answer 1
I use this bag for that particular purpose.
Since there is a LOT of room inside, my books tend to shift around, (ie, flatten to the floor instead of stand up), but I'll be mending it to fix that.
Despite the bag being very lightweight and limber, it's very strong and holds my laptop, textbook, lunch and waterbottle all very well.
I say it would be a very god buy considering the functionality of all the pockets!