How do you carry your laptop?

lily · Post by **lily** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:14 am

Hello, I just bought my Buddy and am a newbie in every sense of the word! (To the Buddy, scooter, 2 wheels, etc.) I'm hoping to scoot to work eventually and was wondering how you guys carry your laptop while riding since I've noticed that mine doesn't fit in the seat. I've got a T43 Thinkpad. Thanks!

brat · Post by **brat** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:45 am

Padded back pack or messeger bag. I would not carry it under the seat or in a top case. Way to unprotected.

Susan

lily · Post by **lily** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:50 am

I have a messenger bag - do you just carry it tight across your body? Does it make your weight feel much different when driving? Since I'm a newbie, I'm a little hesitant about carrying it. Does a backpack make it any easier/safer? Thanks!

CRAZEDCOUNTRYREBEL · Post by **CRAZEDCOUNTRYREBEL** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:28 am

I gotta Timbuk2 laptop briefcase, comes with a shoulder strap you can snug up, or strap the thing to a rack if you wanted to. Got mine off ebay though, Timbuks price was too high for my taste.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:32 pm

I like a backpack for my laptop. no not 1/2 as cool looking as a messenger back, but I feel it is more balanced as I have driven with both. I feel I can carry more weight in the backpack as well, as it seems to sit nicely on the seat. I would NOT strap it anywhere on the bike. There is nothing to aborb all the shock.

dru_ · Post by **dru_** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:43 pm

I carried mine in a backpack for a while, but found the bulk to be annoying. I now carry mine in it's padded bag in the topcase. Yeah it's "unprotected" but honestly, if I hit the deck, the laptop is the least of my concerns, and in truth is probably safer in that topcase than with my fat butt landing on it

.

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:49 pm

I installed the rear rack and put a wire shopping basket on it. So I put my backpack with laptop in the basket.

dru_ · Post by **dru_** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:56 pm

peabody99 wrote:I like a backpack for my laptop. no not 1/2 as cool looking as a messenger back, but I feel it is more balanced as I have driven with both. I feel I can carry more weight in the backpack as well, as it seems to sit nicely on the seat. I would NOT strap it anywhere on the bike. There is nothing to aborb all the shock.

I felt the same way regarding the shock, but a couple of things changed my mind. First, modern laptops are designed for use in much rougher environments than early laptops, and that combined with the motion sensors in the PowerBook/MacBook and Thinkpads that stop the hard disks, a laptop, even powered on inside it's padded bag in a topcase isn't at risk from the vibrations of a ride.

The second, oddly enough was a grocery trip. I had to grab some things for my wife. One of those was 2 dozen eggs in the topcase (along with a gallon of milk a bottle of wine, bread, cheese and pork chops ifyou must know

). I wasn't sure it would work, but I figured it was worth a shot. Completely unprotected, two dozen eggs in plastic grocery bags, 8 miles of road construction, much of it the bumpy 'repaving' mess, and I was more concerned with staying upright than driving smoothly for the eggs.

At home, I unloaded, and nothing was any worse for the wear. Not a single egg was broken or cracked. That was the day I learned to love the topcase

.

These days, my laptop goes in and out of the topcase every day several times a day, and a small digital camera lives under the seat 24/7, also in a padded case. Neither is worse for the wear.

In case you are wondering, the bag I use for the laptop is an Incase Sling Pack (available from store.apple.com) in a Givi 450 top case

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:01 pm

you lost me at "modern" laptop..I have a vintage one.

(I am being serious)

ivyall · Post by **ivyall** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:55 pm

Being a newbie as well, and an elementary school teacher, I need to carry a lot of stuff too. I wear a backpack (which doesn't effect my balance), put some stuff in underseat storage and have ordered a rack for the back to put a milk crate on. I just strap things down (I even put my coffee in a thermos in my backpack) and keep on rolling!

Hope this helps,
Ivyall

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:13 pm

I have a BIG laptop (Dell Latitude D820) for work, and I use the padded Dell backpack I bought at the same time. Works great, with lots of room for power brick, lunch, papers, etc.

