What are your experiences with carrying a laptop?

[Big Dog]

As the question suggests I have changed job and now need to consider carrying a laptop. Not every day but often.

Do you have any experience good or bad?
Products you recommend?
Ones you recommend against?
Bonus points of you have a funny tale.

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[Gremlin]

Been carrying a laptop for 13+ years now? At first in Uni, with a backpack, now that same backpack (yeah, Kathmandu backpack freaken awesome and still going) in a top box.

Laptops have been 14", 14", 13.3", 13.3". With the smaller one now, it goes into a neoprene sleeve, into the backpack in a padded laptop sleeve inside the biggest pocket. I've settled on 13" machines as it's big enough to work on for hours, but small enough to be pretty portable and doesn't weigh as much as a 15" (weight of course varying by spec). 12" is just too small and cramped. Laptop of choice currently is a ProBook. Good solid performer without the high cost of better spec. If you get a choice (or company is free with money) consider Elitebook, Elitebook Folio, maybe Lenovo X1 Carbon (now we're getting spendy). HP have proven to be reliable while I've had to warranty claim on a few Lenovo. This is important when it comes to bouncing around in a top box most days. SSD absolutely suggested.

Top box itself has been Givi, or BMW panniers and always padded around the sleeve or backpack. Top box has stuff like rain gear underneath bag, pannier would have clothes.

Tales... most of my laptops have departed from the bike inside the luggage at one point or another. One was down south in the pannier, pretty violent, pannier buckled, laptop chassis buckled, screen cracked. Replacement screen and the Toshiba was away (don't make em like they used to). Top box has detached a couple of times for some reason :rolleyes: but the padding has meant no problems.

Oh, luggage also waterproof so never think twice about rain.

[Big Dog]

Good point Gremlin: As a point of reference current laptop is a work supplied HP EliteBook but as it is an i5 and i am a data guy I wouldn't be surprised if that suddenly becomes whatever the current i7 offering is.


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[Moi]

Whenever I took the 650 to work the laptop went in the laptop backpack I had. That was bungeed onto the pillion seat as I don't like wearing backpacks on a bike. The laptop backpack was purpose built for carrying laptops with plenty of padding as well as space for all the other stuff I'd carry.

On the 400, the laptop went in my usual bag and in the storage compartment. If you can avoid having to carry a charger and those cables - have some at work and at home - makes it easier, IMO.

How far will you are travelling with it?

[Gremlin]

Good point Gremlin: As a point of reference current laptop is a work supplied HP EliteBook but as it is an i5 and i am a data guy I wouldn't be surprised if that suddenly becomes whatever the current i7 offering is.
Yeah, depends on your need. Hell, remote into your work system if you need grunt?

For me, which is mostly multi-tasking but not too many demands, hmmm, it's an i5, little over 3 years old now, but 8GB of ram and the SSD has been changed a few times (now I'm dual booting 7 and 10, so those along with a crypt needed 250GB ish) and the newer good SSDs have got serious performance. Then it depends on the interface, my machine is still sata and the whole back panel slides away in seconds. A custom spec I did for a client was the Gen 3 X1 but adding a 512GB SSD in m.2 format which was obviously a little more tricky.

Bear in mind I have triple screen desktops at home and work for heavy lifting, so I only use the laptop when out and about. Oh, also the power adapters are getting smaller (finally). Your EliteBook should have a USB port on the pack, which is nice to see manufacturers having a clue (been provided in the aftermarket for years).

[Big Dog]

Whenever I took the 650 to work the laptop went in the laptop backpack I had. That was bungeed onto the pillion seat as I don't like wearing backpacks on a bike. The laptop backpack was purpose built for carrying laptops with plenty of padding as well as space for all the other stuff I'd carry.

On the 400, the laptop went in my usual bag and in the storage compartment. If you can avoid having to carry a charger and those cables - have some at work and at home - makes it easier, IMO.

How far will you are travelling with it?
50.6 km one way.

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[Big Dog]

Yeah, depends on your need. Hell, remote into your work system if you need grunt?

