Large laptop on bike?
Discussion
Although I haven't used them on my bike, look up Targus and Wenger (AKA Swissgear) for decent laptop rugsacks. They're sturdy, plenty of padding inside, and more waterproof than cheap alternatives. For walking around in the rain they're fine but if you're on the bike with the wind driving the rain in you might want to put your electronics in a separate waterproof bag. It's always annoyed me that laptop rugsacks don't come with a built in waterproof cover like my hiking bad.
has a seperate laptop and electronic compartment, waterproof with decent padding.
https://www.fc-moto.de/en/Alpinestars-Orbit-Backpa...
https://www.fc-moto.de/en/Alpinestars-Orbit-Backpa...
TooLateForAName said:
In a box I'd be worried about hd life. I know several people who have had hd failures after carrying laptops.
I'd expect most modern stuff to have SSDs.. zero moving parts. Even then a powered off parked HDD can withstand some pretty high Gs before it breaks - I had a old school Hard disk laptop for many many years with zero issues being transported either in a backpack or topbox - again ensuring the laptop isn't bouncing around is key.OP For reference I currently have to carry a 15inch laptop SSD based around for my work - I use the lomo waterproof 30 litre bag, - I transport mine in a memory foam zip closed cover within the bag too which makes the overall laptop size larger there is additional breathing space easily inside. Worth checking dimensions but I'd think a 17 might fit fine
I've killed hard drives before due to carrying a laptop in a topbox. It was inside a laptop bag so it was padded but it just goes to show what a kicking things can get in there.
I've ended up with rucksacks - I have an Osprey one which is really good but not totally waterproof and a Kriega one that I like but is basically a large waterproof sack so it's less useful for storing stuff. Kriega also do laptop sleeves with padding which might help.
I've ended up with rucksacks - I have an Osprey one which is really good but not totally waterproof and a Kriega one that I like but is basically a large waterproof sack so it's less useful for storing stuff. Kriega also do laptop sleeves with padding which might help.
SteelerSE said:
I've killed hard drives before due to carrying a laptop in a topbox. It was inside a laptop bag so it was padded but it just goes to show what a kicking things can get in there.
I've ended up with rucksacks - I have an Osprey one which is really good but not totally waterproof and a Kriega one that I like but is basically a large waterproof sack so it's less useful for storing stuff. Kriega also do laptop sleeves with padding which might help.
A work colleague was allowing his work macbook pro to basically bounce around in his Tiger 800 Top box before I reminded him it probably wasn't good for it ssd or not. Never seen outside alu casing look so marked up and battered his is 18months younger than mine too.I've ended up with rucksacks - I have an Osprey one which is really good but not totally waterproof and a Kriega one that I like but is basically a large waterproof sack so it's less useful for storing stuff. Kriega also do laptop sleeves with padding which might help.
Never had any hard drive issues.Some of the larger Oakley rucksacks will take a 17 inch laptop, I bought one for that reason. Great bag, been everywhere with me over nearly 10 years and still going strong, a little bit cheaper than a kriega but just as well made if not a little better. Don't confuse them with the cheaper £20 quid bags they also sell, they are pants.
I carry my 17" Macbook in a rucksack made by ROCK. SSD - so less of a worry about HDD. It's in a neoprene slip cover in case of water ingress (not that the rucksack has ever leaked) and doubles up as a handy back protector - even better in winter if I've just shut it down as it's a back warmer too 
if this is a work device..then I'm assuming being 17" its a mobile workstation rather than a large standard user laptop.
I know my employer is not happy about staff carrying £2000+ of laptop on a bike so might be worth checking with your employer if they can provide you with something they deem adequate.
I know my employer is not happy about staff carrying £2000+ of laptop on a bike so might be worth checking with your employer if they can provide you with something they deem adequate.
andburg said:
if this is a work device..then I'm assuming being 17" its a mobile workstation rather than a large standard user laptop.
I know my employer is not happy about staff carrying £2000+ of laptop on a bike so might be worth checking with your employer if they can provide you with something they deem adequate.
Its a good point however I'm provided a choc teapot laptop bag which is padded but isn't waterproof, was fine when I had a 55litre topbox to put that bag into but now it sits in the corner unused I know my employer is not happy about staff carrying £2000+ of laptop on a bike so might be worth checking with your employer if they can provide you with something they deem adequate.
supercommuter said:
I just wing mine in a bag and put it in my top box.
How come a top box is not an option?
It is an option but you need to be aware that the electronic components are being shaken around a lot. I have had hard discs break because of the battering they get being flung around inside the top box, even padded inside a bag. Just be aware that could happen to your laptop if that's how you're transporting it.How come a top box is not an option?
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