What is a good, simple, high quality, school backpack? Sort of like a Jansport design, just better quality.

I have used the Timbuk2 Lex Pack and just like the their other products it's fantastic.

Here is the link, build your won for $130.
http://tinyurl.com/dzlo3g

I have a few Patagonia packs. They look great and will last forever.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/collection.jsp?OPTION=COLLECTIONS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.PACKS

Without a doubt The North Face "HotShot"

One of the best, if not the best backpacks ever made are Burton Backpacks. Designed to endure anything you will throw at them and cleverly designed they, are the ultimate backpack. Skateboard/snowboard straps, laptop compartment, keychain support, cleverly designed stash, where you can keep beverages. Enough compartments to suit your needs, and don;t break down if you decide to empty the library in your backpack. Personal favourite. The Shaun White Special Edition Backpack. Costs around 80 dolars, but it's great quality for money, and like i said, the design is killer.

Check it out here: http://www.burton.com/Gear/Default.aspx#/gear/productdetail/specialcollections/the-white-collection/10060/209801221/

On campus, everyone has a North Face backpack. I needed a new backpack but I didn't want to follow the trend-as tempting as it was. I got the Patagonia Lightwire Pack and it's been great. Plenty of pockets, perfect if you're on the go because it's so light but can fit a ton. Perfect for air travel as well.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_FA_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.PACKS&style_color=48862-155&ws=

I've had the best luck with Dakine bags. They are also really well built and come with a lot of nice innovations that don't end up being useless gimmicks.

http://www.dakine.com/

If you're looking for an everyday bag, check out the street series.

I'm going to second Targus as the best all around bag. I've had a Targus Feren backpack for two years of college and absolutely love it. It has a ton of room, a sturdy laptop compartment, a waterproof bottom, and cooler pockets...You would be surprised how much you appreciate cooler pockets once you hit college.

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TSB08503US

I love Caribee bags from Australia. Killer function, quality and style and they're much less known in the US.

http://caribee.us/

Try Timbuk2. They have an option where you can either buy a standard issue or build your own with lots of options for different colors and patterns.
Their bags are bomb-proof!

I typically go for nice looking with much space when buying backpacks. The best I have found thus far is from a California company called 'Booq' - http://www.booqbags.com/

The bags are very sturdy and can take a beating. An added bonus is that they are the best looking back pack on the streets. Very stylish.

Dakine is good, but I also love the swiss Freitag bags! Their made from used truck tarpulin, so their environmentally friendly aswell! http://www.freitag.com

The North Face backpacks is definitely the way to go. Personally, the Heckler is my favorite, but the Sure Shot and a bunch of other models also fit the bill.

I have been using the North Face SureShot for over a year, and it has held up very well. It is the 3rd North face bag I have owned, and from my experience (like jansport) they often replace the bag if there is any physical flaw or defect. Also if you are looking for more of a single strap messenger bag I use the incase messenger bag. As far as convenience features go it is quite impressive. It has a stabilizer strap, faux fur lined laptop sleeve, gadget pockets, and room for tons of books etc... for cruising around campus. I use both bags for many uses like cycling, motor scootering, and skateboarding. It all depends on you personal preference whether you want a single strap or standard double strapped backpack style.

I have been using the North Face SureShot for over a year, and it has held up very well. It is the 3rd North face bag I have owned, and from my experience (like jansport) they often replace the bag if there is any physical flaw or defect. Also if you are looking for more of a single strap messenger bag I use the incase messenger bag. As far as convenience features go it is quite impressive. It has a stabilizer strap, faux fur lined laptop sleeve, gadget pockets, and room for tons of books etc... for cruising around campus. I use both bags for many uses like cycling, motor scootering, and skateboarding. It all depends on you personal preference whether you want a single strap or standard double strapped backpack style.

The North Face, for sure. The Heckler model is large, durable and very stylish. You can't go wrong with any of their gear.

Ogio bags are premium bags for all your needs. 'nuff said.

The most durable (and reasonably priced) backpacks are made for the military. Check a surplus store for the assault packs that came into rotation around 2003. Anything after then is basically the same model, only with a few minor changes, like color or tie-down strap positioning. They are water resistant and can take a hell of a beating before tearing. There are several compartments and will hold a water bladder or camel back and keep your computer isolated to prevent it rattling around as you travel. Everything about them is functional/druable (except for the strange straps inside used when parachuting) and they are ergonomically designed to put minimal stress on your shoulders. I've carried around 50 lbs at a time for days on end with very little complaints.
If you want better colors or don't care about the price, Blackhawk also makes great backpacks that hold a lot.

I've had issues with Targus bags, and Jansport are a bit meh, but Crumpler bags are amazing!