Best backpack for NX?

[hupokadsfa]

I know that we have talked about the very best case for the NX, but what about how we carry that case? I have seen the Targus backpacks for laptops, but what about padded backpacks for pda's? I'm looking for something that can absorb a shock and has lots of little pockets for all the accessories.

How about it?

[jimod]

A Backpack for a PDA??????
Are you like 3'6"???
If you Really want bigger than just a case, go to any decent leather shop and look at a fanny pack. Should be large enough and have enough pockets for you.

I found one that had 2 fairly large internal pockets, 1 med phone sized external, 1 cig pack sized external, 2 small zipped pockets at he edges and a small 6 cc / cash slot wallet. When i get everything in it, it weighs a TON, but it is still smaller than any backpack i have seen. And i put in an nx70v with headphones, up till 3 weeks ago an old kyocera phone, my car/house/work/work v 2.0 keys, 1 Multi use Stylus pen (fairly large), my money, about 3 or 4 cards, a small (20 or so ) amount of business cards in a case, A Leatherman Tool, and a mini mag lite. The is the BASIC load out for me, sometimes i need the addition of one of my palms and a few more tools(allen wrenches, hex/security drivers) and i get this all into a fanny pack that cost me like $25.

One possibility might be a shoulder sling type bag.
Old Navy had a good one, it has a Medium pocket at the bottom (kinda purse like, but workable) and the strap is lined with several pockets, decent padding, could hold NX/NZ and a phone in the bigger ones, other items in smaller.

[jimod]

Sorry, I quit smoking and my new phone (samsung a500) fits in that pocket, The Larger phone pocket is now home to the Leatherman and the Mini Mag.

[Donkeystyle]

fanny pack???? no way........ he isnt looking for a backpack exclusively for his clie, just a backpack that is also suitable to safely carry it.

[jimod]

Originally posted by hupokadsfa
but what about padded backpacks for pda's? I'm looking for something that can absorb a shock and has lots of little pockets for all the accessories.[/B]

I dunno Donkey, Looks like he is specifically asking about one for PDA, likening it to the ones made by targus for Laptops

[jimod]

and what s wrong with fanny packs?!?!?!?
You post that like it's a dirty word or sumthin.

Jeez!

LOL

[MerlinW]

A back pack for a pda, OK, must be for a ipaq,

ok just kidding

I tried a fanny pack, so,so, (was afraid in bending it or something.

so I use either a shoulder type bag, with a pocket for pda's, or I just slide it into my pocket. ( the NX, not the bag)

[hupokadsfa]

I am actually looking for a backpack that will carry both my Clie and other things like school books. I'm not 3'6, but 6'5 and I tend to be hard on things, so I wanted something that I could travel with and can take some punishment. I don't want to be insulting, but I need something more manly than a fanny pack, and I definitely don't want something that looks like a purse! I actually liked the targus backpack, but I'm not sure how to secure my NX.

[hupokadsfa]

One more thing, the accessories for my NX are multiplying faster than rabbits and I need a backpack that has the ability to store them all.

[profvisor]

I hear you about the accessories! With the Clie, the earphones, a travel charger and batteries, the wifi card, etc. it starts to seem a lot less portable. Right now I am trying to limit the clie related stuff I carry to the unit and the earphones. But still, with my wallet, glasses, cell phone, keys, and assorted small things like mints etc., I am starting to feel like a packmule.

[hupokadsfa]

I have mentioned the Targus backpack, and I'm thinking about buying it simply because it has so many pockets. Besides, I'm the type of person that thinks:"Hey, if I'm taking my pda (and all its stuff!), I might as well take a flashlight. And if I'm going to take a flashlight, I might as well take a leatherman tool....etc"

[BettyE]

Originally posted by jimod
A Backpack for a PDA??????
Are you like 3'6"???


I laughed so hard at the 3'6" comment that my husband took my wine away.......

[hupokadsfa]

That was kind of funny...

[jimod]

Well, take a look at old navy and gap, they have several pack designs that are fairly well padded, but prolly not as pocket lined as the targus pack. and my fanny pack is LEATHER, with a CIGARETTE HOLDER----QUITE MANLY i assure you. (Actually, with all the damn pockets in it i still need to search for stuff cause i forget which pockets they are in.)

[Dripps]

I saw same small bags made by Swiss Army that look perfect! http://www.swissarmy.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=3189&category=59

[Dripps]

This is backpack option http://www.swissarmy.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=2535&category=59

[hupokadsfa]

I looked at both bags at the website, and I think I like the first one you suggested. I'm going to look at one in the store tomorrow and send in a report.

[fireants22]

I got this online and I absolutely love it...it is actually big enough for a 12"powerbook too :)

If you dont have so many accesories they have a smaller version as well:
http://stores.yahoo.com/goincase/moyadeluxe.html

[jimod]

Thanks Dripps, i think i may be upgrading from my fanny pack, i like the black case.

