I have had many, many bags over the years (and currently, as my husband will be quick to tell you), but I don't think I have ever been as fully satisfied with a bag as I have been with this one. I have had it for a few weeks now and have used it every work day to tote all my stuff around. I am a "semi-employed" teacher, as I like to call myself (meaning that as I can't get a full-time teaching job in the current economy, I go between 3 part-time TA/Teaching/Tutoring jobs), and I have used the bag to comfortably haul around everything that I need. This bag has so many well placed, organizational pockets that it's easy to keep things separated and exactly where I want them. It has a place to fit my 13' Macbook (with it's neoprene protection sleeve) and my ipad (with it's protection sleeve) along with space for lots of other picture books, lunch bag, wallet, and daily supplies. AND I haven't even used the zippered expansion part yet! The two side water bottle pockets are great for 1.5 liter or smaller bottles and also work well to carry a compact umbrella. The only small flaw I can see is the fabric of the bag flap sometimes gets stuck when trying to close the easy-open click tabs (they are supposed to be one-handed...which they are to open, but are trickier to close). Overall, I am very impressed with this bag (color, durability, weight distribution, organization, recycled products, warranty, everything!) and I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a work/commuter bag!