How to Buy a Case for a Laptop Computer

A case protects your laptop computer and determines the peripherals and accessories you can carry with it. Cases range from simple, padded canvas bags to versatile units that double as briefcases.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laptop Computer Cases

1. Decide what you will carry in the case with your computer. Consider your potential need to carry a modular drive, power supply, extra battery, portable printer and accessories, Zip drive and accessories, floppy disks, PC (PCMCIA) cards, modem cable, and power inverter.

2. Feel the total weight of the case with your laptop in it.

3. Decide if you would like the case to serve as a briefcase or suitcase as well as laptop carrying case. If so, look for sub-compartments made for business papers or file folders, magazines, and airline tickets and passports.

4. Choose between suitcase, briefcase, and backpack styles, or a case with optional backpack or shoulder straps.

5. Compare case construction materials, usually canvas, nylon, imitation leather or leather.

6. Compare quantity and quality of padding or consider a case with air-filled bladders. Make sure your laptop will fit snugly in the case.

7. Look for removable padded straps that attach with Velcro to create a snug fit for your peripherals and accessories.

8. Determine the comfort of the handgrip and shoulder strap.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will often fly with your computer, consider a case with a camouflage or stealth design to discourage theft. (Not a jungle print - camouflage meaning that the case doesn't appear to hold a laptop.)
• Cheap cases, including some that manufacturers bundle with laptops, do not provide enough padding to be of any value.
• Do not use a laptop when it is in its case.