I've had the backpack for about 2-3 weeks now and am having to return it:The laptop sleeve is a great idea but the bag itself is not working out for college use.
Pros:
1. Great laptop sleeve! Best I've seen in a backpack. It's lined in a very soft, stitched/padded, microfiber-type material and the opening is on the righthand side when wearing it (so it's easy to pull out laptop without removing entire backpack).
Also, there's "buffer" space between the bottom of the bag and the laptop sleeve.
2. Lightweight
3. Chest straps are removable (so they don't hang there all the time)
4. Pretty comfortable
5. Side handle near the laptop sleeve comes in... handy
Cons:
1. Thin material (but that's probably why it's lightweight too. E.G. Corners and edges of books sticking through bottom of bag)
2. Questionable quality (stitches are coming apart in a few places already)
3. No place for umbrella or water bottle
4. Power adapter compartment doesn't work well for Apple chargers, though it would be good for PC ones
5. I have no idea why it comes with a metal bottle opener permanently attached to the shoulder strap... I'm assuming it's a bottle opener but either way, it makes some noise when setting it down, especially on a metal desk leg
Ultimately, I'm returning it because it's too small and I doubt it would hold up.
With one book, folder, notebook and Macbook Air with charger (with a few other small things), I can barely fit a 27oz water bottle inside main compartment (where I definitely wouldn't want it to leak) and I can't fit an umbrella ANYWHERE. There is nowhere to stow it on the outside of the bag.
When there's a book in the main compartment, it's shape is distinctly visible through the bottom material. Setting the bag down like this would wear a hole through it pretty quickly.
So, it's a great light-duty bag if you want to take a laptop to the coffee shop with a couple magazines or a small book.
It's not the best to take to campus for a full day of school.
I have a heavy Macbook Pro 15.4", and I'm a wimpy girl. I was really looking for something that would distribute the weight correctly, and also something that didn't weigh a lot itself. Originally I'd planned on getting one of the Swissgear bags, but found out thru reviews that they were really heavy even empty. These Timbuk2's have good reviews, and I watched all the videos on their site to get an idea how how big each version was. This one is plenty big! Really glad I didn't go for the HAL. Note that I'm not a student, so I don't have to haul around books. I've got my Nook and a reader's journal, the power cords, my iPod, other chargers, my calendar, and a few other things, and the bag feels like it's empty still. Not even expanded. The best part of all is that when it's up on my back, it no longer feels heavy.
There are a surprising number of pockets. I did find that the charger fits even better in one of the interior ones, with the extended power cord along with it. The bottle opener is kind of ridiculous, but it will work really well as a place to keep my keys.
BTW, the computer compartment is large. My 15+" Mac slides in and out easily. I like the side entry. Means a little bit less lifting of my weighty computer.
I got the purple and blue one. The color is much deeper than pictured, a gorgeous combination of deep purple and deep blue. Really happy with this purchase.
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I purchased this as my everyday carry around pack (I walk a mile to school one way). Perfect for a book or three and a laptop. I usually carry a standard sized binder (9"x12"), 2-3 average sized books (5"x7" or less) along with my laptop and power cord. Keeps my laptop secure with minimal jostling even when the rest of the bag is empty. The power cord pocket just fits my standard size cord and the front compartment is large enough to hold a magazine and standard utensils. Items in front compartment may get a bit damp in rain if the bag is completely full but laptop is always dry. Swing around access makes it easy to pull laptop out and also give access to a small pocket perfect for storing keys and wallet in.Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 "Q" Laptop Backpack Here
I purchased this backpack to carry my computer and a few papers when traveling by air. It's narrow enough to fit under the aisle seat of 757s, unlike my previous Tumi bag. It looks reasonably professional and worked pretty well for close to 18 months. However, the zippers are light duty. Even though I was gentle with this bag the zipper on the much-used computer sleeve eventually ripped.I checked the Timbuk2 web page and was encouraged by the headline on the warranty page: "Timbuk2 products have a lifetime guarantee; we stand behind the legendary quality and craftsmanship of all our products." Frankly, that was more than I would have expected from a fairly inexpensive bag.
But once I got into the process I was disappointed. They don't pay for the bag to be shipped to them or returned. There is also a line that says, "For repairs to stitching or zippers we recommend visiting your local dry cleaner or tailor."
I sent the following note to customer service: "The zipper for the computer compartment broke despite the fact that I have been gentle with it. Rather than having me waste money sending the bag back and forth to you, how about reimbursing me for a repair locally?"
Here's the reply I got: "Unfortunately, we haven't worked out a system to get a you refund for a repair. Something like that usually cost $10 to $15. We could get you a store credit for the cost of the repair, but unfortunately, we don't have a way to refund your credit card without a charge being incurred." I can forgive the sloppy English, but the message is not a great brand builder.
So I went to the local "zipper hospital," where the owner was none-too-impressed with the quality of the zipper. She showed me how it was weak and set up to fail. She offered to close off the broken part (the first 3 inches or so), which would give me a smaller opening to slide the computer into, but would still be workable. That would be $16. For $25 she could repair the zipper. I wasn't enthusiastic repairing something that would just break again, however.
Finally we settled on a new heavy duty zipper for $42; the kind of zipper the bag should have come with in the first place. Although I feel stupid paying almost half the price of a new bag for the repair it did seem like the best alternative.
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Working in the wireless industry, I tend to carry a LOT of gadgets. Usually, backpacks of this size are heavy before I get all my goods in there. After seeing my bosses Q Backpack, I knew I wanted one. I carry this to work everyday and here is a list of the items I carry daily:Samsung Chromebook
Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablet
Microvision SHOWWX+
Tekkeon MP3450
Cradlepoint CTR-35
8-10 power and multimedia cables
Microsoft Touch Arc Mouse
Bose IE2 headphones
Bose BT2 headset
Oakley Diesel Glasses in hard case
miscellaneous pens, business cards, allergy medicine, etc.
With all of my junk loaded in, the pack has more room if needed and is significantly lighter than most backpacks. The shoulder straps are comfortable and very flexible at the top due to the unique connection. The back padding keeps you comfortable without making you sweat. The side handle and easy access laptop pocket are perfect for someone who is in and out of offices, cars and airplanes all day. I haven't found a need for the built-in bottle opener yet, but summer is just around the corner.
My last computer bag was a Tumi Tech and it lasted five years, at a cost of $250. Let's see how long my Timuk2 lasts!
Bottom line, this is a very well designed bag with tons of pockets and features, while remaining very light. I highly recommend this bag.
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