bag ever (he's about 5'8"). He is currently using it. It was my fathers day gift to him.
Finally, this brought me back to my local shop to try out another bag or two:
Northface Borealis and
Northface Recon
The Borealis does not mention it, but it does have a computer slot. I use it currently to lug around my Dell Inspiron 700m. The Borealis does not have as much padding as the Recon on the sleeve part.
I took the Recon home for a day and toyed with it and ended up going back and trading for the Borealis. I just ended up liking the look and design better.
The back saver technology they mention makes the bag fit me like a glove, like no other bag I have ever used. Very comfortable and the shoulder straps are very comfortable, better than any other bag I've used.
The bags have a load of support/waist straps, but(!) there is a slot on the back of the bag to tuck them away out of sight and mind and not dangling. It also has two water bottle pockets, both fit the nalgene bottles.
I just ordered a T60p 200794U, err, actually my dad got it for me as a graduation present (no better gift for a computer science graduate then... a computer, in the words of my mom). This will be my 2nd Thinkpad. Just waiting for shipping now.
I just hope it fits one of those 2 Northface bags. I can't imagine having to find something else that satisfies my requirements and fits as well as these 2 bags.
I don't post much, but since no one seemed to mention these 2 brands of bags, I wanted to give them a good word as they are the best I have tried/used from literally trying out dozens in stores and spending a few hundred bucks trying out a couple bags (Timbuk2 was over $200, Targus Sport ~$50, Osprey $100, Northface $69/$79 respectively).
Chris