It's a really nice bag, but I bought it primarily for commuting days when I need my laptop - and unfortunately the laptop compartment isn't suitable. I was assuming it would be like other Nordace compartments that are self-contained with their own zip. Instead, it's literally a thin bit of padded material, open at the top, creating a sort of side pocket separating your computer from everything else in your bag. The top of your laptop will protrude out the top of this and be in contact with other things in the bag - including, potentially, a water bottle that might have condensation or leakage. This would be just about acceptable if the slot were roomy enough to allow you to use a neoprene or other thin protective sheathe/slipcover on the laptop, but even these extra few millimetres are too much and while I could just about cram my covered 13" MacBook into it, I wasn't able to close the zips over top. I bought the 13" bag version but I'm not convinced even the larger 15" bag would be suitable for a 13" laptop with a slipcover. So I'm regretfully returning this, and the search for the perfect commuter duffel continues...
