PDC2008

I currently have a .NET backpack and a PDC05 bag and liked both but they both had to be junked earlier this week because of poor seams. The .Net backpack tore both sides on the shoulder straps and had to be junked much too early. The zips also had a habit of coming undone letting the contents spill all over the pavement at the worst moment without the wearer being aware that the bag's contents were on very public view as the zips seemed to use gravity to determine when they opened. The PDC05 bag tab for the shoulder strap (my preferred carry method as it leaves the hands free) tore completely off after a few months of serving as my laptop bag. And although the sort of shiny two-tone top material used looked nice when new it got grubby within weeks and soon looked shabby.

Overall the PDC05 bag was one of my all-time favourite laptop bags, which is funny considering that at the time I was disappointed it wasn't a backpack. I like the separate divisions and pockets which mean it can carry not just a laptop and some notes, but a variety of pens, portable mice, business cards, spare batteries and various USB bits and pieces - all the stuff you need for work.  I'd love to be able to get something similar again since it's now lost its shoulder-carry tab.

One thing to avoid is too many logo's. Microsoft is fine but the added "HP Invent" logo is one sponsorship step too far which shouts "free bag" rather than "cool bag" to anyone seeing it.

At TechEd Europe (2002, I think) the bags were wheeled flight bags. I loved mine and used it a great deal. Still had until late last year when it got burgled :-(

Put a decent laptop pocket/sleve in there, something that would fit say an average widescreen business laptop like the DELL D620 or something - not one of those desktop replacement monsters (who *carries* those?). I hate having to tote two bags around if I want to be able to run a laptop during a conference session.

I prefer the messenger bag style, because I already have a padded backpack for my laptop; I'll use the PDC bag for carrying other stuff, and I find a messenger bag more comfy.

Good things to have:

Gray or black color

Some color accents are ok around the edges

Water bottle holders (yes, I love 'em)

A compartment with holders for pens, busniess cards, a phone, and small items like a USB thumb drive. The front compartment in the 05 bag is nice, I would just like a bit more padding to protect any plastic items I'm carrying there.

Two zipper handles on the main compartment. It's a little detail, but it fixes the pain point of "is the zipper on this side? *fumble around* No, other side? *fumble some more* ah, finally found it"

Bad things to have:

Logos. I agree with irascian, anything more than the MS and PDC logos screams "free crap"

Shiny material that gets worn or dirty. The top of the 05 bag always looks dirty to me, it must be the way that material reflects light.

Whacky materials. You know the part of the 05 bag that you can run your finger nail over and it makes a sound? I *hate* that. It's funny the first time, but annoying afterwards.

I don't like the bags that try to be all things for all people-- too many pockets, too many compartments, zippers, mesh, straps... these all result in too many seams that can fail.  Here are my priority features:

1) messenger style

2) top quality seams

3) top quality hardware and straps

4) top quality fabric

5) light

I went to the Microsoft Office Developers conference a couple years ago and the conference bags were made by Timbuk2... absolutely the best quality bag I've ever owned (I bought 2 more Timbuk2's since).  Would be nice if it had another pocket or two and a water bottle pouch though.  Furthermore, it had an extra strap so that when you slung your head and one arm through, it could be snugged tightly to your back by the extra strap around your chest--- great design.

I agree with irascian and Mike above... discrete logos please.

So far (except for the quality) the TechED 2004 Backpack/shoulder strap bag has been the most useful for me.  I do like the messenger style bags, but once I get more than my laptop in there my neck & shoulder kill by the end of the day.  

The first thing I do w/ a laptop/messenger style bag is pull all the paperwork & CD's out and dump it in the hotel room.  Either that or I bring the 2004 bag w/ me (use it through the week) and move everything over to more comfortably make it through the 1st day.

The past few years at TechEd & PDC I've seen the backpacks for sale in the Microsoft store sell out the first day when shoulder bags are given out for free.  

The 2004 back was nice because you could quickly pick it up and use the shoulder strap, or when it became too heavy switch to backpack mode.  

Bottom line for me:

-  Backpack

-  High quality - (except for the plastic locks the TechEd 2005 bag is very nice quality)

-  Mutliple sections & pockets w/ dividers in each is always great for flexibility.  

I'd prefer a (wheeled) backpack, one that can carry my laptop and some extra's (like an external HD).  

But most important I would like to have a bag that is solid and sexy, with an artistic design (not the dull colours we use to have).  A bag that everyone (not only techy people) like.  Yes, I want to show off with that bag :-)

Is it too much of a logistic utopia to let people choose between bags when signing in?  Choose between backpack or messenger?

I'd prefer a (wheeled) backpack, one that can carry my laptop and some extra's (like an external HD).  

