Pros:
Sturdy, Extremely Well-designed, Well-padded, Best Value, Extremely Comfortable, Lots of Room and Pockets
Cons:
Doesn't Fit My 17" VAIO VGN-AR170G Without A Very Tight Fit
The Bottom Line:
A must buy for anyone wanting to protect a valuable laptop. Many pockets, independently expandable compartments. Holds 17" laptop, accessories (even an included pouch), magazines, small portables, and more!
Overall Rating:
Author's Review
I love this backpack! I was intent on getting something for my new VAIO VGN-AR170G laptop, which has a 17" screen. Finding a backpack that carries a 17" in the stores where I live is near impossible. This is unless you settle for the only option offered, which was a Targus case that had a really cheap feel to it.
(Update 14 Dec 08): Again, I echo what I had stated before. I have had this backpack for years now, and no tears, no holes, it holds everything and the only problem I have had is that the stabilizer isn't working as well as it used to.
I did a lot of research and decided to risk a Wenger brand backpack and I was extremely well pleased. Somehow I was convinced of this when I saw a couple of smaller backpacks made by Wenger in the stores, so I had some idea of how well built they were. This one is roomy with lots of extra pockets and its design enables you to easily store items in one pocket without impacting the ability to put more in another. In other words, each compartment has been thought out to expand to full potential and not impact storage space elsewhere.
The look and feel is much better than most and I found the shoulder straps, and backing very comfortable. Design prowess also appears when you put the backpack down using the very strong carrying handle (made of a very sturdy molded plastic secured by what can only be described as a bicycle lock cable). Upon setting down the pack, it stood on its own, as it has a stabilizer built in. This is good when you don't want the precious contents to fall over accidentally and cause undue damage.
The only disappointment I have is that although it states "Fits most 17" screens," it didn't fit mine exactly. Can I close it?...Yes. Is it tight?...Yes. Do I feel like I'm forcing it?...Yes. I would suggest they add a little extra fabric for the notebook pocket to take into account a slightly more squared off laptop, such as mine. Overall, I'm very pleased with this backpack and my next generic backpack (which I also need to get) will be a Wenger.
France
Germany
United Kingdom
Australia
USA