For me, which is mostly multi-tasking but not too many demands, hmmm, it's an i5, little over 3 years old now, but 8GB of ram and the SSD has been changed a few times (now I'm dual booting 7 and 10, so those along with a crypt needed 250GB ish) and the newer good SSDs have got serious performance. Then it depends on the interface, my machine is still sata and the whole back panel slides away in seconds. A custom spec I did for a client was the Gen 3 X1 but adding a 512GB SSD in m.2 format which was obviously a little more tricky.

Bear in mind I have triple screen desktops at home and work for heavy lifting, so I only use the laptop when out and about. Oh, also the power adapters are getting smaller (finally). Your EliteBook should have a USB port on the pack, which is nice to see manufacturers having a clue (been provided in the aftermarket for years).
No such luck with the grunt beast... yet.
4gb of ram. 120gb ssd.
Could do with another 12gb o ram if they want me to handle the types of data I am used to working with but proc seems up to the job... until I actually start developing stuff. I am really hoping for a "technical desktop" with server type specs. Preferably as a remotable VM.

Have to wait and see what is actually expected of me I guess.

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[YellowDog]

I used to use my fabulous Olivetti M21 as a seat on the train to work and then carry it to the office.

It was sooooo heavy and explains many of my present back problems.

323094

I still have it and it works just fine.

I was a bit of a poser in those days :motu:

[Big Dog]

I hear you YellowDog. Exactly why I have resisted "portable tech to now".
Currently using my "lunch bag" 40l soft bag. But zips failed on my larger bag due to weight and now on this one too.
Add in paranoia about how a fabric bag leaks...
Hence reconsidering options.

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[Big Dog]

Maybe I belong in this thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=180393
In the 4 hours since I decided I needed a better solution I have looked at panniers, top boxes, racks, tool tubes, wondered about putting a better power source in, wondered in anyone makes a sunglasses case for the handlebar area....

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[Gremlin]

Commuting, you don't want panniers, but a 50+ L top box should see you right for everything you need. I've got a 52L on at the moment, it's a bit tight, but the 55L before gave out after a few years of use (and hinges broke right near the beginning).

Givi does make a 58L in metal, but yikes :crazy:

[Big Dog]

You could fit a hooker in that 58l surely?

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[Big Dog]

I reckon picking luggage is a bit like a woman.
Pick the wrong one and:
* get ready for a period of disappointment.
* too big a hole you won't be able to fill it so your junk will just slop around.
* to small a hole and you won't get your junk in.
* if it's not together your stuff will get wet.
* don't look after it and you will lose half your stuff.

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[Gremlin]

You could fit a hooker in that 58l surely?
:yes: Not that I've tried :shifty:

Thing is, it's about dimensions. Because it's square, it's actually quite efficient and you don't lose much around the corners. While the regular plastic boxes are quite tall in the middle (convex shape) the metal box is flat, but while it looks bad, the dimensions are pretty good.

E55:
<img src=https://www.intobikes.co.uk/images/products/givi01/large/2ec45c6b-zz_e55_size.jpg>

Outback 58L
<img src=https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/i/900/496/1/trekker-outback-topcase.jpg>

So 58 is narrower across the bike and shorter in line with bike, and a fraction taller (compared to the 55 anyway).

[aws]

I carry my work laptop to and fro daily - about 25 k e/w. It's an HP Pro X2 hybrid, so pretty small and light. Usually it's in a neoprene sleeve and a laptop backpack. I don't like wearing a backpack while riding, so I generally throw it in my topbox. Sometimes in the summer I've been known to lose the topbox and carry it in a tank bag. On other occasions when I have to use a loaner I wear the backpack, but if it looks like rain I pull a homemade pack cover over it. Never had any difficulty with leakage - apart from the shoulder straps, the bag actually stays quite dry.

This laptop is quite small and light, but the previous 15" slab I had was a different story. I'd either put that in my backpack, or just in the box on its own. Similar to Gremlin, the bottom of the box is usually full of wet weathers, rags spare gloves, etc.

