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dettu
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« on: October 19, 2005, 02:13:34 pm » |
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I've been carrying a backpack. Very back-friendly. But not very professional, and it can squash/wrinkle my clothes. I decided that I needed a large tote instead.
I found one at Target made of nylon and vinyl. It's big enough to hold my laptop (when I bring it; I have a tiny Powerbook I use sometimes for fun, sometimes for work), a small lunch, papers, and a little purse I can tuck inside. This way I'm not carrying ten bags.
However, when I pick it up, a nasty shock of pain radiates up that arm all the way across my back and shoulders to the other arm. Clearly, this is too heavy. The bag itself IS heavy, even without my stuff in it. And carrying it in one hand (because the straps aren't really long enough to put over my shoulder) is obviously bad for my health.
I really can't afford $100+, the price I've seen for laptop-friendly, professional-looking totes in catalogs, shops and online. I've looked at other discount outlets besides Target, and I can't find what I want--a rectangular bag that closes (zipper, buckle, snaps, whatever) with pockets inside so I can keep my laptop separate and not scratched. And I can't sew something that complicated; I lack the skill.
Ideas, anyone?
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cmeknit
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« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2005, 03:39:32 pm » |
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My favorite website for bags & totes is www.ebags.com. Their selection is huge and they always seem to have just what I need at a price I'm willing to pay. Hope that helps. |
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countrigal
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« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2005, 04:03:17 pm » |
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Have you considered using a briefcase? I have 2 that I've gotten over the years and they work great. I can fit my small purse in them, or pull out the necessary items and put in the compartments in the briefcase itself, the main compartment normally has 1-2 dividers, so your laptop and papers can be kept separate, and if you get a soft-side, then you can normally fit a small lunch or other items in it. I generally carry my laptop, some papers, my small purse, a bottle of water, a bag of crackers or other snack food, and 1-2 other items in mine and have no problems. Added benefit, if it's heavy, at least the shoulder strap allows you to carry it on your shoulder and not pulling out your arm socket and putting all that weight on your elbow and wrist and fingers. I went on Yahoo, chose "Shopping" and did a search for "briefcase" and saw many that were under $20.00. Two I specifically looked at were $14.99 and $16.95 (one from the e-bags website). You didn't say how much you were willing to spend, but that should at least get you somewhere to look. The extra benefit of using a briefcase is, if you have to go to a meeting with lots of papers once you get to work, you can remove the lunch items (leave them in a desk drawer or somesuch) and carry all your items in your briefcase and look more put-together, and not possibly drop or mis-place any of the papers you're needing to carry.
CountriGal
Peer Moderator
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dettu
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« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2005, 04:07:53 pm » |
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Thanks, I'll check that out. A briefcase might still be heavier than I want, but I can at least look.
I think I'm going to have to see a chiropractor too...my neck is killing me now! Grr!
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raindance
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« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2005, 04:47:56 pm » |
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A briefcase, as CG suggested, would be ideal, particularly with a strap long enough to wear across your body so the weight is distributed. I had some problems with my wrists last year and couldn't lift or carry things - I found such a briefcase very useful. There's also a website ( www.getorganized.com) which features items called "Tuff-bags", which seem to come in different sizes and don't look too expensive. If your company supplies your laptop, there are laptops nowadays that weigh not much more than a kilo, unlike mine which seems to weigh a ton. Best wishes, Raindance |
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raindance
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« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2005, 04:52:08 pm » |
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I had some problems with my wrists last year and used just such a briefcase. The strap was long enough to go across my body, which helped distribute the weight a bit. You could also look at "Tuff-bags" which are available through www.getorganized.com. If your company supplies your laptop, they might consider buying one of those new laptops that don't weigh much more than a kilo. I saw a very cheerful fire-engine red one the other day! My laptop weighs a ton, and a lighter one would be so much nicer. Best wishes, Raindance |
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peana
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« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2005, 05:26:38 pm » |
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If it's a laptop provided by your employer why not approach them to provide a bag? If you need to carry it to perform your job I don't think it's unreasonable for them to pay. I don't know if your pain would be classed as an industrial injury, but surely it's in their best interests to look after the health of their employees? It doesn't hurt to ask. If they agree you might be able to pay a bit more and get something that's exactly right for you.
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dettu
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« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2005, 09:31:18 pm » |
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Sorry to have confused everyone--my laptop is a 12" Apple Powerbook, and it is mine, not the company's, and it weighs very little. My bag is heavier than the computer by FAR. I do use my laptop for work because it's lighter and works better than the pool laptops here.
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smssilva
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« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2005, 04:43:55 pm » |
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Well, I have one. It carries a laptop and has several other compartments for all the stuff you might carry. (I'm not sure about lubnch though)
Mine was given to me by one of the directors, who got it in a conference. I think it was given to every participant.
Why not try and see if there is one lying around the office, that nobody uses?
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