Notebook Case Buyers Guide

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by Sarah Meyer

If you just bought a brand new notebook a new bag to protect this very important piece of equipment could be a great gift idea for friends, loved ones, or even yourself. Our case buyers guide examines the different styles of notebook cases, provides the pros and cons of each, and links to reviews, manufacturers websites and low prices.

In short, this is your best resource for finding the perfect bag!

Overview of Notebook Bag Types

Briefcases

If you want a bag that has a classy look, and fits seamlessly into the business world, than a briefcase notebook case is the way to go. They have all different styles at varying prices so you really can't go wrong. Below are a few of the reviews and pictures we've done on Notebookreview.com to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

The Tom Bihn Zephyr Briefcase - $140-215
The Tom Bihn Zephyr is a quality bag and with its unique style and color it's not your traditional briefcase. While expensive, the Zephyr starts at $140, it's definitely worth the money since it's made with quality materials and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

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Targus Corporate Traveler Case Review - $73
Targus is known for making stylish bags at an affordable price. This briefcase (shown is the 15.4&quot; case) is a more traditional briefcase notebook case. It's all black and has a simple style. And at the starting price of $73, it won't break the bank.

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Messenger Bags

Messenger bags can be and are used by a variety of people in various stages of their lives. Many students use a messenger bag because they prefer them to backpacks. At the same time many professionals who don't want the &quot;stuffiness&quot; of a briefcase style bag are interested in messengers. They are also great for the road warrior, since they can make a handy carry-on as well as notebook carrying devices.

Chrome Metropolis Messenger Bag Review -$135

The Chrome Metropolis Messenger is a very stylish bag and comes in a variety of colors. While it's on the higher end of the price scale, they have the following of people who know about messengers, &quot;the bicycle messenger crowd.&quot; It could also make a great bag for a student.

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Skooba Satchel 2.0 review - $99

Skooba, formally RoadWired, puts out variety of notebook carrying cases. This messenger-style bag is more traditional in the sense it's resembles a briefcase but wears more like a messenger. It's a better choice for those of you looking for a more cost efficient bag than a Chrome or Tom Bihn but still want quality.

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Rolling Cases

We haven't had many rolling cases to review at Notebookreview.com but these bags can definitely be handy. In theory they work as luggage as well as a safe place to keep your notebook.

Kensington Contour Overnight Notebook Roller Review - $129

The Kensington Roller is a great example because it is luggage with a protective sleeve for a notebook. The perfect size to carry-on, you can protect your notebook and be assured that your clothes and toothbrush are safely above your head.

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Backpacks

Backpack notebook cases are definitely geared towards students and young professionals. Varying in style, color and pricing, it's easy to find the perfect backpack for you whether you are just starting high school, a college student, or a young (at heart) professional.

Mobile Edge Express Backpack Review - $60
Mobile Edge puts out a great backpack. They sell other styles and even have a line dedicated strictly to women, but they make a pretty great backpack. The Express is a great backpack for a student because the price is low, the design is perfect for textbooks, etc. and it's still stylish.

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CODi Sport-Pak Backpack Review - $168
CODi also puts out its fair share of backpacks and they are definitely quality bags. However, the price range may be high for students so this might be the bag for those who have some spare change. Plus, the simple design and solid black color might be more appropriate in an office environment.


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Slip Cases

Slip cases, or notebook sleeves, are very important when trying to protect your notebook. Most notebook carrying cases have their sleeves built into the bag but many companies also sell the sleeves separately. That way you can use any bag you like and just slip in your custom sleeve.

DIY Skooba Skin Notebook Sleeve Review - $28

Skooba has a ton of different sleeves on their website but the Design It Yourself sleeve has to be the most unique as well as fun. It's also a quality sleeve with a good amount of padding without the high price tag. (Don't make fun of the Bengal or the artist).

