Who can recommend a good laptop bag?

[il d00d]

I got a new job and they have given me a budget for a laptop bag.  I currently have a Kensington Contour, which I am happy with for the most part.  It's Achilles heel is the front flap design -  it unzips and has the only compartments that can hold my phones, pens and other accoutrement.  I typically dump the contents out accidentally every couple days.

So, what I am looking for is a messenger-style bag that stores all my stuff on the inside (if there is a flap), or has some way of keeping all my stuff in place without having to fight gravity.  I don't travel much, so I don't need anything too spacious - iPod and water bottle compartments are nice, but I don't really need them.  So far I have looked at the Crumplers which I like OK but they sport a more collegiate look - since the company is paying for it, I would like something that has at least business pretensions.

Whaddaya got, or recommend?

[angler]

I love my Timbuk2 (I think it is the "Commute Messenger").  Doesn't look like a computer bag and is bulletproof.  I actually use it on the monster frequently. It is not as big as some computer bags, but will fit more than I want to carry weight wise.  I also travel frequently for work and it is fantastic on the plane.  If you go to their website, you can actually have one custom made in the fabric you choose.  I bought mine in the stock black color from REI.

[He Man]

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10473.0

decent thread that might help.

[Sinister]

I have a Tumi, which is nice; it's a little more "professional" looking than the Timbuk2 bags that I've seen (dirty make the beast with two backsing hippies carry them).

[angler]

I have a Tumi, which is nice; it's a little more "professional" looking than the Timbuk2 bags that I've seen (dirty make the beast with two backsing hippies carry them).

Easy there chief - I ain't no hippie

[Sinister]

No offense intended, angler.  I should say, "dirty make the beast with two backsing hippies in Seattle carry Timbuk2 bags."

I'm sure it's a darned fine bag.

[il d00d]

Thanks to both the hippies and The Man for the input

Sinister which Tumi do you have?  I am looking at the Alpha Slim.  Also, I am trying to rationalize spending $300 on a nylon bag

Angler, is this one yours?  Is there any interior gadget storage?

[Monster Dave]

There's always this one:




...depending on how bold of a statement you are wanting/trying to make.

[angler]

Thanks to both the hippies and The Man for the input

Sinister which Tumi do you have?  I am looking at the Alpha Slim.  Also, I am trying to rationalize spending $300 on a nylon bag

Angler, is this one yours?  Is there any interior gadget storage?

No that is not the one.  I have the regular commute.  It has tons of gadget storage, zippered and unzippered, inside and outside the flap.

[herm]

i got this bag for christmas (and promptly put a ducati patch over the North Face logo)



it has tons of room, straps on the bottom to compress it when not full, and a sleeve at the back which hold my 15.4" laptop inside of one of those thin padded laptop sleeves.
it also has a very usefull zipper pocket under the flap on front which can hold phones, PDA's pens, keys, etc....

i think it came from Eastern Mountain Sports...

oh, and a waste strap for when you are on your bike

[Sinister]

Sinister which Tumi do you have?  I am looking at the Alpha Slim.  Also, I am trying to rationalize spending $300 on a nylon bag

This is similar to the one I have: http://www.tumi.com/alpha/slim-messenger-bag/

[COWBOY]

If you lived closer I have a closet full of old unused bags, including company issued (IBM, EMC, Sybase, etc.), Tumi and other "outdoor" (nf, mtn hdwr, eas, rei) you could choose from.  My wife would love to see them go.

If I was buying new again.   Hands down the best laptop bags are made by Brenthaven.   They have a pocket for everything, are made to be damn near bulletproof and carry a lifetime warranty.  I've used their Laptop backpack since 2001 on a near daily basis and it still looks new.

Here's their top of the line nylon bag.

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-duo-ii.html

Here's the backpack I've used and logged close to 200k travel miles with.

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-duo-15.html

For the shoulder bags you can customize the type of pockets etc you want included, whether you want laptop protection built into the bag or using a removable sleeve that is custom fit to the bag and the type of handle.

Honestly over the past 8 years it's one of the best products of any type I've purchased.

[il d00d]

I think I have narrowed it down to another Kensington Contour messenger - it has all the things I like about my current bag, and none of the things I dislike

As it turns out, this will be my third Kensington bag - apparently I like them   If anyone else is shopping, they have been pretty durable.  Also the Contour that I currently have managed to make carrying around my old boat anchor of a 17" laptop less of a chore.  It really is a comfortable bag.

Hey, thanks for the offer Cowboy   
I looked at the Brenthavens, but I think that was slightly too much bag for my needs.  I do like being able to customize, so if I start going on the road, that will be a good option. 

[sugarcrook]

I've had a Brenthaven bag and, while nice, it's ugly.  Now I'm packing a Tom Bihn Empire Builder and I can't say enough about it.  If something were to happen to it, I would replace it immediately without question.  And I can't even say that about my gf. 

Tom Bihn.  Can't go wrong. 

[DoubleEagle]

The Territory Ahead has a black leather one on sale . Go to there website     theterritoryahead.com

Look under SALE , then look under ACCESSORIES.     Dolph