MandM, could you please list your requirements again - ie dimensions, preferred material (I'm thinking non-leather?) etc.
This tote can fit in both a laptop and a few books. There are 638 customer reviews to browse through, if you can spare the time
http://www.ebags.com/samsonite/ultima_tote_computer/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=48470
Samsonite Ultima Tote Computer $69-99 (special price)
Material:Durable 420 Denier Nylon Twill
Size:15.75" x 18.25" x 4.5"
Comments:Laptop compartment: 15" X 11" X 2"
Linear inches:38.5"
Weight:1 lb , 13 oz
Warranty:3 Years
Edit: Here are a selection of reviews:
http://www.ebags.com/products/index...sortlink=default&ProdDetail_Link=Testimonials
Date Posted: February 16, 2006
Reviewed By: Anonymous Customer from San Francisco, CA
Student
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
"I've been very pleased with the bag. I've had it for several months, use it everyday, and it still looks brand new. I use it to carry my computer and a few books/notebooks. The two pockets on the outside are good for throwing in any last minute papers, pens, etc. It's pretty versatile; I use it for school, as a carry on bag on plane trips, and a shopping bag if I need to carry extra stuff."
Date Posted: February 12, 2006
Reviewed By: Anonymous Customer from Chicago, IL
Executive/Management
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
"The size is good - offers enough room to carry a laptop, papers and misc. items. Organization is good - not too many pockets, just enough. Outside pockets are great for travel and inside zip pockets are very useful. It has proven to be very durable and after months of continual use, still looks great. I am short, and the size is good. Easier to carry around than a conventional brief case."
Date Posted: January 30, 2006
Reviewed By: Anonymous Customer from Philadelphia, PA
Student
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
"I bought this bag to use for conferences, and it's great -- functional and it looks nice. It's also large enough to fit a laptop, folders, and just about anything else I could possibly need."
Date Posted: April 5, 2006
Reviewed By: Anonymous Customer from Pittsburgh, PA
Student
"As a law student, it's great to have a bag that easily holds my laptop as well as both letter and legal-size files. I have gotten several positive comments from fellow students, some of whom showed up to school shortly thereafter with the same bag. Great purchase!"
Date Posted: April 5, 2006
Reviewed By: Anonymous Customer from North Barrinigton, IL
Marketing/Sales
"I am so happy I found this bag. Most female tote bags/laptop cases are small and compact. This is a large bag, but perfect for my needs. I use it everyday to carry my laptop and any necessary files, etc. Plus with all the pockets on the inside I often just ditch my purse and carry only the bag. It is great for traveling for this reason too. Although it has a zipper top, I rarely use it because it is a bit awkard due to the sides of the sipper being open/unattached. I also usually have a lot in the bag and can fit more in if I don't worry about closing it. I also love the outside pockets to throw my phone in or things I need to get to quickly."
Date Posted: March 6, 2006
Reviewed By: Kathie from Willits, CA
Social and Community Services
"I love this bag!!!! For my birthday I asked for a computer bag for my notebook. My parents purchased a pretty leather Samsonite bag for me, however the computer area didn't fit my notebook. I looked on e-bags for another, and found this Samsonite bag (which was one of many I had given them to choose from). I ordered this bag, and I am so happy with it. It is well made, and it is feminine without being too girly. I have received many compliments on my bag, some asking where I purchased it, because they have been looking for an attractive yet practical bag. Others have said they would like it as a bag even without the computer. The bag is large enough to hold what I need, and yet it isn't too large. It lookes like a regular size tote bag (not a small tote), and not like a computer case. The straps fit easily on my shoulder, and I haven't had trouble with them slipping off. My notebook is a 14.5in Dell XPS M140. the center padded computer area is perfect, and there is plenty of room on each side for other things like reading books and notebooks. I have my mouse, cords, and discs and still have room for extra items. I have had this bag for about 3 weeks, and love it now as much as the day it came(which was really quick.)"