But most important I would like to have a bag that is solid and sexy, with an artistic design (not the dull colours we use to have).  A bag that everyone (not only techy people) like.  Yes, I want to show off with that bag :-)

Is it too much of a logistic utopia to let people choose between bags when signing in?  Choose between backpack or messenger?

I have been using an Eastpack backpack for about 7 years now.  One of the zippers finally broke and one of the straps is beginning to show some frayed ends [of sanity, like me!].  I’ve been to every PDC since 2000 and have yet to find a bag better than this one.  The bag is fairly light but very durable (7 years) and it has 4 compartments.  

The smallest compartment is a mesh like compartment with a Velcro strap to close it.  This is where I keep stuff that I need to access to very quickly (like a map).  The next compartment is where I keep all of my cables and adapters, along with a flashlight and spoon (boy scout anybody?).  The third compartment is where I keep my camera and some lenses (a rather large DSLR), clothing (I can travel to Europe for a couple of weeks with just this one bag, I smell a little after a while)), or sometimes I stuff a second computer in there.  The largest compartment has a padded divider for a notebook (fits a rather large Dell computer comfortably) and on the other side of the divider I keep mags, books, etc…  

On the outside, the bag has straps that when you pull, relieve the pressure from the zippers.  When the bag is not fully loaded, I can just pull on the straps and make the bag look really small.  On the top, there is a large rubber grip that makes it easy to lift the bag, and on the sides there are pockets for water bottles which I very seldom use.  The back side of the backpack is padded, making it easier on your back and notebook.

Sometimes, when the bag is fully loaded, I wish the bag had hip straps, but on the other hand, that would make the bag bulkier.

The backpack is dark blue with black straps.  The first thing I do when I get a bag is to rip off the logos.  When the backpack is not fully loaded, I can just put one strap on, making it “feel” like a messenger bag.  When the bag is fully loaded, I can distribute the weight evenly between my shoulders, which is something I couldn’t do with a messenger bag .

In summary, what I like about the bag is that it is very durable, very light, can store a whole lotta stuff in it, yet it is compact when not fully loaded.

p.s.  this is not a huge backpack, it just can store a lot of stuff in it.

Ahh bags are such a personal item! As you can see from the comments no two want the same thing! I think there are two differenct things to think about with this bag. The first is weather you want people to continue to use at and thus get more of a bang for the marketing buck, and the second is how much that bang is worth!

If you want people to continue to use them for years then they have to be really good bags. Very high quality and something that people will want to have with them despite the Logo and sponsorship! In my opinion they should be able to hold a Dell D620 sized PC as it repreents the classic size for a business pc; however as many of your attendees are devs then you might want to think of the "trolley" type bag that can haul the monster they may be using.

As for bang for buck and therefore money. There are conference bags that are litteraly legend in the community. People remeber fondly how good they were and would buy them if possible! If you spend enough then you get the return in people contunuing to use them...if not then it is just marketing dollars down the drain.

I agree with Bradtipp, bag preference is as varied as laptop preference (probably even more so).  I went to PDC 05 and gave the bag away to a co-worker.  Bags from these conferences just don't hold up to great bags like ones from Victorinox (Swiss Army) or Tom Bihn.  I'd really like to see a bag by Tom Bihn such as their Imago or Brain Bag, but the cost on those would be extremely restrictive (but would be REALLY cool to have a Brain Bag with a PDC logo on it).

Back to reality.  I'd like a bag large enough to hold a laptop and at least a few magazines to read on a plane.  It can be either a messenger or a backpack.  It needs to have an expandable mesh pocket on the outside for a water bottle (and I mean one that will actually fit water bottles, not some specific brand of really skinny bottles).  A small pocket that would hold a few writing instruments and a moleskine journal would be nice.

As for logos: I think just the PDC logo would be nice.  Maybe a Microsoft logo as well, but keep them small and tasteful. The logo that was on the PDC 05 bag was fine, though the color of the bag was kind of ho-hum.  Stick with darker colors and muted accent colors.  Nothing will have me ditching the bag faster than a bright bag with neon flashing!

I like the idea of a wheeled bag.  During the days with the store open, I usually end up purchasing a number of books and need more than a backpack to carry them.  To match the Vista launch this year, make the bag look like the Windows Vista Ultimate box.  Use one corner rounded and the rest square.  That will give it a unique flair.  I also like the PDC logo on the bag.  I also am not into the neon flashing.  Make it look nice, but subtle.  Nothing bright, flashy, or overly advertising mania.

I am still using the PDC05 bag continually and it is holding up extremely well  and I am not nice to my bags.

Thanks for asking.  I look forward to seeing the results.

Thanks!