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Sumdex ImpactGuard Notebook Sleeves - $35
While this review may be a little old, this product is still fresh. The Sumdex notebook sleeve will help protect your notebook or tablet with its patented &quot;Impact Guard.&quot; It may be a little more than other sleeves on the market, the 13.3&quot; case starts at $35 and the 17&quot; case is around $46, it could be worth your money to spend a little extra to protect your investment.

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Totes

Totes are typically geared towards stylish female professionals and college students who want to protect their notebook without having to give in to the all black briefcase/backpack that runs rampant over all the bag companies.

Targus Fandango Tote review - $90

As mentioned before, Targus puts out a reasonably priced bag; their Fandango Tote is no exception. It's simple, stylish tote that can go with anything. No one will have any idea what you're really toting around.

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Mobile Edge Monaco Notebook Case Review - $100

This tote is part of Mobile Edge's For Her collection. They have a great selection of totes and briefcases for women. The Monaco is one of more cost efficient bags on their website at $99.99 and is easy on the eye.

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Convertibles

Convertibles are great because they can give you options. They come in all different styles. The rolling case below is also a backpack and we have reviewed a backpack/messenger bag convertible. Convertibles are whatever you want them to be but sometimes you lose a little in translation.

Targus Solitaire Backpack Review -$70
The Solitaire is not only a backpack but can be converted into a vertical style messenger. You get twice the bang for your 70 bucks while still protecting your laptop.

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Targus 15.4&quot; Rolling Notebook Backpack Review - $70

As usual, Targus put out an affordable alternative even in the rolling cases market. This is great for those business travelers on a budget.

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Price Ranges

All notebook carrying cases vary in price depending on the style of bag and the company that makes it. Some companies are known for being more affordable such as Targus, or Mobile Edge. While others, like Tom Bihn, are going to be more expensive but come with better warranties and guarantees.

Also, many times you can find the bag you want at retail stores or through online bargain shopping for less than the manufacturer is selling it. So if money is an issue, it's important to look around before purchasing a case.

Honestly, just like when you're buying your notebook, you get what you pay for. Sometimes you can find a deal, but if you really want a quality, unique bag you might spend more than you expect.

I've tried to include starting prices with all the reviews above and you can also get prices by clicking the manufacturers' links below.

Important Features and Possible Problems

Briefcases

As mentioned before, briefcases are great for the &quot;professional&quot; because they can give you the same benefits as normal briefcase while protecting your notebook. The biggest problem I see with getting a notebook carrying briefcase is that you lose the safety. I haven't seen the locks that come on traditional briefcases on any notebook carrying briefcase. I'm sure they're out there, but they are going extremely expensive.

Messenger Bags/ Backpacks

Messenger Bags/backpacks are more adaptable than briefcases. You don't lose security with these bags because they were never that secure to begin with. I have seen locking zippers on these bags to help you secure your notebook but they aren't foolproof as you might imagine.

Also, you need to watch out for the really cheap bags in these styles. They often lack the padding of a briefcase or sleeve and that can be big problem since you're buying them to protect your very expensive laptop.

They have great features too. With these styles of cases you get a much larger selection when it comes to design options and color combinations. Bigger compartments for more storage and media pockets and ports for your electronic devices are also standard on many of these bags.

Rolling Cases/Convertibles

Rolling cases can be very handy but they often lose the comfort because of the metal bars and handles. The same goes with convertibles, you often lose other important features and padding because you can switch the styles.

Also, many bags these days - briefcases, messengers, and backpacks - are being designed with rolling case sleeves. This way you can attach the bags to a rolling case without losing the comfort.

Slip Cases

Slip cases are great because they are often very unique and give you an added sense of protection. They can also turn a normal backpack or messenger into a notebook carrying case for less then just buying the bag with an already attached sleeve.

The biggest problem with these is that you can't really carry them around by themselves and they don't allow for additional storage. Many companies have recently started adding hooks to the sleeves and selling shoulder straps for an extra cost but you still lose out on the storage.

