Alienware Orion M18x Backpack (ScanFast)

“This bag is awesome. I just traded up from a North Face Borealis laptop backpack, and this thing is so much nicer. The front pocket has a bunch of nice pockets; one for a nook touch size ereader, small neoprene pockets just for flash drives, a zipper pocket for your power supply, a shielded pocket for a passport or cell phone, and a few others. The middle compartment has a zippered mesh pocket perfect for a 10" Galaxy Tab or iPad, as well as a couple of pouches for books or notebooks. The rear compartment where your laptop goes is HUGE. It unzips and folds flat so you can scan it without removing your laptop, and has another larger pouch in the back that could be for a tablet or some other device. On the outside where the alien head is, there are two pockets on either side perfect for plane tickets and passport. The front strap has a cell phone pouch on it as well. There is a pocket for everything it seems, cords, gadgets, you name it. Awesome pack.”

“Wow. Color me impressed. I bought an Asus G73 last year; I have had the hardest time finding a backpack that would fit its 17.3" display and massive design. Even the bag that Asus specifically designed couldn't fit it easily. The only ones that accommodated my behemoth were bulky and heavy bags made for transporting video game systems.

Enter the M18x Backpack. My laptop fits very comfortably in the laptop compartment – it's not a tight squeeze at all. The design itself is sleek and elegant (at least by backpack standards). I'm happy I found a backpack that won't make me look like a Ninja Turtle when I take my laptop somewhere.

Even though it's not burly, the material itself is impressively durable. The straps are thick and padded, while the back is cushioned. Even if you're a weaker person, carrying the bulkiest of laptops should be a snap with this backpack. I really could not love it more. Thanks Alienware. =)”

“I received the backpack yesterday. I haven't actually used it yet, so this review is initial impressions.

Great style. Fits comfortably. Nice padded shoulder straps. There's a fairly thick, rounded handle at the top so the pack can be carried easily when not on your back, though a handle on the side might have been better since the pack hangs down pretty far when carried by the handle: I'm 5'10", and the bag rests about 6" from the ground when I carry it by the handle.

There is a phone compartment on the front of the left shoulder strap for easy phone access--it sits chest level when wearing the backpack. Convenient.

There are two large, well-divided storage compartments in front of the computer storage compartment plus small compartments on the sides of the bag.

Other Considerations: Initially, I ordered the messenger bag, as I like how it looks more than a backpack; but on further thought, I opted for the backpack since even my E1705 laptop--which is much lighter than the M18X--can be cumbersome when I carry it in a messenger bag along with other luggage. The backpack should be easier and more comfortable to transport, and it'll leave my hands free for carrying coffee, etc. through airports.”