Swiss Gear SA1923 Black TSA Friendly ScanSmart Laptop Backpack - Fits Most 15 Inch Laptops and Tablets

Overall I really like this bag, and would recommend for purchase, as its good value for the price. Some things to be aware of however: 1. Large gromets would let water into the two side pockets if it rained on the bag, or it got splashed. I would have liked to see better weather proofing. 2. The main stuff pocket has a rather small opening at the top. Not a big deal, but I like a full width opening at the top. 3. The pocket separators in the main stuff pocket dont attach to the bottom of the bag, which is fine for papers/folders, etc... but if I put something small in the front of this pocket, it ends up shifting back and lying under the separator pockets. I have to do more hunting than is necessary for these items when they do shift (headphones, or small notebook, etc...) 4. being left handed, I am somewhat miffed that the laptop section only opens on the right hand side, but I do like the side opening pocket and the padding.

Been very happy with this bag. its a good size for a laptop computer, and has a nice padded compartment against your back for carrying the computer. I find the side-opening zipper of the computer compartment convenient and easy for slipping my iBook in and out. There is enough space in the other compartments to store cord/charger, thumb drives, and assorted things like pens and notebook. I especially like the sturdy top handle for carrying the bag in hand, rather than on my back. The one complaint I have about carrying it this way, however, is the length of the straps. The adjustment straps for the shoulders are long enough that when I carry the bag using the handle, they drag on the ground. There is no place to secure them other than maybe knotting them around each other. But in that case, you cant really fling the bag over the shoulder. The bag is a little bit on the heavy side - but this is a byproduct of the sturdy build. The zippers have functioned well, and overall, the bag is comfortable on the back, or in hand. I feel that the computer is protected and secure. And it doesnt really look like anything other than a knapsack, so presumably, not a target for would-be thieves. Like the size. Big enough to carry the stuff I carry when carrying my laptop, and has enough space to bring along other necessities when traveling on a plane as a small carry-on. But not so big that it becomes cumbersome.

I dont remember where (or when) I bought this, but the sister to this pack was with me for almost 10 years, maybe longer. I just know, it was always there. It has been my book bag, travel bag, overnight bag and general all-around companion. I carried it with me over the pond as my carry on more time than I can count. Its been to 12 countries and on more flights than most people. Ive tossed it, drug it through airports, taken it camping and generally abused it through countless excursions. And it always held up fantastically... until it didnt. When I realized the should strap was beginning to separate and fray I almost cried. When I found a growing hole in the bottom corner, I did cry. But... it was time to retire the old girl and I came on Amazon to find a replacement. I thought about other bags, but this one is just perfect for every occasion. The back pocket is the right size for my laptop, and the front compartment, my overnight clothes (a change and a bit extra). The front pocket is perfect for cosmetics and toiletries. The side pockets are excellent for a bottle of body wash and a brush. The other inner pocket will hold my sketch pad and pencils and the small front pocket my chargers and headphones. For classes, it fits books exactly as it should. For flights, its amazing and fits perfectly under the seat and is just the right size as a carry-on. You wont do better than this amazing bag. Nothing lasts forever, but as long as Swiss keeps selling this bag, Ill be there. See you in another 10 years!

I have been using this backpack daily for four months now, and its been holding up well to the abuse. I generally carry the following: - A 15.6 inch HP laptop - Power cord for said laptop - Extension cord for power at coffee shops - Power spliter so I can get power at coffee shops - Books of various sizes (for the most part, small - about 5x8 on average, 1/2 - 1 thick) - First aid kit - External Hard Drive - etc. As you can see, I carry a LOT of stuff, generally running about 25lbs worth of stuff in my backpack at any given time. I was hesitant to buy this backpack initially due to reviews about breaking straps, but so far I havent had any issues with it. Now, for me, I would prefer to have a bit more room in the backpack, but thats just because, as mentioned earlier, I carry a LOT of stuff. For the pro/con list people: Pros: - Good padding on the back, pretty comfortable - Decent number of pockets. Two large (one only for laptop, one for laptop + accessories), one medium sized (should be able to fit an iPad), and at least five small pockets (one hidden inside the medium pocket. - Fits my 15.6 laptop perfectly - Two water bottle carrying slots Cons: - The side zipper pockets cant carry much if you use water bottles since they interfere with each other. - Could use a bit more padding on the bottom of the backpack

So as the title says, I would like to specifically address the topic of the size of this backpack. Ive read MULTIPLE reviews that say it will fit a Dell XPS 17 (which is about 17.4). Within 10 mins after I post this review, I should have two pictures up for you, showing you the fit of the XPS 17 and another of the tag that says Fits up to a 15 laptop. So, if you are willing to struggle a bit, it actually will fit the Dell XPS 17 laptop, but this is EXTREMELY tight. Its just trying to squeeze that one last corner. If you have a laptop that is just 1/2 an inch or more smaller, I feel positive it would fit. Sadly, without a struggle and the risk of breaking the zipper or scratching the laptop corner, I just cant safely say youd want this backpack for a 17 laptop. Now to confirm the other reviews, it is a great backpack. It feels sturdy, strong, and has plenty of space. It fits my large 32 oz waterbottle in either side as well. Two small pockets on the front, one with place for ipod and the other with spaces for pens/pencils. Two pockets on either side, underneath the waterbottle holders. These pockets are about 3/4 the height of the whole backpack, so nice to fit many things. Then three main pockets, one for the laptop, one thin one, probably only paper/folders would fit here. And then the last one is fairly big, enough so to hold a large textbook, binders, etc. So a great backpack for anyone with a laptop under 17.

