I need a new laptop bag.

July 8, 2009 12:33 AM

For certain items, I like to physically inspect them before purchasing them. I have my eye on a couple different Timbuk2 bags, most notably the Commute 2.0 Messenger Bag. Are there any stores in Boston/Cambridge that sell them? Particularly the laptop bags, the Cambridge Bike Store has some plain messenger bags, but they lack the laptop sleeve. I'd also be open to messenger style laptop bag suggestions, as long as I can take a look at them in a local store. Thanks for the help. (As an after thought, I travel to New York City about once a month, so a store there could work too, but I greatly prefer a Boston store)
posted by sepsis to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

Zappos carries bags now, and seems to have these. Their return policy is terrific, so if you can't find a local shop and get desperate, you can order the ones you like, check them out, and return for full refund and no shipping charges.
posted by tula at 12:49 AM on July 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

I really my chrome bag for it's clever water-proofing and got mine in Back Bay Cycles on Comm. Ave. No laptop pouch in mine, but I use it to carry my laptop all the time and it works very well.
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 1:06 AM on July 8, 2009

One more data point: Timbuk2 has a lifetime guarantee on their bags and they will even replace / repair normal wear and tear.
posted by idiopath at 1:41 AM on July 8, 2009

REI carries some Timbuk2 bags, including the Commute 2.0. I'm not sure what they'll have in the store, but it might be worth checking them out. Cambridge Bike on Mass. Ave. and EMS in Harvard Sq. also carry Timbuk2 stuff.
posted by sriracha at 4:07 AM on July 8, 2009

EMS in Harvard Square definitely carries them.
posted by olinerd at 4:09 AM on July 8, 2009

Oops. Sorry. Didn't read sriracha's carefully enough.
posted by olinerd at 4:10 AM on July 8, 2009

I'd get a laptop sleeve with a hard-ish shell (crumpler makes a decent one) and then use whatever bag you want. Since you're in Boston, I'd suggest a practically locally-made Bailey messenger bag. Mine is 10 years old and still holding up great, and they're just plain nicer than the Timbuk2's. Broadway Bicycles has 'em, I believe. See http://broadwaybicycleschool.com/parts_baileybags.html
posted by paanta at 6:19 AM on July 8, 2009

Certainly not a comprehensive selection and I am sure you are paying full price but I have seen Timbuk2 bags in Apple stores.
posted by mmascolino at 7:57 AM on July 8, 2009

There's a form on the timbuk2 site that will search for a store for you, here.
posted by advil at 8:15 AM on July 8, 2009

(scroll to the bottom of that page.)
posted by advil at 8:16 AM on July 8, 2009

I'm a huge fan of my Incase Sling bag.
posted by gbinal at 10:53 AM on July 9, 2009