Home > Consumer Reviews > SYNERGY from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Backpack

I purchased this Wenger backpack bag over 2 years ago from a local Best Buy, and immediately loved it. The big problem (for me) with previous backpacks is all of the contents rest near the bottom of the bag (gravity in action). This bag however, offers 3 compartments for storing items such as keys, USB sticks, iPods, even heavy power adaptors in pockets "sewn" to the top. This results in a very balanced bag and quick access to items frequently used.

Although this bag is durable and travels well, over time and worldwide travel, the bag started looking a bit tattered. So I purchased a new one on Amazon (through samscause.org) expecting to get the same bag. However, Wenger has made several key additions and upgrades that make this bag even harder to beat.

Now, each compartment is fully lined. The bag now has a stiffer bottom allowing it to sit more upright. They've removed the useless waist belt, freeing up space and the annoying buckle in my lower back. The side zippered pockets are now much larger and more useful. The padded computer compartment offers much better protection and is more form-fitting. In summary, I got much more than I'd anticipated.

Finally, I've read other reviews that stated 15.4 wide-screen laptops don't fit. I have an HP/Compaq nc8230 business 15.4 wide-screen laptop, and it fits perfectly (14.1" x 10.1" x 1").

My only negative (not reflected in my rating) is I wish the bag was available in all black. Perhaps then it would appear a bit more "business-like" which is relatively important in my job. But every laptop backpack I've tried (including the $485 Tumi) doesn't offer near the functionality of this bag. So function wins over appearance in this case.

This is the first review I've ever written on Amazon. That's how impressed I am with this purchase and this backpack bag.

I read a few reviews which stated that there is no way that this bag will properly fit a 15.4" widescreen laptop. I just bought the bag and it fits my Dell Inspiron E1505 (which seems like a "full" sized 15.4" widescreen) easily.

I just wanted to set the record straight for anyone who is looking for a bag but afraid that their 15.4" widescreen won't fit. Unless you have some gigantic machine that I haven't crossed paths with, you'll be happy with this bag.

PS - I first bought a OGIO Nyquist from eBags and found it to be a POS... unconfortable, HUGE, and my laptop didn't even fit into its ridiculous side zippered pocket.

I was looking for the perfect bag to carry my books and laptop at college, and this is it! It's got a ton of pockets including room for a 15.4" laptop that straps securely in a padded pocket. Even with the laptop in the bag you can fit books and notebooks with no problem. I also carry around my AC adapter and a car charger with no worries. It's got a hard shell on the bottom of the bag to protect your computer from damage if it's dropped. You couldn't ask for more!

very well-designed. stands upright on its own, the laptop compartment is well padded, and there are a lot of pockets to keep everything organized. particularly handy is the small pocket at the top which is perfect to hold frequently-accessed things (keys, wallet, phone). i checked out a lot of laptop backpacks before purchasing this and still haven't found a better one.

the only reason i gave the backpack 4 stars instead of 5 is because the strap buckle broke after a year. it comes with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. tracking down the right people to replace/repair the product was way more complicated than it should have been, and i gave them explicit feedback on how to simplify that process. hopefully they will make the process easier. however, once i found that information, i received a replacement less than two weeks after i mailed it.

i've already bought this backpack for a friend and recommend it to a lot of people.

I go to a school where you are required to own a laptop. I have gone to so many stores searching for a backpack that is strong enough to not rip when holding my laptop. I have bought around 6 or 7 cheap backpacks. My mom believes in going for a not expensive backpack to buy but since we have tried this 6 or 7 times, the amount of money spent was more than buying a good capable backpack averaging $100. So my mom finally gave in and we started looking around for the expensive sturdy backpacks. My friend at school recommended the Wenger Swiss Army Synergy Notebook Computer Backpack. We looked online and we saw the backpack that was recommended. We bought it and to this day, so many months later, I am still using the backpack we purchased. I definately recommend this backpack for the needy of all ages. In my opinion, this was the most convenient item ever created. Since it can hold a 15" laptop, I'm sure you are wondering what about the small valuables such as keys. There is a small pocket on the front of the backpack and a small pocket on the top of the backpack next to the handle which I find most convenient. If you are reading this and are still having mixed feelings, I recommend purchasing this backpack. You will not regret it.