I own an extremely big laptop (ASUS G73JH-X1). I could never find a bag that looked good and functioned properly. Lugging around a 12 lbs laptop with a messenger bag isn't smart.
This bag has plenty of room for my laptop and the pocket is lined with what can only be described as dead Muppet fur, which is as luxurious as it sounds. There are plenty individual pockets and all with what reminds me of a massacre on Sesame Street. As graphic as it sounds, my iphone, mouse, power supply, cooling stand, etc. are exquisitely caressed by what appears to be the flesh of Ernie.
There is even a rain cover to keep it from the elements! An amazing backpack. I don't know a lot about Everki, but I'm now a life long customer and will recommend this backpack to my friends and family.
The biggest con is the price, but the simple fact is you pay for expert craftsmanship and, come on, Muppet fur. I think it comes out to about 10% of the price of my laptop so it's worth it to keep it safe and sound. Looks cool and comfortable to wear. I love this bag.
After weeks at Staples, MicroCenter, BestBuy and OfficeMax I finally decided to bite the bullet and spend the money for this bag. It fits my M17x like a glove, and carries tons of other stuff to boot (a netbook, a couple notebooks, a cordless mouse, and there's still room left over. My one complaint is that the shoulder straps are at a slightly wider width than most backpacks (Northface et certa); this was something I got used to in a week or so. Other than that it's got a stuff picket on the bottom with a waterproof jacket for the outside, I also stuffed a raincoat in there. The laptop compartment is very well padded and has a lining that I am confident would never scratch my machine. If you've got a massive laptop it's definitely the way to go, if I had known how great this backpack was I would have skipped the shopping process and just bought it from day 1.
Buy Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack with Gaming Console Sleeve, Fits up to 18-Inch (EKP117NBKCT) Now
I have an ASUS G73JW, a DSLR, Logitech G53 headset, couple of earphones, a Kindle, Sansa, and a bunch of clothes that I carry around with me. After looking around (because I had enough of lugging a duffel bag), I decided to throw in twice the amount of the Targus XL and bought the Everki Beacon.
I was expecting a huge backpack to arrive but not exactly. It's actually a pretty decent average size with generous pocket space for all my electronics.
First thing that strikes you would be, holy crap this thing is really well-made. All my previous laptop backpacks feel flimsy compared to this ruggedness. Definitely well worth the $100 and extra express shipping fees to get it.
If you're still pivoting between to buy or not to buy, just buy it. Well worth every penny.
Read Best Reviews of Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack with Gaming Console Sleeve, Fits up to 18-Inch (EKP117NBKCT) Here
I recently purchased an Asus G74sx 17.3" widescreen laptop which is a large beast of a laptop. With the laptop, I initially ordered a Case Logic (17") backpack which is an exceedingly tight fit. This laptop is very thick and long compared to others.
Looking for something larger and thinking the slightly higher pricetag would get me something nicer I ordered the Everki Beacon. I initially thought if it could accommodate the G73, my G74 should fit, right?
Wrong.
Had I read a little deeper into the reviews for this bag, I would have found the initial review warning off potential buyers with G74s.
This backpack *can* carry the G74sx, but not in the padded compartment intended for laptops. The G74sx will fit in the second compartment, but this seems a poor choice, as now you lose the ability to carry much else, and requires the (re)moval of the laptop to get at anything else in the compartment.
All told, this is a great bag, but it will not fit my intended cargo. Sadly, merely unpacking the backpack makes it ineligible for return to Amazon. Fortunately, I could either ebay it or give it to someone I know who has a gaming console they take to parties.
Want Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack with Gaming Console Sleeve, Fits up to 18-Inch (EKP117NBKCT) Discount?
I did not buy this bag from Amazon, as a matter of fact, I logged in to find a replacement. I have had this backpack for 18 months and it shows hardcore wear for no good reason. I have an 18" Toshiba Qosmio and I use it everyday.
The compartment is well padded side to side (Top and bottom of computer)but there is little padding at the bottom and NONE at the corners. The supplied rain jacket is not waterproof, just resistant. Your backpack will be damp if caught outside as the rain works through the rain jacket. After several uses the inner lining of the rain jacket began to deteriorate leaving a white residue. One of side pockets at the bottom has uncloseable slit (For an Mp3 player I guess) that can spit out a thumbdrive. The gaming console sleeve is pretty useless and flimsy, but I wanted a laptop bag. If you have a big laptop, it will intrude into the storage area and create a lip at the bottom that you will have to feel under for objects as it will be out of your sight line. A rip has appeared at left front zipper seam holding the main compartment which goes all the through to the inside exposing the inside.
The case carries: An 18" Toshiba Qosmio computer, a wireless mouse, large OEM power supply, three thumbdrives and three (Tiny 2.5") Seagate GoFlex external drives.
This items do not even fill the bag to half capacity. The total weight is about 18 pounds. I do not toss, throw or abuse this bag, I just use it normally everyday with an office job. Nothing else rides in the bag. If your are using this bag only occasionally, then it might be worthy -But for a $100+? (FYI, I wanted to love this bag.)
Update -August 2012: I have not had the time or money to buy a new backpack and since originally posting I want to add this: There is a clip on the front that secures the two shoulder straps and rests over your sternum. It is a three pronged male to female design. One of the prongs just snapped off from plastic fatigue (I guess) the load on the strap was moderate to low.
Save 33% Off
This pack is made with the best materials and construction:- The 1000 denier "campdura" nylon fabric looks like cotton canvas but is a lot lighter, stronger and more abrasion resistant. The zippers for the main compartment and both pockets are extra heavy duty. The main compartment and pockets are fully lined with a light nylon material and all seams are sewn over with binding on the inside.
