Laptop in ya backpack

[Winter]

I often travel to work and take my laptop and assorted crap (external hard-drives, power bricks etc).

Currently, I have a little backpack / schoolbag thing I've had for donkeys.
When the laptop is in its standard laptop bag I can squeeze that into the backpack, almost. The zips bursting out.

Anyway, I want to know what people use for carrying their laptop around?

I saw once somewhere a backpack with a laptop compartment for it, I think thats what I'm after.

[Disco Dan]

Best place for heavy items is on your tank - get a tank bag. There are some good ones that would be large enough to hold a laptop and many have straps that clip on turning it into a backpack.

[Warr]

My previous 14 laptop went on some spirited rides with me. Used some on that large bubble wrap to cushion it. Back pack on the pack rack.
My new 12'' will be easier.

[FROSTY]

I saw a GIVI "topbox" a few months back that was a laptop bag with a pull out airline type handle It clicked onto the GIVI wingrack system

[canarlee]

i have taken my laptop on the bike by simply wrapping it up in a winter jumper, putting inside a sports bag and strapping it to the back seat with bungee cords. if it rains simply put all in a large black *preferably "low cost" lol* rubish bag before strapping down with bunjees.


mine has done a helluva lot of ks like that without a problem at all.

[Drunken Monkey]

If you like the idea of a backpack you can get purpose-made backpack laptop carry bags, e.g. http://www.targus.com/AU/cases_notebook_backpacks.asp

Many tankbags are too small for a laptop, they're high and wide, but not long enough.

[RantyDave]

I often travel to work and take my laptop and assorted crap (external hard-drives, power bricks etc).
I put my laptop in a thick neoprene (wetsuit material) case and stuff that in a backpack. It goes with the MacBook closest to my back with the screen facing outwards, then a hard cover A4 workbook on top so that is on the 'exterior' of the screen. I also generally carry wallet, keys etc but I'd be wary of carrying a power brick and have one at work and one at home - you don't want any sharp corners knocking around and able to punch a hole in the screen.

Frankly, it does concern me. I've dropped a MacBook before from about a metre or so up - it landed on it's corner and was bent but otherwise fine. Something bigger and, crucially, involving me landing on top of it as well I'm not so sure about. Make no mistake that it's the screen that's the most delicate part of a laptop though and sandwiching it between the rest of the computer on one side and the cardboard in the workbook on the other gives me some small piece of mind.

I should look into the insurance round this, eh?

Dave

[RantyDave]

I saw a GIVI "topbox" a few months back that was a laptop bag with a pull out airline type handle It clicked onto the GIVI wingrack system
I'd be really keen on something that was laptop size, squishy on the inside and able to attach to a pack rack system - mine's ventura. Was it something like that?

Perhaps one of our famous kiwi cottage industry entrepreneurs can set about making such things?

Dave

[FROSTY]

I'd be really keen on something that was laptop size, squishy on the inside and able to attach to a pack rack system - mine's ventura. Was it something like that?

Perhaps one of our famous kiwi cottage industry entrepreneurs can set about making such things?

Dave
Go toCycletreads in Barrys point road--thats where i saw it

[skelstar]

Axio Swift

Also: http://frequency.com.au/sales/bags/axio/

<img src="http://www.ectech.co.jp/arc/Axio.jpg" />

[ManDownUnder]

I carry mine in the Givi hard luggage on the back of my bike. It sits on top of my waterproofing and other soft(ish) stuff in there and has been fine for years.

100% waterproof etc. Works well for me.

[NZsarge]

Axio Swift

Also: http://frequency.com.au/sales/bags/axio/

<img src="http://www.ectech.co.jp/arc/Axio.jpg" />

Yeah, thats the one. Was trying to think of the hard backpack thats suppose to cater for laptops. A$215 aus not too bad a price either.

[skelstar]

Thing the Axio Swift are about $200+ here. The Hyrbid one looks pretty trick.

www.axio-usa.com I think.

