Computer Carrying Cases

If you have ever dropped your laptop then you already know the importance of a computer carrying case. I considered the money I paid for mine as an ‘insurance premium’.

Considering how expensive a well equipped laptop can be and comparing that to the price of a good carrying case, it was a no-brainer for me. The problem was that there are just too many choices. Plastic? Metal? Hard case or soft case? Shoulder strap or backpack style or suitcase style? Now how about color? Black, gray, white, pink? OK pink was out, but they are available.

And now that I own a carrying case for my computer I can give you a little advice. First, just because you are at home doesn’t mean your laptop shouldn’t be in the case. For me, it’s a pretty simple rule, if I’m not using the computer, then it goes in the carrying case. That’s it. My dog knocked my laptop off of the coffee table about a month ago (it WAS in its case) and there was no damage. Had it not been in its case, I know it would have been damaged.

When looking at computer carrying cases, you need to consider whether there is room for all the other ’stuff’ that you will most likely be carrying with you at the same time. If you are traveling then you will have your wall charger, your external mouse, your mouse pad your thumb drives, etc, etc.

Personally I really like the ones with the foam padding that can be cut out to fit the laptop and the accessories perfectly. There is just too much to risk buying a one size fits all computer carrying case. A case that has a lot of adjustable compartments is the next best thing. Some of the adjustable compartments are held in place with hook and loop fasteners. That’s great but if you have a lot of empty space in a compartment between your laptop and the outside edge, you could be at risk. If you happen to drop the case, the weight of the laptop can cause it to crash through the empty compartment and hit the outside wall. So a good rule of thumb is never have any open ‘compartments’ between your laptop and the outside edges.

Next, I guess we should address style. These days there are designer carrying cases, men’s carrying cases and women’s carrying cases and unisex carrying cases. If you want to spend several hundred dollars on a computer carrying case, you can. I don’t know that the protection level is any better but if you are into the latest fashions, then you already know that the price you pay for a designer name is for just that….. the name.

For women, there are cases that look like a larger purse. So not only can they serve as a computer case but can be used for other things as well. If you go this route, be sure there is enough protection built in. Remember your first objective is to protect your computer, the extra room and versatility is a lower consideration.

If you travel a lot then you may actually end up with two carrying cases. One, a hard sided foam filled unit for your trips to the airport and another case that is soft sided with fewer compartments for use around your home or office.

When looking at carrying cases, take your time and thoroughly consider all the options as well as all the times and situations you will be needing protection. No matter what your specific needs are there is a computer carrying case that will fit your requirements and your budget.