[ShellyBelly]

Originally posted by fireants22
I got this online and I absolutely love it...it is actually big enough for a 12"powerbook too :)

If you dont have so many accesories they have a smaller version as well:
http://stores.yahoo.com/goincase/moyadeluxe.html


I just bought this one!:)

[Unregistered]

These cases are probably along the lines of what you are looking for:

RhinoSkin sport cases
http://www.saunders-usa.com/rhinosk...cfm?cat_id=5031

GrinderGear
http://www.grindergear.com/

These guys seem to have the most unique ones:
http://www.flipoutpda.com/html/products.html


Anyway, I don't own one, don't work for the company, can't make a recommendation ... just found the URLs before.

Cheers
DukeTogo

[jimod]

wow, that wrist sport frm flipoutdata, THAT one is gonna show up at a few Star Trak conventions, lemme tell ya!

[gyffes]

Yah, but I need one for each wrist... flip out the Clie' on one and the Belkin on the other...

type with my nose, I s'pose..

[roisondubh]

I got a "life" backpack from allyco. Here's the site.

http://www.allyco.com/life/life.html

It has a pocket on top of the bag which works wonderfully for my NX70 and accessories. Plus it carries my laptop, books and spiral notebooks pretty well. Lots of hidden pockets and the shoulder straps are comfortable when the bag is fully loaded. Price is a little high, but I think it was worth it. You can also find this bag at ebags.com which is where I got mine.

RoisonDubh

[jimod]

Roison, nice bag, but a warning about the sound would have been nice, my headphones were cranked and the sound fx on that site were LOUD!
OW.








LOL

[hupokadsfa]

Backpack Update:

I went to a local store to find the "Swiss army" backpack and they were sold out. In fact, they had a three month back log. I'm trying to find a local retailer that sells the "Life" backpack so I can check it out.

However, all of this leads me to ask a larger question: When a pda and its accessories equal the same amount of a low end laptop, why hasn't there been more support from people who could make buckets of cash from selling the perfect case, or the perfect backpack?

[Dripps]

hupokadsfa, perfect for who? I was looking for the perfect purse with slip in area in the front for my Clie. I found since found one I can live with. I saw the Swiss Army stuff in an airport...think it was Charlotte, NC at a Wilson Luggage store. I was very impressed but haven't looked local to me (NJ). I am interested in looking over their lugguge as I think the web site photos are incomplete (would love to see the inside of that backpack or small case in addition to the luggage specifics). Good luck with your search.

[gyffes]

I been looking at "manpurses" and PDA casepacks and smallish backpacks to lug stuff around with and then I realized: If I'm gonna be lugging a pack with cables an' belkin and clie' and MS and headphones and... why'n't I just buy a 12" iBook in the first place??

What I really want is a revised/updated eMate. With it's SOLID buit-in handle and durable construction, that was its own carrying case!

*sigh*

[kf6gpe]

My personal favorite for about twelve years now has been Tom Bihn's backpacks for everything. I've got one of his Brain Bags that I use when I travel, and for more routine use I just use one of his fanny packs, or the Brain Bag with less junk in it.

In the fanny pack I can stash my Clie, amateur radio, folding keyboard, cell phone, and a AA battery charger for the Clie; in the backpack I can stash the fanny pack (handy when getting on a plane), clothes, laptop, and all of the other stuff that goes with me for up to about a week.

They're long-lived, sturdy, have an awesome arrangement of pockets and the like, and quite comfortable. See http://www.tombihn.com/ for their products.

[Tinker2000]

My God.....Try the covertec case and buy a coat with lots of pockets

[hupokadsfa]

No reason to get testy, I just wanted a good backpack and asked for some help finding one.

I like the brainbag, but it seems kind of expensive. How sturdy are they? Do you use any the add-ons?

[kf6gpe]

I use the snake charmer cable bag and the insert for keeping papers and stuff.

It's been extremely durable. Nothing's broken on it, or on the laptop insert I use, in the many years of service. No ripped seams, no broken plastic bits. And I don't really take care of it, either ---- just empty it of stuff once in a while and throw it in the washing machine.

[costa rhu]

I haven't seen a "backpack", but I have seen plenty of right sized pouches, in all carry forms - at outdoor/adventure stores.

[St. Magnum]

For years, before I even heard of a PDA, I have been using a nylon laptop case to carry my "stuff" (Notebooks, papers, pens, CPR mask, mints, etc - no laptop) back and forth to work. It's more or less a nylon briefcase. I've never really given a thought to other modes of carrying my "stuff" around.

When I got my first PDA, I just naturally put it in my bag, without a thought. But I agree that there must be a better padded, more secure way to carry my PDA (and all my "stuff"). Professionally, a man-purse or a backpack would not be acceptible for me. Away from work, I think backpack might be just the ticket, though. A fanny pack wouldn't cut it for me at all.

I'm glad there are as many different options as there are different ideas and attitudes.

BTW - I'm amazed that this thread has this many posts without drifting way off-topic or turning into a flame-fest. Almost every post had useful information!

[roisondubh]

hupokadsfa,

Sorry bout the sound...at least you didn't have to wade your way through 4-5 cheesy flash screens.