LOL!!!
<img src="http://www.kneedraggers.com/image_storage/1/1a/11af2d7dd72c586d9b0bba7b4da9f241_rough.jpg" />

[scracha]

Had same problem travelling to School's in England. I got a Targus Notebook backpack (about 80 bucks when converted to Kiwi).

Also had hard luggage (I had a Givi rack but the cheaper Krauser kit is just as good and a lot cheaper) as it's waterproof. Givi do nice briefcase sized side panniers too.

Tank bag is a good cheap solution too.

[HungusMaximist]

I often travel to work and take my laptop and assorted crap (external hard-drives, power bricks etc).

Currently, I have a little backpack / schoolbag thing I've had for donkeys.
When the laptop is in its standard laptop bag I can squeeze that into the backpack, almost. The zips bursting out.

Anyway, I want to know what people use for carrying their laptop around?

I saw once somewhere a backpack with a laptop compartment for it, I think thats what I'm after.


Bro, during the summer I cycle to Uni everyday so I had to have specific laptop backpack (just in case I get sideswiped) which is all padded to the max, so just in case you drop it, it will absorb the fall.

You definitely want to spend your money on a laptop backpack, but don't pay over one hundy because you'd be wasting your money.

Type in 'laptop backpack' on Trade Me.

Here a few results that I got and they're mostly under the $80 dollar mark.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Bags-carry-cases/auction-117982650.htm?p=6

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Bags-carry-cases/auction-118591320.htm?p=10

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Bags-carry-cases/auction-118147016.htm?p=14

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Bags-carry-cases/auction-118481774.htm?p=16


:cool:

[clint640]

Cactus do a nice unit:

http://www.cactusclimbing.co.nz/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.cactus&product_id=86&category_id=57&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=19

Pricey but NZ made & real good quality.

Cheers
Clint

[Nasty]

I also travel with my laptop on my back or in the givi .. work has purchased a laptop backpack which has sufficient padding to ride with. Have a look at the work stationary catelogues .. also HP does some ... etc.

[klingon]

A tip when carrying a laptop on a pack rack or bungeed to your seat:

Definitely pad it all over the outside, but also add a bit of padding between the screen and the keyboard. This is where the vibrations can really cause havoc. For example, put a thin sheet of bubble wrap in there, or some of that thin white woven stuff that looks like polystyrene but isn't (sorry, can't describe it :pinch:)

I carried my laptop in a backpack for a while but found the weight up high on my shoulders quite tiring and restrictive. I much prefer to carry that weight attached to the bike rather than me, and as low as possible.

HTH

[Luckylegs]

I carry my laptop daily to and from work. Its probably not the solution you were referring to, but just to back up an earlier comment re vibration, I carry mine by putting my laptop bag into my pack rack bag. Ive been doing this for some time and not had any trouble. The only thing I do when carrying something "breakable" is to mount the rack bag so its sitting on the pillion seat rather than on the pack rack shelf. I work on the theory that this gives a slightly softer ride and a little more protection (from the rack itself) to the bag and its contents...

Out of interest, I consider my pillions "breakable" too and always let them sit on the pillion seat, rather than the pack rack shelf... :oi-grr:

[Lil_Byte]

Targus do some nice waterproof laptop backbacks.

I had one for ages after my laptop went west somewhere on the Auckland Southern motorway when I had it bungied to my pack rack.

:spanking:

[MotoGirl]

Cajun and I both have laptop backbacks (i.e. a normal backpack with a compartment inside it) and have never had a problem even with everyday use. We got Cajun's one for $70 from Strandbags and it was a bloody bargain. Also, it doesn't look like a laptop bag so is less likely to get pinched.

[davereid]

I've gone back to putting my laptop on my back, even though its annoying, and I have plenty of space in my top-box. Its just that I always find a screw or something has come off when its in the top box. Anyone else noticed that ?

