Review: Laptop Bags
What's the best, safest, easiest and most comfortable way to carry a laptop? Ian Waugh is on the cases…
The good thing about laptops is that they're portable. The bad thing is that they're often heavy, fragile and easily lost or stolen if you're not careful. So when you're looking for a bag to protect your most important mobile asset, you need to take several things into consideration.
Depending on your laptop and how much you carry it around, your laptop bag requirements will vary. At the least you need safe cushioning for the computer. Best not to drop it if you can but it may well get knocked and bumped so good protection is a must.
If you carry it a lot, you'll want comfortable handles and shoulder straps, especially if your laptop is heavy.
If you travel widely, you may want some sort of security to deter would-be thieves. This can come in the form of secure handles and straps, and also by designing the bag so it doesn't look like it contains a laptop.
When you're carrying your laptop, you may also need to carry various papers and documents. You probably wouldn't also want to carry a briefcase so it could be important for the laptop bag to have good storage for papers and other items.
Oh, and let's not forget a touch of style. We're no longer content with black, grey or off-grey boxy computers so why should their carrying bag not have a dash of panache, too?
So, to give you an idea of what's available and to help you pick the best laptop bag for your needs, here's a round-up of some of the best and most interesting bags out there. Remember that most manufacturers have a wide range of bags and many come in ranges to suit different sizes of laptop. If you see something you like, make sure you order the correct size.
| Product | ProLite |
|---|---|
| Company | Brenthaven |
| Web | www.brenthaven.co.uk |
| Price | £69-95-79.95 |
| We like | High quality, well padded, lots of pockets |
| We don't like | Expensive |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
There are three bags in the Brenthaven ProLite range, ostensibly for MacBooks 13.3", 15.4" and 17". We looked at the 13.3" case and managed to fit a compact 15.4" laptop PC into it but do check the size and fit before buying.
The cases come from Brenthaven's premium range and are designed for the Road Warrior. They feature five-sided padded protection (oddly, none along the top under the zip). The company has performed drop tests to prove the safety of the bag although it's a test we declined.
The handles feature a dual rod system which keeps them rigid when in the hand and the shoulder strap is broad and non-slip. It's very easy and comfortable to carry. A "wheelie" strap on the back makes it easy to slip over a luggage trolley or a suitcase on wheels.
It's doubtful if there's another bag with so many pockets and pouches - you could lose stuff in there! There's easily enough room for papers and folders, leads, mice, USB drives, CDs and even your passport, travel tickets and sunglasses.
The range, however, makes few concessions to fashion. It looks smart and practical - and it is. It's a quality product - with a price to match - and if you travel far or often and need to take papers with you, this must be near the top of your list.
| Product | ProLite |
|---|---|
| Company | Brenthaven |
| Web | www.brenthaven.co.uk |
| Price | £49.95 |
| We like | Comfortable, top padding under zip |
| We don't like | Short on pockets |
| Rating | 7/10 |
| Requirements |
The MetroLite is another Brenthaven bag which comes in black and a rather interesting shade of green. The one size is suitable for 12"-15.4" laptops. Our 15.4" laptop was a snug fit and pads folder over the top making it appear well protected.
It's noticeably lighter than the ProLite range and has only one side pocket suitable for papers or a few thin folders. It does, however, also have an organiser pocket suitable for a mobile phone, iPod and the like. A power unit and plug will fit, if a bit of a challenge, but this is not a case if you're not a light traveller.
The handles are wired and curved and fit the hand well, and the shoulder strap features the same non-slip pad as the ProLite.
If you think lime green is fashionable, this is your baby! The green actually stops it looking as much like a laptop bag as it might although the black version gives the game away a bit more.
This is another high quality Brenthaven bag, more affordable than the ProLite, but it's durable enough for the seasoned traveller providing you don't need to take too much else with you.
| Product | Messenger (TAC 5504) |
|---|---|
| Company | Tech Air |
| Web | www.techair.co.uk |
| Price | £59.99 |
| We like | i-Trak protection, lots of pockets |
| We don't like | Lots of Velcro, individual styling |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
The Tech Air bags use Tech Air's air cell technology which uses pockets of compressed air for protection. The 5504 can take laptops up to 17" while a smaller model is available for 14"-15.4" laptops. A lap strap near the top of the compartment holds the computer in place when in the bag.
There are copious, well organised pockets suitable for papers, magazines and folders, with another designed for pens, cards, tickets and so on, plus a mobile phone and MP3 player. There are also a couple of removable pouches, ideal for cables.