Totes

Totes are great for females because the overwhelming majority of briefcases, messengers, and backpacks seemed to be designed for/geared towards men.

With the totes, they are often made in multiple colors and are designed to look like large purses. Now, you can have it all ladies.

The major problem with totes are that there aren't many options and many lack in the padding that you would find in the other bags. Just be careful when purchasing these.

Conclusion

There are so many choices out there when it comes to notebook carrying case. With all of the different style, companies, looks, prices, etc. purchasing a bag can be very confusing. But the two most important things when buying a bag are padding and style. Padding because the reason you are buying this is to PROTECT your notebook. Who cares what the bag looks like, or costs if your $1000+ notebook gets destroyed, right? Style is second, because who wants to carry a bag that is uncomfortable or ugly?

It's hard to go wrong if you just remember your goal; to find a bag that protects your very expensive machine that you can wear everyday!

Review Links

Here are links to other bags we've reviewed on Notebookreview.com:

• Targus Flare Backpack
• Targus Rogue Backpack
• Targus CityGear Chicago Backpack
• Targus Gerney Backpack
• Targus 15.4&quot; Radius Convertible Messenger/Backpack
• Wenger SwissGear Synergy Backpack
• Wenger SwissGear Impulse Briefcase
• SwissGear Sierra Notebook Case
• CODi Tri-Pak Backpack
• Mobile Edge Select backpack
• Alienware Odyssey Messenger
• Tom Bihn Empire Builder
• Tom Bihn Ego Messenger
• Tom Bihn Super Ego Messenger
• Tom Bihn Buzz Backpack
• Tom Bihn Buzz Sling Backpack
• Osprey Focus Laptop Bag Review
• Kensington Contour backpack
• Kensington Contour Cargo Notebook Case Review
• Logitech Kinetik Backpack
• Timbuk2 Commute XL messenger-style bag
• becase notebook sleeve

Manufacturer Links

• ACME
• becase
• booq
• Chrome
• CODi
• Crumpler
• Elecom
• Kensington
• Logitech
• Mobile Edge (Alienware) (NBR visitors get FREE Shipping + 10% discount at Mobile Edge by visiting here)
• Osprey Focus
• Oxio
• Skooba (formally RoadWired)
• SUMDEX
• Targus
• Timbuk2
• Tom Bihn
• Vaja
• WaterField (SFBags)
• Wenger SwissGear
  

 

Waterfield Designs is another great choice. I've been using their bags for several years now. They are stylish, customizable, durable, and made in the USA. You can choose bright colors for casual or conservative for work. My wife has used a Cosmo every day for two years, and it still looks like new. The SleeveCases come sized exactly for your laptop, so you waste no carrying space. Support is excellent. No I'm not a Waterfield shill, just a happy customer.

 

The good thing about shoulder bags is that you can use both the shoulder bag and a backpack at the same time.

 

Good guide and initiative. Nice overview.

Another manufacturer of sleeves is Elecom. They make the well know Zero Shock sleeves which many NBR users are fond of, including myself.

 

This is an interesting article, but you should provide more companies for each type of bag. Perhaps we could all work to keep this updated? Good job otherwise.

As far as real messenger bags go, Chrome is popular, but far from the only company that makes real messenger bags. Some other companies to consider are Reload, PAC bags, Timbuk2 (probably my least favorite), Bailey Works, Crumpler, and a few more.

 

As a previous user mentioned, Waterfield is a wonderful manufacturer. I love my Cargo -- use it everyday and there is minimal wear.

 

Supurbly made bags from Roadwired are worth considering. Their roadster convertible has logged 250k miles keeping my laptop safe at all times. Skooba is merging their line with roadwired products.
http://www.roadwired.com/

 

I'm looking to buy the Targus Solitaire convertible Messenger bag. Its the only male enough looking one here that doesnt look bulky

 

Another brand deserving a mention is Lowepro. Although they are best know for camera bags, they also make some bags for notebooks and a couple of combo notebook / camera bags. In fact, my favourite bag is a discontinued version of one of these which I found in a camera shop. It's very light and the camera compartment provides plenty of space for power supplies and other bits and pieces while the notebook compartment is well padded.

