If you’re a laptop junkie, and you spend your life carrying your computer from office to home and back again – plus your spare battery and other computing essentials, notes and folders, MP3 player, bottle of water, keys, umbrella and wallet – you’re going to need a laptop bag that’s kind to your back!
Even though laptops have gotten smaller and lighter, you’re probably lugging around between two and four kilos every day. So it pays to shop wisely for the laptop bag that suits your needs.
Your laptop bag should be practical and comfortable, as well as providing adequate physical protection for your computer. It should have enough room for all your computing paraphernalia and it must be secure and above all, ergonomic.
Backpack
Backpacks can ease the burden by spreading the weight over two shoulders, and they’re generally more ergonomic than single strap bags. Choose one where the bulk of the weight sits against your torso or hips – this will reduce strain on your back.
Make sure the straps are padded and sit comfortably on your shoulders. Some even have lumbar pads for extra support.
When buying a backpack look for a lower set of straps that go around your middle – this stops the bag from bumping against your back, which can cause problems with the hardware.
Choose one with suitcase-style carry handles at the top, so they can be carried easily when off your back.
You’ll need extra padding at the bottom to protected your computer when the bag is placed on the ground.
Wheels
Consider a laptop bag with wheels – they’re wheelie good!
Make sure the retractable trolley arm is the right height for you, and that it comes with static handles for carrying.
Check that the wheels are quiet and roll smoothly.
Waterproof, shockproof, theft-proof
If you regularly catch the bus or train, or walk to work, your laptop bag must be waterproof, and it should have a weather-resistant bottom.
Front and back padding will help to protect your hardware against shocks.
You laptop bag needs to be tough – tough enough to travel through countless airports and security checkpoints unscathed. Some hard-shell plastic laptop bags provide additional impact protection and the space-frame construction ensures stable, ergonomic carrying.
Choose a bag that matches the size of your laptop. Look for easy-to-open zippers and extra flaps to keep out water or dust. It should have enough pockets to carry your papers, bottled water, pens, MP3 player, and so on.
When packing your laptop bag, distribute the weight as evenly as possible – this reduces the stress on the bag, which will help it last longer. And if the contents are well-distributed, it will be easier to carry.
Consider tamperproof and lockable zippers, and built-in combination locks that allows the bag to lock closed and be locked around secure fixtures. Snatch proof shoulder straps with built-in combination locks not only anchor the bag to a secure fixture but lock it there as well.