There's only one carrying handle fitted to one side of the case which makes the case lie at an angle when holding it. It's not practical to carry it this way, rather you'd use the adjustable non-slip shoulder strap and you can then hold the handle for added support if you need it.
The case is big on Velcro. The main pockets are wrapped over by a large flap which sticks to the bag with a long strip of Velcro. There are Velcro adjuster straps in the bag, the lap strap is Velcro, and the removable pouches use it, too.
The main wrap-over, along with the red colour, does put one in mind of a pizza delivery bag. But in case a hungry thief runs off with it, the bag comes with a 12-month subscription to i-Trak, a world-wide tracking system. There's a tracker sewn onto the bag and you get a label to attach to your laptop. However, this isn't a GPS-type tracker that you mind find in a car, rather, if the case or laptop is found, the finder can get in touch with i-Trak to tell you where it is. So rather more use if lost than stolen.
This is a high-quality bag with, er, bags of features. You'll probably love the style or hate it but it will do a solid job of transporting and protecting your laptop.
| Product | Messenger (TAC 5504) |
|---|---|
| Company | Tech Air |
| Web | www.techair.co.uk |
| Price | £89.99 |
| We like | Looks like a travel bag |
| We don't like | May not fit all airlines' size restrictions |
| Rating | 9/10 |
| Requirements |
This is another Tech Air bag with i-Trak security. However, this one is cleverly disguised as a trolley case. The laptop (up to 15.4") fits into a small bag which itself fits into a side pocket of the main case and there's a lap strap to keep it in place. The laptop bag is padded although not to the extent of the Messenger, for example, but then you wouldn't expect to pick up this case or drop it.
The main case has a large front pocket with detachable pouches and a small front flap. Open the main compartment and you see the padded area where the laptop fits. It still leaves room for the seasoned traveller to pack overnight or weekend things and there's another zipped pouch inside the top of the lid.
The case has a carrying handle but open a zipped flap and there's telescopic handle for pulling it around airports. If you intend to fly, the main thing to be aware of is that while the Department of Transport specifies a maximum size for hand luggage, airlines are still free to set their own limits - aren't guidelines wonderful! - and most do! The case is 56 x 36.5 x 16.5 cm but several airlines stipulate smaller maximums (see www.telegraph.co.uk). They can also change the goalposts overnight so do check before flying.
This is another high quality product, ideal for overnight journeys and well disguised so you'd never think it was housing a laptop.
| Product | EasyGuard Business Carry Case (PX1419E-1NCA) |
|---|---|
| Company | Toshiba |
| Web | www.toshiba.co.uk |
| Price | £49.94 |
| We like | EasyGuard protection, lots of room |
| We don't like | A little heavy |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
Toshiba has launched several new laptop cases fitted with its EasyGuard protection system. This features two adjustable, elasticated straps fitted inside the case with two large pads top and bottom. The laptop fits snugly between the pads, secured by Velcro. This case should be large enough for laptops up to 17".
As well as the EasyGuard system itself, the case is padded and has corner protectors. The zips on the laptop compartment can be secured with a padlock if required, adding a little extra security.
There's a large pocket in the lid of the case along with two pouches, plus a large zipped compartment on the outside of the case split with a divider. In all, plenty of room for papers and folders.
There's yet another zippered pocket on the outside, too, containing pouches for a phone, pens and credit cards, although access with your hand is a little tight. You could put an MP3 player in there although there's no outlet for a headphone wire.
The carrying handle is firm and comfortable and the shoulder strap can easily be detached if you wish.
The case is conservatively styled and won't turn heads which is probably what you want. But it looks like a laptop case and the Toshiba logo on the handle will give the game away if nothing else. However, it's highly functional and does a solid job.
| Product | EasyGuard Business Backpack (PX1420E-1NCA) |
|---|---|
| Company | Toshiba |
| Web | www.toshiba.co.uk |
| Price | £45.83 |
| We like | Good idea |
| We don't like | Access to phone and pen pouch awkward |
| Rating | 7/10 |
| Requirements |
Here's a really neat idea if you cycle, bike, jog or walk to work - a laptop backpack case. It takes laptops up to 15.4" and the carrying compartment is the part that goes against to your back so there's no danger of it falling out or being removed unnoticed. This section can be locked, too.
Again, it uses the EasyGuard protection system and the rim of the case is reinforced. The side against your back features six pads to increase comfort but the case itself is quite rigid.
The other side of the case opens wide to reveal a large, divided document compartment. There's a fold-over section held with Velcro for the additional security of important papers. As with the Business Case, on the outside is a zipped flap with pouches for a phone, pens and credit cards. However, the flap here is only just wide enough for your hand and access is quite difficult.
