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Macbook Bag

Written By Rich on Apr. 11, 2007.

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Macbook owners: how do you transport your Macbook? I'm trying to find a nice (shoulder, preferably) bag for my Macbook so I can safely take it places.

Having a look around, the only remotely attractive bag I found was this SF Waterfield one. But I'm not too pleased about having to pay $50 extra just for a shoulder strap and space to put an adapter. And the shipping ain't cheap neither.

Couldn't find anything else I liked really, so what do you use?

I'd really like to have a bag in time for this weekend's trip to Portsmouth, so that means: not too expensive, since I'm pretty short this month - under £50, ideally - and from the UK, so it arrives on time.

Recommendations?

I got this awesome Kensington laptop bag for $20 on eBay. But I am thinking about ordering a Timbuk2 bag. I had one awhile ago and they are extremely comfortable.

They are a little pricey on the site, but again, that is what eBay is for and is probably where I'll order mine.

I use the SF Waterfield and the extra cost was completely worth it. The case is very thick and the inside is a nice padded material to prevent scratches. I throw my MacBook in my backpack all the time, and I wouldn't dream doing it without this case. You already spent $X on your MacBook, you might as well spend a little extra to insure its protections.

I have the SF Waterfield laptop Sleeve for the macbook. I didn't get the extra pouch, I did get the velcro flap. I also had them do some custom work with the D-rings. Mine has the normal (vertical orientation) rings to attach a shoulder strap, it also has some rings down the back of the bag in the center. I use this to strap it to my photo backpack when I'm traveling so I only have one bag to manage instead of two.

The cost is a bit high, but the quality and craftsmanship is great. You can probably get several fine bags for cheaper, but I'm happy with mine.

Oh, if you're concerned about having an extra pouch for the adapter and such you could always go grab one of those old "fanny packs" and hook it to the d-rings. As long as you match colours well I don't think anyone would know :)

When I bought my 15" PB I got the incase sling pack. I still use it, because the MB fits in there very snugly when it's in the neoprene sleeve, and the fact that it's double-padded makes me feel a little more secure.

Although it will probably be a pain when I have to check in at an airport.

Hm. I guess I'll go with the Waterfield and pay extra. Robustness is much higher on my agenda than price.

Thanks guys!

I use a Timbuk2 bag myself, the Messenger, and can highly recommend it. It's a tough little bugger and looks like it'll outlast me. I will say I've been lusting after a Tom Bihn SuperEgo bag. I love the look and, while not important in the least, the name is great.

Personally, I just use my regular old bag, but I keep the MBP in a Foof Bag. It keeps it from getting scratched, and let's me use whatever bag I need to use for the day. Not alot of padding, but that's not really an issue for me, since I'm not rock climbing or anything like that with my Mac.

I put my Macbook in this shockproof sleeve and then put that inside a larger-but-perfect-fit black Gap bag that I used way back in college. Whoa. Cheapest but effective protection and transportation ever.

Rich, this is what I have, highly recomended

I have a bag similar to this one from Brethaven but mine is about 6 years older and blue.

It carries my trusty iBook and about a million other things and aside from stains, looks BRAND NEW.

Rich, here's the same bag on the uk store

Oh, wow. I didn't even think to check for official Apple gear. Still made by the same people though I guess - Brenthaven, etc.

I think I'll stick with the Waterfield though. I don't like rucksack-type bags; prefer me some shoulder action.

I know Rich is no longer seeking advice, but I'd just like to say that I LOVE timbuk2, in part out of hometown pride, and in part because they make bags that work for bike messengers and college students and they also make bags that work for women who have to show up at work looking sort of professional.

But I also do as estarla does -- put my mac in a sleeve and then put it in whatever bag I happen to be carrying.

I just use my Suiss Gear backback (that I use at school) to carry my Pro. It's not made to fit a 15" widescreen, but it gets the job done.

Ugh, I need a new bag — bought one out of necessity a while back, which is really ugly and impractical, and I haven't updated yet. But Rich, that link to the Waterfield bag is lacking a URL.

I think the one in the Apple store looks nice and comfy. Timbuk2 is a bit too much for my taste.

In my opinion Brenthaven is the best choice hands down.
Brenthaven's Website
I have the metro for the macbook pro.

I bought a PAQ carrying case and it fit real well and have lots of places for mouse, power supply, and my iPod.

There are a few models that works well with MacBook and MacBook PRO. I like the NA-001 since it has lots of storage space. I bought a AS-309 for my sister-in-law and she likes the quality of the bag a lot. Too bad there are not many sellers carrying PAQ brand in US.

I've got the Incase Canvas Sling and love it. Big enough to fit a few textbooks, iPod, cords, etc. as well.

I use a regular old "backpack". I got it at Target.

I had the Timbuk2 Commuter bag for awhile. It has an integrated laptop sleeve (padded). It's the perfect size for a MacBook - no dice for the MacBook Pro. The one thing that bothered me about the bag was the fact that it was stiff sitting on my back. Because it had that extra padded sleeve it was a less flexible than a standard Timbuk2.

Eventually, I decided to go with a basic neoprene sleeve from Incase which I then place inside of a medium sized Timbuk2. Much more flexible and easier to use [even for days when I am not carrying my computer].

A few others have mentioned it but eBay is the way to go for saving some $$.

Booq Vyper Exo is awesome.

Booq is pricey!

Yeah, Booq is pretty pricey, but I like mine for my Macbook Pro. Seems to be very durable and comfortable to carry. Mine is similar to this model, but in a horizontal format.

I personally use a Targus Repel, and I love it, for those of you who like Messenger Bags, I am giving away a brand new Spire messenger bag..

Check it out if you need one, it's a $100 bag.

I snagged a Brenthaven when I got my MacBook because it feels like a truck could run over it. It's got solid paneling which really provides nice protection. The padding makes it a snug fit as well. I like it quite a bit and would surely recommend it.

I bought one of these from Vax Barcelona recently and I'm very happy with it.

Looks like i am the only one who wears a Tucano italian design one...

they are evry nice and designed for MacBook and MacBook Pro!

ive used timbuk2 and crumpler in the past... shopping around for something new (that can hold the mac and a dslr)

I also use the neoprene incase sleeve, its black with a nice green on the inside. Very sexy (lol!) and very cheap, definately worth the investment. I picked mine up from my local apple store though possibly even cheaper if you hunt around online.

One word "Brenthaven"

I use an Incase Neoprene Sleeve because it turns every bag I have into something laptop safe. Plus it's something nice to put it in when it's not in use.

I used to like the shoulder bag and I am thinking of a Timbuk2 myself but I currently use a north face backpackand it has a laptop compartment and I love it. I would like some sort of leather case that is more professional looking for client meetings.

STM Bags

I'm a big fan of these bags. They're well built and fit Macs perfectly. I have a Medium Cargo for my MacBook Pro which I love. It's well organized, durable and lined with a water resistant shell if it starts to rain. The padded laptop case comes out and can be used seperately as a case outside the bag. Apple stores carry them sometimes. Check them out.

I use the Mobile Edge Express (with red piping) and have with a few different laptops, have had it for a year and a half and not one issue yet. It should hold up to a 17" although I've only had a 13" Macbook, 14" Dell, and 15" Toshiba in it. Since the Macbook is smaller (and what I currently have) I also store it in a sleeve before putting it in the backpack. Not because of lack of padding but just to fill more area. I use the AppleSac sleeve and have been happy so far.

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