Smart Alec better choice?

[TXGirl]

I have a HP Elitebook 6930P that I carry for my work laptop. Along with my laptop I also carry the brick power adapter, wireless mouse, lunch bag, 2 bottles of water, a notebook or 2, my med cafe bag, and occasionally an umbrella.

According to the laptop fit guide, it says I need the 3S vertical braincell (which I didn't see available) and it would fit in the Smart Alec or Brain Bag.
I'm not too worried about the braincell as I can get a cache to fit in the Smart Alec; or my other option is to get the horizontal braincell to fit in the Brain Bag.

I think the Smart Alec is the better choice for my daily load but would love to hear any other suggestions. The dimensions of laptop are 13.0" x 9.6" x 1.2"

[lotuseater]

Your preference is for a backpack rather than a shoulder bag? If you go for the Smart Alec, there are distinct advantages of having a correctly configured Brain Cell (ie vertical rather than horizontal) over a cache. The Brain Cell is suspended within the Smart Alec via the clips, which reduces the chance of damage compared with anything sitting in the bottom of the bag. A horizontal Brain Cell's clip straps won't line up with the bag. Also much of the protection from a Brain Cell comes from the sleeve which keeps the laptop inside from touching the bottom. Turn the Brain Cell on its side, and you lose that advantage. A cache has no means of being clipped to any of the bags.

I carry a similarly sized laptop daily, and I have found Tom Bihn's shoulder bags to be better suited to my needs than the backpacks. You might consider the Zephyr as a briefcase style, or the Ego as a messenger bag style. If only there was a slightly larger Ristretto...

[TXGirl]

Thanks lotuseater for the feedback! After much consideration, I think I would be better off with a messenger style bag vs a backpack. I think I've narrowed it down to an Ego. I now just need to decide what color I want.

[misterN]

Thanks lotuseater for the feedback! After much consideration, I think I would be better off with a messenger style bag vs a backpack. I think I've narrowed it down to an Ego. I now just need to decide what color I want.

You won't be disappointed. I love my Super Ego that I have currently.

[TXGirl]

You don't be disappointed. I love my Super Ego that I have currently.

Actually, it was the closeup pics of your Super Ego that helped me decide

[misterN]

Actually, it was the closeup pics of your Super Ego that helped me decide

I'm glad that I could help!

[TXGirl]

Well I finally decided what color Ego I wanted & placed my order tonight. I went with the Black/Black/Cayenne with Wasabi strip. Oh and also ordered an organizer wallet in kiwi. I can't wait to get it!

[malamalama]

Congrats. Sounds like a great choice!