Here is the link for the "life" backpack (which is out od stock):

http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?sourceid=BAQ::00252244087034865684&ModelID=12253

and here is the smaller and cheaper "half life"

http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=12255&bb_id=s98&Suggestions_20_Link=12255

And I promise that there is no sound on the ebags web site. ;)

RoisonDubh

[hupokadsfa]

Thanks Roison, I checked them out on ebag, and I'm trying to find a local retailer to check them out in person. A major gripe I have as I look at these different sites is the lack of interior photos.

[gyffes]

Pockets have been fine through the winter, but as spring/summer approaches, I'll be next to nekkid (well, relatively pocketless, at least). I'm ordering Tom Bihn's Metropack, sorta a carryall Manpurse. Maybe it'll double as an emergency diaperbag and so I can justify it to my wife!

[hupokadsfa]

I know what you mean about pockets, its almost 90 degrees F. here, so its not like I could ever have enough pockets. Besides, I tried to fit my textbooks in my pockets and ended up having to buy new pants.

[cerberus]

I personally have the 'Slim' backpack made by Clive. It's actually made for snowboarding, but it works for other(less fun) stuff too.

Clive (http://www.cliveyo.com/)

Plus it has straps for carrying your Sony Clié Snow Shovel!!

[gyffes]

New add campaign:

"How do YOU use your Clie'?"

Snowshovel!
Emergency Jai Alai basket!
"Kirk out" game at Trek Conventions
Foot-jack to lift furniture...

[cpgreen]

OK, this thread is just too much fun to pass up. First of all, there is nothing wrong with fanny packs - for those of you who don't have exceptionally large fannies. I try to avoid accentuating what is NOT my best feature (but it could be my largest <grin>).

Secondly, this is one of those times I'm glad to be a woman. I can carry any sized purse I want and have room for whatever I want to carry - and I don't have to worry about being manly (-:

Third, and finally seriously, I carry my laptop in a backpack - it is much easier on my back than listing to one side or the other with a heavy brief case. My biggest problem with a backpack for smaller items like a PDA and it's accessories is how vulnerable it is to pickpockets in a crowded situtation.

I guess it depends on where you want to use it - when I commuted to Chicago it was a real problem.

It sounds like there are some very good suggestions on this site. I'm going to look into some of them myself.

[Wolfsmoke]

I practically live out of my Jansport Equinox 33 knapsack. I keep my NX in a Sumdex PDA/phone case, which is nicely padded anyway, so if I really need both hands free, I feel no concern tossing the whole affair into the Equinox. I keep the manual, cd, a cd of third-party apps, the earbuds, and a synch/charger cable in a zippered pouch intended for a 3-ring binder. Makes it easy to just grab the Sumdex case and pouch if I want to travel light.

Travel... like NOT to work? Hmm. Novel concept....

[hupokadsfa]

I'm looking for the do-everything bag. Something that I can take to work, travel with and go to school. Not to big and not to small, with enough padding for me to knock around and also enough pockets to carry anything I need. When I worked as a pilot there were/are many bags on the market specialized for me, with pockets for charts and other equipment. I can't use that thing now, because it looks like a giant black nylon covered brick. Single use only! I want something I can use for everything I do, not just fly.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by cpgreen
OK, this thread is just too much fun to pass up. First of all, there is nothing wrong with fanny packs - for those of you who don't have exceptionally large fannies. I try to avoid accentuating what is NOT my best feature (but it could be my largest <grin>).

Secondly, this is one of those times I'm glad to be a woman. I can carry any sized purse I want and have room for whatever I want to carry - and I don't have to worry about being manly (-:

Third, and finally seriously, I carry my laptop in a backpack - it is much easier on my back than listing to one side or the other with a heavy brief case. My biggest problem with a backpack for smaller items like a PDA and it's accessories is how vulnerable it is to pickpockets in a crowded situtation.

I guess it depends on where you want to use it - when I commuted to Chicago it was a real problem.

It sounds like there are some very good suggestions on this site. I'm going to look into some of them myself.
de dems,dees,and does.Im near chicago!

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by hupokadsfa
I'm looking for the do-everything bag. Something that I can take to work, travel with and got to school. Not to big and not to small, with enough padding for me to knock around and also enough pockets to carry anything I need. When I worked as a pilot there were/are many bags on the market specialized for me, with pockets for charts and other equipment. I can't use that thing now, because it looks like a giant black nylon covered brick. Single use only! I want something I can use for everything I do, not just fly.
Me too (the do-evrything bag,not flying) i have a backpack i use for school,but i would never use it for my nx because i would be afraid of breaking it.

[Rizal]

I prefer vertical shoulder packs easier to get around in a crowded city. This is my favorite for carrying Clie, phone, digicam, book, notepad etc. it's from REI and can be used as a man purse or fanny pack.

REI Personal Organizer (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47577190&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1)

REI also has a larger version called a vertical brief

Lastly, Tom Bihn sells an ID bag that's carries everything but you need a separate case for your laptop. Here's a Gadgeteer Review

ID Bag (http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/tom-bihn-id-bag-review.html)

[boagie17]

Ok for all the NX users that have sacrificed to get a Vaja I-Volution case, here's a backpack for you...go to www.boblbee.com. ABS pack, the same material that's used for bike helmets. This is for the people who only want the best...and not necessarily a NZ (just kidding!)