I am a college professor and I tote books around a lot.  I usually use laptop cases, but they have so many compartments they can use up more space with those than for your belongings.  This case has no extra compartments except the one in the front.  That's what I like about it.  It's great for a bunch of books (or clothes if you use it as a carry-on.  And I really like the little side pockets.  One is a drink holder, which I use a lot on campus, and the other is zippered.  The only reason I didn't give it five stars was that I expected it to be a bit larger.  But that's probably just my misconception.  So if you want a bag without a lot of compartments, this is a great buy,