After I got my G73SW (also 17.3 inch but about as big as a normal 18 inch), I had to get a new bag to carry it in since it wouldn't fit in my old bag or my backpack. I chose this one you might want to give it a look. It fits the laptop perfectly, and has enough room to carry basic things in it (external travel HDD, CDs, mouse, power adapter, small pencil case, etc.). What it won't carry for you is your books. If you take just this bag to class you'll need to carry books/binders outside of the bag. I only bring my laptop to class when the class requires it (my Calc III likes to use Maple sometimes) otherwise I leave it at my room.