I bought my first laptop, a 17" one, without realizing how heavy it would be, or that almost no bags will hold a laptop of that size. I found this bag and bought it. It is a very nice backpack and will work for lots of things besides laptop storage. You could use it for camping or traveling or any number of uses. There are a million little compartments, which satisfies the overly-organized of us! It seems very sturdy. I do find that it tips over when loaded up, like some others have found, but all in all I am very happy with my purchase.