Here man, check out this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=310886

Anything on your back is a PITA. A real versatile pannier is a grocery bag style, you can toss anything in it quick, and they hold a lot. You might need a pair though with a laptop and books. Check out the cheaper panniers on Nashbar, you don't need to spend Ortlieb money unless you have some serious showing off to do.