Messenger Bags

Laptop messenger bags have a more casual look

Reviews like the convenience and trendy styling of laptop messenger bags. If the contents are heavy, they can be hard on the shoulder and back, but they're still more ergonomic than a handheld or shoulder-strap briefcase or laptop tote. Quite a few owners say they prefer a laptop messenger bag not only for fashionable styling, but because messenger bags don't advertise that you're carrying a laptop.

Reviewers assessing the 2008 laptop bags at the Macworld exhibit highlight Crumpler as the top brand among laptop messenger bags. A Laptop magazine review recommends a 2007 Crumpler bag called the Considerable Embarrassment (*Est. $85) -- with praise for its light weight, roomy organization and comfortable shoulder pad. PC Magazine also rates the Crumpler messenger bag "very good" -- only wishing for more pockets on the outside (there are plenty on the inside).

Some of the owners reviewing the Considerable Embarrassment laptop messenger bag at eBags.com also wish for more external pockets, but owners there give it a higher than average rating overall. Along with owners reviewing it at Amazon.com, they find it attractive (it comes in six colors) but a bit small -- depending on how much you need to carry. The padded laptop sleeve is sized for laptops up to 13 inches wide. The larger Crumpler Dreadful Embarrassment (*Est. $90) is sized for laptops up to 15 inches wide (many 17-inch diagonal screens). Owners report that these laptop messenger bags are well-made and durable, and they carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. The main drawback is that the Velcro closures are noisy to open.

Timbuk2 is one of the most popular brands of messenger bags, praised for its organization. The Timbuk2 Commute Medium (*Est. $100) gets a high average rating from over 30 owners reviewing it at eBags.com. It comes in four subdued color combinations, and the padded laptop compartment can hold a computer as wide as 14.5 inches (but only 10 inches high -- disappointing some buyers). The Timbuk2 laptop bag is designed for easy attachment to rolling luggage. The main drawback is an odd one; some owners report that when the messenger bag is heavily loaded, it squeaks a bit.

For carrying a large 17-inch laptop plus lots of other items, several reviews recommend the Tom Bihn Super Ego (*est. $150) messenger bag. It's well organized, sturdy, and can be customized with extra trim strips (*est. $5) to vary your style. The smaller Tom Bihn Ego (*est. $140) is similar. For full laptop protection using either one, reviews recommend the Tom Bihn Brain Cell laptop sleeve (*est. $60). Note that once committed to paying this much, it would be easy to succumb to other accessories too -- like an extra key strap (*est. $2), organizer for file folders (*est. $35) or a flashing safety light for carrying the messenger bag at night or on a bike (*est. $20).

For a sleeker, more businesslike laptop messenger bag, the CODi Courier (*Est. $175) earns an Editors' Choice award at PC Magazine. The flap has two pockets inside and out, including one with a cord port, and the main compartment is extremely well organized -- for example, one pocket exists just for a USB flash drive. The removable padded laptop sleeve is sized to hold up to a 15.4-inch laptop (just barely). The main compartment adjusts in size so you can carry extra files when needed. What makes all this comfortable to carry is the adjustable (and swiveling) neoprene shoulder strap with a nice pad. You can also use a leather handle to carry the messenger bag as a briefcase.

The Booq Mamba Sling isn't exactly a messenger bag, but it's worn at the side like one, with a long adjustable strap that goes across the body. It's more vertical than a regular laptop messenger bag, but has plenty of well-organized space. The Mamba Sling earns an Editors' Choice Award at ThinkComputers.org, where several weeks of testing are reported in a detailed review. A photo of the Mamba Sling worn on the reviewer shows that it's bigger than it looks in other photos -- with plenty of space for files and books, but on the bulky side. The laptop compartment is very well padded, sized for computers up to 14.5 inches wide. The Mamba Sling comes in four colors and carries a five-year warranty.

As a budget laptop messenger bag, the Targus TCG200 17\" CityGear Miami Messenger Notebook Case (*Est. $50) gets very good reviews from over 200 owners reviewing it at Amazon.com. Like other Targus laptop bags, the styling is pretty staid, and it only comes in black. However, it can hold a laptop with a screen up to 17", has well-organized space and carries a lifetime warranty. The size gets mixed reviews; some owners say it's too small, others say it's too big and bulky. The main drawback is that it lacks padding between the laptop and the bottom -- so dropping the bag could be a disaster.

The Solo At Ease Laptop Messenger (*Est. $65) , is the top-rated laptop messenger bag at eBags.com. It's casual in appearance, available in black (with denim trim) or olive green, with a padded compartment for a laptop with a 15.4-inch screen. Owners praise the organization -- with zippered pockets for accessories, space for files, and inner pockets. The back is nicely padded, but the straps are not. One owner reports adding a strap pad, but most say this bag is fine as is.