Solid everyday backpack

Apple laptop and iPad users are quite fond of Tom Bihn bags. The primary focus is the secure storage and transport of computers. The secondary focus is functional bags for all sorts of activity. The Synapse backpack sounds like a pretty good fit for your requirements. I use the somewhat-larger Smart Alec pack. The even-larger Brain Bag was reviewed here in 2003 (although I'm sure the design has been updated a bunch of times since then). Their Ristretto bags are well-liked by folk for carrying tablets and Air-class laptop computers.

For simple style, you can't beat the Jandd Tozi Kletter. Simple looks, burly cordura construction, attachment points, comfortable straps and well made. It has a traditional klettersack style, which means one main pocket and a top flap/pocket. I did a review on my site here: http://robonza.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-jandd-tozi-kletter-backpack.html

For a combination of more business looks and more doo-dads. I have been carrying a Osprey Flapjack. It has a padded area for a laptop, dressier looks and more pockets for office life. I have been using this one for over a year and really like it. More photos and a detailed review here: http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-osprey-flap-jack.html

-Joe

LA Police Gear 3 Day Backpack is by far the best SIMPLE backpack there is. Keyword here is SIMPLE. Lots of room and compression straps make it easy to pack a lot of stuff. MOLLE straps are a bonus for those who want to expand the use of the pack. Several colors to choose from and a price that is LESS than $30 make this a no brainer. I have used this bag on a daily basis for over a year now and it has done everything that I have asked it to. I had reservations with the pack prior to purchase because of the low price. I figured that it was cheap and not well made. That is the farthest thing from what I got. Well made pack, lots of space, quality materials, and nothing fancy. I am very hard on gear given the nature of my line of work, Tactical SWAT Medic, but this bag has been worth every penny!

LA Police Gear 3 Day Backpack

LL Bean's Deluxe Book Pack is as simple and solid as they come. It's got some pockets without having too many. I've had more than a few during the past 20 years, often carrying many heavy books and laptops. And not one of them has showed any signs of wear (including the straps, zippers and seams).

I have a type of bag I get. Anything with a laptop comparment, a second laege compartment for books and third small compartment for spare pens, leatherman, flashlight, EDC gear. And A pocket for a water bottle. I am a backpack junky. Currently I have a Wenger. http://www.amazon.com/SYNERGY-SwissGear-Wenger-Computer-Backpack/dp/tags-on-product/B000NONHYY I love the layout, but I am finding that the lower back pad is wearing out due to friction.

I have a type of bag I get. Anything with a laptop comparment, a second laege compartment for books and third small compartment for spare pens, leatherman, flashlight, EDC gear. And A pocket for a water bottle. I am a backpack junky. Currently I have a Wenger. http://www.amazon.com/SYNERGY-SwissGear-Wenger-Computer-Backpack/dp/tags-on-product/B000NONHYY I love the layout, but I am finding that the lower back pad is wearing out due to friction.

I have to second LL Bean's backpacks. I know people who have gotten them in middle school, and now, in our 30s are still using them. LL Bean does honor their lifetime warranty, and has great customer service.

Use this one daily as an IT infrastructure engineer. Carries my laptop and tools easily ,comfortably & you can beat the heck out of it.

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks/RUSH-24-Backpack.html

Good made-in-USA options: Mystery Ranch Streetfighter: http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/c.999464/it.A/id.38079/.f Tom Bihn http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/c.999464/it.A/id.38079/.f Mission Workshop - any - http://www.missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/ Drifter canvas large day pack - and it's only $54 http://shop.drifterbag.com/Large-Day-Pack-BD-1814.htm Topo designs - http://topodesigns.com/collection/klettersack/

Well, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Maxpedition-made rucks and/or slingers. I am a big fan of Kodiak slinger.

What I like about Kodiak is that it fits up to 15" notebooks and can quickly be pulled up front so you can retrieve your stuff from pouches while still on the go. This allows you to sit down without removing the slinger as well as pull it up front for security reasons if you're in the crowded spaces where you don't want to keep your valuables behind your back where you can't keep an eye on them. They also have smaller slingers and a line of fanny-pack replacing Versipacks.

Quality and durability is top-notch, Maxpedition products will live thru abuse and neglect no problems. For most of the products they now have an option for bright (not military-looking) colours but even regular black/tan/foliage work very well for day to day use.