I'd like to buy a tank bag or tail bag for daily commuting. Nothing too fancy -- just something large enough to safely carry my laptop and a few essentials. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

http://www.luggagelocker.com/tanklocker.html

Due to the inherent vibrations of motorcycles and the conditions of our roads here, I would go with a backpack instead of a bike-mounted bag.  But that's just me.   I couldn't see my $2000 laptop getting beat around in a tank bag.   My body insulates the laptop from harsh jarring from potholes, etc.

I use a laptop for work and though I don't take the bike often I needed a solution as well.  So I bought a Rakgear laptop backback from RadioShack.  Holds everything I need and when I get off the bike it comes with me.

Stan

Thanks for the reply. I'm using a laptop backpack now, actually, but I find it really uncomfortable (especially in hot weather). I think I might just buy a bungee net and try strapping the backpack down on the passenger seat.

I agree on the backpack suggestion. The tank bags are also generally (but don't have to be) magnetic mount. Magnets and electrical fields don't play well together. I would be concerned that it may affect the hard drive or other components.

I saw a nice looking backpack online yesterday here for $18 that would fit an iBook or small laptop.

Hi: I agree with Glenn regarding the possible vibration and jarring and with Casimir regarding possible magnet/computer problems with a magnetic tank bag.  I also agree that a backpack can be hot and uncomfortable.
I have a really nice medium size tail bag made by Tourmaster.  It has self-contained bungees, hooks to the GS tail section and fits like a glove, is padded, and has a rain cover.  I think I'd trust it, but still maybe cushion the laptop further by wrapping a small towel (or maybe a rain-jacket?) around it.  Any major internet seller will have Tourmaster, I think I paid around 60 bucks, delivered.  Hope this helps you.

I have a Givi tankbag / tailbag that I use to carry a notebook.

The magnets are not a problem. First the torrid type magnets in a tankbag do a very good job or containing their field and notebooks aren't sensitive to static magnetics. Your floppies might be, but who uses floppies?

Any day you can ride to work is better than a day you can't.