Carrying a Laptop for Work

[PscyclePath]

I'll second what Muckmaker said wy up above... I've had to recently replace a laptop when it started getting HD problems, apparently from being packed around in a briefcase style messenger bag, so what I now use is a set of thumb drives. The office computer, home computer, and my laptop are set up with the same software suites, so all I really have to pack back and forth are the files themselves on a thumb drive.

[dex]

I'm also a laptop carrier. I have to be, since I work for myself and have to transport my computer to client offices with me when I work onsite (which I'm doing more and more lately). I was admiring an Ortlieb Office Bag at a bike shop this afternoon. I almost bought it, then decided to make absolutely sure commuting on my "new" bike agrees with me before I drop the cash. (See, I really can be a practical shopper...sometimes.)

But, I figure with that on one side and a (cheap) collapsible basket on the other, I can bike to the office in the morning, then stop to pick up dinner fixin's on the way home.

Here's the bag I'm talking about:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=36&cid=2

And they also have it in a larger size:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=79&cid=2

I'll also note that they suggest putting the laptop in a sleeve before putting it in the bag for some extra protection.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, Dex, that's a very professional looking pannier/bag! I like it!
And waterproof, too. Very cool.

(but i don't need to look professional at my job, so I have no excuse to get it)

[GLC1968]

I'm also a laptop carrier. I have to be, since I work for myself and have to transport my computer to client offices with me when I work onsite (which I'm doing more and more lately). I was admiring an Ortlieb Office Bag at a bike shop this afternoon. I almost bought it, then decided to make absolutely sure commuting on my "new" bike agrees with me before I drop the cash. (See, I really can be a practical shopper...sometimes.)

But, I figure with that on one side and a (cheap) collapsible basket on the other, I can bike to the office in the morning, then stop to pick up dinner fixin's on the way home.

Here's the bag I'm talking about:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=36&cid=2

And they also have it in a larger size:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=79&cid=2

I'll also note that they suggest putting the laptop in a sleeve before putting it in the bag for some extra protection.

Ok, I carry my laptop in a backpack, but I've been wanting a basket for misc purchases (I loved having one on the front of my mixte but I can't put one on the front of my current commuter). I'm thinking that if I got the collapsible basket for the rear, I could just toss my whole backpack in it if it's too hot to wear one day?

Dex - are the baskets big enough for that? I'm thinking the Wald one I saw locally might work...

[dex]

I'm thinking that if I got the collapsible basket for the rear, I could just toss my whole backpack in it if it's too hot to wear one day?

Dex - are the baskets big enough for that? I'm thinking the Wald one I saw locally might work...

I don't know yet. But I picked one up this evening, so I'll let you know after I put it on my bike. (Hopefully tonight...I just have to convince myself to get off of the sofa. Benadryl kicks my butt hard.)

[dex]

Ok, so I did manage to climb off of the sofa and install that basket. (And a new stem and handlebars, though the bars haven't gotten wrapped yet.) I don't own a backpack, but I pulled my old teardrop pack out of the closet and stuffed a couple of towels in for bulk. And then I snapped a couple of pics to give you an idea of size.

This is the Wald collapsible basket. The listed dimensions are 12.75"x7.25"x8.5" deep. It's pretty easy to install, with the only fiddly bit being getting the U-clamp fitted near the bottom of the basket to the leg of the rack--it's just a tight space to work in, not the fault of the basket hardware itself.

Anyway, a couple of pics... (pay no attention to any background apartment mess that may appear in the frame)

[GLC1968]

Oooh, thanks Dex! I think that might work for me!

At first I thought that the basket sat on an angle on the bike and then I realized that your bike is still on the stand. Duh!

Anyway, I appreciate the photos! I'm going to give this a try this weekend.

[ironic_chef]

Thanks for the input and suggestions. My work does not have indoor bike storage, so I will need something that is relatively easy to take on and off the bike. In researching pannier bags, I've noticed many different systems for attaching the bags to the rack. Are there a lot of proprietary systems, or will one rack suit all? I haven't bought the rack yet, either.

If it weren't for the laptop, I would be less persnickety about the whole purchase, but the laptop has work-specific software, so I do need to cart it about.