If you have a MacBook Pro 17", you know how hard it is to find a decent bag that actually fits it's long size. I took a chance with this bag--it says it only fits a 16" laptop, but I'm happy to say that it DOES fit a 17" MacBook Pro easily. Although the laptop does stick up a little more than other laptops would, the zipper slides easily around the corners, and I had zero trouble getting the laptop in or out of the bag, and felt confident that it was protected.
I've taken this bag on two flights so far, and am very pleased with the performance. It was SO EASY to put the bag on the scanner and unzip the laptop compartment side, and SO CONVENIENT to not have to remove the laptop during scanning. All the zippers on the bag have large, black teeth and are very sturdy--but have the additional benefit of being easy to quickly zip open and closed. I cut prep time in half on the scanners because the laptop side was so easy to use and put on the scanner.
I find the backpack incredibly comfortable. In other bags, it's very easy to feel the laptop in the bag, making it feel uncomfortable on your back, but the padding is sturdy and well positioned on this bag. In fact, the padding is so thick and protective that I had no qualms in putting my bag with my laptop in the overhead compartment.
I hate checking luggage, so I used the backpack as my sole carry on--laptop in the back compartment, clothes in the large center area (they're kept separated by the sleeve designed for an iPad--but I used it to carry my notepad I use for work), cosmetics and toiletries on the other side of the divider in the center compartment, and a paperback in the front pocket. It carries a surprisingly large amount of stuff--I had no problem packing everything I needed for a weekend, including dress clothes and a light sweater.
My husband recommended Everki based on great customer service and the way Everki stands behind their warranty. I'm happy to say that I couldn't be more pleased!