Some of these bags were shoulder bags that didn't make very good backpacks; others were backpacks that didn't make very good shoulder bags, weren't optimized if you just wanted to carry them around like a normal briefcase, and never had the right configuration of pockets. Worse, although I'm no fashion plate, I've never looked at my bag and said, "Hey, I'm stylin' now!"
And if you're a frequent flyer, there's a new criterion--one I hadn't realized until I saw a woman taking way too much time removing her notebook from her bag as she prepared to send it through an X-ray machine at Boston's Logan Airport. Every airport now requires that notebook computers get sent through the X-ray machines separately.
Many computer bags have complicated flaps that must be unbuckled so the bag can be opened like a clamshell, only to reveal a suspension system consisting of Velcro straps that must be undone before the computer can be removed. The woman in front of me had a Dell notebook in a Dell shoulder bag, and I watched empathetically as she labored to extricate her notebook from the bag. Not only was the chore unwelcome, but so were the groans from the rest of the people waiting in line.
For starters, road warriors will appreciate the way a notebook computer can be removed in a flash from Victorinox's WebPak. It's a zippered top-loader, which means all you have to do is unzip the notebook compartment and pull the computer out from the padded sheathing that's designed to protect the bag's contents from any abuse the bag takes when being carried around. It takes all of three seconds to remove the computer, and another three to put it back in.
Shoulder bag or backpack
The WebPak comes with two detachable harness systems--one for carrying it as a shoulder bag, the other as a backpack. Although I've usually preferred a backpack, this bag's shoulder-configuration is actually more comfortable than the backpack configuration since the WebPak's back-facing side has minimal padding. But thanks to the shoulder strap's huge and comfortable pad, the WebPak is the first shoulder bag not to leave strap marks on my shoulder. The pad is long enough so that you don't need to be sliding it constantly on the strap to line it up over your shoulder. The WebPak also has a regular handle on top in the event that you just want to carry it briefcase style.
The WebPak has three main compartments. The center one has the padded sheath for your notebook. The center compartment also has all of the special pockets you'd expect from a computer bag: pockets for example that are sized to hold 3.5-inch floppies, compact discs, and the all-important power packs (for when you need to "borrow" an electrical outlet). The two compartments that sandwich the center one have a plethora of special-purpose pockets for pens, business cards, and so on, plus multi-purpose pockets for miscellaneous items, and even a three-slot tickler that can hold 8.5 x 11 documents. There's also a small zippered pocket on the front for things you need quick access to--like airplane tickets.
I routinely use the WebPak to carry my notebook, my laptop desk (see review), several files packed with documents, a power pack, a PocketPC, a stowaway keyboard (for the PocketPC), various PC Cards, pens, pencils, business cards, and even a spare mouse (my trackpoint is busted). I've had no problem keeping all that stuff separate and organized.
The WebPak comes with a detachable cell phone case with belt clip. There's a receptacle on the side of the WebPak that will accept the belt clip, so that you can attach the case to the bag. The cell phone case is one of this bag's few shortcomings. It only fits certain phones (like Nokias) and, unlike many third-party cases, the phone must be removed from the case if you want to use it. If the phone rings, be prepared to move quickly if you want to catch that call.
The WebPak is made of fabric and outfitted with zippers that should easily survive the rigors of the road. About the only durability feature I wish it had are some rubber feet on the bottom--in case I need to set the bag down on a damp surface.
Most of my previous bags have sacrificed durability for style. Not my jet black WebPak. For something that a cow didn't die for, this is one smart-looking bag. Victorinox's trademark Swiss Army emblem is tastefully displayed on all the zippers, the front of the bag, and the cell phone case. Trust me: If other road warriors see you with it, they will ask where you got it.
Similarly equipped bags cost about the same money as the $225 WebPak. But the WebPak comes with loss/theft insurance. The insurance covers you for up to $1,500, but be prepared to produce the receipt for your notebook in the event that you decide to use this insurance.
What do you think? Does this sound like the computer bag of your dreams? Or do you have a favorite bag? E-mail me or vent some steam in our TalkBack arena.
David Berlind is the editorial director of ZDNet. Every Friday, he tries to "get personal" by discussing gear of interest to hi tech professionals.
