Everyday backpack advice

Hello guys
I need to purchase a new backpack for my future notedook.
This backpack will be also my travel mate and university backpack
I really need something reliable, that can handle a lot of stress and intense use, some rain and long travels (walk around the city, long oversea travel).

I did a lot of researche and there a LOT of backpacks xD I never had a really good backpack so I don't know how to decide.
I heard that wenger swissgear are good, I also like the look of these backpacks and, until now, I'm thinking about the Synergy or the Pegasus
Swissgear GA-7305-14F00 Synergy 15.6 Inch Laptop Backpack: WENGER SWISSGEAR: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
Swissgear GA-7306-06F00Pegasus 17 Inch Laptop Backpack: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
Does anyone here actually use one of these packs?
Do you have better suggestions?
Thanks!

 

If your lappy is going to be no bigger then a 15.4" in size, go for the Synergy. I had it for XPS 1530 and it was an awesome backpack. Now I have a XPS 1647 and the fit is more "tight" then I would want for my lappy. Even placing it in a Neoprene Sleeve for added protection..I am weary.

Swiss Gear makes really good backpacks, and both models you have listed are worth the price for what you get. : )

If you are going larger 15.6" + go with the Pegasus.

Here is the inside with a 15.4" laptop in the Synergy:

 

Thank you very much
Also thanks for the pictures! Very kind
I'm still looking around for the right laptop for me, top of the list (also the "largest" of the list) is the lenovo W520 with a 15.6" display.
Notebookcheck says that the size of this laptop is: height x width x depth (in mm): 36 x 373 x 245
According to the swissgear website ( The Synergy Swissgear – Avenues Europe, it should fit in both the backpacks.

Do you think it would be better to choose the Pegasus anyway?
I would like to know if there are some particular differences between the two backpacks other than the dimensions and the arrangement of pockets.
Materials or similar things?

(How they react to rain?)

 

I personally went with the Ibex. I had a 16" laptop at the time I bought it, so I was stuck going with 17" models. Now that I've had a bag for a 17" laptop, I'll probably never go back. Although the fit isn't exactly tight on the laptop, it still keeps it protected. At the same time, you have a LOT of space (I've heard that this isn't true of the Pegasus).

Swissgear bags are the best, so you're really going to like whatever you end up with.

 

No problem If you are going w/a 15.6" + go with the Pegasus. You will have room for it..and it will be easy to place in the lappy. There is plenty of storage/pockets/compartments in either of the backpacks. I am not sure about the Lenovo fitting, I just know that with my XPS 1647 (a 15.6"), I felt like I was "forcing" the placement in the backpack, and that made me nervous as when placing in or removing I worried about scratches, etc...the fit was that tight!

I never used my backpack in the rain. But, both are durable & fairly "thick" in materials. Even in my Messenger bag I will place it in a Sleeve for that added protection. (I am a known SerialKlutz)...

 

Thank you guys
One last thing!
I'm wathing some videos and I noticed that the pegasus has some sort of additional protection (you can take a look here, the video should start at the right time to show this feature: YouTube - ‪Newegg Product Tour: Wenger SwissGear Pegasus Backpack‬‏)
Do you know if the synergy has the same thing? (the pegasus is heavier, I supposed it's because of this protection thing)

EDIT! From the swissgear.eu website, the synergy is smaller, lighter and with a higher volume of 27L compared to the pegasus that is heavier, bigger but with a lower volume capacy. How can it be?xD

 

I currently use a swissgear back pack. It's got very good shock protection. The backpack is somewhat water resistant, but IS NOT water proof (found out the hard way). However, there will be plenty of space for you to keep a ziplock bag or two in there in case you and your laptop needs to traverse some rain.

 

Thanks That is a good advice, I found this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tatonka-Rucksack-Rain-Cover/dp/B000ODO93W
I believe it will be perfect for rainy days
I will probably have to go for the Pegasus or something bigger. I like the synergy but I will need a bigger laptop slot :/
The Ibex is another nice solution but it's too... blue! Why it is not black/gray?

 

kuja01, what backpack did you buy in the end?

Has anyone had experiences with the SwissGear Cobalt 15.6"?

 

I have a really great bag that takes the strain off my back. The bag is from bbpbags.com and it's called the Hamptons Hybrid. The bag is designed to rest on your bum rather than on your back. You can also use it as a messenger bag which is great for meetings. Hope this helps some of you.