Now that you have selected the perfect laptop, it is time to find the perfect laptop bag. I have heard so many stories from people who say that they have spent hours online searching for a laptop case that suits their needs, some have spent months, and others years! It should not be so difficult, but somehow it is. Hence the reason to put pen to paper (or shall I say finger to keypad) to provide information that will hopefully expedite the search process significantly on how to pick a laptop bag that is right for you.
When it comes to laptop bags, one of the reasons it takes so long to find a bag is that there are so many bags to choose from, so many websites that carry all kinds of styles that the problem becomes an abundance of choice. It does come down to personal taste, style, budget, and patience level, and frankly where you prefer to shop. But also, considering that your laptop bag is entrusted to carry one of your most valued personal possessions, it also carries a lot of responsibility. It becomes more than a bag, but a trusted companion, a life partner would not be too elevated a moniker (until you’re ready to get a new one)!
In terms of choosing the laptop bag that will meet your needs, you have to take some time and focus on what your objectives are. I always recommend that you treat this process as an engaging exercise where you get out a sheet of paper and write down what is meaningful to you. Once you understand what matters to you, it becomes easier to find what you want. This is the same advice I shared in How to Buy a Laptop – it starts with you.
The two principal considerations in picking a laptop case are: 1) the functionality you seek, and 2) how happy you want to be.
Function - all good laptop bags should have the following basic functional requirements:
1) Protection – This is the first order of business. Protect your laptop with a padded case. Please do not carry it around in your hand with no case, at the very least get a padded sleeve. (Later on in this discussion I will highlight some of the laptop bag styles). Another thing to realize is that a laptop bag is not armor (unless of course that is what it purports to be). The user must still exercise common sense and care in the handling of the laptop. Just like you would not go around asking about drop tests for babies, the drop test for a laptop is somewhat equally absurd. But with a well-padded case, you should be in good shape.
2) Water-resistant – You definitely want a bag that will resist water. There is a distinction between water-resistant and water-proof. As the description denotes, a material that is water-resistant “resists” water, meaning that water will not get through the material. Water-proof generally means that an item can withstand being submerged in water. Most laptop bags are water-resistant and not water-proof. Again, caution and common sense must come into play. Keep your laptop away from water. Do not take it out in the rain if you can avoid it but if you have to, make sure it is in a water-resistant case and use an umbrella as well. Take all precautions to keep it dry regardless of what laptop carrying case you use. Now if you’re involved in some type of aquatic expedition that requires a laptop, usually it will be a special type of laptop made for that use. But the average laptops that the majority of people use are not compatible with H2O. Tip: Don’t even keep a glass of water, or any liquid for that fact, near your laptop in the event it could fall over and spill. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when hundreds or thousands of dollars could be involved.
3) Lightweight – There is no reason to carry a heavy laptop bag. I mean really, unless of course you enjoy lifting weights. Laptops are heavy enough, why add to the weight with a clunky, heavy bag?! Mercifully, there are many choices when it comes to laptop bags made from a variety of materials so that you can get a durable bag that is still lightweight. In the past, many laptop bags were made from leather or ballistic nylon, plus lots of other contraptions which added to the weight. Today, you can still get leather and ballistic nylon that are much lighter, also, bags made from polyester, micro fiber, and canvas (preferably coated to be water-resistant).
4) Comfort – It is important that your laptop case be comfortable for you to carry. A well-padded shoulder strap helps to distribute the weight of the bag. Your bag should not be clumsy and inconvenient, but instead a sleek and welcome partner that accompanies you throughout your day and life.
Happiness – Yes, it is imperative that your laptop bag make you happy. If it doesn’t, you have the wrong bag. This is about your personal style and feeling confident. A happy person tends to be more productive, hence a laptop bag that makes you happy could enhance your productivity. Assess what fits your style and activities:
1) Contents – This represents all the items you plan to carry in your laptop bag. Do you want a bag just for your laptop alone, for your laptop and the adapter (aka peripherals), for the laptop, adapter, and some files, or for that proverbial kitchen sink? Ask yourself, as this will determine what style laptop bag will be appropriate for you. This is the first question I ask my customers who are not sure which bag to get – what do you plan to carry in the bag along with your laptop? Also, some people need to have more than one bag to suit how they use their laptop on a given day. So the right answer may be two bags. No law that says you can only have one. Tip: keep away items that could scratch your laptop or leak – like pens, put them in a separate pocket away from your laptop.
2) Size – Regarding the laptop itself, you need a case that will fit your laptop well so that the laptop is secure within the bag and not sliding around. In order to determine the size bag to fit your laptop, measure the diagonal LCD screen (without the border). If you have a 13” screen, you need a bag that fits 13” laptops and so on. It’s all about proportion. In terms of your laptop and you. What is your height? Depending on the answer, you may want to consider whether your bag will over power you or complement your style. Carry a bag that is comfortable and proportional to you.
3) Style – There are many styles of laptop bags, here are some of the most popular styles: a) Sleeves – designed just for the laptop, usually without handles; b) Envelopes – like a sleeve but with a handle and usually a removable shoulder strap, with room for the laptop and a pocket for peripherals; c) Portfolio/Briefs – these have extra room for some files and other items along with the laptop and the peripherals; d) Backpacks – usually come with a padded compartment for the laptop that is separate from the rest of the bag, plus lots of pockets; and e) Messengers – these have a shoulder strap and usually no handle and have a large flap in front and a compartment for the laptop. Which of these laptop bags you select is a question of personal taste and how you plan to use your laptop. Once you determine the use, you will be able to decide quickly on the style. Tip: A great aspect of many laptop bag styles is that the bag no longer overtly looks like a laptop bag in the old sense, so it is less of a target.
4) Color – Thank God you now have a choice in this area! Not too long ago, the only choice was black, now you can almost pick a color from the rainbow. When it comes to color, it is a decision mainly dependent on your personality. You have to decide what makes you happy – will a pink, blue, green or striped laptop bag brighten your day? This is not the time to be shy, be bold and let the true you shine through. The way we use laptops have evolved so much today that the use can vary from casual to more formal settings. So the style and color of the bag can vary based on how you will use the bag. Get a color that will complement your outfits and make you feel your best. Also, you will be amazed at how colors that you may not have thought would work interact perfectly once next to each other.
5) Patterns – Bold patterns offer an extra dimension of self expression, plus they have some special benefits. Patterns wear really well as they camouflage dirt. They stand out and let the world know you are unique and confident in who you are. Another benefit of a patterned bag whether floral, stripes, or abstracts, is that the colors in the pattern can blend in such a way to increase the versatility of what the item can match.
6) Price – What will give you the best value for your money? There are many economical choices available to you, so the laptop bag should not break the bank. You’ve just spent anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for your laptop, this is not the time to skimp on the bag and cut off your nose to spite your face. You do not have to spend a fortune to get a quality bag, but please do not buy the cheapest thing you can find just because it’s cheap. Invest in a reasonably priced laptop bag that will not only meet your functional needs, but will make you happy, look good, and feel good.
With the above areas covered, you should be able to find the laptop bag that will work best for you. Let me know if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help. To your continued mobility – happy travels!!
