Mobile Computing: Notebook Bag Buyers' Guide

Feature: It's All in the Bag

I did something in the Pittsburgh airport just over two years ago that I suspected was foolish then and that I regret now.

I bought a computer bag--on impulse. At the time, I was carrying my notebook in a backpack, and my back was killing me. So I popped into a luggage store between flights, dropped $150 on a wheeled computer bag from a manufacturer I'd never heard of before or since, and headed for my connecting flight.

To bring this sorry saga full circle, I was between flights recently when the retractable handle of this no-name bag broke. I pushed the handle back down into its chamber, but it never came back up again. When I returned home, I discovered the bag's warranty had expired. And a luggage shop manager whom I trust told me it would cost almost as much to fix the retractable handle as it would to buy a new bag.

So I'm back in the market for a notebook bag. This time I've put some thought into it, and I've drawn up a list of requirements that I'll share with you this week. It's doubtful that any one bag will meet all my needs, or yours. But the list below should help you determine your priorities and find just the right bag.

Basic Necessities

Wheels. I have one of those heavy desktop-replacement notebooks (another purchase I've come to regret, truth be told). Lugging it around in a shoulder bag or notebook backpack just isn't an option. In fact, I find it difficult to imagine why anyone would want to lug a computer--even a 3-pound ultraportable--strapped to their shoulder or back. It just doesn't make sense, chiropractically speaking.

Fortunately, there are countless wheeled bags that accommodate computers of all sizes. I suggest starting at my favorite source, EBags, which sells nothing but bags. If for no other reason, I use it for research. I'll print out information on bags that interest me and take it to a store where I can actually put my hands on the merchandise. (EBags offers a 30-day money back guarantee, by the way.)

If you already have a shoulder bag or backpack you like, consider putting it on a wheeled cart. You might want to look at the Carry Cart, sold online at SkyMall.com. The $80 cart folds up so that it's roughly the size of a compact umbrella when not in use.

Easy access. This may seem like an obvious need, but many notebook bags I've checked out don't exactly make it easy to retrieve the computer. For instance, to get to my notebook I had to pull my now-broken no-name bag out from under the airplane seat or drag it from the overhead compartment. Then I had to zip it open, pull back the Velcro-attached strap that kept the notebook in place, and worm the computer out of its pocket.

U.S. Luggage makes a rolling computer bag that provides zippered access from the side and top, making it significantly easier to retrieve your computer. With the side access, you could retrieve your notebook from under the seat or the overhead compartment without having to pull the bag out. The Ballistic Nylon Dual-Access Rolling Computer/Overnighter is available at EBags for $70.

A front pocket. Lately, I've had to remove everything but a few cavity fillings to get past the airport metal detectors. To make things easier, my next computer bag must have a front pocket in which I can store anything that might make me beep: keys, rings, belt, watch, coins. I plan to put my change in a zippered pouch, so I won't have to contend with loose coins.

Do you carry a wallet with a money clip? If so, put it in the bag's front pouch, too. Money clips often contain metal and can cause the detectors to beep. Keep your dollar bills in a pocket for easy access when the tiny bottles on the beverage cart beckon. As for ID, if you're not too self-conscious, get one of those ID holders that hangs around your neck. You can find one for about $10; some include a place to store your airplane ticket, too.

A waterproof pocket. Savvy travelers keep a bottle of water handy at all times, as air travel is notoriously dehydrating. Some newer bags, such as Tumi's new Expandable Organizer Computer Brief ($295), include a pocket for stashing your water.

Comfortable, convenient size. Notebook bags aren't weightless, of course; some wheeled bags I've seen weigh as much as 15 pounds without anything in them. EBags is a good resource here, as it provides weight information for suitcases and computer briefcases.

For maximum convenience, look for a computer bag that can fit under an airline seat. Surprisingly, most airlines don't offer size guidelines for under-seat storage. In my experience, though, a bag with dimensions of approximately 16 inches long by 15 inches wide by 8 inches high generally fits.

Also, keep your notebook's dimensions in mind when shopping for a bag. Many desktop replacement models feature 15-, 16-, even 17-inch displays. Those oversized notebooks don't fit in all computer bags. EBags' search feature--which lets you browse for bags by notebook make and model--is helpful.

Room for a change of clothes. It's often a good idea to carry a change of clothes--fresh underwear, at a minimum--in case you and your luggage end up taking separate trips. Many notebook bags don't offer much extra space, however. And though airlines allow you to carry two items on board, it may be a hassle to carry a small suitcase and a notebook bag.

The U.S. Luggage bag mentioned earlier--as well as some other models--offers a compartment for clothes. Also, consider buying a wheeled suitcase with a front pocket big enough to accommodate a notebook (in a padded computer sleeve). You'll need a large front pocket, so that you can easily remove the notebook at the airport security check point.

If you go the suitcase route, buy a computer sleeve with a shoulder strap. That way, you can carry the computer before and after the airport security screening process, hands free.

Other Considerations

• A manufacturer's warranty that covers at least three years. Some, such as Briggs & Riley, offer lifetime warranties.
  
  
• A front-panel pocket for your mobile phone, because you're not allowed to keep the phone on your person as you pass through the metal detector.
  
  
• Exterior or interior pockets for a PDA and/or MP3 player.
  
  
• A hook for your keys.
  
  
• And most importantly, an interior pocket to store favorite CDs and DVDs -- because it's going to be a long trip.