Choosing a Bag for a 17” MacBook Pro

I recently upgraded to a refurbished 17” Macbook Pro 2.93 and I underestimated adjusting to a bigger laptop compared to my broken 15” Macbook Pro 2.2. Most of the sweet packs out there are for mobile users of 15” screens or less. Being mobile is just part of life and finding a bag that will get me to the cafe, as well as from Korea to Detroit carrying only essentials is a challenge. I’m 5’ 4” and don’t want to look like the Hunch Back.

While there’s no such thing as a perfect laptop bag, there’s a few things that make the long haul alot more comfortable. I prefer backpacks as opposed to messenger bags. In a perfect world, I’d like both. I’d would also like strong zippers, velcro and snap-close buckles. A water-bottle holder. An attachment for my keys. Easy access to my wallet and iPod. A dedicated pocket for the battery charger and stupid outlet adapter (220V to 110V). Finally, a pocket big enough for those rare occasions when I teach English to my Korean students and have to carry a small whiteboard. Whew! Order up!

Here are the contenders.

OGIO Epic

Size: 19.5" x 13" x 10.5" . Fits laptops: 16.5" x 11" x 2". Weight: 3.2 lbs.

I prefer backpacks over messenger bags. I ride a bike most of the time and a backpack simply keeps my stuff from flopping around when I have to pedal like crazy to get out of the rain. I like the flap for the pouch of the laptop. It looks like its got decent organization in the outer flap. Good photos of features on eBags. I read that the laptop compartment might not be large enough for the MBP 17". I’ll have to confirm.

Pros: Nice zipper pocket for the laptop. Lifetime warranty.
Cons: Limited colors. No water bottle pocket on the side.

OGIO Urboe

Size: 20" x 12" x 10". Fits laptops: 16.5" x 11.5" x 2". Weight: 2.2 lbs.

Looks like its got even more pockets than the Epic, but not necessarily better organization. Its pretty deep and I don’t want to go knocking someone around at the airport when I turn around. Decent photos on eBags.

Pros: Come in red. Chest strap. Variety of colors. Nice top pocket for quick access. Lifetime warranty.
Cons: Side pockets could be better organized. Probably too big for my frame. No water bottle pocket on the side.

STM Convertible 17"

Size: 17.7" x 13.2" x 4". Fits laptops: 16.1" x 12" x 2.4". Weight: 2.2 lbs.

I like how it converts from a messenger to a backpack. A messenger is ideal at the airport, so I don’t accidentally bump the guy beside me. Good photos of features on Amazon.

Pros: Narrow profile.
Cons: No water bottle pocket on the side. Doesn’t expand and I’d have to reach down for everything.

Booq Mamba 17" Laptop Pack

Size: 18" x 14" x 7". Fits laptops: 15.75" x 10.5" x 1.5". Weight: 3.2 lbs.

I like really like how it expands once its open. Looks like there’s some good organization on the side pockets. Killer warranty. Available for purchase on Amazon. Better photos on the company’s site.

Pros: Comes in red. I always choose red. I like how it expands when its open. 5-year warranty.
Cons: No water bottle pocket on the side. No chest strap. Don’t know if those straps look comfortable.

Speck AftPack

Size: 12" x 10" x 17.75". Weight: 2.8 lbs.

To be honest, I think I’m leaning toward this one. I like how simple it is. Maybe its the boxy shape. There’s even demo videos of this thing on YouTube. A decent write-up on SlashGear too.

Pros: Thick straps. Looks comfy. Hide the chest strap if you want. Heavily padded back. Good organization. Unzip the laptop compartment multiple ways. Has a water bottle holder.
Cons: Might be a touch too deep - Might turn around and bang somebody on the subway. A bit heavy. No red, but the pinstripe black or alternate argyle is pretty sexy.

Dakine Jewel

Size: 19" x 12" x 9". Fits laptops: 14" x 10.25" x 1.5" (According to this, the MBP will fit.)

The dude’s version of this pack is called the "Dual." Dakine makes a quality bag. With all this trekking between Seoul and Detroit, I’m tempted to replace my grubby suitcases with one of their sweet split options. Descent photos of it on eBags.

Pros: This bag looks ultra comfy. Water bottle side pocket. Smaller outer pockets so stuff doesn’t all fall together at the bottom.
Cons: While I love the Duxbury Stripe, maybe I’m too old for this. Ha!

So stay posted. I haven’t picked one yet. So if you want to sell me, I’m all ears.