[zachary6]

So it looks like I have to start commuting with a laptop for work. Any suggestions on what type of case for it? I would prefer a hard case tankbag over a backpack but really open to anything right now.

[benVFR]

EMS has some nice packs with laptop sleeves built in, with good straps to keep it stable enough to ride with and nice weatherproof features.

I have one from there. I looked at CompUSA and they have plenty of laptop backpacks but none had good weatherproofing combined with good retention systems.

Look for something with a hip belt and maybe a chest strap. Also you want the laptop sleeve located as close to your back as possible to centralize the mass. You don't want the thing swinging around at all when you move.

[Currently]

I have bought 3 of the damn things ...

The best one in my opinion is the cheapest Wenger Swiss Army one you can get at Staples.

It is thin and fits well on the back when you are wearing leathers.
You can recognize it by the flaps covering the zippers.

Do not buy the larger ones even though they look nice.

They are too big and bulky for riding on a bike.

You want thin, weatherproof and as small as possible.
It is a neutral gray in color.

[hessogood]

e-bags.com is where I got my laptop backpack. Dpends on the size and everything but I wouldn't recommend a tankbag. I've never had issues with the magnets but Nikon has wiped out his files before. I don't think they make one for laptops anyways so it would be bouncing and flopping around in there.

[06ZX6R]

+1 for the swiss army cheapy. I bought mine at Best Buy, and I've commuted 75 miles each way to school and never had any problems with it. Learning from my own stupidity though, if it has two zipper pulls for each compartment, put both pulls down low on one of the corners. It's hard to explain but I found if you leave them towards the top they tend to work their way down, opening your compartment.

[ssg]

www.spireusa.com

Zoom XL model.

I have used them for over 5 years and love em.

[hessogood]

BTW I paid $30 for mine and it's lasted 4 years now.

[akira700]

I like using a lumbar pack.
I don't like the feeling of having my shoulders tied up with weight and bulk. I find when a back pack is weighed down it starts to sway back and forth on your back and raises your center of gravity.

A Lumbar Pack rides on your hips and lower back.
Frees up your arms and stays put really well.
I carried a 14" ThinkPad and a MacBook in this:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/efkxl

A link to Mountainsmith.com

I also use a padded sleeve around the computer.

[ssg]

Originally posted by hessogood
BTW I paid $30 for mine and it's lasted 4 years now.

Is it a spire?

[smf]

been using a north face recon pack for about a year. no complaints.