Alright all you dental students out there, I've got a question for you. I'm currently shopping for a new backpack because I need to carry my laptop from time to time. Would you suggest getting a messenger bag, a backpack with the padded laptop part, or one of those rolling kinds? I'm wondering just how heavy that thing is going to be once I get it loaded up. Do you usually carry lots of books/binders or is it just the laptop for you? All opinions are greatly appreciated :)

Depends on the day, normally carry one binder and one or 2 folders. Sometimes I bring my laptop to class. I got this pack from northface, love it and 3 others have copied me since.

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AMC2

Alright all you dental students out there, I've got a question for you. I'm currently shopping for a new backpack because I need to carry my laptop from time to time. Would you suggest getting a messenger bag, a backpack with the padded laptop part, or one of those rolling kinds? I'm wondering just how heavy that thing is going to be once I get it loaded up. Do you usually carry lots of books/binders or is it just the laptop for you? All opinions are greatly appreciated :)

First of all, I am going to be a first year next year, so I am not speaking from experience. However, being that we will all be in class and studying not stop, I think that we could all use the extra exercise. So, I would definately nix the roll around idea. Next, even if you have a lot of books, a back pack will eventually just give you a hunch-back. And, being that in our future professions, we plan to be bent over top of our clients, a bad back is not a great start. I would suggest the messenger style bag to save your back and your face, if you know what I mean. ;)
Just my advice. But who am I?

The backpack idea is one of much consideration...Do you have books on DVD? If so; a simple laptop bag will suffice. When you figure out what type of bag you want PM me and Ill check the web for ya for deals if you are interested.

Get the rolling suitcase. You would look SO cool. ;)

I have a separate messenger bag and laptop bag, but I don't really bring my laptop to school. Most of the girls in my class wear tote bags.

Get the rolling suitcase. You would look SO cool. ;)

I have a separate messenger bag and laptop bag, but I don't really bring my laptop to school. Most of the girls in my class wear tote bags.

most people in my class do the regular backpacks or the messenger bags, probably about 50/50. My next bag will probably be one of the messengers. Average amount of stuff for a d1 to carry at my school would probably be like 1-2 binders and a couple folders.

I prefer messenger bags myself.

with all that weight on one shoulder, messenger bags are too painful for me :( i prefer backpacks

Backpacks for me too! Messenger bags hurt after a while.

Backpacks for me too! Messenger bags hurt after a while.

If you ride a bicycle, you will find a messenger bag to be far superior to a backpack. It keeps your center of gravity low, it makes it easier to look over your shoulder to check traffic, and it allows more freedom of arm movement. They do take a little getting used to, and you must find the "sweet spot" of strap adjustment so that it doesn't ride up on your neck or cut off your circulation. Also, the cheaper courier bags tend to be uncomfortable and flimsy. This is definitely one time you will want to spend some money (at least $50).

Walking to the bus stop in the morning, waiting up to 30 minutes sometimes, and walking to class from the bus stop...a messenger bag is just not convenient for those days. Its much more comfortable with a backpack. Plus, there are days in which I have to take a bunch of books to school, and a backpack can accomodate that much more readily.

Depends on the day, normally carry one binder and one or 2 folders. Sometimes I bring my laptop to class. I got this pack from northface, love it and 3 others have copied me since.

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AMC2


thanks for the link =)

at vcu we have to dress semi-professional all the time.. and backpack just doesn't cut it!

Could any Creighton students out there comment on this please (Omahahaha)?

Are backpacks allowed at Creighton for lectures?

at vcu we have to dress semi-professional all the time.. and backpack just doesn't cut it!

What do you use instead?

Depends on the day, normally carry one binder and one or 2 folders. Sometimes I bring my laptop to class. I got this pack from northface, love it and 3 others have copied me since.

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AMC2


Hey thanks for the link. That looks like a great backpack. I just wish the colors were alittle prettier :) What can I say, I'm a girl who loves pink!

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47943066&storeId=8001&catalogId=40000008001&langId=-1&color=BLACK&img=/media/582596.jpg&view=large

that backpack is 21.00 when you add it to your cart. if you have an REI close you can pick it for free otherwise youll have to pay shipping.

at vcu we have to dress semi-professional all the time.. and backpack just doesn't cut it!
I've wondered about this too. So what do you use instead? Do none of your classmates use backpacks either? Perhaps you're simply fashion-sensitive ;) .

I use a large messenger bag (http://www.chromebags.com/metropolis.php) every day. It has immense storage space and I can even fit my articulator along with my papers and notebook computer. The shoulder strap is very wide and padded, however the weight at times can be uncomfortable. Most of the time it's fine because I'm only 15 minutes away from school by bus or on foot. It's also great for groceries on the way back from school. If you live too far or don't like the weight of books plus computer, go with wheels.

Unless you don't have a lot of walking to do to/from school, I'd go with a backpack. Messenger bags are more stylish, but they will *wreck* your back. I like the Jansport packs with "airlift" straps like this one: jansport (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47943507&parent_category_rn=40002408)

http://images.rei.com/media/464505.jpg

How about this one? "1950's SDN Logo" Messenger Bag (http://www.cafepress.com/sdnmarket.13141995) It looks a little small but is a stylish yellow. :)

Not to knock SDN or anything but that's really ugly. I wonder how many of those they actually sell? I really like odontastic's messenger bag, I think I'm going to go and pick one up in the near future. Those things are huge on the inside going by the pics.


How about this one? "1950's SDN Logo" Messenger Bag (http://www.cafepress.com/sdnmarket.13141995) It looks a little small but is a stylish yellow. :)