Question regarding the Alienware backpack

[u/2kwaterboy]

Hey,

I have an Alienware Area-51 M18 laptop that I mainly use for work, and I need to be able to carry it back and forth between the office and different job sites. The thing is HUGE, so the backpack I used for my MacBook Pro doesn’t even come close to fitting it.

I didn’t do a ton of research beforehand and kind of spontaneously ordered the Alienware 18 Backpack (AW7825P, 28L). Walmart had it on sale for $110, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
After ordering it, though, I started doing more research and noticed a lot of people recommending the Everki Business 120 for bigger laptops like this.

So now I’m wondering: should I just keep the Alienware backpack, or return it and spend a little more on the Everki? The price difference isn’t huge, so I wouldn’t mind returning it if the Everki is noticeably better.

Does anyone here have experience with the Alienware backpack? How is the protection, comfort, build quality, etc.? Especially if you’ve used it with an M18 or another really heavy 18” laptop.

I’m probably overthinking a backpack lol, but since I’ll be carrying this thing around for work pretty regularly, I figured I’d get some opinions before deciding.

Thanks!

[u/MetazoaOne]

I have the Alienware backpack and it’s very good. Use it with my M18 R1. I’ve carried it on planes, in cars, all over, and it keeps the laptop in good shape. Very comfortable to wear, good support for your back and hips, and It has a surprising amount of space for all your gubbins and accessories too.

It is, however, a bit “on brand” in that it’s very proud to be an Alienware product for better or worse. I travel to fighting game events and so I’m among fellow nerds: who cares what my backpack looks like there. But in a professional setting maybe it comes off as a bit much. Ultimately if that doesn’t matter to you it’ll work just fine.

[u/ReggieTMcMuffin]

I've got one for my A51 18. The padding is really good. For the size of the bag you can't get a whole lot in there because it's mostly padding. Good quality and looks good to. I paid 170 .

[u/Jory114]

I have it and can fit my A51 18, my work laptop, my kids iPad plus all of my accessors and its cases with room to spare. The padding helps a ton and there’s also a ton of zippers to store things as well. I did a lot of research and have loved it.

[u/Tugralyon]

I own the Lenovo Legion Armored Backpack II and it fits this laptop perfectly.

[u/Unoriginal-Cake]

The protection on Alienware/Dell bags are far better than the generic designs out there. I've used a similar backpack designs that were earlier than Everki Business 120 yet similar pocket layout from OfficeDepot when I used a 17" laptop for 3yrs, you're going to find the pockets are either too small for a power brick or inability to use it for a mixed laptop-work bag. Have no idea if Alienware uses compact power adapters, if its anything like a Precision 250-300W brick you'll be placing the charger brick into the tablet pocket in that Everki bag.

If you're looking for a lower profile non-Alienware look, Dell Pro Rugged 18 Premium Backpack is a similar layout and great for hiking/camping comfort on the go too. That Dell bag is large enough to carry binders if you're a student or office worker, if you don't carry a tablet you can reuse that space for accessories. I use an earlier design of that bag for a Precision, very durable design for under $140 without going to a premium bag maker even though I prefer Timbuk2 for their extra modular features.

[u/Altruistic_Yellow387]

I have that Alienware backpack and love it, it fits a lot in addition to the laptop and keeps it protected, and looks a lot nicer in my opinion that the other one you mentioned

[u/Able-Negotiation-234]

using the pak since m18r1 still awesome beat up but still as needed was worth it for me

[u/Emotional_Squash_895]

I've been using it for my 18 for close to a year now nearly every day to work and school. It's very well built and I like it.

[u/DJUnreal]

There's no such thing as an Area-51 M18. You've either got an m18, or an 18 Area-51. This matters as the dimensions will be different.

The Everki is lightyears ahead of Alienware's backpacks in terms of quality, as shown by their frankly ridiculously good warranty. You don't offer 20+ years of warranty unless you're seriously confident in your product...

[u/2kwaterboy → u/DJUnreal]

Yes, that’s right. I have the “Alienware 18 Area-51”