Even a relatively light laptop will strain your back if you're carrying it around all day — and if you're a student with a full schedule, that's pretty much a given. That's why you need a backpack with plenty of padding, comfy shoulder straps and an abundance of zippered compartments, but not too much bulk. The relatively light (barely 3 lb., or almost 1.5 kg) and compact nylon backpack from Incase Designs should fit the bill, complete with two roomy zippered compartments, a reinforced pocket to protect your precious laptop, mesh pockets for your cables and a mouse, and a smaller zippered pocket for your MP3 player or cell phone. The padded shoulder strap and breathable mesh back panel should help keep aches and pains at bay.
Price: $99