luggage and professionalism

[haardvark]

Laptops issued in the office did not come with cases. I've been carrying mine around in my ~20year old MEC backpack, just like I did in my last job. I've had it in mind to replace the ratty pack for maybe 5 years, but hey, it ain't broke, so why spend the money?

Anyway. Office manager acquired a wild hair about laptops getting banged around in unapproved conveyances and requested that we purchase some appropriate gear. I went more or less immediately to backpack style bags since I walk and cycle a lot, but my immediate colleague expressed some hesitation, suggesting that showing up at client sites with a backpack may not be entiiiiiiiiirely kosher.

It's still the best choice for me but I'm wondering what the assembled Flisters think of this.

p.s. i'ma get this one in black and grey. A sop towards conservatism, at least.

Comments

[gingy.livejournal.com]

Who really gives a rat's ass what your clients think? They'll think that you cycle or walk a lot, or take the public transportation.

[scout1222.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly.

Now, as someone who doesn't cycle, I wouldn't want a backpack style. But it shouldn't matter.

[zanshin-dave.livejournal.com]

I've got a Wenger backpack-style laptop case:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Wenger-Avenues-Maxxum-Notebook-Backpack-GA730313F00/sem/rpsm/oid/134358/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

And absolutely love it. It may look less old-school professional than a soft-side leather satchel or something, but heck, who cares?

[naughtomaton.livejournal.com]

I used to keep a Zebrahead pin on my ratty laptop case, in order to spot it easily when traveling; so I would definitely consider the backpack.

OTOH, I quit the job a few years after I acquired the pin, so you might not want to follow my advise.

[slitterst.livejournal.com]

I have a backpack case that work provided so I can bike to work. I think as long as you dress professionally and act professionally, no one will care what your laptop case looks like.

If the office is that worried about it, see if they'll get you two -- one for walking or cycling to the office and one for taking from the office to client sites.

[wendywoowho.livejournal.com]

If Work wants a say in how you carry your Work laptop, Work should provide the conveyance.

[winnowill2.livejournal.com]

Bingo. If you wish to augment what they provide, that's your business, but they should at least not REQUIRE you to spend money to carry the thing around.

[haardvark.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, they're buying it, no worries there.

[troubleagain.livejournal.com]

Well, hell, if they're buying, get this:
http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/PRODUCT/Product.asp?Params=Category=11-73|Level=2-3|pageid=5464|Link=Img

[haardvark.livejournal.com]

Dunno...plaid lining not really my style.

[theinfamousmom.livejournal.com]

For walking and cycling, the backpack is sure a lot more convenient.

But if they're going to insist on a briefcase-style bag, the Fully Evolved Briefcase from Duluth Trading Company can't be beat.

[vix1.livejournal.com]

I can't solve the walking and cycling problem, but I'll admit I think a backpack is somewhat unprofessional. I love backpacks, actually. My diaper bag/"purse" is a backpack, and therefore a lot less cute/trendy/stylish than many others, but so very convenient. But when I think of a backpack at work I think of Josh on West Wing and how he looks like a complete yutz carrying that damn thing. Sorry.

[dragonblink.livejournal.com]

Have you looked at Timbuk2? They're designed with bicycle messagers in mind, and are extremely well-designed and well-made. Waterproof and sturdy. I have one and I hearts it muchly!