Laptop Bag or Other Protection

Diji on 24/06/2019 - 12:05
Last edited 24/06/2019 - 12:12

Following on from my previous post looking for a laptop (bought a 13" Spectre x360), I figure protecting it might be a good idea. Water protection in particular, in case I get caught in the rain waiting for a bus.

I've read about waterproof cases, but not sure about brands. Bit hesitant to rely on a cheap thing from Amazon to protect an expensive piece of kit.
Would be nice to be able to fit a water bottle, power bank and cable, and perhaps some books (though I'm going to try avoid physical textbooks as much as possible at uni) in as well.

No real preference between backpack or messenger styles when it comes to bags, not sure about budget, perhaps under $200.

I do hope I'm not being spammy posting this so soon after my last topic.

Computing Laptop Bag

Comments

  • millhouse on 24/06/2019 - 13:06

    If you're looking for a water resistant sleeve, look at the Thule Gauntlet (I think that's the name), water resistant zippers, available at JB Hi-Fi. I think the 13" would suit the Spectre x360.

    Otherwise, check out the Waterfield range at www.sfbags.com - had a sleeve of theirs for my Surface Book and loved it.

    • Diji on 24/06/2019 - 15:13

      Didn't even know hard case sleeves were a thing! Thanks for the advice. :)

  • Haplo on 24/06/2019 - 14:29

    It might be a bit big for your needs but a Dell Gaming Backpack would give you room to carry your extras and has a rain cover in the base.

    https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/accessories/apd/460-bckr

    Cheers

    • Diji on 24/06/2019 - 15:13

      Yeah a tad big for me. That rain cover is a great idea though.

  • Ryanek on 24/06/2019 - 15:10

    You know what I've realised, it's practically impossible to look cool while running with a back pack.

    • Diji on 24/06/2019 - 15:15
      +2

      I hear looking stupid is the new looking cool.

  • daryar daryar on 24/06/2019 - 16:21

    Feel free to put your laptop into the sealable plastic bag and then into your normal laptop bag. I don't know if it will work for you but for me, it works great (I own Apple MBA 2015). It is a good solution that is really cheap. :)

    • Diji on 24/06/2019 - 16:22

      Oh I don't currently have a laptop bag, just an old backpack which I wouldn't feel comfortable with it floating around in. If I just use my backpack I definitely want at least a sleeve to protect it because my bag is not padded whatsoever.

      • daryar daryar on 28/06/2019 - 16:30

        I understand that. So I can recommend finding some laptop sleeve at Aliexpress. It costs a few dollars. :) And then you can put the laptop into the plastic sealing bag so it will be waterproof. :)

        • Diji on 28/06/2019 - 17:55

          Turns out my laptop came with a sleeve so I've got that part covered!

  • lint on 25/06/2019 - 12:13

    I bought the Belkin Active Pro backpack and it seems to have everything you're looking for. It was previously on clearance for $25 from HN but currently only $33 from Amazon third party seller. Still a steal considering it originally went for about $80.

    It's a knapsack-style top loader which lets you fill the main compartment while still making it easy to slip your laptop in or out. Reaching for stuff at the bottom can be a bit annoying if you place a lot of things on top though. Capacity is about 22L. It stands upright by itself without tipping over unlike many backpacks and feels pretty light on the back despite being filled with stuff.

    Lots of pockets for various things, extra secret pocket on the back, two padded compartments for a laptop as well as a tablet, water resistant material, rubber base, luggage strap to attach to a luggage handle and reflective strip for visibility at night.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Belkin-Active-Backpack-F8N902btBLK…

    • Diji on 25/06/2019 - 20:08

      Is it as bulky as it looks in the pictures? Struggling to find pictures with humans for scale, lol. Padded compartment sounds good though.

      • lint on 26/06/2019 - 14:12

        I wouldn't say it's bulky at all but it depends on what you consider bulky? The padding makes it sturdier and more rigid than a regular backpack, which could contribute to the bulky appearance.

        Here's a review with pics:
        https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/05/24/belkin-active-pro-backp…

        • Diji on 26/06/2019 - 15:00

          Not as big as I thought, thanks for finding a review with a person wearing it.

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