Backpack for DSLR, 17" Alienware & HD handheld cam

[JohnnyScience]

Ok I know I've seen them out there I just cant remember which ones are which.

I really liked the 3 compartment backpacks:

computer
DSLR in the bottom (that may also be accessed from the side)
Video cam section in the top part above the DSLR

I think I remember seeing a squarer looking black one that was really "low pro" (not the company, just the fact that it wasnt "flashy")

Any ideas?

[themadman]

Well... Lowepro does make quite a few backpacks hat more of less fit your description. I would recommend checking them out.

[hollis_f]

I'm familiar with this problem, because it's one that I have. The difficulty is figuring out if the Alienware can fit in the laptop compartment. 'Fits most 17" laptops' is normally the only description you get. But the AW is bigger than most. I have been told by a salesperson at a show that she used the ThinkTank Shape-Shifter for her M17x. But that's not a three compartment bag. I may have to take my M17x to Focus on Imaging in a couple of weeks and try a few bags out.

[JohnnyScience]

I'm familiar with this problem, because it's one that I have. The difficulty is figuring out if the Alienware can fit in the laptop compartment. 'Fits most 17" laptops' is normally the only description you get. But the AW is bigger than most. I have been told by a salesperson at a show that she used the ThinkTank Shape-Shifter for her M17x. But that's not a three compartment bag. I may have to take my M17x to Focus on Imaging in a couple of weeks and try a few bags out.

Hmm the shape shifter is not a bad choice at all though!

I'd still like to keep searching a little to find the 3 compartment bag like a tamroc or something, but it HAS to fit a 17" Alienware... thats the laptop I'm getting for sure.

[Taurance]

Hey there is another thread with a similar feel to this one.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=809033

[JohnnyScience]

Ok so the dimensions on the Alienware 17" (from dells website) is:

Dimensions: (W)16.1" (D)12.6" (H)2.1"

Now thats kind of backwards since most bags are 12" Wide & 19" high

So I guess that will fit right? Basically just sideways? I dont care how it sits in there as long as its safe...

I really like the Lowpro 350, it says it can do 17", (the 250 only does a 15.5" laptop) but

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-350,2087,14.htm

I do really like the Think Tank too:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/shape-shifter-backpack.aspx

And according to Hollis it will fit the Alienware...

Its not 3 compartment though like the Lowpro, but can still fit everything none the less.

I just like the way you can swing the back around on on the low pro to your shoulder & have access to open it up & grab your camera right out for quick shooting...

[JohnnyScience]

Actually now that I look at the specs, the Alienware is 2.1" thick & the Fastpack only has a 1.5" Deep pocket for a laptop

This one is similar, but isnt 3 compartment, but it only offers 1.9" deep...

http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuTrekker-Plus-AW,1925,16.htm

[Saint728]

The Think Tank one is twice the price of the Lowepro Fastpack 350, not only that but it doesn't fit as much stuff in it as the Lowepro. I have the Lowepro Fastpack 350 and it has more then enough room in there for a 17" laptop and all my gear.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[JohnnyScience]

The Think Tank one is twice the price of the Lowepro Fastpack 350, not only that but it doesn't fit as much stuff in it as the Lowepro. I have the Lowepro Fastpack 350 and it has more then enough room in there for a 17" laptop and all my gear.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Really? Hows the overall quality of the bag?

The Lowpro 350 is my winning choice right now... but are you sure it can fit a 17
Alienware thats 2" thick?

Can you hook a smaller tripod on the 350?

[Saint728]

Really? Hows the overall quality of the bag?

The Lowpro 350 is my winning choice right now... but are you sure it can fit a 17
Alienware thats 2" thick?

Can you hook a smaller tripod on the 350?

The quality of the bag is well made and they thought of everything when designing the bag. I can fit my 17" Toshiba Satellite in there and its at least 2 inches thick. I haven't tried to fit a tripod on there, but you might be able to strap it on if you try.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[JohnnyScience]

The quality of the bag is well made and they thought of everything when designing the bag. I can fit my 17" Toshiba Satellite in there and its at least 2 inches thick. I haven't tried to fit a tripod on there, but you might be able to strap it on if you try.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Awesome sounds great, thanks for the feedback.

Any ideas on who has a great deal on the Lowpro 350? (I'll look on ebay here soon...)

[niqqunos]

How about a Tamrac Expedition 6x?

Linky here (http://www.tamrac.com/5586.htm).

[Saint728]

How about a Tamrac Expedition 6x?

Linky here (http://www.tamrac.com/5586.htm).

The OP asked for a backpack that can fit a 17" laptop in there. The one you linked can fit only a 14.1" laptop.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[JohnnyScience]

yeah found it in the instructions, I wasnt putting it through the buckle... trying it now.

[JohnnyScience]

Hey thanks again guys, I've found the Lowepro Fastpack 350 on ebay for around $60, thats a steal! I'm bidding on one now!

[hollis_f]

I do really like the Think Tank too:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/shape-shifter-backpack.aspx

And according to Hollis it will fit the Alienware..

Well, according to the salesperson I was speaking to, it'll fit. Not tried it myself.

Hey thanks again guys, I've found the Lowepro Fastpack 350 on ebay for around $60, thats a steal! I'm bidding on one now!

Stop!!!!!