It's great for commuting, good balance, etc. Also very nice feeling when I ride something other than the commute and don't need it there.

I have thought about the consequences to the laptop in the event of a crash, but frankly it's low on my worries list in that scenario.

A topcase, front and back racks may make lots of sense for hauling stuff, but I really prefer the minimalist look on my scooter.

casey · Post by **casey** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:02 pm

ivyall wrote:Being a newbie as well, and an elementary school teacher, I need to carry a lot of stuff too. I wear a backpack (which doesn't effect my balance), put some stuff in underseat storage and have ordered a rack for the back to put a milk crate on. I just strap things down (I even put my coffee in a thermos in my backpack) and keep on rolling!

Hope this helps,
Ivyall

Another elementary teacher here. I ride with my backpack sometimes, but at a certain point it does tend to overbalance me. I am eventually going to get saddlebags, I think.

lily · Post by **lily** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:07 pm

Thanks so much for the advice, I really appreciate all the posts! It sounds like I should start with my backpack, not the messenger bag.

If you use saddlebags, do you have to install a rack? Does the saddlebag stay on the scooter when you go to work or do you have to carry it with you?

Is a front or rear rack better?

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:24 am

Me?

I keep my laptop attatched to my lapbottom...

Yea... I prefer my front and rear "racks" fully integrated. Having them separate would be way too messy...

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Post by **ericalm** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:57 am

lily wrote:Thanks so much for the advice, I really appreciate all the posts! It sounds like I should start with my backpack, not the messenger bag.

If you use saddlebags, do you have to install a rack? Does the saddlebag stay on the scooter when you go to work or do you have to carry it with you?

Is a front or rear rack better?

I carry an older version of this Ogio Fugitive backpack with a padded laptop compartment that fits a 15" MacBook. I just carry too much stuff for a messenger bag, my laptop doesn't fit in a topcase, and I often have external drives and other stuff in there. Also, much easier on the back.

Saddlebags don't require a rack. They're basically just connected by straps running under the seat. You can either leave it on or take it with you, depending on how secure you feel about where you park. I wouldn't ever carry a laptop in a saddlebag, though. If you have even a minor crash, chances are it will involve falling on the side. There are hard cases for motorcycles, but I doubt any would fit a Buddy.

I hardly ever see anyone actually carry anything on a front rack, though I've heard tales of them being used to cart gas cans, Christmas trees, all kinds of stuff.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:15 pm

The only laptop I have is my cat...and she stays home.

--Keys

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:05 am

My thoughts on a front rack are related to its use as a place to carry tools and spare parts for those long roadtrips... at least, that would be my main reason to put a front rack on any scoot that may (I hope) be in my future. Underseat for the helmet and gloves, saddlebags for clothing, backpack for hydration and foodstuffs and any other incidentals, with possibly a small jerrycan secured to the footboard between my feet. Oh, and I like the idea of a milkcrate on the back rack. Either that, or a softbag for more clothing and toiletries.

Set up like this, I'd be ready to roll for days...

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AxeYrCat · Post by **AxeYrCat** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:31 pm

Keys wrote:The only laptop I have is my cat...and she stays home.

I have a Timbuk2 messenger bag with the padded quilted laptop carrier.

My laptop doesn't come home with me everyday, but it's been fine for my commute every time I've used it.

Basically, any bag (padded, if possible) that you're comfortable riding with will do just fine.

