SwissGear Synergy backpack
I bought an Compaq Presario r3000z laptop in 2004 and
needed a bag for it and decided on the SwissGear Synergy backpack as it
seemed very well constructed and thoughtout. It turned out to be a very
good decision as I've been happy with it over the years. I didn't see
any high resolution pictures on the web so I thought that I'd put
together a page with pictures with links to high resolution pictures
that I took myself.
This is the front compartment that provides a hook for a keychain, a
pouch for a checkbook or other long and thin objects, a mesh pocket
where I keep my PDA, the holder for a pocketknife and a holder for
something a little bigger behind it. I keep an LED flashlight there. On
the left is some space for pens and pencils and business cards to the
front.
This is the full frontal view. There is a small zippered picked in the
front down low which I find useful for thin items that don't require
frequent access. I usually keep a supply of bandages, allergy
medication there and a PCMCIA wireless card. There are water bottle
holders on both sides and zippered comparments next to them. I'm not
really sure what the zippered pockets are designed for but it can be a
little hard getting things in and out. Perhaps an eyeglass case or
spare shirt?
There's a pouch in the middle of the front which is good for things
that aren't too thick or heavy and for which you need frequent access.
I carry my employee badge there and sometimes use it for a small
paperback or hardcover book. Papers tend to get squished.
This is the big front compatment where you can put textbooks, another
laptop if you have a sleeve, papers and other miscellaneous big and
heavy stuff. There's a front mesh zippered area which I never use. I
typically put books, papers, my power brick, a cordless mouse and other
odd objects. I recently spilled a bag of Hall's Cough Drops in there
and have to clean them out one of these days.
At the top of the backpack is a compartment for a CD player. Since we
don't own a CD player, I use it for general small and light storage.
Sometimes I keep change in here but it usually has a bottle of aspirin,
and sometimes some headphones. It's very convenient for things
often-needed but don't put anything heavy in here.
This compartment holds the laptop in a padded support with a suspension
system to protect your laptop should you put the bag down harshly. The
laptop holder is quite generous as laptops in 2004 weren't as thin and
light as they are today. The MacBook Pro 15 inch swims in the laptop
holder. You can see a zippered pounch on the right. Below that is an
area where you can slide in papers though not too many of them. On the
left, there are two pockets where you can slide CDs or floppies.
This is the view from the back. The light gray areas provide heavy and
breathable padding. There's a shoulder shock-absorber and a waist strap
for stability.
A look at the water bottle holder and zippered pouch behind it.
Updated March 8, 2008. For comments and questions, send email to Vector.x64 @ gmail.com
(without the spaces).
