Commuting - Laptop computer commuting

I would like to begin commuting more. I have a couple of times already this year, but I own two auto repair shops and often need to carry my laptop between shops. It is 20 miles from home to the nearest shop and 27 miles to the further one. The shops are 22 miles apart from each other. I have extra vehicles at each shop so if I need to I can leave the computer at the shop on nights that I won't need it at home and I can then drive to the other shop the next day if necessary, but I would rather ride if time will allow during the day. Is there a worthwhile way to transport my computer? Good backpacks or racks for the bike?:rolleyes:

I have a Blackburn rack on my commuter which has served me well for nearly ten years, and when I need more room one or both panniers (Axiom).

Remember to put your stuff in a plastic bag if it looks like rain, even if whatever bag you use is advertised as being waterproof.

In no way should you put a laptop in a pannier bag. Eventually the vibration and occasional bump will ruin the Hard Drive. It doesn't take much to move most spindle arms even if they are "parked".

I am sure all computer manufacturers will not recommend carrying your computer on a bicycle.

I take my computer home (only 7km) most days. I put it in my backpack with a thick sponge between me and the computer. I try to stand while going over bumps. The current computer is 2 years old.

I only buy Toshiba laptops but i did lose one HD on the previous laptop, and i am quite sure it was the commute.

I have seen special backpacks that suspend the laptop inside the backpack, that certainly would help. Make sure you have backups becuase it is more risky.


ERik

I think it depends on the commute, as to whether you can use, say, a pannier/briefcase or not. On mine, I know every bump and pothole and really can do the trip with a minimum of jouncing; a padded case is sufficient.

Otherwise, I agree that the knees are the best shock absorber, and a laptop is probably best protected in a backpack. But yuck, what a pain.

That's why I'm so pleased to be able to move my data back and forth between home and office via wideband and not have to worry about transporting a computer. And if I did, I'd probably be looking real hard at alternate solutions -- duplicate computers with a removable hard drive I could transport, or something.

RichC

A very valid point, guys. I think I will just work around it and leave the laptop where it is. I can always backup the data I need and put it on my desktop at home if necessary. Thanks.

Sounds more sensible.
A removable disk like Jazz should be big enough. You can get software to sync all your machines, and you will have the security of off/all-site backups.

I used to work for a movie special effects studio, and it was quicker to send data on tape by motorbike courier across London than use a (then) high speed datalink.