Have you guys considered how you're going to move all your gear from day to day? I REFUSE to lug around a notebook case because I plan to spend 10~12 hrs/day on campus shuttling between lecture halls, MBA lounges, libraries, cafeterias, the IMA gym and quite possibly on board the local bus system. A solid, not too flashy, weatherproof backpack with a built-in laptop compartment should do the trick.
Not the most appropriate bag for most of us, the Burton Audex I-pod pack comes equipted with most of the features I'm looking for at a not-too-ridiculously-expensive price (~$100). I'm opting for the extra capacity because of my (somewhat) active lifestyle and consolidation needs. The bag is durable and fits well with casual b-school attire.
Some essential key features:
* Abrasion-resistant bottom (essentially, when it's not on our backs, it's going to be on the floor!)
* Padded, ergonomic shoulder straps to keep the stress off our lower back
* Easy-access, reinforced padded side entry laptop compartment (fits 15" laptop) This also keeps the PC as close to our backs as possible for proper weight distribution and extra protection
* 900+ cubic inch separate center storage compartment. Perfect for gym wear, training gloves, and a toiletries pouch (never know when you might be able to sneak in a quick workout) Besides, the extra space can accomodate a ziplocked sandwich/lunchbox, powerbars etc.
* Seven internal pockets for our TI finance calculator, PC charger, extra battery pack, and peripherial adaptors
* Stash slots on both sides for two 16oz water bottles
* Detachable front case (kinda cheezy but it could be used to hold all our mechanical pencils, refills, coins, memory sticks, business cards, etc.)
* Intergrated Audex iPod control system with Airwave Radio Frequency technology and updated control pad on shoulder strap including a remote port and headphone jack (at first I was thinking this was unecessary, but factoring in the round trip commute and on-campus walking time, it might be nice to skip between podcasts, audiobooks and tunes)
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