yes, you're right !
Maxpedition advertising people DO use hobbits as models !! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I'm not tall myself (1,70m = 5 feet 7 inches) and my Condor backpack stops largely above my kidneys (sp?).
However it's large enough to accomodate my laptob (IBM Thinkpad R50) + 2 cm of protecting foam at the bottom of the pack.

And yes, you are right again : those packs definitely are stout.
I have used mine (almost) daily for 1.5 year (not for outdoors activities, but for office environment) and no sign of wear.