Laptop Messenger Bag or Backpack Offering the Greatest Protection?

I just got a brand-new refurbished Vaio Z, and the beauty is extremely fragile. It honestly feels as though any pressure on the lid will crack the screen! So, I need a backpack or messenger bag (preferably backpack...) for college, and clearly it needs to be seriously protective. I was looking at the Timbuk2 line-up, but none seem to have enough padding nor do they seem to be a good value.

Long story short, I'm looking for a bag or backpack that:
-Offers enough protection (and reassurance) that a delicate laptop won't get a single scratch.
-Looks decent haha!
-Is conveniently designed
-Isn't too expensive (trying to stay under $80 or so)

Actually, I was wondering if it would be better to get a Zeroshock III sleeve for protection and then purchasing whatever backpack. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

i think the sleeve idea with any backpack is probably ideal. any drop or fall will be cushioned by the 'memory foam' stuff inside, but i'm sure a slightly cushioned backpack (aren't most cushioned where it sits on your back anyways?) won't hurt. i've been thinking about the zeroshock sleeve too.

 

Laptop Backpack is what I use. I got my form Sportscheck for around $60 and is very good. Lot's of foam even on the button of the bag.

The reason I chose a Backpack style is becasue I carry my lunch, accessoires (power plug, earphones, mouse....) on the other slots of my bag and sometimes more stuff.

Most Messenger style bags I try can fit my laptop and that's it. Also Backpack style I can carry it on both shoulders so it feels less heavy. Not to mention I take the skytrain all the time and people always try to shovel in, with a backpack I can easily push them away if they keep trying to get in when there is no room.

 

Well, I'll be needing to put textbooks and whatnot in as well...

So, then, if I get the Zeroshock, my budget for the backpack itself shrinks a bit. What's the best backpack/messenger for 13" laptops that's under $50, this time forgoing laptop protection?

 

I wouldn't suggesting just getting a regular backpack.I got my drake laptop backpack for about $60. Looks nice, and big.

 

You can get decently priced Sleeves at places like meritline.com, amazon & even ebags (just look for free shipping coupons for ebags). You can use these in conjunction with your backpack for that extra safety aspect.

Otherwise, brands that make good backpacks are Swiss Gear, Targus, Mobile Edge, Belkin etc.

 

A Zeroshock III is a solid option. Alternatively, you could spring for a nice soft case and a padded backpack for flexible protection. Whatever you buy, check and see that the laptop compartment is well-protected on all sides, ESPECIALLY the bottom if you like to drop your backpack off your shoulders. A lot of models protect by keeping space between the bottom of the compartment and the bottom of the bag.

 

Meh, Backpacks are more stronger IMO, Messenger bags swing around you and can hit a wall or such. Backpacks have more protection and mostly, you fall on your front, not on your back. My Acer Aspire 5100 is a tough rust bucket, I've stood on it, I dropped it off a 3 story building, I left it in my backyard on the grass for 2 days and threw it on the ground with anger; and all I did was cause a scratch on the screen and damage the right ALT button. I did all that stuff to see how durable that laptop is, damn...it is one tough laptop. Next thing to torture it: Hammer time