That laptop probably just about exceeded the load rating of my box on its own. I have the largest Givi Monolock case (47L), which is rated at 3 kg - what a joke! Just the junk in the bottom probably weighs that. I've had it about 6 years and packed it way full and it's never let me down. Probably had 20 kilos in it easy.

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[Akzle]

cbf read.

targus laptop backpack kicks ass <16".

hp are jew cunts and should be avoided.

[Akzle]

also. get a less shit os/ environment to work in. reduces your hardware requirements significantly.

[AllanB]

I have one of these bags - they have a specific section for lap-tops and the likes. Very comfortable and stable at .... speed........:shifty:

Mach 5 is the latest and largest model - Torpedo usually have the 1 and 3 as well and they are cheaper - less features and smaller but may suit your needs as well. Also if it's not urgent they frequently have them on sale - I picked one up 30% off rrp.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/OOBGBN2M5/title/ogio-mach-5-pack

[Big Dog]

Them square ones look real different eh?

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[Big Dog]

also. get a less shit os/ environment to work in. reduces your hardware requirements significantly.
I know.
But what are you going to do? The Linux is the Linux.

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[Akzle]

I know.
But what are you going to do? The Linux is the Linux.

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and doesn't need i7...

[swbarnett]

Commuting, you don't want panniers,
I commute from Tuakau to CBD daily with Givi panniers (E21) that are narrower than my mirrors. They don't get in the way while splitting.


but a 50+ L top box should see you right for everything you need. I've got a 52L on at the moment, it's a bit tight, but the 55L before gave out after a few years of use (and hinges broke right near the beginning).
My bike had a Givi E55 and E21s on it when I bought it. That was 5 years and about 160,000km ago and the box still perfectly servicable (panniers have been replaced on insurance a couple of times).

[Gremlin]

The E21 is a very thin flexible pannier (go figure, it's a cheap entry into Givi luggage). The E52 is a much thicker sturdier box than the E55, which flexes a lot more (or at least mine did). Metal hinges to hold it open were handy, until the plastic mounts broke... :oi-grr:

[Big Dog]

and doesn't need i7...
Lol.
New role involves working somewhere where they "right os", or use the best os for the application... the i7 wouldn't be for the os.
It'd be for the data crunching.
Massive table joins and aggregates use CPU and ram with a passion.


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[Luckylegs]

Elitebook (folio). Whack it into hibernate, and chuckmit into backback. Doesnt go in the laptop pocket just goes in the back compartment with the usual 50-100 page documents, various other bits of random paper and a couple of diaries/notebooks to keep it company. Backpack then gets slung into an rjays pack rack bag attached to the frame but sitting on the pillion seat.

This has been the setup since forever and never hadcan issue....

Some key points though i guess
1. SSD hardrive so no breaky breaky bits in hard drive
2. Survived a 10 metre slide down mayoral drive without incident. The tail piece of the bike and the pack rack frame kept all but the outer mesh pocket of the bag from damage.
3. Rain cover for rjays bag has been veeeery useful
4. Backpacks look generally gay, a single shoulder strap makes it easier to carry and get shit out of (like your access card or your eftpos card for your latte).

[swbarnett]

The E21 is a very thin flexible pannier (go figure, it's a cheap entry into Givi luggage). The E52 is a much thicker sturdier box than the E55, which flexes a lot more (or at least mine did). Metal hinges to hold it open were handy, until the plastic mounts broke... :oi-grr:
Agree that the E21 and E55 are not exactly over-engineered. I've replaced a piece in the catch of the E55 after it wore out but other than that the only problem I've had is from the bike getting knocked over. When the E21s were replaced it was only for cosmetic reasons.

When I used to do the shopping on the bike I would regularly have a 30 pack of coke cans and 4 1.5L bottles in the top box. Never had a problem.

