July 1st, 2009
I thought I’d share some of the interesting alternatives to the usual fare of bulky, supersized, decidedly masculine laptop cases I’ve run across. I started off with soft cases in Part I of this article, and I’ll now move on to hard cases and bags.
Hard Shell and Rugged Cases and Bags
While lightweight fabric cases are generally designed more for carrying your laptop inside a larger purse or bag, hard shell and rugged cases and bags are engineered for standalone use. Rugged cases and bags range usually have straps and handles, a number of pockets, pouches, and other spots to stash cables, mice, media, and papers, and are, as a consequence, both larger and huskier than sleeves. Here are some of my favorites:
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Be.ez LeVertigo (Mac)
Be.ez makes a variety of cool bags and sleeves, but my favorite is the LeVertical which is a nice, form-fitting snug case for your laptop. Featuring a cross-shoulder carrying style, with its unique vertical design, you can carry your notebook and favorite accessories on the go without being weighed down. The bag is fully padded and waterproofed, and comes in a range of colors, including eggplant! Check out the LE 13 horizonal shoulder bag for smaller notebooks if you prefer that style.
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Booq Taipan Slimcase (PC/Mac)
We all know what awesome bags Booq makes, and their new Taipan Slimcase is a case in point. While the traditional slimcase is a study in minimalist, the hard body is a turn-off for some (plus it is only made for Macs). The Taipan resembles a classic floppy briefcase, which outer pockets and a slim profile. Comes in chocolate brown and black.
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Zaum Laptop Bag (PC/Mac)
While this bag is a little bulkier than I prefer (17″ x 3″ x 11.75″), I love the styling. It comes in several fabric and color combos (shown opposite is the dark chocolate fabric with coffee vinyl accents). The interior lining matches the color scheme and includes one flat pocket sectioned for cd’s, phone, pens, etc., and three gusseted pockets for battery, cables, ipod, etc. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap and magnetic catch. You can also make your own custom bag with choice of fabric and colors. |
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Incase Canvas Bags (Mac)
O.K. I do love Incase, which has been traditionally known for its rubberized form-fitting sleeves for Macbooks, iPods, and iPhones. They’re recently branched out, however, into a line of canvas cases which look pretty nifty and have the standard Incase quality and attention to detail. These bags are both modern and functional, and are finished with a weather resistant coating that provides added durability and a unique look and feel. Comes in both a shoulder (horizontal) and a vertical (sling) style — in black only, but it’s stylish enough to carry anywhere.
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Incase Hard Shells (Mac)
Incase makes durable and beautifully colored, form-fitting soft cases for Macs. Unlike the hardshell Speck cases, which are shiny and brittle, the Incase sleeves are soft to the touch and rubberized. The only complaint I’ve heard is that the case doesn’t allow the laptop to open beyond a 90-degree angle.
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Incase (once again!) Shoulder Bags (Mac)
Incase’s bag design is sleek and simple. The notebook fits snugly inside a plush, padded lining, with two outside pockets beneath a flap, a slot on the back for folders or paper-sized materials and a strap. No excess baggage, just good ergonomic design and beautiful colors. |
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Velvet Idole (Mac)
Velvet Jade makes padded, fully zippered pouches for Macbooks out of leather, nubuck and suede. While these cases are a little bulkier than other sleeves, they are also quite elegant and durable. |
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Hardgraft (Mac)
In addition to the felt sleeves mentioned in Part I, Hardgraft also makes a multi-use leather bag which can be converted to a briefcase, shoulder bag, rucksack, courier or clutch (how’s that for flexibility?) 17″ laptops can fit vertically, and 13″ laptops can fit horizontally, so it can be used for more than one notebook computer. |
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Higher Ground Laptrap (PC/Mac)
While not strictly a laptop case, and a little bulkier than I generally like (but that’s my preference!) I like the Higher Ground laptop desk/backpack convertible for it’s multi-use capabilities…it can transform easilty to create a completely functional portable work environment for use on your lap or on any desktop surface. The Laptrap provides full-time protection for your laptop, instant access, and lets you carry all the extra stuff that you always seem to need, yet prevents you from overloading. For an alternative, see Shaun Jackson’s portable office. |
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Sumo Two-Pocket Case (PC/Mac)
This stylish and durable slim shoulder case has lots of pockets and storage. The interior compartment is made of padded corduroy and the outside back is quilted. Sumo also makes a nice women’s backpack and a large shoulder purse laptop carrier as well. |
What do you think? Let me know your favorites. For soft fabric sleeves, see Part I of this article. Continue reading »
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July 1st, 2009
Every time I get a new laptop (notebook, netbook, etc.) I face the same dilemma: finding a carrying case for it that, besides offering protection and security:
A) isn’t supersized. Do we really need to haul around the equivalent of a suitcase designed to carry enough gear for two weeks in Nepal when we’re just going across town to meet a client or a friend?
B) has some feminine appeal. I know some of my friends really enjoy the “rugged backpacker” or “corporate mogul” look, but it’s just not for me. For some reason, most cases seem to fall into one of these two fashion camps, and it feels a bit limiting in terms of personal expression.
Figuring I wasn’t alone in my quest, I thought I’d share some of the interesting alternatives to the usual fare I’ve run across. We’ll start off with soft fabric cases and sleeves, and then move on, in Part II, to hard cases and bags. Continue reading »
Filed under Online Life, Tools & Tips | Comment (1)
