These days, I am far more sedate, not because I'm older and boring, but because I like to think I have refined my style and I'm comfortable in my own skin. When I can actually get into all my clothes (i.e. when I'm not eating like a pig post-surgery), I think I have a good cross between sassy and professional. That said, the rolling computer bag has to go!
I'm getting looks, y'all. Seriously, I'm the ONLY person in the l. school with one of these things. Oh wait, the blind lady and a couple of faculty women have them...yeah, that makes me feel better! I don't mind standing out a bit, but I am at the point now that I feel very uncomfortable in my geekiness. Plus it doesn't fit in my locker, so I have to take it everywhere, even to lunch, I have to carry it on stairs to the study area, and when bad weather hits, I'll be dragging it through puddles and snow. It just isn't practical unless I'm travelling.
So, you all have a mission. I need a cool bag (not a backpack...I'm not 19, and I am going to be a professional again someday!) for a 17" laptop (yeah, I bought the big one because my vision is bad...do you have a problem with that?!) at a reasonable price. Post the link to your bag of choice on my comments section. Really. I mean it. I'm open to suggestions here, people! I'll post a pic of how stupid I really look with this thing if that is what it takes to get you to take pity on me!
Please help me...she might be funny, but no one wants to invite Dorothy Zbornak to be in their study group!
UPDATE:
With a huge laptop, my only real choices was to go either 1) really tech-y with something very utilitarian, 2) really expensive to get something very professional-looking, or 3) something that isn't a laptop bag at all but will hold a laptop. So, I chose something a little sporty but not too teen-ish by taking JonBoySF's suggestion. I bought a slightly hipster-ish large messenger bag that matches my laptop by Timbuk2 on Evilbay, and will be wrapping Uhura (that's the laptop) in a padded sleeve for transport. I can't wait for it to arrive so I can feel young again since I can't afford the Botox yet! Thanks again for your suggestions everyone!
15 comments:
Yah, I uploaded my final year photo recently, and two people wrote to me to ask who the ugly chick was wearing the mini-skirt. It was me.
Oh gosh Christopher, those shoulder bags are all heavy. That's unfortunate that people stare at a rolling computer bag. We all have them in IT. Of course its commonplace. I will prevail with the rolling cart because I know how painful backaches could be.
Who knows pretty soon there may be more students who will realize how pragmatic you are and they will soon follow. Be a jetsetter.
Christopher, you're walking right up my alley here. I'd love to help you find a bag, but I need to know the dimensions of your locker. That will help me ensure that I don't suggest a bag that's too big.
Also, what do you carry in it? Just the laptop, and maybe some pens and paper? Or does it need to hold your books too?
I think Ces is right and you are just ahead of the fashion curve. Just wait until those youngsters figure out you’re on to something. Until then, I’ll be looking for a new computer bag for you, offered in an array of Fiesta colors. I know you have excellent taste!
Christopher, check out Timbuk2.com - they have traditionally sold bike messenger bags but have adapted for the new millennium and offer a wide variety of options, big and small that are also weatherproof. The best part about their site is that you can literally build your own bag, choose colors and accessories, etc. via their interactive online "bag builder." Even if you don't go with a Timbuk2 bag it's worth checking out the site. I had one built for my partner years ago and he loves it. It's also great soft luggage for extended trips.
I agree that you should look at Timbuck2. Do you have an REI in KY (ok, silly question). I just bought a small bag from them and love it. the only other option is to make the rolling suitcase stand out by adding really cute stickers...perhaps hello kitty? kidding aside...http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47944332&parent_category_rn=0.
Ces, I'm all for being unique, and I do have a bad back, but aside from making me stand out too much, the bag is impractical. What happens when the weather stinks? And I have to carry it up and down stairs several times a day, aside from it not fitting in my locker. I'll save it for when I travel.
Val, here is the old lady stewardess bag I am currently using. It is actually about 3/4 of an inch wider than the dimensions suggest because of the wheels, and really the wheels are what makes it not fit. I carry my laptop (a Dell Inspiron E1705, 15.5 inches wide), the power pack for it, a couple of folders with paperwork, pens, highlighters, keys, my phone, my iPod, and occasionally a paperback. I don't carry my books in it because most of the books we're using are ENORMOUS! In four short days, I've already learned to leave my books in the locker and do most of my studying on campus.
I should note that today I spotted one other person at school using a rolling computer case. He is old enough to be my dad, and looks like Les Nessman. Enough said.
Mother Jones & Jonboysf, thanks for the suggestions. I think Timbuk2 might be a little sportier than I'm looking for, though dangerously enough, they do have my favorite Fiesta color as an option!
That's the beauty of "build your own" Christopher...you can create one in all black panels with the logo in your favorite fiesta color!
LOL at the Les Nessman reference...WKRP is my all-time favorite television show, at least with living people. The Simpsons wins for best animated show in my book. But I digress...
Christopher, this one is my favorite: http://www.ebags.com/case_closed/bob_pink_with_pink_pansy_lining/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=74960
But for your needs, this one could work: http://www.ebags.com/pacific_design/evolution_messenger/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=44340
It looks nice and streamlined on the outside, but on the inside, there's room for your folders, pens, and other gadgets. It's also a good price ($44.99) and the seller offers free shipping. If this bag came in pink, I'd buy it for myself!
Uh oh Val! Several of the people who have purchased this said it didn't really hold a 17" computer despite the fact that it says it does!
I know what I would have.....
an 18 quart igloo cooler(full of Bud) fitted with a small set of mag wheels from the funky lawn department and a small mesh bag hanging off the side for the laptop,gotta have priorities man!!!!
Try the Skooba Seventeen+ from www.Roadwired.com I have a Skooba Satchel in Olive & Maroon (should have gotten pink & black)
Or a bit higher in price but w/ killer style are the Knomo bags. at www.knomobags.com in the UK
https://www.knomobags.com/eshop/productInfo.asp?product=1&topCat=44 is the 17" frinton unisex messenger bag
Well anonymous, that bag is really REALLY hot, in fact the best thing I've seen. It is also around $300 American dollars (not sure of the exact conversion rate)...I'm an underemployed student! I'll ask for that one as a gift from Craiggers when I pass the bar exam!
Okay, so the big problem has been that my computer is too long for almost every bag (it's 15.5 wide and a bit over 11 long), and everything that will fit it is a bit more utilitarian than I wanted. Basically, I wanted something not too young, not too utilitarian...either something really professional like anonymous's suggestion, or something that looks like an everyday manbag.
So, short story long, JonBoySF's suggestion didn't strike me as one I wanted right away, but it has stuck in my head, and I kept going back to visit it. Their laptop cases don't fit my 'puter. However, I can buy a padded slipcover for the 'puter elsewhere and put it in a regular messenger bag, which is what I've opted to do. I just bought a large Timbuk2 messenger bag on Evilbay for a bargain (never used!) in silver and white to match my 'puter, Uhura.
I'll post before and after pics later since I have managed to make such a silly saga out of finding what is essentially a big man purse (or mocketbook, as I prefer to call it). Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
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