I don't think I'd be willing to risk putting my lappy in a basket or tied down to a rack -- I'd be too concerned that something bad would happen. If something bad happened to it while it was strapped to me, I'd think the laptop would be the least of my concerns.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:24 pm

I have a toshiba portege note pad with all sorts of junk I carry around with it. I use a targus backpack. It JUST fits into my Givi E350 top case!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:23 am

I thought my Ogio was a perfect pack, but this weekend I came across (and should have bought) the Merrell Rapid Pack II. It seemed like every interior surface has some kind of pocket or organizer. There's a laptop pocket which opens from the side. And it expands to 2,340 cubic inches. I may have to go back and snag it...

axiom007 · Post by **axiom007** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:46 pm

I find that I can use a simple leather messanger bag(satchel) and it works beautifully. I have to carry a dell 1505 back and forth. It is not the smallest notebook computer out ther(15.4" screen) but I have had no problems.

golfingirl · Post by **golfingirl** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:09 am

I also use my messenger bag to carry my iBook. I have a bright orange Patagonia one with a huge reflective strip on it. I can snug it up using the chest strap and hip strap. Feels just as secure as any backpack I've had and much more comfortable to carry once off the scooter. With that huge reflective strip, I feel safer wearing it while riding.

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:07 pm

Laptops and other important gear....

Experience last year: Laptop in bookbag, bookbag bungied on to scooter.
It felt secure at all times and also made a sweet backrest.

Problem? Rain. Every inch was spoken for on my scoot. I had no back up option other than to wrap the laptop in an extra cautionary trashbag.
It all went well. Nothing was ruined, thank goodness.

This year I want to get a new system. Think I'm gonna leave some stuff behind and store anything electronic in the topcase. I was thinking about some eggcrate foam padding in the topcase for shock protection.

Anyone ever rig a messenger bag so that it rests near your feet, latched onto seat? Know what I mean?

Photo of gear from last year:

250koala · Post by **250koala** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:01 pm

I got my Mac laptop before the Buddy was even a thought in my head so I got a Vy and Elle laptop bag. These things are made of recycled billboard vinyl. I haven't transported the laptop on the Buddy yet so I'm curious as to what others are using. I plan to get the Vy and Elle laptop backpack on e of these days.

JNV · Post by **JNV** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:47 pm

Boblbee hard shell backpack. It is the best backpack I have ever owned.

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:12 pm

I dont ride to work (office at my house) but I have 3 suggestions for anyone commuting with their laptop.
1 backup
2 backup
3 backup
for my Dell, i use the XP back up & it automatically backs up twice a week to another PC on my network - i dont have to do a thing.
For my MacBook (no work stuff on that) I just backup to a flash drive
-you dont worry about backup... till you loose it all!
Think of a backup as a "helmet" for your important files

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 4:08 am

ScootLemont wrote:I dont ride to work (office at my house) but I have 3 suggestions for anyone commuting with their laptop.
1 backup
2 backup
3 backup
for my Dell, i use the XP back up & it automatically backs up twice a week to another PC on my network - i dont have to do a thing.
For my MacBook (no work stuff on that) I just backup to a flash drive
-you dont worry about backup... till you loose it all!
Think of a backup as a "helmet" for your important files

You have a Flash drive big enough to back a MacBook onto? What kind is it?

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:09 am

sunshinen wrote:I installed the rear rack and put a wire shopping basket on it. So I put my backpack with laptop in the basket.

+1

Waterproof backpack.

I have an older Dell Notebook that has been dropped so many times that I am lead to believe it would survive a nuclear attack.

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:10 am

ericalm wrote: You have a Flash drive big enough to back a MacBook onto? What kind is it?

No... but that would be nice... I didnt want to get to tech with details
I have a 16 GB PNY flash that I back up all my docs & important stuff to from the MacBook. I really am not to worried abut the Mac crashing. If I do I will have to reinstall everything, but at least I will have my stuff.
The Dell with XP, on the other hand, gets a full backup (I have had to reload windows notebooks more than once)

InBloom71 · Post by **InBloom71** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:21 am

