I fly airlines with carry on weight limits of 7kg per bag all the time (in Australia and Asia). I just go with a two bag strategy and distribute the weight as optimally as I can across both bags so as to get my full 14kg allowance. My main bag is usually a lightweight wheeled bag (a Rimowa Salsa Air IATA), and laptop, other tech, and similar items go in the bag that qualifies as the personal item. 14 kg is too much for me to carry without wheels. I find it more convenient to have a second bag to use at my destination anyway, so it makes sense to utilise it en route to maximise the weight allowance as well.

I find this system (including the wheeled bag) works for me provided I exercise discipline with toiletries and shoes.