The Backpack will find its own niche in the laptop case market. It's a great idea and will particularly appeal to the more athletic laptop carriers.
| Product | EasyGuard Business Mobile Trolley Case (PX1422E-1NCA) |
|---|---|
| Company | Toshiba |
| Web | www.toshiba.co.uk |
| Price | £69.33 |
| We like | Looks like a trolley bag |
| We don't like | Limited packing space |
| Rating | 7/10 |
| Requirements |
Toshiba's Trolley Case essentially splits into two halves. The laptop compartment is designed for laptops up to 15.4". It sports EasyGuard and there's a flap and two pouches in the lid. Like the other Toshiba cases, there's also an outside compartment for a phone, pens and credit cards with similar tight access as the Business Case.
The other side of the case is for clothes and overnight items. The laptop compartment doesn't intrude into this section and there's not a lot of room here for packing.
The case measures 42 x 36 x 20 cm and, currently, should pass most airline constraints (but see www.telegraph.co.uk)
As well as the telescopic handle, there's a normal handle, comfortable, and a detachable shoulder strap. The case looks like an airline pilot's overnight bag so should not attract too much unwanted attention.
To decide if this case is suitable for you or not, you need to weigh up the pros and cons. It's less expensive than some trolley cases but the smaller size means that while you might take it on more flights, you'll be able to carry less. Of course, if you don't fly and simply need to carry a lot of material, particularly around town, it's ideal.
| Product | Wenger Rhea |
|---|---|
| Company | Wenger |
| Web | www.wengerna.com |
| Price | £69.99 |
| We like | Compact, looks like a handbag |
| We don't like | No shoulder straps, not much padding on the sides |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
Wenger's main claim to fame is that it produces the Genuine Swiss Army Knife. The Rhea is the only Women's computer case in this roundup although there are others out there.
What makes it a women's case? Well, it looks like a large handbag. It has two longish handles and the inside is a pinky-brown deckchair material - it's called Fiesta Stripe - rather than the solid colour interior we usually see in laptop bags. And it includes an Accessory Pouch suitable for cosmetics (it says here) or small accessories.
A quick straw poll among women was mixed. They all thought it looked good for its purpose although not particularly feminine. Many said they'd be just as happy with a traditional laptop bag. It has no shoulder strap as such. The handles are just long enough to sling over your shoulder but carrying a heavy laptop that way would be awkward and uncomfortable.
However, they all liked the fact that the Rhea was smaller than traditional bags. Or so it seems. It is smaller than the other cases we looked at but not by much.
In spite of its size, the Rhea should accommodate most 15.4" laptops. However, what seems to have been lost during size reduction is padding down the sides so we'd have to say this is not for rugged use.
The Rhea has a copious number of pockets and pouches suitable for papers, an organiser, phone, cards, pens and so on.
Overall, this is nice bag and if you're a woman looking for a laptop case you ought to take a look, even if you decide it's not for you. These things are quite personal.
| Product | Wenger Synergy Back Pack |
|---|---|
| Company | Wenger |
| Web | www.wengerna.com |
| Price | £59.99 |
| We like | High quality, lots of pockets |
| We don't like | Limited padding on sides |
| Rating | 9/10 |
| Requirements |
This is the second back pack case in our roundup - the Synergy from the Swiss Army Knife people. The company has put a lot of thought into the design and it's replete with features.
The case itself has a reinforced base and shock-absorbing shoulder straps. The pads that lie against your back have been designed to allow air to flow between you and the case. There's also a reinforced carry handle on the top.
The main compartment should hold most 15.4" laptops. However, the sides don't have as much padding as some cases so you wouldn't want to fall down a hillside wearing it! There are sub-compartments inside this for papers.
Behind the computer compartment, on the top, is an iPod/MP3 player pocket. On the side are two zipped pockets, quite deep, and below them are two elasticated side pockets for water bottles.
At the front is another large compartment for papers and so on. On the front of that are three additional pockets, one with sections for pens, cards, phones and so on.
The Synergy comes with Wenger's product lifetime warranty which guarantees the case against defective material and workmanship.
This is a really tasty piece of kit. If you don't need a back pack to carry your laptop, it might make you wish you did!
Conclusion
This is just a small sample of some of the latest developments in laptop bag technology. You can see that manufacturers have been approaching the subject from many angles and there is a wide range of types, styles and features to choose from.
As ever, it's best if you can see and try the bags before you buy and do make sure you buy the correct size to fit your laptop.
Happy travelling!
