Good find.
It really depends on the person. To me, a backpack is symbolic of the carefree days of undergraduate study, youth and a world of possibility, as well as adventure and travel. A briefcase can be symbolic of many things: power, dependability, professionalism, but it can also evoke bureaucracy, impersonality, a lack of imagination, etc. These impressions are not right or wrong, they are merely emotional associations that we all have to a greater or lesser degree.
Suits can also evoke mixed associations, images and emotions. It can look put together and evoke accomplishment. To others, it's a boring cookie cutter uniform. That's when the bizarre ties and strange color combinations start to see the light of day.
Just out of curiousity, why does the thought of a briefcase inspire dread? To me, a briefcase proclaims one's maturity, professionalism, organization and good taste. It need not be a square, boxy 1970s type, but a sleek leather (faux or real) briefcase designed for laptops with extra storage space can serve you quite well. I picked one up for interviews at Comp USA for $40.
