Macenstein

Those of you who have been long time readers (you have my apologies) know that I have been searching for the ultimate laptop bag for some time now. Well, I realized the other day that I have been using Speck’s CorePack Messenger Bag exclusively for about 4 months now, and have pretty much stopped looking at bags, so I guess I have found my ultimate bag without even realizing it.

When I first got my new MacBook Pro, I decided I was going to get rid of my giant, bulky laptop bag and streamline my life. I started out trying to make do with a cool laptop sleeve, then moved up to a thin bag, then a medium sized bag, and I have since come to realize I need a big honking man-purse of a bag that can hold tons of things I never use. I am apparently not happy unless my bag weighs around 30 pounds or so, so why fight it? I guess my “always be prepared” boy-scout mentality (that I think I picked up from the Jetson’s episode where Elroy and George went camping on the moon, as I was never a scout myself) is responsible for me wanting to always lug around every possible computer and iPhone cable, disk, and accessory I own just in case anything unexpected should arise.

Design

Well to start, the CorePack is BIG. While you don’t have to overload it the way I do, it is still on the large side of the laptop bag spectrum, so if you are looking for dainty look elsewhere. Currently Speck offers the CorePack in two patterns, the somewhat effeminate Coffeehouse brown plaid, and the slightly manlier Speakeasy black pinstripe (which I have). If you’ve ever seen a laptop bag before, there aren’t any HUGE surprises here, just a couple nice touches. Like most bags, there is a large and very well-padded rear zipper compartment that holds your MacBook Pro (up to 15-inches) secure and safe from most collisions. A big velcro and buckle-held flap covers the rest of the bag’s treasures. When opened, you have 3 velcro exterior front pockets, suitable for iPods, phones, business cards, thumb drives, etc, plus the always included small-mesh pocket, suitable for… nothing? Chapstick? Gum maybe? There is also a large zipper pocket on the outside good for things like firewire cables, a disk or two, maybe an iPhone external battery or two.

The interior of the bag is broken into 2 larger compartments, the thinner section is good for holding about 4 magazines I’ll never read, and the larger section is the “pit of doom”, where I throw everything else – my external portable hard drive, my power cables, wallet, Aspirin, a couple iPod cables, deodorant, two more iPhone external batteries, and a bunch of small odds and ends that have just basically settled at the bottom.

Lining the side of the pit of doom are three more good sized pockets that can be zippered shut to keep contents from spilling into the pit.

There are a bunch of nice little features that I never use, such as a “media player pocket” with an ear bud cable pass through hole, and a water bottle holder on the side of the bag. The shoulder strap is made from durable seat-belt like material, and the foam shoulder pad is one of the most comfortable I have ever used. The straps have two positions, allowing you to treat it like a regular messenger bag, or more of an over-the-back type thing for bike riders and such. The good news for bike riders is if you get hit by a car, the CorePack will likely cushion your spine quite nicely, as I have actually used the soft padding as a pillow in an train station.

I got a little lazy here and found a video on Speck’s site that shows the bag in action which gives you a better idea of the size and features than a couple still photos can. I apologize in advance for the female host (“Shaggin Waggin’ Velour!”).

Issues

There really aren’t any. At about $99, there’s not even much to gripe about in the price department, although I suppose high-end bag lovers could complain about the lack of rich materials, like leather and such. However, this chosen materials are all very durable, and the bag looks more or less brand new after 4 months of use. While everyone has their own personal tastes when it comes to sizes and styling, I have no issue with the way anything on the bag is handled, nor have I noticed any glaringly missing features.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a durable, large-sized bag with a touch of style to carry your laptop and a bunch of things you do not need, the CorePack is a great choice. I have no idea what I have in my CorePack at the moment, but it sure is heavy, and I like that. Sometimes for fun I go through the pockets and say “Oh, THAT’S where that is!” Sure, overstuffing a bag is not for everyone, but if you are a pack-rat like myself and like the secure feeling of knowing you are carrying the solution to every conceivable technological problem at all times, get the CorePack. It also makes a great pillow.

Price: $89.95
Pros: Huge, lots of pockets, storage, great laptop protection, custom shoulder strap placement, nice styling, durable doubles as a pillow
Cons: None significant