I just bought a laptop, and I am using this solution too. I like having the sleeve for when I only take the laptop to a friend's house, etc. For travel, I plan to put the laptop into a regular backpack along with cords, etc. and other carry on items.

Lots of flexiblity and the regular backpack might be less of a target for thiefs.

^ ^ ^
Agree completely about Tom Bihn bags. Mine is not a backpack, I have the Empire Builder shoulder bag--but it is equally well-thought-out and all but indestructible. The waterproof zippers alone (Tom Bihn is based in Seattle, so waterproofing is a priority) are worth the price. Everything I need to carry for work fits in a logical place, and I can get to almost everything in the bag with one hand, without having to take it off my shoulder. I only wish they made a rolling briefcase, for those weeks when I have to carry two laptops.

I have a Tom Bihn too that fits my 17" powerbook (forget the model of bag) really good quality but not bargain basement pricing if I remember.
laptop carrier also is removable for me if I am not carrying laptop.

Me, three. I use a ZeroShock sleeve that is just fantastic (originally recommended by folks here).

Like limeyx a couple of posts up, I also use my Tom Bihn bag for a 17" PB. I like it so much as a backpack that I sometimes use it (minus "brain bag" and laptop) for hikes in the White Mountains when I don't need the big Gregory. The straps do a great job of getting weight down on the hips. You can get cheaper bags, but I don't know of a better price/performance mix.

Can't say from personal experiance, but the booq bags a;ways seem to be well reviewed and loved by people who use them.

AJ

Brenthaven is very good. Never had a problem with the Brenthaven Duo -- and you can remove the padded insert if you want to carry more books instead of the computer.

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-backpacks.html

yeah, I think this is the bag I have

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104

That's mine too, steel color.

Targus backpack
 

Here's one on sale for only $20+tax.

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=338796

I've been using the Jansport Driver for almost a year. It has been a decent bag. The zippers can be a little finicky but have never broken. The Jansport bags are good. I've also used the Hemi, which is basically the same bag, minus the shoulder straps. They are solid but I don't think they are as well built as the eBags.

I am seriously thinking about switching to an eBags model. The rest of my luggage has already been switched so I may as well go for one of their laptop bags too. Their stuff is very well constructed. I am a firm believer in the quality of their stuff. ^

Try REI.com in the outlet section. I bought a Jansport backpack that is pretty professional looking and amazing quality. There is also a few Timbuk2 bags that are incredibly durable. (hint: do a search there for Timbuk2 because a few are not categorized as laptop bags.)

Personal choice is the Orvis Businessmans Backpack. I've used Jansport in the past but was looking for something a little more business friendly. While my mind doesn't like the idea of a backpack for business, my shoulders thank me.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_c...subcat_id=6450

I use a Billabong 2 compartment backpack (plus it has a smallish front pouch that holds a couple pens, etc) ~ heavy duty zippers, the internal liner / separator is heavy duty taurpaulin like material and heavy nylon and piping for the the external. It fits under every seat I have carried on in the past 3 years and is very comfortable to wear. Plus I like the obscurity factor....

My laptop is probably heavier than the pack, though ~ I'd give it up before I'd give up the backpack :D I am lustful for some of the smaller laptops, but cannot justify a new one at this time.

I've got a TravelPro Wall Street backpack. It's pretty good and holds quite a bit of stuff.