Pros: Sweet backpack. Booq does it AGAIN with another backpack that I love calling my own. Great looks, features and construction.

Cons: It won’t fit under some airline seats. I know. Picky but I have run into this several times flying.

Aesthetics

What can I say? Booq never fails to step up to the plate in this area. Their bags are classy and look high class. The bag is black overall and has orange accents. There is a metal orange and sliver medallion on the front. The front of the backpack also has a black on black grid pattern that adds some sweet tech feel to it overall.

Comfort

To keep overall cubic inches of storage, booq had a choice. They could make it a “normal”, rectangular bag or instead make it wide and take some off the length. They chose the latter. The Python is a wider backpack that most and it feels like it sits higher up on your back. It is kind of strange at first and it does take some getting used to. With it fully loaded down it felt fine. I’m not sure short of an internal frame that with as much stuff as I haul around it could ever be super comfortable. When loaded the Python never made me feel like I needed to sit and take a rest which is good if your running through the airport.

The Python XM has a detachable waist strap. I admit I haven’t used the waist strap, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

Organizational Features

This bag has lots of storage. The great thing is it doesn’t look like it has 16 pockets and compartments. Amazing! The pockets on the side are large enough for a water bottle. Inside are pockets are where I carry my Canon digital camera, Airport Express, Plantronics 640 and other accessories as well as the myriad of chargers and cables that I can’t seem to live without.

The iPod pocket is lined with a soft fabric to prevent scuffing. Let me say that this pocket is a tight fit for an iPod. If you have a silicon case for your iPod, it will be very difficult to wedge it in.

There is even a “secret” compartment to put flat things in. Heck it’s so secret I just found a Firewire cable I’ve been looking for. Trust me; you won’t want for storage with this bag.

Protection

I used the Python in conjunction with booq’s Vyper M for the Apple Powerbook. The protection factor of the system is great. The soft lined laptop pocket is padded on two sides and offers is great protection even without the Vyper M. Add the Vyper and it protects better than Superman protects Jimmy Olsen. The laptop compartment opens from the top so access to the laptop when inside the bag is easy,

Conclusion

This is another great backpack from booq. It has everything. Storage, comfort, looks. If you need a bag to haul gear in, not books but gear, then consider the Python XM. It’s pricey, but so is that laptop you have 3,456 photos and 30 GB worth of music on.

Manufacturers product page for the booq Python XM.