PEGASUS from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Backpack

Before returning to school last year, I purchased a new laptop. My old one had been stolen along its laptop bag, so I also needed a new bag to transport and protect my new investment. After much deliberation and a trip to the local office store to see the bags in person(it takes me forever to drop even 70 bucks on something), I decided on the Pegasus.On my search for a bag, I developed a list of criteria necessary--I wanted a backpack vs a laptop bag so I could have everything together. More importantly, I needed copious amounts of room for my massive textbooks, quality construction and water resistance to protect my computer, drink holders on the side as I always carry water bottles to class,and separate compartments for my mouse, power cable, etc.Pros:-Great amount of space for the size of the bag, I can carry everything I need for a entire day at school (about 3 textbooks, a few notebooks, folio, computer & peripheries, water bottle and additional beverage, graphing calc, sunglasses) I often neglect books because it gets too heavy, not for lack of space-Very handy top compartment has a velcro subdivision my bluetooth mouse fits into perfectly, with enough room for sunglasses and other sensitive cargo--this pocket is invaluable because it is safe from the weight and tension of a full pack-Usually stands up on its own; as it is pretty large this makes a big difference in legroom and allows other students to pass between desks-Stays completely dry in light rain-Lightly padded laptop partition and secure mouse space gives me peace of mind-Hands-down the most comfortable bag I have ever owned! I cannot overstate this; I rave about this backpack on the rare opportunity it comes up, there's no way to convey how much I just love to wear this thing. The shoulder straps and back of the bag have gel padding which makes a huge difference, and the shoulder straps have "shock absorbers" at the top which stretch with every step, absorbing energy and preventing them from digging into your shoulders. I get a very nerdy sense of pleasure when I walk down steps and feel them stretch with every stair. The gel on the back is also positioned in a way that can cool you off if you catch a nice breeze.-There's a perfect spot for pretty much everything-High quality construction including a metal cable for the top handle and rugged bottom for standing upCons:-Doesn't always stand up, especially with computer and a textbook together in an otherwise empty bag. If the weight isn't distributed, it will tip over. Do not stand it up on the edge of a table or lab bench--it is gut-wrenching when your laptop falls towards the ground.-Compartment for laptop isn't quite padded enough, I recommend buying a separate protection case/sleeve for peace of mind-Water/beverage holders are a little small--after some forceful persuasion I am now able to fit my usual 1L water bottles into them-Pockets on side by beverage holders serve little purpose for me (except for socks on an overnight trip), and their zippers often tap against my water bottle as I walk, which can be pretty annoying-Could be a bit large if you are a small individual; it's pretty tall-Front pocket organization is good isn't spectacular--not something I really need but if you want to have all of your post-its and highlighters and staplers meticulously sorted, you may be able to to better-May incite ridicule from your girlfriend or friends (probably just bag envy)Verdict:There is no reason not to buy this bag. If you plan on carrying a computer and several books, this bag is ideal and available for a great price! The Pegasus is rugged, I take it everywhere. Overnight trips, camping, travel, appointments, even if I only have to carry a notebook and a drink, I'd rather wear this thing and keep my hands free than carry them otherwise. Comfort, construction, and versatility to last!

This backpack is great in every respect. I can truly say I loved it from the moment I unpacked it a few weeks ago, and have loved it more every day that I've used it. It really meets my needs. I also loved my previous SwissGear backpack, but this one is much better.In response to some of the other comments and questions, it easily accommodates my 17" Dell Latitude laptop. The laptop section has front and back padding and a red padded separator. My laptop extends somewhat above the red separator but is well protected by the front and back padding of that section, and the velcro strap is plenty long to go over my laptop and hold it in securely. The backpack comes with a SwissGear tag on it that says "fits most 17" notebook computers" or something like that, so this is a SwissGear claim, not an Amazon claim, and I believe that it is true.Here are some other things that are great about this backpack:*It has an internal frame/stand that allows it to stand firmly on its bottom. The frame isn't really detectable, so it's not like an internal frame backpack or anything like that, but it does keep the bag upright. I used to have trouble with my old bag falling over forward because of things in the front pockets after I took my laptop out. An obstructive nuisance at home and a somewhat gross experience in places with dirty floors.*The frontmost zipped section has lots of handy well-sized compartments that I use and that fit perfectly for billfold, cell phone, pens/pencils, flash drive, and even Swiss Army knife. It has a nice full-width zip pocket on the back side that I use for charging cables and the like. And then it still has plenty of room for my external hard drive and other stuff. The many pockets and the red and gray interior make it much easier to find things than on my old backpack. It has a plastic clip for keys, but the location is right next to the pocket I use for my iPhone, and I don't want to hang keys there to avoid scratching my phone. That's one of the very few things I don't like.The next zipped section back is a small red-lined quick access pocket. It's about as deep as my hand is long, and fairly roomy. It has a small pocket with a velcro tab closure for an mp3 player. I use the quick access pocket for my harmonica, earphones, aspirin, kleenex, etc.*The section between the laptop section and the front sections has an internal divider and is definitely big enough for several good-sized books (e.g. stats textbooks).*The laptop section is plenty roomy for file folders or a good-sized book as well as the laptop. It has a mesh pocket on its front face.*The hand strap has a steel cable embedded in plastic that looks pretty break-proof and rubber or plastic padding so the cable doesn't cut your hand. It works well for hanging the bag in a bathroom stall. I liked the steel loop and carabiner on my old back as well or better for that, but this one doesn't have that feature.I had another SwissGear computer backpack (see review elsewhere) that lasted for 4 1/2 years of hard daily use and finally tore out one shoulder strap at the bottom. It was also designed only for a 15" laptop. Although I liked the old one very much, this one is much, much better. It has every little detail that the old one lacked, even details I hadn't thought of. They must've done some good customer research in the design of this one.