Thanks for all the help so far.

I don't understand the reasoning behind the stupid weight limits.

If its an international flight, as practically any flight into Hong Kong would be, common sense tells you people would need more stuff. I will be flying to both Hong Kong International and also Taoyuan International (Taipei, Taiwan). Anything I should know about those two in particular?

Lol, I did some mock packing and found out at my carry on suitcase weighs around 5 pounds alone. After packing it moderately full of clothes i was already at the limit of 15 pounds (hard to believe).

Anyway, I've opted to use a duffel bag since it weighs virtually nothing. I packed the same amount of clothing into it and it only weighed in at slightly under 10 pounds.

As for the computer, I had intended to put it in my back pack. The backpack is pretty small so I should have no problem using at as my personal item. Does anyone think otherwise? I've used backpacks in the past as my personal item which was in addition to the 1 carry on item and never had any problems. However, these were domestic flights.

I was just worried the entire 15 pounds might also include the personal item. Apparently that isn't the case.

Has anyone used a duffel bag for carry on before? I measured and its about 22 by 12 by 11 and slightly under that if anything. Therfore, it would be within the 45 inch rule for Cathay Pacific.

Also, should a backpack as the personal item be a problem with Cathay Pacific? Do they allow a book in addition? I thought a book, umbrella, crutch, etc is a given regardless of the carry on and personal items.