trishussey
on - last edited on
I freely admit that I have a small problem with computer bags. I have, oh, probably 5 bags that are all perfectly serviceable and I’m always on the look out for cool, new bags. So what do I look for in a bag? Let’s start start with the most basic question—what are you carrying?
Don’t chuckle and just say “Duh, a laptop…”, what size laptop? Are we talking about a 17” media behemoth or an 11” MacBook Air or a netbook? Are you shuttling your laptop back and forth to school and need to carry textbooks with you? Or are you hauling the laptop plus every possible accessory you might maybe, possibly need while away from home (that would be me)? Figuring out what and how much you’re carrying is the essential first step.
Here’s my own example. I was carrying around a bag that could hold my laptop and a small arsenal of tech tools. This is great when you’re at a conference and someone says “Hey, anyone have a mini USB cable and a USB hub and a flash drive bigger than 2GB?” and faster than a ninja you have all the requested objects (in a choice of colors). However when you realize that you’re walking with a distinct port-side list because of the weight you’re carrying, the attraction of being an über-geek wears thin. So I bought a little Incase bag for my MacBook Pro (a little like this one) that could really only carry my MBP, the power adapter, and a few other things.
Oh from one extreme to another.
Yeah I went from being able to carry too much to carry barely enough. Light and slim was great, impossible to carry a magazine, book, or a few additional files not so great.
Now let’s talk form factor.
While I prefer messengers and briefcase style bags for their style, my back might rather I carry a backpack. Backpacks are great for helping you carry a heavy load better, but if you take transit backpacks often get in the way. Don’t forget, just because you can carry enough for a small hike up Everest, doesn’t mean you should.
One other option to consider, especially if you have a backpack or bag that you already really like, is a simple, basic laptop sleeve. I have a small padded sleeve that works great for both my netbook (not that it’s been out of the house for a while) and my iPad (this was before there were great iPad cases around). So if you just got a new laptop and can’t find a bag you really like (believe me just settling just means you’ll buy another one soon), maybe just pick up a sleeve to protect your machine and keep looking around.
Last thing in the bag discussion is to really look at the bag. Does it have enough pockets? Are the pockets usable (I’ve had several bags that had interesting pockets that turned out to be useless because you can’t use them for anything practical)? How to the straps feel? Can you adjust the straps quickly and easily? Can you get the bag on and off easily? Does the bag weigh a ton before you put anything into it (a common problem in leather bags)?
Look at the hardware on the bag. Are there good zipper pulls? Does all the stitching look solid? Is it stylin’ but ready to fall apart when push comes to shove?
If you think about what you’re carrying, how much you want to carry, how the bag fits, and how the bag looks…I’m sure you’ll walk out of the store with a great bag for your new machine.
And if you're looking for more great tips and reviews of bag, check out my friend Kate's Funchico blog
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