Timbuk2’s Hemlock And Q Backpacks Have Swing Around Easy Access To Your Laptop

@decapitor: So you make all your purchasing decisions based on what other people in your area use? Odd criteria to me...

takeshi

@decapitor: Function over form, old chap. You'll get there.

@jcrockerman: If you set it down next to mine, we might have problems figuring out whose is whose based on the contents...

@Save me: You've heard the responses - Timbuk2s are durable, long-lasting and all but waterproof. If these are the qualities you're looking for, also check out Chrome, Crumpler and R.E.Load bags.

[www.chromebagsstore.com]
www.crumplerbags.com/
www.reloadbags.com/

If you want a straight-up custom bag made to your specs, contact R.E.Load. Not so long ago I was interested in getting a messenger with outside cargo pockets beneath the flap, one of which was side-loading for quick laptop access. Could they do it for me? No trouble.

@Save me: Used to rock the Timbuk2, specifically the Commute for my laptop-it's a great bag, nearly indestructible. I keep my eyes on Timbuk2's offerings from time to time because they make really awesome stuff, you won't be disappointed in the *Quality* of the bag if you buy one. Personally, though, I stopped liking the *Style* of their bags quite so much, I started preferring a bit more of an understated look.

Lupus_Yonderboy

@syko21: i wish i could, but i graduated from college 9 whole years and 15 pounds ago. sigh.

@[www.timbuk2.com] Laptop Messenger XL. And for goodness sakes don't get black unless you really like it a lot. Mine is black and I thought I would like it but I hate it, I wish I had ordered a custom bag with some nice colors.

@tande04: Are you talking about one of the grab handles on the front/top of the bag? I looked at that, and I think I need something more substantial. The Commute bag I use for my laptop is always packed full -- I'm afraid if I hook the handle up with a carabiner, that there will be too much stress on the zips of the Checkpoint. My current TravelPro is built like a tank (and weights like one :-) and I can see where the rollaboard is slightly deformed from where my Commute always hangs.

I'm hoping I actually get to see a Checkpoint in a store to make my mind up.

@the facetious feline:i accord to agree.

@WB: and the list continues.

i love my timbuk2 bag. it's a workhorse. got me through grad school x2! it's durable and will travel well. even though it's a basic commuter, it is all purpose. i usually throw my laptop in its sleeve and it's good to go. Say what you will about it being a hipster bag, it's such a common sight in SF to see people from all walks with one.

if you're near SF, there's a store in hayes valley worth checking out.

psychogasm

@pdditty: The Commute is cool. I have 3 messengers. An XS for the netbook and daily Go Bag and M for most travel and a XL for heavy duty travel.

Its the BEST BAG YOU CAN EVER BUY. I am hooked for life

Cordfucious of Tech Clan

@lostarchitect: a sufficiently massive (heavy) enough bag and sometimes you don't notice if the bag is being unzipped. Try pranking people who have large bags at college, most of the time they won't notice

syko21

@PN - Artest->Ariza: You and I, sir, are clearly not on the same wavelength. Let's just agree to disagree and go our separate ways.

toss in this bad-boy wearable desktop for the laptop and you may have a winner....[www.bookofjoe.com]

squishyalt

My Lowepro backpack has swing around access to my laptop as well as my SLR camera. Quick access to a camera while standing or walking without having to drop all your gear makes sense. But who really needs swing around access to a laptop? If I'm using a laptop then I'm sitting down and if I'm sitting down then the backpack is off.

@Save me: I have a commute and pretty much love it. I bought a red/silver/red version as I wanted to it for commuting. Really wish I had gone with duller colours. I can't justify getting a new one and at the rate this unit is standing up I won't be for a few years.

I also have a extra small messenger bag as my 'man-purse'. It's great for carrying snacks, water, juice boxes, underwear etc. when out with the kids. Down side on that one is that there are no external pockets for phone/pens/something small.

One downside is that the protection and beefy construction comes at the cost of lightness. They are on heavy end of things.

ursa

@PN - Artest->Ariza:
4. Makes people laugh

@Geraldo: I just got a commute off of eBay for 65+ shipping totaling ~$80. I saw them on Amazon for around $85 with free shipping. It's great.

computerwiz3491

@CommentingpointlesslyisMeh: Pic!! Broke!!

Uncletwitch

@ShadowBottle: Nice!

jcrockerman

@strider_mt2k: I carry my Mini 9 in a Small Timbuk2 Messenger bag...along with all of my other small gadgets and Moleskin notebook

jcrockerman

@Geraldo: It has one. Its just hidden

tande04

@ShadowBottle: That's because a bunch of stuff is in the "sale" section.

AHemp

@Save me: I would really love to buy one of their Checkpoint wheeled bags, but since this will be for work, I need something with the external hook for a laptop bag.

@obese feline:

Sarcasm does three things:

1. Shows that you're a prick

2. Wastes people's time

3. Doesn't allow for progression

Next time just answer the question.

