Carrying a laptop in a traditional “over the shoulder” computer case can negate the good that hours of Pilates, yoga or weight lifting have done. The traditional cases put all of the weight on one shoulder, pulling the body out of a neutral position.

The weight can be more than one realizes. Most of the laptops priced below $1000 weigh in excess of seven pounds. Get a widescreen and the weight increases. Cords and power adapters can add a couple of pounds. The case weighs a certain amount. And there are extra pounds of whatever else is put into the case – cords, papers, books, etc. It all adds up. A total carrying weight of 10 pounds or more is not unusual. (Don’t believe us? Pack-up your case as you usually would and put it on the scale.)

Most people who take laptops around with them are often used to the weight, or simply accept it. This does not mean their bodies have adapted. Rather, the upper back, shoulder and neck muscles are constantly strained. The lower back takes on stress as well, because the body is being pulled, unnaturally, to one side. Carrying a computer case on one shoulder is an ergonomic disaster.

The solution is to evenly distribute the weight. A backpack does this extremely efficiently. Yes, wearing a backpack with business clothes is not the most stylish look, but it is a very small price to pay to avoid serious back problems years from now. Plus, good posture is always in style.

I personally use a Targus CityGear Chicago Backpack to carry my ThinkPad T60. The backpack is roomy, but not relatively compact. It has multiple pockets and a water bottle pouch that works perfect for carrying my umbrella.

I have had one problem with the backpack, however; two of the zipper tabs have inexplicitly broken. Targus’ customer service has been great in dealing with the issue. They have promptly responded to email requests and our sending me a replacement backpack with no questions asked. If it wasn’t for the zipper tabs, I would strongly recommend my backpack, but, on the other hand, I have been very impressed with how Targus is handling the problem.

Swiss Army also makes what appears to be a very good computer backpack. I strongly considered them before opting for the Targus. A colleague of mind has a Swiss Army back and is very happy with it. At the end of the day, you probably can’t go wrong with either brand.

-Charles
Publisher, NetSweat.com