Picking out a backpack to use as a laptop carrier isn't something that should be taken lightly; you need protection for your laptop as well as your back. The IBEX has a ton of pockets, a dedicated laptop sleeve and padded shoulder straps. This is an excellent backpack for students because it can handle notebooks, everyday essentials and has a headphone port. There are a total of four compartments and three mini slots; these are a great place for keys, loose change, bus passes and things that need to be retrieved quickly but are small enough that they could get lost easily if tossed into one of the main pockets. There are side mesh pockets for 16 or 20 ounce bottles but they aren't big enough for coffee tumblers. Some of the other features are the double zipper fobs on the main compartment that allows for a small lock to be used on them to prevent someone from getting access to the pack if it is left unattended in a classroom. The headphone port is a nice feature because you can tuck the exposed section of the headphones into the side zipper slot while leaving your phone or MP3 player inside the top pocket. When empty this is a little over a pound but even when you have it packed to the brim the padded shoulder straps help to relieve back stress; there is no chest strap to the IBEX so if that is a deal breaker you are going to have to look at other backpacks. I have machine washed mine about five times and haven't noticed any loose stitches or had any problem with the zippers sticking after washing it. The internal sleeve for the laptop is padded to prevent jostling while being carried but that doesn't mean that you can throw the backpack around without possibly damaging the laptop. The inner sleeve will accommodate standard laptops and netbooks as well as tablets that are in cases.

AlexFortune

Undisclosed

I have a 17 inch laptop and finding a backpack that has enough space for it and other things was tough. Let alone not hurting your back from too much weight. This backpack does it all. Everything fits perfect. It offers a lot of cushion so it doesn't hurt you. It is a bit pricey though but definitely worth the quality.

bobs0880

USA

Swiss Gear IBEX 17" Notebook Backpack--Swiss Gear makes one of the greatest backpacks.  They're very sturdy and long lasting.  Very happy with them.  Bought two for my kids and they're still using them after the school year's over.  A little pricy but great for the durability.

aznice148

Philadelphia, PA

I am a busy professional working with Computers day in and day out..Not only work but 95% of shopping is also done online. I also have to commute to work changing three conveyances to reach the destination each day. .. I need to carry my laptop and other office stuff around various office buildings 2-3 times during a normal work week. So I wanted something durable, spacious and "less weighty" to save my already hard-working back and arms.. I came across this product online and decided to buy it.. After so many years have I been so fortunate to make a great buy for a backpack.And was on sale too so didn't have to pay more. The 17" laptop fits absolutely perfectly and the look is good enough to hang it on my back to work every week day. My office papers, wireless mouse, few CDs and sometimes a snack packet fits in quite well without the clutter and mess in the various compartments. I am glad to have made this buy. I would recommend this to anyone who has to carry lot of stuff around all day -- busy professionals, college students or even travel.

jjp28

South Portland, ME

We had a hard time finding a case for a 17" laptop, so we ended up with this backpack because the laptop is heavy and we needed something that would not break your back/shoulders carrying it. This is great for travel as you have your hands completely free. The laptop compartment is very well padded, there are several compartments of different sizes for all the accessories. Have been using this for over half a year and it is very durable, still looks like new, it was worth the price. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a large heavy laptop that you need to travel with and want to avoid back problems.

AnaB

Methuen, MA