[Duncan74]

I commute up to Akl with laptop(s). Overkill, but I use v35 panniers and an E55 top box. The laptop (and SurfacePro) are in one of the naff laptop bags that then fits in the side pannier with my shoes, all the power packs and sometimes a coat. Otherside has washbag and clothes. Top box has my Thule laptop rucksack and clothes for the day. The reason for this is to keep the weight low and not on the top box. When I get there, the laptop carry case slips into the rucksack, the pannier stays on the bike with the riding jacket (if it's dry) , and I put the helmet into the topbox.

The Thule rucksack is fantastic, would heartily recommend it. Perfect fit into the top box, but is also great for carry on luggage and enough space for a couple of days worth of clothes. Had it a few years now and it still looks like it did the day I got it. Some really nice features, including a small hardcase pocket that protects sunglasses from being squashed.

[Big Dog]

How much was the thule ruck?

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[Duncan74]

How much was the thule ruck?

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Updated model to mine, but seems almost the same.
$204.

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=NBGTHU720840&name=Thule-Crossover-32L-Backpack---Black


Loads of really nice little touches. Zip at the base for powerpacks. Nice inner pockets that just fit my Arc mouse, and stylus, USB. Although I don't really use it in a way that matters, then it has the hyper reflective thread weaved into it. So if you are riding, then shoulderstraps and from the back will stand out, but doesn't look dorky yellow in the office.

[Big Dog]

Based on the advice so far, I have bought a top box and fitting kit and ordered a neoprene sleeve.
I'll see how that goes then think about maybe moving my phone charger inside it and getting a better bag. Will make do with my old laptop case for a few weeks. See what I really need before accessorising further. I note most of the Alu top boxes have a neoprene or Eva liner on the bottom. Is there any reason not to line the bottom?

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[Big Dog]

Also why no anecdotes? Funny or otherwise?

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[swbarnett]

Based on the advice so far, I have bought a top box and fitting kit and ordered a neoprene sleeve.
I'll see how that goes then think about maybe moving my phone charger inside it and getting a better bag. Will make do with my old laptop case for a few weeks. See what I really need before accessorising further. I note most of the Alu top boxes have a neoprene or Eva liner on the bottom. Is there any reason not to line the bottom?

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This is the bag I use:
https://www.modernbags.co.nz/product/high-sierra-access-backpack-black/

Can't fault it. Pockets for Africa and plenty of room.

[Luckylegs]

Also why no anecdotes? Funny or otherwise?

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Cos carrying laptops is neither big nor clever?

[Big Dog]

Cos carrying laptops is neither big nor clever?
Given how many people do it every day, I can't imagine no one has a tale of the one time at band camp they left their top box somewhere on the 42nd traverse, or forgot they had a slab in there and chucked a wheelie etc.

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[Scubbo]

this one time at bandcamp... I saw 120 laptops fall off t2 and t3 racking and only had 1 Dead screen from the lot afterwards, they are pretty robust when not turned on.... 80000 laptops deployed since march 2012 :brick:

[Big Dog]

this one time at bandcamp... I saw 120 laptops fall off t2 and t3 racking and only had 1 Dead screen from the lot afterwards, they are pretty robust when not turned on.... 80000 laptops deployed since march 2012 :brick:
Nice.

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[swbarnett]

left their top box somewhere
I do every day - on the bike.

[Big Dog]

I have the top box on... so far so good.
It is going to take a little getting used to not having the side pockets or having soft pockets to run power to to charge the phone (when using GPS etc) from a usb port I put on the side of the bike but could easily move inside the top box or to the bars.

So, who has run power to their top boxes?
What were the drawbacks?

[Gremlin]

I've had custom wiring in the top box, but for lights - rear, brake, indicators.

I kicked the connector (it was on the lower front) off twice, breaking it in the process. It was too fiddly to repair, so gave up in the end. Hazard of being bigger when swinging your leg over the bike <_< (My foot doesn't clear the top box by much).

So I guess I'm saying, put it somewhere it can't get damaged.

[TheDemonLord]

I always stuffed my laptop (in its laptop bag) inside of my Pack Rack, before that I kept my laptop (in its laptop bag) in a backpack - the Backpack actually got road tested, Lappie was fine.