Monday 29 March 2010

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black/Gray)

This is a solidly constructed laptop backpack with all the modern acoutrements like water bottle pouch, side pockets, carabiner slot, and iPod organizer. It is also quite comfortable to wear, even after long periods of carting it around (airports and to the client site for me).

The cons are that the backpack has no handle/strap that will slide over your rollerboard handle to make carrying easier. The backpack is not big by any means and I find myself space constrained unlike my previous Targus backpack. Additionally, the zipper frequently jams or gets stuck, causing me unnecessary effort in trying to open the pouches.

One thing I would recommend to any interested buyer is to try this laptop backpack out in person before purchasing.

Monday 22 March 2010

The New SwissGear Computer Backpack (Red)

I periodically am able to get computer backpacks for my work computer at work and have for years. The last one that I bought just didn't have the number of pockets and sections that were well organized to fit the items that I carry everyday. Saw this one on Amazon and decided to give it a try, especially at the price! It has

1)a big section at the back for the laptop (built-in padded sleeve with elastic strap to hold it in place),

2)middle section which is very large and has a zippered mesh pocket, 2 dividers that come half way up from the bottom, a "media pocket" which holds my iPod touch in one section and cds/dvds in the larger section,

3)a smaller but very roomy section that contains an organizer pouch with a zipper pocket, cell phone pocket and the usual pen and pencil slots,

4)small section / pocket on the outside on the front toward the top that I use for id badge, keys and smaller items,

5)adjustable straps with cell phone pocket on one side and a slot to hang sunglasses on the other,

6)clip for keys attached to the side of the handle,

7)zippered side pockets at the bottom on each side that should be able to hold 12 oz beverage cans although I have never used them for that.

This is well built and over the last 6 weeks mine has been loaded and hauled around every business day without any problems. One question that I ask people to gauge their satisfaction with something, whether a movie or product, is "would you buy / see / do it again?". My answer to that question on this backpack would be ABSOLUTELY and without hesitation.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black)

I recently purchased this laptop bag to carry electronic items for a two week trip out of the country. My wife and I took a week-long cruise of the Caribbean for our wedding and then spent a week in Mexico on our honeymoon. When I first received this bag, I took one look at it and said, "No way this thing will hold everything". It proved me wrong and wrong again as I began loading it up with our travel necessities.

It held my 15-inch laptop with extended battery without a problem. Then I packed in our digital SLR camera with extended zoom lens (which was already packed in its own bulky carrying case)! I added several other components including a Sony PSP in carrying case, iPod touch, cell phone, and various other trinkets we didn't want to check. Everything fit and there was still room to spare!

I was very happy to have all of my expensive items with me during the whole trip and not have to worry about them being rummaged through as a checked bag. I took this with me on several ports of call off the cruise ship and while exploring Mexico (not always with every item of course though). This bag held up perfectly and I can't recommended it enough.

Friday 12 March 2010

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

In today's economic atmosphere, it's hard to find a good value for your dollar. I don't know about you, but it seems manufacturers of products and service providers are gradually cutting back here and there, never dropping their prices. It seems we are gradually getting less of something, while constantly paying more. Enter the Canon SX20.

This is where cutbacks stop and value for your dollar goes through the roof. Ten years ago you'd only dream of having a compact still camera that takes quality pictures like this along with pure, crisp, sharp, and great sounding HD video! Easy to use, although a little bulky, it has a solid feel in the hands and takes fantastic telephoto shots! A couple of drawbacks are the continuous photo option which snaps pictures at a measly 1 per second, and the fact that a full users manual in print is not included in the package (however a pdf format on disc is included, and we all have computers nowadays don't we?).

My friends and I used to judge our digital cameras on how well they could take a night shot of the moon. Generally, all we'd get is a bright white spot. With the SX20, you'll be amazed at what the moon can look like! Blow up your shots, and you might even see some inhabitants!

Thursday 11 March 2010

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black/Light Gray)

I took a chance when I ordered this bag on Amazon and boy did it pay off. I own a Dell Studio 1537 Laptop (15.4 in screen) and was a little worried about the fit of it into this backpack/ bag because the last bag I owned claimed to fit a laptop of my size and it didn't. Turns out, this bag was the perfect solution to my problem. Even though the the laptop fits really snug in its compartment, it's not so bad as to where you cant easily insert and remove it.

The laptop compartment is well padded and even has breathable mesh on the wearers side to ventilate any heat that may be present. Other features include a: mobile phone pocket/ water bottle pockets/ a slot to route headphone cords to an mp3 player so the wearer and listen to their tunes on the go/ multiple organizing slots for pens, pecils, credit cards/ passports/ i.d's/ etc/ even a sunglass holder on one of the straps. Speaking of the straps.

The straps are padded for extra comfort. In adition to all of the named compartments, this bag has multiple slots for any little knick knack or gadget you can think of. If I really wanted to, I could probably carry my laptop, psp, ipod touch, digital camera, all the peripherals, a portable harddrive and still have room for 2 to 3 text books. This bag is a must have for any college student or person with a lot of electronic gadgets on the go.

I would highly recommend this purchase and if for some reason this bag was ruined I'd replace it in a heartbeat.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Gray/Red)



When I moved to Portland Oregon I swore I would not join the ranks of backpack toting commuters. I continued to carry my east coast attache/tote bag refusing to succumb. But it wasn't easy carrying my personal coffee cup, my frugal recession busting lunch, my book for reading on the bus, an umbrella in case it rains, a hat in case it doesn't rain and gets cold instead. You get the picture. I struggled but I resisted.

The I visited my tailor to have some sleeves hemmed and she remarked on how much lower my right shoulder was than my left. I gave in and went backpack shopping on Amazon .

I decided to purchase an inexpensive backpack. I wanted one that would hold my laptop on a plane trip, was reflective for walking home from my bus stop in the dark, was not too large, with outside holders for the above mentioned personal coffee cup and umbrella.

This SwissGear Computer Backpack is perfect. It was inexpensive and attractive. It seems pretty well built for the price and holds far more than I expected. I also discovered that walking without fussing with a shoulder bag was more balanced. I started hopping off my bus earlier and walking the rest of the way to work.

If you are looking for a snazzy professional backpacking bag this is not it. But for the average bus or MAX commute, it's great. It's easy to slip the straps on and off and has a neat hand hold on top.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Red)

The review is for the latest top of the range SwissGear Computer Backpack (Red)].
The product is good but not upto the mark that we expect from Swissgear. The stitching has loose threads at the ends. The product picture that comes with the product is for SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black) where the organizer pouch is shown as open all the way.

In  latest top of the range   SwissGear Computer Backpack (Red)] the organizer pouch does not open all the way and it very difficult to get to the pen and pencils stored here. This back pack has excellent quality and finish. Very sturdy and has lots of compartments for storing items. Very light weight and tough exterior.

I'm very happy with the purchase of this backpack.  Good quality materials, great price & plenty of room for my laptop and stuff.  I would highly recommend this backpack to anyone.