Selecting a Laptop Case
You need a proper laptop
case, not because carrying a laptop computer by itself makes
you look like a nerd, but because the laptop is only one
part of a larger collection of stuff that you need to take
on the road with you. Further, the laptop needs a comfy
storage place to protect it from damage and disguise it from
thieves. Getting the proper laptop case is just a darn good
idea.
Avoid the manufacturer's case
Many laptop manufacturers provide a case for their laptop
systems as a bonus or extra. Generally speaking, such a case
is probably the worst choice you can make.
Manufacturers generally give you a case in either of two
extremes. They may provide you with something that they call
a "case" but is really little more than a zippered pouch.
That's just cheap and shameful. If they don't give you too
little, manufacturers give you too much case. They go
overboard on size and give you something hulking and huge.
The bottom line with manufacturer's laptop cases is that
they just don't give you any choice. Unless you research
laptop cases and the manufacturer happens to offer one of
the brand-name cases that agrees with you, just set aside
any notion of getting a name-brand computer manufacturer's
case.
Features to look for in a case
So, what features do you want to look for when buying a
laptop case? Here's a list:
Does your laptop fit into the case? The case doesn't need a
compartment designed to fit your specific laptop. Instead,
you want to make sure that your laptop does fit comfortably
inside the case and that the case can close easily with the
laptop inside.
Actually, you don't want a case with a compartment designed
to fit your specific laptop. You may not be using the same
laptop years from now, but it's nice to keep using the same
case.
Get a soft case. Not something hard like the traditional
briefcase. The soft cases tend to hold the laptop more
securely, whereas a laptop can get jostled around inside a
hard case.
Does the case have plenty of pouches? You need pouches for
storing accessories, office supplies, discs, manuals,
Altoids, year-old receipts, and other things that you plan
on carrying around with you.
Consider a case that opens to display two large and separate
areas. You can slide your laptop into one and put paper,
notepads, or computer accessories into the other area.
Look for extras. Extra pouches, clips, and such work well
for holding various office supplies. You can also use them
for smuggling.
Zippers! Zippers work better than snaps, buckles, or
latches.
Look into an easy-access pouch. Having this pouch on the
case's outside helps with storing important documents and
other information that you may need to grab quickly.
A carrying handle is a must. Also consider a shoulder strap.
If you know that you have to carry a lot of stuff, say extra
material for your job or perhaps something heavy like a
printer or video projector, consider getting a laptop case
with wheels and a retractable handle.
A backpack can also make a great laptop carrying case. And
shouldering the backpack keeps both your arms and hands
free. That way, you can hold your boarding pass in one hand
and slap-up the airport counter help with the other.
The idea behind your laptop bag is to safely carry and
protect the laptop while you're traveling, plus it needs to
carry all your laptop toys and other related goodies. Go
nuts on the extra features if you must. But, honestly, if
you can find a solidly made case, bag, or backpack that does
what you need, you're set.
By Laptops for Dummies
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Laptop
Accessories Buying Guide
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