Originally Posted by
chas58
your choice. I use panniers most of the time - the laptop has only fallen off twice. ;-) Backpacks are fine if you don't mind a sweaty back. A messanger bag can give you the benefit of the backpack without the sweat, its just not as stable on your back (i.e. it can swing around depending on how you ride).
Sorry folks, I just couldn't let this one slide by.
I currently have 2 backpacks, a sling bag, and a mess bag. My own personal experience with my mess bag is a complete contradiction to the above bolded statement. I sweat as much, if not more, when using the mess bag. And since it has the stabilizing cross strap, there is minimal sway/shifting no matter riding style/position.
Back on topic- OP, how you carry your laptop is up to you. Pros and cons to each method. However, while looking for panniers (as you've decided to go that route), you need to consider your bike's geometry as well. The main reason why I haven't used panniers more (and I've tried- had some and ended up trading for my mess bag) is heel strike. You might need to carry the load on the top of the rack instead off of the side.