17.3" laptop bag/backpack

Just purchased a 17.3" HP laptop over the weekend, looking for something to carry it in. I'm looking for something that will protect it without breaking the bank. My budget is $40 max.

I'm open to a bag or backpack. I don't plan to fly with it.

Any good sites to get deals on that type of thing?

We have had Timbuk2 and Swissgear bags before.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-NC1406118R1-17-3-Inch-Laptop-Bag/dp/B00LU7B8X0/

TB14 said:

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-NC1406118R1-17-3-Inch-Laptop-Bag/dp/B00LU7B8X0/

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I saw that as one of the cheapest options available. Do you personally own it?

I used to own a Asus G74 (a mammoth of a laptop) and bought the Targus XL b/c it was one of the few backpacks big enough to house the 17 in Asus G series laptops at the time that didn't cost over $100. Bad idea.  

http://targus.com/us/17-xl-laptop-backpack-txl617

It's a well built, spacious backpack but there's no padding at the bottom. I didn't notice it until the first time I put the backpack down on a hard floor and heard a loud smack of 12 lbs of laptop hitting concrete. Only then did I notice that there's padding all around the backpack except at the bottom (nothing there but the thin layer of material). I seriously could not believe it. 

That was ~2 years ago, so I'm not sure if they changed the design. I bought a G751 recently and am looking for something to house that but won't be buy Targus again. 

Thanks for the notes Vinny! I think for now I will stick to checking these out in person to try to keep what you experienced from happening. Then if I find one I like I may order it online if the price is better.

I ended up buying the Targus Groove backpack off eBay for $21 shipped. Great backpack so far. Holds the 17.3" laptop with ease and lots of room for other stuff. Seems to be solidly made.

What kind of a laptop do you have? I know you said HP, but what model? 

I'm trying to gauge if the backpack you got would fit my G751JL, with its slightly bulkier than normal dimensions. 

Vinny said:

What kind of a laptop do you have? I know you said HP, but what model?

I'm trying to gauge if the backpack you got would fit my G751JL, with its slightly bulkier than normal dimensions.

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Vinny, it's the HP 17-g119dx. I'd say there is some wiggle room with mine in the length and thickness department.

Thanks, I'll check it out. It's a nice looking backpack, that's for sure.