Transporting my Laptop

[CuriousToronto]

Hello everyone:

I know there are a ton of threads on laptops. AND the common wisdom is don't bring it!

I, however, have no choice. Taking notes in a law class is absolutely a pain and there's no way I could do it without my laptop. Besides it makes outlining for exams so much easier. I really need to bring it.

My question is how should I transport it? I'll be leaving at the Cite U. That's the last stop within Paris proper on the RER B line (going south). From there I'll have to travel to Luxembourg (RER B) which is exactly three stops away. Now I'll insure it before leaving but even so I'd prefer not to have it stolen.

How should I transport it? I'm guessing my laptop bag is ridiculously out of the question. Which then leaves me with the option of putting it inside my backpack. Now, I've never gone on the Paris RER during rush hour in the summer but I'm guessing it's common courtesy to take your backpack off your shoulders and put it on the floor. Leaving me open to thieves.

What to do!?! Any suggestions? I don't trust those Gypsies!


Thanks everyone!

[MuvverRussia]

Why is your laptop bag out of the question? I've got a jansport lapstation and it looks like any other jansport daysack - also the laptop compartment is in the back, so it's impossible to open it when you are wearing it.

If you really can't use a laptop bag, you can get these neoprene sleeves which are meant to work pretty well. Also, as long as it's camouflaged ok you should be fine - the theft risk is exactly the same as it would be if you weren't carrying it.

[LHR02]

My daughter in law just got a fabulous backpack that also holds her laptop. Like Muvver said it is the 'back' compartment (next to you) and virtually impossible to open if the pack is on. It's a good size 'school' pack that holds several books as well. If you are interested in something like this I'll ask her what brand and where she got it. Her's normally weighs about 30 pounds (!) fully loaded with 'puter and books and it's a very well made, substantial pack. I'd reccomend something like this.

ging

(she's online right now....I'll ask her about it just in case)

[LHR02]

Okay...got her...she said it is by Jansport and she bought it at REI but it available online all over the place. And, she is very happy with it. A nice padded slot for the laptop and plenty of room for her books and lunch. And the laptop area is very secure.

[jennifer]

How much did it cost, do you know?

[LHR02]

About $80 more or less

That's a bit high for your 'average' daypack...but it does contain a well padded laptop slot.....

[jennifer]

it's well worth it to protect your laptop!

[jennifer]

cute picture of Lizzy by the way!

[CuriousToronto]

Hello everyone:

I've been in and out of the house these past two days so I hadn't really gotten a chance to reply. Thanks for all the info though!

The reason I originally said my laptop bag was out of the question is that I usually use my shoulder, black, laptop bag that screams "steal me!" I use it 'cause I like having things beside me. Of course it kills my shoulder so sometimes I'll use a sleeve and put it in my regular MEC daypack.

I had looked at laptop backpacks in the past. The original reason I decided not to get one is 'cause the capacity once you had your laptop in there was rather small. And law books tend to be rather huge and we usually bring them to class.

I'll look into all of the stuff you guy have suggested. I may just end up buying an equivalent here at MEC. But I will buy something.

Thanks!

[LHR02]

That's why I suggest what my dil has....she's in college as well and hauls all her books around with her! The one she got is big.....as she said, it holds the laptop, her books and her lunch.

[GaryMcDonald]

I have the same delima. I will be at the Faculty of Laws in Utrecht for a couple of months and will be bringing my laptop. I got a bag at ebags:

www.ebags.com/sumdex/large_laptop_sleeve/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15611

use : to find one for yours:

www.ebags.com/info/laptop_center/index.cfm?fuseaction=laptop_center

The bag is sturdy enough to pack in your main bag.