At the risk of dating myself, I have part of my bag from one of the PowerSoft conferences back in (I think) 1997.  While that technology has moved into oblivion, the imitation leather folder has persisted.  Basically it's a zippered folder that opens up to reveal a notepad on one side, a pen holder in the middle, and space for plenty of business cards and another zippered pocket on the left.  This whole folder came with a laptop bag - the nice part being you could put the laptop and the folder into the bag at the same time.  

This is the kind of thing that's nice to have, as it adds a touch of professionalism beyond simply bringing the yellow ruled notpad to all your mettings.  

I vote for a light weight backpack or a vertical style messenger back.

For color, dark blue or black

- Backpack style

- Laptop Sleave

- Zune Sleave w/ headphone opening

- Pen holders

- Misc. Item zipper pouch

- Seperate compartment for network cables, power cables etc.

no water bottle holder

no key ring connector

I really liked the Vista backpack they gave out at TechEd last year, but it was a little too small and didn't have a laptop sleave.

Thanks!

I think you guys should just take your “Community Insider” bags and slap a PDC logo on them. This has been the best bag I’ve ever had including any I’ve bought or received at a conference.

For those that haven’t seen this bag you can get the unbranded version here: http://ogio.com/product.php?product=126

I would like to see a choice when you are registering for the conference. Depending on the bag, I may prefer a Messenger style over a Backpack (but really I don't want another "Man Purse").  I’ve liked most of the bags that I have received at TechEd and/or the PDC but my biggest complaint is with the quality. After a couple of months the seams are fraying and they are falling apart – in fact last year’s TechEd bag didn’t even make it to the end of the conference before it started to fall apart. I love these conferences and truly appreciate the bag – I just would like to use it more than a couple of months. PLEASE over all other factors make quality the first!

I agree with dukk.  The "Community Insider" bag is the best.  It has the best overall design with the most comfortable usability.  

I have a lot of other bags that collect dust because they don't work with my laptop or my cords or more then one book or whatever.  But the Community Insider bag rocks.

I would use that as my full time bag (even after the conference).

http://ogio.com/product.php?product=126

You could use the different colors for different types of registration (i.e. Pre/post, gold, super duper coder, MVP, presenters, etc).

I still wished I hadn't given my PDC2000 bag to a friend.  It was a crossover bag backpack that I thought was great because you could carry it on one shoulder or wear it as a backpack.  Strong seams, and wide staps that balanced the weight very well (back then laptops were around 10 pounds...).  Nowadays, I'm using the company issued HP leatherette bags, not bad actually.  Fairly light and the clasping plastic handles are very easy on the hands.

Two requests.  First, please don't turn us into IT billboards with the logo's, the 2005 bag was very well done, but 2003 was pushing it though.  Also, too many logos and it just screams 'guaranteed laptop inside, steal me'.  Second, if you go with messenger style, please make sure the bag has replaceable shoulder straps.  If you've ever used a Victorinox comfort strap, you'll know why I'm asking...

BTW, are there plans in the future to host the PDC at another venue?  Not that I'm saying we should all go back to Orlando in July, but Denver was nice back in 97.

I loved the PDC'05 bag except for one thing: the hardware that attached the strap to the bag. I'm sorry: I just don't trust plastic to hold up under repeated use. Perhaps it was great plastic, stronger than metal. Maybe it was SuperPlastic. Nonetheless, I had visions of my laptop crashing to the pavement one day as I ran for the bus. No thanks. I eventually gave it to a non-technical coworker.

If it had had metal straps I would have used it until it wore out.

I like the messenger bag style, but I also had a one-strap backpack from another MS event that I used often (although it didn't hold a laptop).

If you go with a messenger bag, please: metal fittings with strong, well-stitched strap and strong stitching to the bag. That way I won't be stressed every time I load the bag up with my laptop and a few magazines.

I would gladly sacrifice pockets and compartments for quality.

My top preference would be an elegant field bag (http://www.leathertree.com/viewdetails.asp?productid=436 or http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=0&skusetId=165) - simple, large enough for 8.5 x 11 paper, but not a burden.

My second choice would be a big huge computer tote for my "desktop replacement monster". I have an alienware with a 19" screen and it's very hard to find something it will fit into.

I have the same problem as other posts have - the bags look good but the quality is marginal - they just don't hold up.  Since this is the experience, it's hard to trust the bag with anything valuable - like a laptop.

Bottom line - quality, especially in the seams and hardware, over anything else.

Second request would be - many techies have larger screen laptops than most travelors.  It needs to hold the larger laptops and their accessories.

