Laptop Backpacks

Laptop backpacks are practical

The BBP (formerly called Bumbakpacks) Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop (*Est. $95) earns an Editors' Choice award at Laptop magazine. It's also the top pick in a comparison review of three messenger bags at the Lawrence Apple Users Group, and gets a five-star rating from the Ergonomics Guide at About.com. A single-product review at CNN Money also praises the way this computer bag does triple duty as a messenger bag, backpack and briefcase. You can also attach it to a rolling luggage bag for travel. Reviews say it's exceptionally comfortable, and the messenger-bag styling makes it look more professional than most laptop backpacks. When worn as a backpack, it sits lower on the hips rather than mid-back. The handful of owners reviewing a BBP Hybrid laptop bag at Amazon.com give it rave reviews; one calls it "the rugged SUV of laptop bags."

There are three slightly different versions of the BBP laptop backpacks, and they are all priced the same. It's the rather jazzy BBP Street Flow that Laptop magazine reviews, but the Biz is more restrained (and comes only in black). The Hamptons bags have more external pockets and come in four sizes. The organization of the BBP bags is excellent, with pockets for everything (including water bottles) and an orange liner to make contents easy to see. You can access the computer without opening the flap. A detailed review at MyMac Magazine gives a BBP Hamptons notebook bag a near-perfect rating but notes a few criticisms. Most are minor points about organization -- e.g. the key ring isn't accessible enough for daily use. Like most computer backpacks, the bag isn't very stable when set down on the floor, and the padding under the laptop strikes this reviewer as thin. The BBP hybrid laptop backpacks carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and are water-resistant but not absolutely waterproof.

For a less versatile but waterproof laptop bag, a comparison review at National Geographic Adventure recommends the Chrome Soma (*est. $130). Rather than switching from messenger bag to laptop backpack, this computer bag is more of a cross between the two styles. It has one strap and messenger-bag styling, but is worn on the back like a regular backpack. The padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 15-inch computer. You have to open the flap to get to the notebook, but the laptop bag has two front pockets and you can add a cell phone holster (*est. $18).

The less expensive Wenger Swiss Gear Synergy Computer Backpack (*Est. $60) is styled like a typical backpack -- good for students -- but can hold up to a 15.4" widescreen notebook computer. Swiss Gear gets good reviews for durability and comfort. The Synergy computer backpack has a well-ventilated padded back, with shock-absorbing shoulder straps that incorporate a steel cable for extra strength. A detailed review at NotebookComputer.com finds the Swiss Gear Synergy computer backpack comfortable but notes that the laptop compartment doesn't provide any padding between the computer and the rest of the main compartment.

Tests at The Wall Street Journal give top ranking to the eBags Downloader Laptop Backpack (*Est. $50) . It's styled for students but weighs less than the Swiss Gear Synergy, costs less and provides good comfort and organization. The laptop compartment holds a laptop up to 14 inches wide. The backpack comes in 12 color combinations, so you can get a bit of flair with it.

If you want a sleeker computer backpack -- more businesslike in appearance -- several reviews recommend the black Lowepro Tropolis 1250 (*Est. $35) , which wins the Editors' Choice award at Laptop magazine for computer bags priced under $100. The Lowepro Tropolis 1250 provides plenty of padding for laptops up to 15 inches. It doesn't have the huge capacity of the Swiss Gear Synergy or BBP hybrid bags, but the Tropolis laptop backpack can hold the computer plus small accessories. There's a detachable bag for the cord, discreet side water-bottle pocket and a front organizer pocket. For 17-inch notebooks, the Lowepro Tropolis 1300 (*Est. $40) is similar. Owners reviewing these laptop backpacks at Amazon.com give them rave reviews, saying they're an excellent buy. PC Magazine finds the Lowepro Tropolis comfortable and well padded but a little staid -- good for a business setting.

The Briggs & Riley @Work Vertical Computer Brief/Backpack (*Est. $200) converts from a business-like backpack to a briefcase. A "SpeedThru" pocket helps make the computer easily accessible at airport security checks. Briggs & Riley says that after August 15, 2008, all its laptop bags will include a check-point ready sleeve that can stay on the computer while it goes through the x-ray at airport security. Despite the price, this is one of the few laptop bags sold at eBags.com about which 100 percent of the buyers say they'd buy the same bag again.

Reviewers surveying the field at the Jan. 2008 Macworld exhibit recommend the Booq Mamba Pack for a business laptop backpack with more flair. It's sleek and manages to look both businesslike and sporty, coming in four colors, including red. The well-padded laptop compartment holds a computer 15.75 inches wide (a 17-inch screen), but padded inserts are supplied to adjust the size down as needed. The overall appearance is sleek, with a zippered side pocket that holds a water bottle, credit cards and pen. A removable pouch holds the laptop cord.