I really like this backpack! It is so convenient to have the ScanSmart feature when going through airport security! The laptop compartment unzips to allow you separate the laptop from the rest of the backpack. This backpack has lots of storage compartments like many other reviewers have mentioned. I was able to carry my laptop, DSLR camera, a couple of changes of clothes, several magazines and books, and still could have packed more. Of course it was pretty heavy at that point, so I wouldnt have wanted to pack more. My point is that you can carry a lot with this backpack! It seems like it is good quality and will last a long time. However, this is a pretty large backpack. Im a pretty big guy (64) so it fits me fine, but it looks a little silly when my wife wears it. So you may want to get a smaller size backpack if you dont want to look like a pack mule.

At first, I liked the pack a lot. It seemed well-built, has pockets everywhere, plenty of room and is TSA-friendly. (No more removing the laptop through the scanner). Theres plenty of room for my 15 MacbookPro which is stored securely and is well-padded. After daily use for about 7 months the pack is showing its age. Im constantly forgetting to close all the zippers (its hard to tell when theyre open with the black-on-black color). It no longer wants to sit upright, but is always falling over. A couple of the zippers dont glide smoothly any more, but get hung up. Finally, some of the interior pockets are getting loose and floppy. Even so, its a better pack then I had before and Ill probably keep using it until it falls apart, but I cant say if this is one of the better SwissGear backpacks. SwissGear packs seem everywhere and I expected a little better quality. The pack is reasonably lightweight and I got it at a decent price. I would call it a good, but not great backpack.

I do a lot of travel, both personally and with the military, and a durable carry on bag is essential for having a good trip. Ive never been a fan of rolling suit cases because it seems every time I get onto the plane, the overheads are full of bags that just barely make the cut off and Im stuck putting my things half way across the airplane. With this bag, you can safely stow it under the seat in front of you and have easy access to all of your things. I always make sure to have a system so I know exactly where my things are. Front pocket for phone and 3DS, upper front for charger, bottle of water in a side pocket and my tablet and a quick change of clothes for emergencies inside. So far this bag has gone on multiple flights and road trips and has held up beautifully. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a travel companion

Nice quality and functional as well. Could use more padding in the laptop compartment - so you have to carefully drop it when you put it down. Also: front department kind of unstable when open and things can fall out when the zipper is not closed. Same for the other zippers: if they are not closed properly , things can fall out. Once you know the shortcomings you can adjust your behavior and it is just fine - for the money. Update December 3rd One the back straps is starting to separate..I am carrying the equivalent of 2 laptops..probably not made for the weight..downgraded to 3 starts... Update Feb 2013 Need to replace it soon...doesnt last.. June 2013 - UPDATE !! Free Replacement with Redesigned Version by SwissGear They just send a replacement. I am pretty sure that they redesigned the area around the straps and got rid of the elastic material. That should hold much more weight than before. I previously replaced it with a different brand for 100 USD..still like this one better. Thanks SwissGear ! Greast deal for the money !

This backpack case is simply fantastic for its primary goal of getting you through airport (or other) security checkpoints quickly, and its great for regular day-to-day use, as well. My backpack usually carries a Macbook, iPad, an old iPhone converted into basically an iTouch, and all of the accessories and power cables and headphones that would accompany those three. I also carry a few notepads, pens, and other assorted productivity and notetaking supplies. On trips it may sometimes also carry snacks, a hoodie or one of my daughters blankets, stuffed animals, etc ... all while still carrying and protecting my electronics. Going through airport security with this has been a breeze. I simply unzip the large main pocket and lay it flat. Im through the line and quickly on to my gate while others are repacking their laptop cases and getting flaps flipped back over and tethered or zipped down or whatever. Its really quick and handy. I do recommend that you prep for the security check by not having snacks, hoodies, blankets, stuffed animals, or whatever else in that large pocket. Think about the fact that youll be laying that wide open for the scan and keep it empty. You can always re-organize whats in the bag after the scan. For regular use, its just as handy. I like the extra side pockets to hold a water bottle or an umbrella, or whatever else. I cant recommend this highly enough. Ive used many laptop and iPad cases over the past few years while getting from point A to point B, and this one is probably my favorite. The one extremely tiny complaint that I could have with this is that its a bit TOO roomy in the storage areas. If there were a slightly (very slightly) smaller version of this bag, I would probably go for that. Even having some sort of adjustable padding to really hold a smaller laptop or Macbook a bit tighter would be great. Also, bear in mind that this is not a hard case and does not provide that level of protection. There is adequate padding around the computer areas for normal protection, but if you toss this around and drop it on the concrete, you will likely have a damaged laptop. Thats pretty much common sense, I would think, but its worth mentioning.