[ceebie13]

I literally got back from Napier today with my PowerBook sandwiched in clothing inside a sports hold-all which was bungeed on to the tail rack of the CB. Funnily enough thats how it got to Napier too. Must admit to winceing as I went over bumpy bits of road, but 600ks later and here I am using said laptop to type thi

[sefer]

I've got one of those targus backpacks, have yet to test it waterproofness though.

It's pretty good, quite heavy compared to a regular back pack of about the same size, but much better protection for my laptop with a separate internal pocket, plus two other zipped compartments for light clothes/books/etc, and a few smaller pockets too.

[scracha]

You definitely want to spend your money on a laptop backpack, but don't pay over one hundy because you'd be wasting your money.


Yeah, course they are. I mean, who'd want to pay extra for a proper laptop bag that's been shock tested.

Repeat after me...there are NO BARGAINS ON NEW STUFF ON TRADEME

[mitchilin]

Bought mine from there.Seems ok.Comfortable enough and seems to be good quality.Heaps of room for other stuff.

[90s]

If you like the idea of a backpack you can get purpose-made backpack laptop carry bags, e.g. http://www.targus.com/AU/cases_notebook_backpacks.asp

Many tankbags are too small for a laptop, they're high and wide, but not long enough.

At work we're issued with a Targus like the City one. I can't see the exact one on the website, but its huge, heavy, uncomfortable and annoying. It is bullet proof though.

I tried to fit our 14" IBM laptop into my oxford tank bag, but I almost bust the zips. So I use the bag. I also worry a little about the effect of the magnets! (see another current thread on this controversial debate.)

The only benefit of a backpack is the volume - last week I did the full mobile teaching thing with a laptop, video projector and fax machine in the bag as well as some book etc. I wouldn't like to hit the ground on that though even with my back protector!

[916Senna]

Dell make a laptop back pac that has more than enough pockets to lose shit it, holds my Dell 17" machine warm and dry on the bike ...also good for the travelling on planes etc

[kaz]

I'm glad this thread came up. I recently took a laptop from work home in the shoulder bag that came with the laptop.

Clearly it was not designed to hold together in a definite kinda way. As I accelerated through an intersection I had a bad feeling...something was wrong...:confused:

I pulled over and looked back. I was still wearing the shoulder strap but the rest of the bag, with the laptop, was back on the road. Luckily the big truck behind me had seen it and stopped and the guys just waited for me to scamper back and collect it. :Oops:

[90s]

I'm glad this thread came up. I recently took a laptop from work home in the shoulder bag that came with the laptop.

Clearly it was not designed to hold together in a definite kinda way. As I accelerated through an intersection I had a bad feeling...something was wrong...:confused:

I pulled over and looked back. I was still wearing the shoulder strap but the rest of the bag, with the laptop, was back on the road. Luckily the big truck behind me had seen it and stopped and the guys just waited for me to scamper back and collect it. :Oops:

Now that's a bad day!

How was the laptop? I think my acer would be in pieces if I dropped it.

[mstriumph]

:love:
Axio Swift

Also: http://frequency.com.au/sales/bags/axio/

<img src="http://www.ectech.co.jp/arc/Axio.jpg" />

now THAT is just bewwwwdifull!!!! :love:

[kaz]

Now that's a bad day!

How was the laptop? I think my acer would be in pieces if I dropped it.

Yeah I was a bit worried I was gonna have to do some explaining at work the next day. But amazingly it still worked just fine (when I tried it soon after, in a slight panic...) :sweatdrop

[limbimtimwim]

Yeah I was a bit worried I was gonna have to do some explaining at work the next day. But amazingly it still worked just fine (when I tried it soon after, in a slight panic...) :sweatdropIn your case, could it go under the seat in one of those (As RantyDave mentioned) neoprene sleves?

I'll share a related story: once upon a time I rode around the South Island for 2 weeks and I took a laptop. Anyway on the second to last day, it rained, and my pannier bags got wet and sagged down. And they'd touch the back wheel on bumps. Didn't discover this till I got back to Wellington. My panniers were shredded. The laptop? Well, it still works, but has a bit of an interesting side where all the paint has been worn off by my old friend Metzeler Z6.