Canot...compute...facetiousness

PN - Artest->Ariza

@SwatLax: Ditto on the Commute -- I've had 3. The most recent because I needed a bigger bag to accommodate a 15" MacBook Pro. I also travel a lot, so the external pockets are great.

Just last week I spent my Timbuk2 store credit on a messenger and laptop sleeve (that should be here today, incidentally). I might have to pick up one of these when they come out, though...

RosemaryDento

@obese feline: which one? link me.

PN - Artest->Ariza

@Save me: They're all waterproof.

There were a couple of people in the thread for dolores that mentioned you could do the same thing with any bag (its just not insulated)

tande04

Broken pic alert! Broken pic alert!

Memnon

@Toastie: Thats great. Im definitely ordering one off the website during the weekend. Do you have a suggestion on the backpacks?

@lostarchitect: I thought that only their dolores bag was waterproof?

@BigRocket: nerd.

@Save me: yeah, i have 3. i have an older commute laptop bag that was for my old G4. it didn't fit my new macbook pro so i gave it to my girlfriend and got a huge new messenger bag with a separate sleeve. i have only 2 complaints: the laptop bag is kinda small if you want to carry a bunch of books or whatever, and the messenger bag is short on extra pockets and organizational stuff. the best thing about them is they are shockingly waterproof. i used to carry my laptop to and from school on my motorcycle every day, rain or shine and it never got a drop on it.

@hindsight2020: anyone who wouldn't notice someone unzipping or opening velcro on their bag has issues.

@decapitor: I'd move.

ShadowBottle

@NicleT: Yeah.. something is messed up on their site right now. I assume that they are between updates. Their laptop section only shows like 4 bags and they have more than a dozen for sure.

ShadowBottle

@pdditty:
[store.saddlebackleather.com]

ShadowBottle

@pdditty: Timbuk2's Commute bag. They just updated, but I have the previous version in black. It isn't the biggest back in the world, but for most purposes, I find it just the right size. Mine is black, and with the handle at the top, I can carry it around the office like a suitcase.

SwatLax

@Save me: Yes and I have yet to use a better laptop bag. I use the Timbuk2 backpacks to avoid strain on my shoulders and they are great bags for domestic and international travel. The bottom of the bags are usually rubber and keep your bag from getting it's bottom scratched and soaked.

@PN - Dances with Wolves: cannot .... compute .... sarcasm

@PN - Dances with Wolves: Sure I can ... see previous post.

@Δεν βρέθηκαν λέξεις: What kind of bag did you get? Im looking into one of those big and bulky hiking/travel bags.

I was with them up until the release said the swig was "built for dudes and ladies (Hallelujah!)" i think their marketing cool ran out before they got to that product description.

So how much was Gizmodo paid to run this ad? And shouldn't it be clearly marked as advertising?

Still, none of these look compelling enough to ditch my Slappa Spyder bag.

PeteyNice

Nice, but will your office-mates still respect you the next day? Not likely. I'll stick with a Brenthaven or Tumi.

BigRocket

Ogio makes real nice packs that have the sideloading feature and plenty of room for electronics.

gblanchette

I've only ever seen hipster guys in women's pants with Timbuk2 bags. Least round where I live.

decapitor

"Timbuk2's latest sounds great" Huh? can you give the proper link please. I can't find them on their wesite.

This said, I own an old Timbuk2 commute bag and it is the strongest bag I ever had.

@Save me: I bought one over a year ago. Basically they have spoiled me, I don't think I will buy any other brand but Timbuk2. they are expensive online but you can find them on sale if you are patient enough, they are on sale right now, and a few weeks ago they had all green bags on sale for St. Pattys day.

WTF? These bags don't appear on their website. There's not even a press release.

sr105

Not seeing it. I have a compact Timbuk2 backpack and a larger OGIO, both in basic black. None of these provide a compelling reason to buy. They're loud, cluttery, and look overly bulky.

When I got my Mini 9 I picked up a Maxpedition Colossus Versipack, which has been so awesome that I loathe the thought of getting anything with larger than a 9. whatever-inch screen to replace it!

I'm more fond of tougher materials.

THESE however, seem pretty cool as well.

@obese feline: you cant take words from any article and put them together to make an argument...If you would like I can take this article and take random "quotes" from it to fry you.

PN - Artest->Ariza

@obese feline: I think he's rather wondering if it will snug/safe in there not the difference between thirteen and fifteen inches.

PN - Artest->Ariza

"swing around" and "laptop" just doesn't scream "protection" to me.

@Karkawry: 13 < 15 so I'm thinking it'll fit just fine with approximately 2 inches to spare.

Has anyone ever bought one of the Timbuk2 bags? Im looking to get a travel bag since my old Samsonite one broke.

These look tight. I winder how my 13" Macbook would fit in a 15" space..

Karkawry

Whats a good latptop bag when I am not trying to look like a Boy Scout when going into work?

Broken pic...or just me?

and the pick-pocketers on the sub will have a "field day" with this one!