17 Laptop BackPackLaptop computer backpacks are a casual and comfortable way to carry and protect your laptop computer and other accessories.  When it comes to finding a laptop backpack to carry a 17″ laptop computer, it can be difficult because most backpacks are made for smaller laptop computers.

If you are shopping at a local luggage retailer for a 17″ computer backpack, it is advisable to call ahead to see if they carry it.   There are also a number of online luggage and computer bag retailers, such as Ebags, that always have a good selection of 17″ laptop backpacks.   Click here to see our selection of top-rated 17″ laptop backpacks

The 17″ laptop backpack typically has a separate compartment or sleeve specially designed to protect a 17-inch laptop computer, plus one or two other sizable compartments to carry all your school or business needs.  One minor drawback for the laptop backpack, however, is that it may be too informal for some business settings.  However, if you are a student, if you work in a casual setting, or if you travel often, a backpack may be the right choice for you.

When selecting your backpack, there are some key criteria that you’ll want to consider before making your purchase:

  • Make sure your laptop will fit. Even if the description states the bag holds a regular 17-inch laptop computer, you should confirm that it will hold YOUR laptop by comparing the actual measurement of your laptop to the laptop backpack dimension. Not all 17 inch laptops have the same dimensions. For example, some of the newer HP computers have a large battery that protrudes from the computer case.  If you are buying your 17 inch laptop backpack online, some stores such as Ebags have a database of all the various computer models and they can tell you if your specific computer model will fit in one of their bags.
  • Ensure that there is adequate padding. Just because a bag is being marketed as a laptop computer bag doesn’t mean that it had adequate padding. Some computer bags have very thin padding and a computer sleeve is needed in addition to the padding that is part of the bag. This really defeats the purpose of getting a bag that is supposed to be specially designed to protect your computer from damage.   Some laptop backpacks come with a computer sleeve.   A top-rated laptop backpack will have thick padding adequate to protect your computer when you don’t have a computer sleeve.
  • Ensure that the bag has adequate compartments. A suitable laptop bag will have all the necessary storage compartments needed to store your computer accessories such as power cord, adapter, mouse, as well as any other items you need when working on your computer.  Most laptop backpacks have quite a lot of storage.
  • Easy access to computer. If you travel often then you will want to have good access to your computer when going through airport security. Many 17″ laptop backpacks will have access to the storage compartment for the computer, allowing you to avoid pulling out other items when trying to access your computer at airport security.

Laptop backpacks are widely available in many styles to suit many uses. However, when it comes to finding a proper laptop backpack that will suit all your needs, you will want to ensure that it has – at a minimum – all of the criteria listed above.

The top-rated 17″ laptop backpacks will not only have these minimum criteria but many manufacturers of laptop bags have incorporated some very nifty ergonomic designs and other features into there bags.

If you travel often, you can even find bags that are Checkpoint Friendly, allowing you to more efficiently go through airport security checkpoints.  Here’s a brief video explaining the advantages of Checkpoint Friendly computer bags.

Click here to shop for checkpoint friendly computer bags!