Laptop computer bags are everywhere, so how do I choose the right one for me? There are a fewconsiderations when selecting a bag for your laptop. The first and most important step is what kind of

bag style suits you? Are you looking for a bag that can hold lots of things, not just a laptop? Are you looking for a bag that is only made for laptops? How about format? Are you a backpack kind of person? Do you want a designer bag?

Materials are also important. There are many materials in use from ballistic nylon to plush leather. Once your mind is made up as to what kind of bag, backpack or shoulder strap, leather, nylon or other material, there are other things you need to consider.

If you go to a store to look for laptop computer bags, make sure you take your computer with you. Now this may seem obvious, but you would really be surprised at how many people go out and buy a laptop bag on impulse without even considering the size and weight of the laptop or notebook.

Most bags designed especially for portable computers are size specific. What that means is you aren’t going to buy the same bag for a 12 inch notebook that you would for a 17 inch unit. They are very different in terms of construction and weight and, of course, size. OK, assuming that you have the laptop with you, try it out in a variety of bags. Is there room for your charger/power supply? Is there room for other accessories? Most of the time, you’ll want to bring a book, your power supply, maybe an extra battery.

Make sure that you can fit all these things in without the bag looking like a lumpy mess. Also, if you are not very careful with your things or will be traveling frequently, make sure that the bag is well padded. Dropping your laptop in a bag without side and bottom cushions will almost always result in damage to your computer.

As you can see, choosing from available laptop computer bags is not as simple as picking the first bag you see and leaving. There are things that you should not do without. Keep these guidelines in mind before you shop.

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Laptop computer cases come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps my favorite is the computer briefcase. I looked far and wide to find a case that was lightweight and strong for my computer. I found a molded resin case that weighed under four pounds. It was great because it held my laptop, power supply and other stuff and was under ten pounds. Believe me, if you commute to work like I used to, ten pounds is the absolute maximum that your wrist can comfortably support.

As I said before, I used to commute to work. It was a two hour grind each way and I had plenty of down time. When I wasn’t sleeping on the train, the briefcase served double duty as a table for my notebook or very often a table for the breakfast that I bought at the station coffee shop. Yes, a briefcase can be a commuter’s best friend. If you are simply buying a case to store the computer in your house, you will have different requirements.

Manufacturers make laptop computer cases in all different shapes and sizes. For those of us who need to carry lots of things when traveling, a case with wheels may be appropriate. Wheeled cases are a super convenience because your arms are not constantly carrying the brunt of the weight.

If you have a heavy briefcase your fingers will tire quickly and your shoulders will start to hurt. You will look for places to constantly put that case down as often as you can. Having wheels on the case will help tremendously. You can thank me later for this piece of advice. My case was so heavy I developed the strongest fingers on the planet carrying it around.

The weight of the computer also plays a role in all of this. Large multimedia notebooks can weigh almost ten pounds or more with their accessories. Add the weight of the bag to the equation and you might be in trouble. Even though it does not sound like much, nobody wants to carry around fifteen pounds of computer and bag all day.

Trust me, your shoulders and neck will not like you very much if you go this route. Of all the things to consider when looking at laptop computer cases, weight for me will always top the list. If I can’t carry it, the case is useless to me no matter how nice it looks or how well it protects my laptop.

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