Laptop Bags Buying Guide
Oh, the simple days when women carried purses 
and men lugged briefcases. Now both sexes have a lot more stuff--and a lot more bags to schlep it in. But if ever there's an important item of cargo, it's that laptop in which you invested a lot of money and on which you perform half the tasks of your daily life. For that reason, it's imperative that you have the right bag to cart your laptop wherever you need it and keep it safe from bumps, drops, and worst case scenario, thieves. Fortunately, there are tons of options out there for cases that protect your computer and project your style. There are also tons of cool bonus features available, like solar panels to charge cell phones and PDAs, and cases that fold down into workstations. To help make a few choices about what you need, consider the following:
Before You Buy
- Think about where you'll be bringing it. If you're trying to get that corner office, you'll probably want your case to give off a professional vibe. Sleek and briefcase-like is probably good for you. Just typing up papers at a coffee shop? You're probably more concerned with comfort and accessibility over other things. A messenger bag may be just the thing.
- Tally up the stuff you need to fit in it. Men with a lot of tech gadgets may want a bag with lots of extra pockets--and maybe even a solar panel to charge them. Women may want need their laptop case to double as a purse, so a wide variety of tote styles have extra room for personal items.
- Back problems? If you have neck or shoulder problems (or you have a long way to walk), a rolling laptop case may be right up your alley. Backpacks don't roll, but they ensure an even distribution of weight and have adjustable straps to minimize strain.
- Measure your laptop. There's nothing worse than ordering a case online, getting it, and realizing it can't fit your computer. Getting too big a case isn't much better; the extra room means your laptop will be bouncing around and taking a bit of a beating.
- Assess the padding situation. Are you merely getting a felt sleeve to protect from scratches or is this thing an aluminium briefcase lined in heavy foam? Jostle (and drop) accordingly.
- Consider the safety of your environment. And I don't just mean how likely you are to drop it. Do you take the tube to work? Then you may want to rethink a lot of pockets. It's great to be able to take out your cell and MP3 player out with one hand, but that means pickpockets can too.
Visual Guide
| Standard |
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Messenger-Style
A messenger bag is distinct from a backpack or briefcase style laptop case in that it has one long strap to fit over the shoulder. This ensures both a more comfortable and secure way of carrying it as well as easy access to the contents of the bag. It's also a great way to look urban and on the go. Drawbacks? It may be too sporty for some workplaces, and your shoulders could take a beating, depending on how heavy your laptop is. Still, it's a versatile option that may be the right look and fit for casual professionals and students alike. |
| Briefcase |
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Leather
Handheld
Saddle-Bag
Leather Sleeve
This is the most standard option for the professional workplace, and it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and carrying options. But looking refined has its drawbacks: leather cases will not be as durable as say, a canvas messenger bag, and you'll have to look out for scratches and rainy weather. Still, assuming you take a car to work and not a bike, keeping your case as well as your laptop nice will probably not be too big a deal. Heavy aluminium ones, however, will probably offer the most protection. But their drawback is weight, and a lack of versatility in carrying options. |
| Purse-Style |
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Laptop Bag
Franklin Covey
Women everywhere, rejoice. Laptop cases can sometimes seem a bit of a man's world, what with all the heavy duty zips, orange canvas, and wide straps. But thanks to a few savvy designers, ladies with laptops can be well equipped and not wreck their ensembles at the same time. Franklin Covey, for one, is so on trend that you'll mistake some of their totes for this season's leather bags. There are also a variety of styles that range from fun and colourful to serious and polished, so a stylish bag is available for the high school student and professional woman alike. |
| Wheeled/Rolling |
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Wheeled Laptop Cases
These are a little more expensive than the other options we've covered, but if you carry your desk on your back, it may be worth it to you. Often with enough room to pack books, lunch, and a change of clothes, you'll always be prepared without killing your shoulders. It may just be the ideal solution for techie freelancers, or anyone who travels. |
| Backpack |
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Backpacks are comfortable, versatile, and unisex. Generally, they're a default for lugging your laptop if you just want to get from point A to point B with your laptop in one piece. Try not to skimp and get a regular backpack--look for one with padding (especially on the bottom) and a way of securing the laptop inside (either with straps or a special compartment) to minimize movement. These may be ideal for students, who will need space for books. |
Top Rated Picks:
Related Guides
External Links
- ProductDose.com: ProductDose's list of the top ten coolest laptop cases.
- CNET.com: A quick article about laptop cases you can slip through airport security.
- About.com: Another top ten for women's laptop bags.
