Good laptop bag for interview travel?

[Shpamme]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, first off sorry if this belongs in another forum--I wasn't sure but I thought suggestions might help others. I've been fumbling like an idiot as I travel this interview season. (If you were in the security line at MSW (NOLA) early December, and the line was ridiculously long..that was probably because of me. I humbly apologize.)

So...Does anyone know the model number of a good laptop case that meets the following requirements?
1. Big enough to hold a 17" laptop
2. Comfortable strap
3. Front pocket can hold mouse, power cord, some makeup, cell, and a wallet without getting too bulky
4. Back "slip strap" that allows case to slide over the handle of a small carryon suitcase
5. Pretty colored? (I guess this is optional..but hopefully not too ugly?)
6. Lightweight

I don't need it to hold clothes or shoes..I have a good carryon for that. And this doesn't have to be as fancy as the bag I take TO the school on the interview day; that is a separate bag I keep in my carryon, and only take out to interview with.

Thank you!

 

[EmbellisMaVie]

Haha... it's funny because I've actually been hunting around for a new case for awhile now. I, too, have realized that my current case is a huge hassle when it comes to traveling, and especially at airports. Unfortunately, this application cycle has really emptied out my bank account, so I'm going to have to wait a little.

I kind of like this case. My uncle received one (or at least, I think it's that one) as a Christmas gift, and from what I can tell, he likes it well enough. As cases go, I think it's somewhat pricey, but not overly expensive. It's also not the most stylish thing in the world, but at least it comes in different colors. I, for one, would go for the pink. Anyways, eBags seems to have a plethora of styles to choose from, so you might want to shop around there.

 

[123880]

I cannot recommend a specific bag from personal experience but I can tell you a couple of places that I've been shopping and run across a few options.

1. If you have a well-supplied TJ Maxx near you, check the luggage department. I've seen 2 bags at my local Maxx that were def. in the running. One is by Swiss Army (or the other brand that looks like swiss army) and the other is TUMI.

2. Do you have a MORI luggage store near? I've shopped a couple of bags here. Some are 'pretty' for laptop bags and the store tends to have a nice choice of bags.

Again, I cannot recommend anything from personal experience but these are the two places I've found the most options.

 

[Shpamme]

Thanks EmbellisMaVie! That bag actually looks quite nice and really roomy--thanks for the suggestion. I'm digging the khaki/black combo with red interior--quite festive! My only worry is it won't fit my Inspiron 8500. The list says it will, but the dimensions don't seem to jive. I am going to call Skooba Monday to find out what the deal is.

In the meantime I'll keep looking around on Ebags like you said. And maybe other people have some suggestions? Volsgirl--thanks for the store suggestions. I believe I will be heading to TJMaxx tomorrow. Heck while I'm at it I'll hit up Nordstrom Rack and Ross and Marshalls too. (Sadly, I know myself well enough to know I'll exit the store with some cute t-shirt but no bag...)

 

[123880]

I'll be here for you to share your case of 'buyers remorse'. Happy Shopping!!!

 

[Blanket]

Buy a bookbag that has a sleeve (not necessarily removable) for a laptop. You will need this when you start school as well. I bought NorthFace Recon before school started and it has been awesome. I see many of my classmates carry two things (books and a bag for laptop) where i can just put everything in one. Trust me...this would help a lot.

 

[sheepunite]

this is what i carry: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,73663_Timbuk2-Laptop-Tote-Bag-Extra-Large.html

 

[Shpamme]

hey you guys.. thank you for all your suggestions. i went to ross and tjmaxx, but sadly, i came out with only a t-shirt as expected.

i also tried a few of the ones you suggested, but the only problem was the ability to slide it over a handle.

i ultimately splurged at bloomie's and shelled out big bucks for this: victorionox prado lxe computer case.

it fits all my junk but still manages to stay slim somehow. i can see it really being useful over the next few years. and it came with the removable pouch that the other poster suggested would come in handy during med school (*if* i am fortunate enough to get in). and from previous victorionox purchases i know the fabric is durable and here to stay, without getting deformed or misshapen.

best part is.. it looks feminine and sharp, and the strap doesn't slide off my shoulder even when i run (which will come in handy on the 30-minute connections through minneapolis airport). and it has a concealed water bottle holder.

thanks again for all your suggestions, i really appreciate it.

 

[Shpamme]

**Update** I swear, this bag is the best investment I made in a while. No buyer's remorse here. The strap is so strong, and it is so padded and comfortable. It doesn't have one of those strange pads towards the center of the strap that cuts into your shoulder. My laptop, which is a widescreen and large enough that my sister named it Big Bertha, slides easily in and out of the case. The straps are the right length, so that the bottom of the bag hits just at your lower waist, so you don't end up with those annoying bruises on your hip. It has some self balancing thing so it never tips over even if you load the front pocket heavy. The fabric is indestructible and six airplane segments later the corners are showing no signs of wearing out or going soft, despite having had to repeatedly jam the bag under the seat in front of me. And it's stylish too..four women in the airport have stopped me and asked where I got it. It slides easily onto your rollerbag handle. I can't say enough good things about it and if you're interviewing still, or if you plan to travel a lot next year during med school I *totally* advocate getting this bag =) Oh yeah and it has glamorous red lining inside =) Makes me feel happy every time I open it. And beautiful enough and refined enough to take into interviews with you.

 

[gary5]

Try ebags.

I bought a laptop backpack:
http://www.ebags.com/business_cases/laptop_backpacks/category_search/index.cfm?Ne=100&N=4001+2006678

I bought an OGIO and I love it. It has a separate zippered compartment for a laptop and lots of pockets. I've been using it for a few years now.
http://www.ebags.com/business_cases..._search/index.cfm?Ne=300&N=4001+2006678+30020

They also have other types of laptop bags:
http://www.ebags.com/business_cases/department/index.cfm?sub_site_id=25

 

[socal78]

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/home.php?cat=257

modern and sleek

 

[gary5]

Oops, I missed the "interview" part of your question. Your Macy's bag is a million times better than the workhorse backpack that I recommended. But I'm a guy and I'm not the one to ask for this! 🙂

 

[PathOne]

These should keep your prized laptop well protected 😉

http://www.samcases.co.uk/flight-cases/flight-cases-2.htm

 

[Stolenspatulas]

you should buy a laptop sleeve/case that is specific for the exact type of laptop you have. search by the exact type so you guarantee an exact fit. i found one for my macbookpro for 30 bucks or so.

 

[Vanguard23]

Get one of the Targus bags. I forget the exact model, but it's black with yellow colored text. Has lots of things, including what you are looking for.