Laptop bag/backpack recommendations

Is there a need to carry such a heavy, cumbersome, expensive computer around with you? That's a long time to be having to bother with such a thing, IMO it could ruin your trip and that's if it hasn't already been spirited out of your room or accidently knocked just one too many times.
I'm all for carrying my own and always do, but weight and worry-free is all important! Why not take a lightweight netbook or a tablet? They slip into a pocket in your day pack, no one knows or sees you as a target for theft and they weigh not much more than a book.

I also would second a recommendation for Timbuk2 products. I have a great bag from them that has a nice laptop sleeve (I too carry a 11" MBAir in it) and a SLR if I want ...

Just personal preference really. I'm quite attached to my laptop, I'd like to take it with me everywhere. I'm not a fan of small screens, and I have an iphone and Kindle, so between them I don't think a tablet is necessary (probably won't be taking the Kindle though).

It's hard because everyone has a different opinion. I've heard and read blogs of those that do travel around with a 15" sized laptop no problem. Some say they don't really notice the added weight, some say the opposite.

I know this may sound silly but i'll just pack around 6 lbs in a bag and go for a walk to see how it feels on my back. I've also got a shorter trip coming up so perhaps I'll take it with me then and see how much of a burden it becomes.

I'm more concerned with security, rather than weight. And if I feel like I should invest in a more 'portable' computing device, I'd probably consider the Macbook Air/

and thanks for the link - I'll check out their bags!

I would consider getting insurance if you're going to take the MacBookPro. If you have house insurance you can get it insured on "floater" policy.
The Pacsafe ads quite a lot of extra weight to your backpack and won't prevent it being stolen outright.
And having to worry about it all the time, chain it up, put on the pacsafe every time you go out for dinner etc etc will really (negatively) influence your trip and the way you travel.

just carry the damn thing ... locking it up 3 times a day is insane.

..I still like the cable lock idea he he - even used it in my own place for 5 years - and always when staying in a hotel - but sometimes it was difficult to find a sturdy object to lock it to - usually a metal bed frame was available...

wasn't a hassle really, and it gave me peace of mind - I did do regular backups of photos etc -

rode 80k kilometers on my Motorbike with that computer - amazing the hard drive is still in one piece

ps in some areas I even put the motor bike in my room for security (at the guesthouse owners insistence) East Timor ha ha

cheers
dp

Yes, will definitely be getting insurance! And reading all the fine print to make sure that the value of the laptop is covered.

I've been looking at a number of different brands, particularly the lowepro compudaypacks and the swissgear backpacks. Although I don't think lowepro is for me as I won't be carrying any professional cameras so all those camera-specific compartments are unnecessary.