10 17inch Laptop Backpacks that Make the Grade

With all the different styles and sizes for laptops, notebooks, and netbooks available these days there has to be something to protect these pricey investments from drops and falls as well as an easy way to carry them around. There are a number of really great laptop bags out there but not all of them will fit the notebook of your choice. In my search for finding my perfect notebook to fit my cute new pink laptop I discovered a number of bags that fit, but did not fit everything I wanted, so I finally did some research on 17 inch laptop backpacks and came up with about 10 that are made with quality materials, look stylish, fit comfortably, and most importantly fit my notebook and all my things.

1. Swiss Gear Wired Laptop Backpack: This backpack is a great size- not too big and not too small. It’s a great quality made backpack and feels really sturdy. It is lightweight but the material is strong enough that it doesn’t feel cheap or thin. It has an outer pocket for a cell phone, sunglasses, and bottle water. Inside there are two different compartments, one for your laptop and one to store other essentials. Exterior dimensions are 17” x 13” x 9”.

2. Belkin 17-Inch Energy Slim Laptop Backpack: Belkin is another very well known backpack maker and they make quality, durable, water resistant, backpacks. Perfect for students on the go or those who might be travelling in the rain or outdoors a lot. It is not huge, but I can see a larger laptop fitting in here. However you might have to sacrifice a bit of interior room. Material is very strong feeling and it has a nice plush padded interior pocket for a notebook. Also has a neat earphone access point so you can place your ipod or CD player inside your back and have wire pass through the top so there is no mess and tangle. Interior Dimensions: 13″ x 16″ x 2″

3. Case logic 17 inch Laptop Backpack: Case Logic is a great bag if you lots of ‘thing’! They have a pocket, pouch, or compartment for just about everything. The nice thing about this laptop backpack is that it has an adjustable compartment for your laptop. Adjust it once and it stays a perfect fit. Another bag that wasn’t huge- fitting my 15 inch perfectly, you may have trouble if you have one of the larger 17 inch screens or a mac book. Matching USB shuttle included- holds two USB drives. Adjustable shoulder straps and grab handle allow for easy transport. 25 Year Warranty! (internal laptop dimensions 16.5″ x 12″ x 2.5″).

4. Mobile Edge Secure Pack 17 inch Backpack: Mobile Edge has a great bag for those that travel a lot and need extra security. They call it a securepack because it enables access to the interior only when backpack is off your shoulders, clever right? A nice larger interior for books and files, with pen holder and pockets for CDs, PDA, keys and accessories. Exterior pocket for MP3 or CD player with pass-through port for headphone cables. A fancy ventilated ergonomic backside for comfort is nice but not necessary unless you are going to be walking around a lot with this on. A simple exterior cell phone pocket on shoulder strap, and reflective safety material trim- perfect for kids who are biking back from class at night!

5. Targus XL 17 inch Laptop backpack: Targus was another company I was familiar with and I know they also make quality backpacks. This Targus XL Notebook Backpack is perfect for someone who needs to carry a lot! It is huge and a bit on the masculine side, but if you need a sturdy backpack that will fit a large 17-inch laptop that is actually pretty comfortable then this one is something you will love.

6. Targus CityGear 17 inch backpack: Another targus bag but a smaller, sleeker version and a bit more female friendly but style for all. Also fits laptops with 17″ widescreens, this backpack also has reflective trim on the exterior and includes 3 large compartments for a laptop, books, papers and accessories. A comfortable fit with mesh-padded straps and back panel. Comes with a removable CD/DVD sleeve that holds 8 discs, which I find a bit unnecessary, but nonetheless nice organization storage space. Looks a bit classier than the stand backpacks as well so would be appropriate for a business casual meeting or fine for school or travel.

7. Lowepro Transit 17” Laptop Backpack: I less expensive option, the lowepro has decent storage and fit my 15 inch notebook fine, however if you were trying to stuff a large 17inch laptop in here I would say go look somewhere else- why did I include it in my list. Still a great backpack and it does claim to fit 17 inch bags, however with the other more generously sized bags I would try those first. For a less expensive laptop backpack this one also has some great features. Backpack includes numerous organizational pockets and a large interior pocket with lightly padded shoulder straps.

8. Laurex Laptop Backpack: The Laurex bags are probably my favorite for women as they have a nice design but they also are really large and look really great. Has two large front pockets to fit music, cell phones, food and snacks and is easy to get to. Several interior netted compartments perfect for books, binders or paper, etc. What’s nice is that it also has a padded compartment designed to protect a big 17 inch laptops. Very comfortable on even with tons of stuff inside as there is tons of padding on the sides and back for comfort. Exterior dimension : 18H x13W x 6D, Main pocket inside dimension : 17 x 12-1/2 x 3-1/2 inch

9. Speck 17"Notebook Backpack: If you have a macbook pro, then this is the bag that will fit it! A really nice, comfortable and large backpack is offers a media player pocket to keep your iPod or MP3 player, with headphone cord pass-through and large pockets and pouches to keep everything organized. Padded shoulder straps and chest straps makes this bag super easy to carry around all day. Made to last with solid materials- it feels really sturdy and really has tons of room.

10. Sharper Image 17” Backpack Trolley: The only backpack with wheels and a bit pricier than the rest, this Sharper Image bag is sleek and stylish. A true business man/woman’s bag as it looks nice and has lots of room to store a large laptop and materials. It is heavier and bulkier than the rest as well but still relatively comfortable. Not the best bag if you need to carry it around on your back all the time, but great if you are travelling and need a free hand. Features include several exterior pockets, and 2 padded interior pockets for storage. Also a folding carrying handle for those on the go.