I need a bag that can store a few textbooks, a calculator, some pens (regular university stuff), along with a laptop and power cord. At this point, the price isn't too big of an issue. Does anyone have any recommendations?? I really need one for the immediately-upcoming semester. Preferably something that is compact and not too bulky. I would appreciate some links or names of products. I do not want to carry a backpack and a laptop bag. I'm the type that studies on the go so I need my hands free as much as possible. My laptop is a standard 15" inch screen if that helps in any form. EDIT: something that looks like a backpack, but has the laptop compartment. I am not sure if this even exists. Thanks guys.
I've been using one of those swissgear backpacks and they work fine. It fits my 15" laptop and I just put my power cord anywhere. Here is a quick lick I found from Samsclub. Im sure you can find them in other places though. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/swissgear-scansmart-laptop-backpack/prod1790976.ip?mobiledetect=false
I highly recommend that bag from Sam's. I still have it after 5 years of rugged use for work, school and travel.
Came here to post exactly what this man did. They design it really well so the the weight is balanced in the backpack and comfortable on your shoulders. They have pretty cool padding too, it's like having a pillow attached to your shoulders.
My company hands out Swiss Gear laptop bags to their employees. They seem to be well-made. I'm looking for a laptop bag for my personal laptop, too, and I may go with a Swiss Gear model.
After I got sick of carrying the messenger style computer bag through airports I bought one of these for work in 2007: http://www.amazon.com/PEGASUS-SwissGear-Wenger-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NOR7PY/ Still use it daily. I regularly carry two laptops in the main compartment, (used to have a 17" and a 15", now two 15" inches). It was designed back when laptops were thicker, I have little doubt you could fit all of what you described and more. There's a user submitted picture in the reviews where a guy shoves a laptop and about 6 text books into it.
eBags.com is a great place to shop. They have a huge selection and free returns. I have the latest North Face Surge which just came out. But if you want something more compact with a slim shape you might want to check out Incase.
Fapngo.com Fappingnomad.com They both have great selections and reasonable prices. Not sure about return policy though.
I've had this Swissgear for around 5 years. I would carry close to 100 lbs worth of books and my laptop on a daily basis. It has held up very well. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NONHYY?vs=1
These are good bags. Everyone at my job who has a laptop was given one. I'm actually looking for a stylish leather backpack for a MacBook Pro, hard drives, audio interface, etc. Suggestions?