I have a laptop with a 15.4" screen and my laptop bag has the laptop going in on its side so the bag is a little taller than it is wide. I also carry a book in it. I found it a bit too heavy having it strapped around my shoulder while riding. I would try to keep it resting on the seat behind me but after a few bumps it would slide a bit and hang off to the side like I carry it. Yesterday I found that down by my feet is not a bad place. The top handle of the bag just barely reached the helmet hook by the glove box and I have my heels by the passenger foot rests and keep my toes against the bottom of my bag. This is probably less shocking to the laptop than anywhere else you can strap it down. With the bag down there, I enjoy my ride to and from work much more. It has come unhooked from the helmet hook on a few big bumps but all it does is rock back against my shins and I just reached down and hung it back on the hook. I have not had time to modify the hook a little. It just needs to be a half inch or so longer and I would probably have to crash for it to fall off.

kuruku · Post by **kuruku** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:28 am

I've got a 15" Macbook pro and so far I've used my every day backpack. Its padded in the middle and suspended. For days I think it will rain I toss on my neoprene shell just in case. I think the brand is STM but I'm not sure. Picked it up at ye ol' local Microcenter.

As an added bonus it has some reflective bits on the front and back, plus a bunch of buttons that I'm sure don't hurt either

As for balance issues I haven't noticed any. I wear it snug in the chest (has a chest strap) so it doesn't shift on me at all. Minus the extra weight I hardly know its there.

JoshuaKane · Post by **JoshuaKane** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:15 pm

ScootLemont wrote:I dont ride to work (office at my house) but I have 3 suggestions for anyone commuting with their laptop.
1 backup
2 backup
3 backup
for my Dell, i use the XP back up & it automatically backs up twice a week to another PC on my network - i dont have to do a thing.
For my MacBook (no work stuff on that) I just backup to a flash drive
-you dont worry about backup... till you loose it all!
Think of a backup as a "helmet" for your important files

5 words

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery!

http://www.symantec.com/business/produc ... vid=1601_1

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:12 pm

I ride with mine in a simple messenger bag. The laptop itself is in a sleevecase by WaterField Designs and was more expensive than the bag itself but totally worth it. My wife's laptop flew off her car at 50mph in one of these sleevecases and lived.

I don't feel a ton of weight shift until I overload the bag. Also when it's super windy the bag does blow around a bit. Anyone have any real-life reviews of the new Corazzo bags? I'm drooling over them.

How about Chrome bags? Are they really waterproof? For the price they oughta be!

vaderscoot · Post by **vaderscoot** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:48 pm

i dont know about a laptop but i carry my pool cues tight accross my back and it didnt change ite ride any

lily wrote:I have a messenger bag - do you just carry it tight across your body? Does it make your weight feel much different when driving? Since I'm a newbie, I'm a little hesitant about carrying it. Does a backpack make it any easier/safer? Thanks!

kuruku · Post by **kuruku** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:28 pm

JoshuaKane wrote:
5 words

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery!

http://www.symantec.com/business/produc ... vid=1601_1

Two words, Time Machine (for the win)

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:21 pm

kuruku wrote:
JoshuaKane wrote:
5 words

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery!

http://www.symantec.com/business/produc ... vid=1601_1
Two words, Time Machine (for the win)

well played.

ladyofthelake · Post by **ladyofthelake** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:53 pm

I too am very new to the scooter world, but thoroughly in love with my buddy. I recently purchased a topcase and a front wire basket. Am I going to notice a tremendous weight difference? Even though I am trying to "minimize" in my life, I cannot make it out the door without my purse, the carry tote, the lunch, etc......

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:40 am

ladyofthelake wrote:I too am very new to the scooter world, but thoroughly in love with my buddy. I recently purchased a topcase and a front wire basket. Am I going to notice a tremendous weight difference? Even though I am trying to "minimize" in my life, I cannot make it out the door without my purse, the carry tote, the lunch, etc......

I haul at least 20 pounds worth of stuff with me on my commute. Whether you notice a difference depends on how much you carry and, to some degree, how much you weigh. Scooters are somewhat sensitive to weight, but unless you're hauling 40 pounds of whatever it won't make too much of a difference in performance.

Then again, I feel like my scooter notices every time I have a bag of M&Ms.

Modern Buddy

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