The Greatland “Scholar” backpack and laptop case is a pretty standard looking backpack on the surface—the straps, multiple pockets and slick, breathable nylon make up a very attractive and practical backpack.
Multiple outer pockets allow for the carrying of books, a water bottle, a cell phone, and any number of other things. Inside, there are several large pockets, not the least important of which is a specially padded, form-fitting laptop sleeve.
The Scholar is available from most retailers and online outlets for less than $15—a relative steal when compared to some other laptop bags, or even backpacks.
Features of the Greatland Scholar Backpack
- Laptop Sleeve
The Scholar could be used as a simple book bag by someone who doesn’t even own a laptop, but its ability to act as an effective laptop bag is what helps it stand out.
Many backpack-style laptop bags are bulky and rigid, in an effort to protect the computer inside, and many bargain backpacks now feature laptop pockets, though with little protection—but the Greatland Scholar effectively blends the two.
Its outer fabric hangs loose and comfortable on the straps, just like a simple book bag. Inside, however, you find a tight-fitting, well-padded laptop sleeve packed gently against the sturdy back wall of the bag.
- Media Integration
My favorite feature of the Scholar is its Mp3 player pouches; one on the left shoulder strap, placed right in the breast pocket area for easy access, and the other at the top of the pack, in the neck area, allowing an easy stretch from the pocket to your ears.
Each pouch has a notch holed out so you can thread your headphones through the pocket and up to your ears. The pouches could be used equally well for a cell phone.
- Expandable Design
The backpack has two adjustable straps on either side, which can be used to expand or contract the width of the pack. It also has an elastic cord laced throughout the back panel, which can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the overall feel of the bag.
Performance
The Scholar is an immensely comfortable backpack, with loads of functional pockets and plenty of ways to customize it for your personal comfort. The straps are soft and wide, but unobtrusive.
The back is padded, and covered on the outside with a cushy, meshed cloth to allow the pack, and your back, to breathe. Anyone who carries their bag long distances knows how valuable a comfortable and breathable back can be.
One drawback is the fact that the outside of the bag is made with relatively thin and inexpensive plastic material, virtually guaranteeing that it won’t last as long as other more durable bags, or even ones made of cloth.
Appearance
Again, the pack looks more or less like any other backpack you might come across. It’s the functionality and the price that really combine to make it an appealing laptop bag.
The Scholar is made by Greatland, a well-known brand among backpacks and luggage, and that is largely why it’s meant to compete with other highly visible packs.
The consumer is not without options, however, as the Scholar is available in a tech-themed gray, a royal blue, or a crimson red. Each color is deep and attractive, making the Scholar a fine choice for a fashionable laptop bag, with as much performance and functionality as many bags with comparatively higher prices—sometimes well above $50 or $70.