John

 

Good timing, as I am in the market for a new bag.

The one thing that I have noticed is that there are not a lot of backpack style bags that use an across the body, sling-type shoulder strap, which I have always found more comfortable than a traditional two strap backpack.

Anyone know why these are so rare? Are they not that comfortable with heavier loads?

 

I would have to say that Timbuk2 is my favorite of the bunch. The bag I have is 6 years old now and as damn near indestructible as bags go. I used to go through a bag a year until I got this one. Granted I'm not one of these urban bike messengers, but for transporting a laptop, protected and shielded from the elements the bag works great.

I think I would try out a different bag, but it is tough to justify buying a new bag when the one I have works great. I guess it is what is important to you in a bag.

 

They aren't very comfortable with heavy loads.

I commute on a bicycle and I have used a messenger bag extensively. The bag I use,Chrome Metropolis, is mentioned in the review actually. Even heavy loads aren't a problem with a messenger bag while you're riding a bike because the weight is distributed across your back, but if you're walking around, a heavy load can't get burdensome quickly. I definitely recommend a two-strap style bag, such as a backpack, for any load over 10 lbs., but even 5-10 lbs. can become heavy quite quickly.

PAC bags makes messenger bags with an additional strap (they call it the X-strap), which basically turns the bag into a backpack. They offer a notebook case, Tom Bihn specifically, retention system in those bags too. The only downside is that these bags are very expensive because they are so well-made.

Do you like the style of that type of bag, or the convenience of being able to open it without removing the bag?

 

That's awesome that your bag has lasted so long! I've read complaints about the strap system that Timbuk2 uses, and their bags don't seem as substantial to me as others.

If you decide to get a new bag, definitely check out R.E.Load. They even do custom stuff. It's pricey, but it will definitely last for years.

 

I think you hit upon something that was over looked in the article. When you talk about most of the mainstream 15.4 laptops that are out there today, they weight in the neighborhood of 8 lbs with power supply, and accessories. If you add a few papers and books you reach the weight your talking about. While single sling bags are more accessible than traditional backpacks you are supporting that weight off of one shoulder rather than two. I would suggest that this issue is where most of the comfort problems come from, carrying more than the bag was designed for.

Perhaps a few tips regarding this issue. 1. Keep the weight low on you back. The closer the bulk is to your center of mass the more stable it will be and the more comfortable. 2. De-clutter your bag on a regular basis. Remove the stuff that is not essential and just adding weight. 3. Pad the strap. I doubt there can be too much padding on the straps of a bag, and I would venture that to little padding is the sign of an inferior bag. 4. On that issue the wider the strap the better.

 

BBP bags has an interesting solution to the messenger/backpack dilemma.

 

One of the Best sleeves I've seen for a laptop is REI's E-wrap Computer Sleeve. It has great padding, esp around the corners, 2 velcro openings, two carrying handles, and loops for an optional shoulder strap.

I personally prefer a padded sleeve over a padded bag. At the very least, you can carry your laptop without your bag. With a padded bag, you aren't afforded alot of versatility. Something to think about. I personally use the Chrome Metropolis. Excellent. You can wear it loose like a Messanger pack. Or you can shoulder it bandolier style, tighten it up and wear it close to your body like a backpack (the way it is suppose to be worn). Unlike the Timbuk2s, it doesn't flap around when you are walking as the shoulder strap is integrated with the bag rather than linked with loops.

 

I've got the Zephyr's big brother and I love it, but Targus also makes great bags, and the prices are a bit more reasonable than what Tom Bihn charges.

The Brain sleeve is a nice notebook sleeve, particularly because it can be either put in a bigger bag or carried with a strap separately.