I own a Fastpack 350 and the M17x doesn't fit in the laptop section. It's not even close.

[JohnnyScience]

Well, according to the salesperson I was speaking to, it'll fit. Not tried it myself.



Stop!!!!!

I own a Fastpack 350 and the M17x doesn't fit in the laptop section. It's not even close.

Aww man are you sure? It seems like the dimensions would fit if you just turn it sideways wont it?

Is it just too thick?

I was really set on the 3 compartment Fastpack style...

How much bigger is the M17 over Saint728's Toshiba Satellite?

[Saint728]

Not sure how big the M17 is, I've never seen one, but my 17" Toshiba Satellite that is at least 2" thick fits in there fine. The measurements to mine are 16 3/4 inches in length, 11 3/8 inches in width and 2 inches thick.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

[JohnnyScience]

Not sure how big the M17 is, I've never seen one, but my 17" Toshiba Satellite that is at least 2" thick fits in there fine. The measurements to mine are 16 3/4 inches in length, 11 3/8 inches in width and 2 inches thick.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

the dimensions on the Alienware 17" (from dells website) is:

Dimensions: (W)16.1" (D)12.6" (H)2.1"

Its literally almost the same dimensions... But Hollis says he has both & it doesnt fit?

Perhaps turn it a different direction or something?

[profec291]

I didn't read the whole thread, but I think the Lowepro Compu Rover will fit your needs...big compartment for the laptop, room for your DSLR, lens, HD cam & space for misc. gear.

[pyrojim]

I use the Naneu Alpha L.

although i just realied you have a 17 inch alienware.....which is a monster laptop...

[JohnnyScience]

I didn't read the whole thread, but I think the Lowepro Compu Rover will fit your needs...big compartment for the laptop, room for your DSLR, lens, HD cam & space for misc. gear.

Hey that is a nice alternative & has the 3 compartments I like. Let me get to the bottom of this Fastrack 350 deal & keep you posted.

Thanks.

[monk3y]

I just got the naneu alpha L yesterday... very very nice bag. but very very difficult to get your camera out in a hurry haha

[JohnnyScience]

the dimensions on the Alienware 17" (from dells website) is:

Dimensions: (W)16.1" (D)12.6" (H)2.1"

Its literally almost the same dimensions... But Hollis says he has both & it doesnt fit?

Perhaps turn it a different direction or something?

I guess I'm still out on the fence with this one & need a little more confirmation...

[JohnnyScience]

Aww man are you sure? It seems like the dimensions would fit if you just turn it sideways wont it?

Is it just too thick?

I was really set on the 3 compartment Fastpack style...

How much bigger is the M17 over Saint728's Toshiba Satellite?

hoping to hear more from hollis...

[hollis_f]

hoping to hear more from hollis...

OK, just dug the old Fastpack out of storage and the M17x definitely don't fit in there. It's close, but no amount of squeezing would get the thing closed. Here's an image showing it sticking out...

http://www.frankhollis.com/temp/350%20vs%20M17x.jpg

[JohnnyScience]

OK, just dug the old Fastpack out of storage and the M17x definitely don't fit in there. It's close, but no amount of squeezing would get the thing closed. Here's an image showing it sticking out...

http://www.frankhollis.com/temp/350%20vs%20M17x.jpg

And you said you have the Fastpack 350 right? So is it too thick or too wide? What happens if you turn it 90*?

[hollis_f]

And you said you have the Fastpack 350 right?

Yup, the 250 is only designed for a 15" laptop.

So is it too thick or too wide?

It's a combination of the front-back depth and the top-bottom height. It really is very close, just a few mm shorter in those dimensions and I'm sure it would fit in there.

What happens if you turn it 90*?

Believe me, when I first got the M17x, I did try absolutely everything to make it fit, because I like the Fastpack. But it just wasn't going to get in there without some drastic mutilation of the bag (and I seriously thought of doing something along those lines).

[JohnnyScience]

Yup, the 250 is only designed for a 15" laptop.



It's a combination of the front-back depth and the top-bottom height. It really is very close, just a few mm shorter in those dimensions and I'm sure it would fit in there.



Believe me, when I first got the M17x, I did try absolutely everything to make it fit, because I like the Fastpack. But it just wasn't going to get in there without some drastic mutilation of the bag (and I seriously thought of doing something along those lines).

haha so what bag have you been using that fits your M17x?

[hollis_f]

haha so what bag have you been using that fits your M17x?

I haven't. I've got a crappy cheap laptop bag from Tesco (similar to Walmart) for the M17x and I carry it separate from the camera gear. Since I got a netbook I hardly ever take the M17x out anyway. I wanted to check the ThinkTank options out at Focus on Imaging this weekend, but the stand was too crowded for me.

[JohnnyScience]

I haven't. I've got a crappy cheap laptop bag from Tesco (similar to Walmart) for the M17x and I carry it separate from the camera gear. Since I got a netbook I hardly ever take the M17x out anyway. I wanted to check the ThinkTank options out at Focus on Imaging this weekend, but the stand was too crowded for me.

hmm. Too bad. Please let me know if you ever figure anything out.

Also the new alienware 17" are the same exact dimensions as the one you have now?

[hollis_f]

Also the new alienware 17" are the same exact dimensions as the one you have now?

From what I've read I don't think the externals have changed.