The laptop travel case you select is almost as important as the laptop itself. It needs to keep your computer safe from physical damage (if you drop it, for example) and it also needs to have some anti-theft features if possible. A laptop may be the most expensive item you are traveling with; don’t take shortcuts when it comes to protecting it.
We mentioned in the laptop safety article that one way to keep your laptop safe while traveling is to store it in a non-laptop bag. Messenger bags and laptop cases tend to attract attention; understandably, thieves target high value items like laptops and a laptop case or messenger bag typically indicates a laptop’s presence. That’s why we prefer carrying a laptop in a backpack or shoulder bag. Below you will find our picks for laptop travel cases and bags. Also check out our article on safe and secure luggage for more tips on this topic.
The SwissGear Computer Backpack can hold up to a 15.4″ laptop in addition to other items. It has a padded computer pocket and a stiff bottom, which provides further protection in addition to allowing the bag stand upright on the ground. There are three compartments on the interior, which allow you to easily organize and access your belongings. As an added perk the bag has comfortable strips, a pocket for a music player, and a back padding area that was designed with air flow in mind.
This is a great laptop bag because it protects and it doesn’t look it is designed specifically to hold a computer. That said, you always need to take caution when you are walking around with a backpack. Be sure to have a look at our tips for avoiding robbery article.
The Pacsafe Luggage Venturesafe 25L Daypack is another bag in the backpack style that has a padded laptop pocket within it (it will fit up to a 13″ laptop). This bag, however, offers a number of additional security features, such as slashproof straps, exomesh slashguards, and locking zippers.
We previously wrote a review of the Pacsafe MetroSafe 200 shoulder bag. This bag is similar in that it has been designed with security in mind. You won’t find any other bags that feature so many layered safety elements. In addition to the added security, this bag provides a padded and protected pocket for your laptop that will protect it from drops and general wear and tear.
The Targus Blacktop Deluxe Case is designed to Protect up to 17″ Laptops. The Dome Protection System helps reduce the risk for laptop screen damage and the molded rubber tread at the bottom of the bag acts as a shock absorber. There may not be another bag that offers more measures to protect your laptop from physical damage. You could throw this thing down a flight of stairs and your computer would be fine.
The Targus Blacktop Deluxe Case also has several other compartments along with a front flap pocket that provides easy access to smaller items, and an organized file section for documents.
If you have a favorite laptop case or bag please let us know in the comments. We are always on the look out for new products that get the job done! Some of these bags may seem expensive, but they are offer the best in terms of security and protection. When you think about how much you have in invested in your laptop (most likely anywhere from $300 to $1,000 and up), it’s not a bad idea to make sure it will hold up while you’re on the road. Purchasing a solid travel laptop bag is a big step to that end.
{ 1 trackback }