Thanks

Thanks for asking our opinion on what we want in a conference bag. My preference would be for

1. lightweight backpack style - Makes life easier on the back and neck and makes crowded rooms easier to navigate without bumping into others with a bag. Please make sure the bag will hold at least the 15.4" or larger laptop screens that are owned by alpha geeks

2. Quality- please no seams that rip/ back pack straps that tear or hardware that falls off

3. Logos- Please limit the logos to one Microsoft logo. Any bag that has multiple vendor logos winds up in the back of my closet in the tacky bin.

4. Color- Why not try color. It seems conference bags are relegated to blue or black. Why not try burgundy, red or something that doesnt just scream its another conference bag

The one thing, I remember about the PDC03 in LA is everyone standing and sitting around with they're labtops in and out of sessions..

This bag is really neat, it incorperates a place to sit and relax.  It's by Burton Snowboards which makes it twice as cool..  ( http://www.burton.com/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=441 maybe add wheels, too? ) would rock..   Plus, it would be neat because you don't see many of them..

My vote:  backpack, materials/colors that don't look grungy after a couple of months of use, logos that are not too numerous or large, water bottle pocket.

I personally liked the TechEd 2005 bag.  Actually used until 2 weeks ago when I was issued a new laptop that would not fit in it.  Hence, my suggestions...

First able to handle larger laptops. (mine is a 17 inch widescreen)

Second, no plastic fasteners.  The plastic flap locks broke within a month.  I replaced them with velcro and kept using it.

Third do not have the laptop area inside a flap, but have it accessed via a top zipper pocket.  

Phone and water bottle pockets were great.

I liked the one from I believe it was PDC 03.  Really like the way it had a single strap that went across the chest as opposed to the two strap system.  The bag has held up great.  

Would be nice to have a bag simillar to that but with more pockets and dividers.  Color is always nice.  Rolling also is a nice option.

Why a laptop bag at all?

I have a laptop bag.

A nice one that I wouldn't replace.  When at these conferences, it appears that everyone already has one anyway.  So, why not break out and do something a little different?

How about a satchel to hold magazines and flyers that are picked up.  Easy access to pen and paper.  A hard plastic surface on the back that I can use as a lap desk while in the conference to write notes.

Also, a see through sleeve that I can stuff the schedule into would be nice.  I am getting the schedule out constantly throughout the day.

You go to these conferences and lug this oversize bag around.  Then you sit on a chair that is not very wide with rows packed together.  So, here I am struggling with where to stuff this bag, then get the stuff out of it while clutching my elbows close to me to not jostle the person next to me.  All the while, he's doing the same thing.

Yes, free stuff is good.  Quality free stuff is great.  However, at the conference, we spend most of our time in two modes:

1. mobile between conferences, this means we want a fast exit from the session with quick pack up, a comfortable shoulder pad since it is going to hang there for 15 minutes, and something that I can easily stuff a brochure into without alot of snapping while on the trade floor.

2. in session, where it must be stowed under my chair (like an airplane), easy to get into to get a pen and pad (laptop all you want, but you can download the PowerPoint later), and quiet to open mid-session when I want to read the schedule.  If it can be used as a lap desk great!

I liked the PDC 05 bag except that the seams ripped after a while.  Also the plastic strap holders seemed flimsy. I liked the larger pocket on the front of the '05 bag, but the smaller pocket was too hard to get my hand into.  

I would prefer:

Good quality seams

Sturdy strap hardware

Laptop compartment

water bottle holder

extra pocket(s) on the front

I prefer a good quality backpack, I use a backpack from another conference almost daily, and would like to have a PDC one, maybe not black, a bit more color full, with protective material to make sure my laptop stays well safe.

I think a bag of some sort would defintiely be a nice to have. I think a really nice backpack with maybe a laptop slot in it would be really cool. If not that, then i think a nice laptop wheeled back would be nice as well.

I'd prefer a sturdy backpack or wheeled bag with a laptop slot, and comfortable straps.  Higher quality SWAG, even if it means less of it, is preferred.  To be honest, most of what I get in the bag I immediately throw out, so I don't have to haul it to the airport.  I'd like the bag to have a  more colorful, one-of-a-kind look to it.  The fewer company logos on the exterior, the better.  Thanks for reading!

I agree w the ogio recommendation.  I am a backpack fan [helps when dodging through subway stations], but many backpacks are huge with filing compartments etc.  I would be happy w a laptop compartment that could fit a 17"-er than just a front pocket to stash accessories etc.

One of the many things that the logistics team is working on is selecting all the various SWAG (Stuff We All Get) items that our conference attendees will receive. We are starting to review options for the conference bag – and I invite you to help us

One of the many things that the logistics team is working on is selecting all the various SWAG (Stuff We All Get) items that our conference attendees will receive. We are starting to review options for the conference bag – and I invite you to help us