[kaz]

In your case, could it go under the seat in one of those (As RantyDave mentioned) neoprene sleves?

I'll share a related story: once upon a time I rode around the South Island for 2 weeks and I took a laptop. Anyway on the second to last day, it rained, and my pannier bags got wet and sagged down. And they'd touch the back wheel on bumps. Didn't discover this till I got back to Wellington. My panniers were shredded. The laptop? Well, it still works, but has a bit of an interesting side where all the paint has been worn off by my old friend Metzeler Z6.

:laugh::laugh: (I am laughing with you, not at you, of course)

Yes you're right, the laptop is best under the seat. I think at the time of the near-miss I had already filled up the compartment with my work clothes and groceries :rolleyes:

I have since bought a Cactus Climbing bag, the Subductor http://www.cactusclimbing.co.nz/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=56&Itemid=100
It's not laptop specific so lacks padding but I don't carry the laptop that often and can pad it with other stuff - perhaps work clothes and groceries!.

The Subductor is great because it is really simple, waterproof and strong, and without padding it is easy to collapse and stow under the seat. And at 25 litres capacity it can carry heaps of stuff. (I had some snowshoes in it recently...don't ask)

[MrMelon]

1day.co.nz have a cheap laptop carrying backpack today for $19.

http://www.1-day.co.nz/products/AAFFAP7ME

[Phurrball]

My laptop has survived a crash in my backpack where I rolled over on it!

But it is an aluminium powerbook, and they're pretty solid...and twas a low speed off... I always feel uneasy about it - happier if it's in a tailpack or tankbag.

[discotex]

Best place for heavy items is on your tank - get a tank bag. There are some good ones that would be large enough to hold a laptop and many have straps that clip on turning it into a backpack.

I tried the backpack road and although it'd not terrible I found having all that weight up high affected the bike's balance. Didn't do my body any favours with the forward leaning position on a sprotsbike.

In the end I found a tank bag big enough to fit a laptop and clothes etc.

Having the weight on the tank is much much better handling wise! Especially when the bag is fully loaded. My back and wrists prefer it too :)

Givi T434
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=18019&lang=en

In hindsight I should have got the slightly smaller T430 as the T434 is too big for my wee ZXR. I just wanted the map pocket...

Givi T430
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=17829&lang=en

[Disco Dan]

I tried the backpack road and although it'd not terrible I found having all that weight up high affected the bike's balance. Didn't do my body any favours with the forward leaning position on a sprotsbike.

In the end I found a tank bag big enough to fit a laptop and clothes etc.

Having the weight on the tank is much much better handling wise! Especially when the bag is fully loaded. My back and wrists prefer it too :)

Givi T434
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=18019&lang=en

In hindsight I should have got the slightly smaller T430 as the T434 is too big for my wee ZXR. I just wanted the map pocket...

Givi T430
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=17829&lang=en

Yep that was my point :sunny: My motodry tank bag unzips from the magnet plate to reveal back pack straps, leaving the magnets secured to the bike and reveals another map pocket. Simply zip the bag back on and I have another map pocket on the top of the main bag.

[aer0]

i take my tablet/laptop home with me every night (about 30km on motorways etc...)

it just gets thrown into my daypack type bag.. probably should get something nice to put it in cause it gets quite scratched when its in there with the charger and external drive.

[discotex]

Yep that was my point :sunny:

Sorry mate I was meaning to back your point up not steal your thunder :)

[mooks]

selling my swiss army backpack atm on trademe .........
nice backpack but I like the sling bag I have now - easier to get on over the armour in the elbows of the jacket :yes:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?ed=true&id=121721156

[hang0ver]

Alpinestars have just put out a new bag with laptop compartment, in the latest issue of superbike I think.

If you gotta mac just tie it on a piece of rope & tow it behind you, they take hell... :ar15:

_-H-_