Engadget's back to school guide: Laptop bags
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we have laptop bags in our sights — and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month.
By now you should have had enough time to decide what on our laptop buying guide takes your fancy, but, as Apple will tell you, the protective case is sometimes as important as the precious hardware itself. You'll notice that this year we have a good number of bags that include padded camera sections as well — to the point of perhaps being described as camera bags with laptop compartments — but we feel that's justified by the massive proliferation of DSLRs into the mainstream market. Entry-level interchangeable lens shooters have grown cheap enough even for non-photography students to consider owning one, but we can think of no good reason why they should require a separate bag of their own. So, on with the recommendations.
On the cheap
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Timbuk2 Freestyle Messenger Comes with an integrated padded sleeve for netbooks, e-readers or tablets. Waterproof lining's also nice and there are more colorful options to pick from, in case you need that extra pinch of panache. Starts at $40 from Dell |
STM Alley Small Can shelter a 13-inch laptop and an iPad at the same time thanks to its extra padded slot. Stick an e-reader in there instead and you won't have to cry over the lack of space for any textbooks. $40 from eBags |
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Mid-range
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Timbuk2 H.A.L. backpack The best thing about this pack is the easy-access laptop compartment that lets you get at your computer with one shoulder still strapped in. The second best thing is the vast cavern of space it provides for your other bits. $95 from CSN |
Case Logic SLRC-206 backpack Should your needs (or screen size) extend that little bit further than the Kata can provide for, look to Case Logic for a worthy alternative. The 206 costs a bit more but can fit 17-inch laptops and even more photo gear. $119 from Frys |
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Money's no object
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Filson Padded Computer Bag When you can't bring yourself to sacrifice style for portability, you'd better be wiling to open up your wallet that extra bit wider. There's even a practical excuse for buying this bag: disguising your laptop's presence. $284 from David Morgan |
Jack Spade Grain Leather Supply Brief We're such eagle-eyed bargain spotters that we managed to grab you a half-price sale on this fine retro specimen. You get two zippered pockets, a laptop "envelope," and a shoulder strap. Killer value. $248 from Jack Spade |
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