Buying Guide to Laptop Computer Cases

Whether you want a compact, sleek portfolio style case for your laptop, or a full blown 'Office in a Bag' rolling laptop suitcase, you will want to carefully select the case that is right for you. For example, my first laptop case cost over $100 - and didn't fit my Widescreen HP Laptop! Wasted time, effort and money! My second rolling case…well, let's just say that one didn't work out either. After loading up my laptop and all its many accessories, including my Canon i90 printer, I couldn't even close it all the way, and when I finally got it closed, it was so unwieldy and the handle so short that I looked like a bumbling Hunchback of Notre Dame tripping my way through the airport!

So, what DO you look for in a laptop case? You need to know how big your laptop is, how wide is the screen and also how deep (thick) it is, what accessories you are likely to carry (i.e., Printer, digital camera, power adapter set, scanner stick, etc.), and, most importantly, your comfort level - do you need a rolling cart or would a backpack style laptop case work best for your needs?

Busy, mobile executives may need a larger rolling case, capable of carrying all their paraphernalia for a 3 day business trip across the ocean, while the active college student might want to jam her notebook in a backpack along with her textbooks and race across campus, trying to beat the bell.

My preference is a rolling suitcase type laptop bag. Several large and well-known companies make excellent and value priced cases. Do a little research through ebags.com, consumerreports.com, targus.com and even check out the office supply store websites. I ran into a terrific special on the case I had pretty much decided on at staples.com.

I chose a Targus TCG717, Rolling Travel Notebook Case. I can not only safely tuck my widescreen laptop and its assorted accessories, including portable printer and file folders in the 717, I can even throw a couple of changes of clothes in! This great 'toybox' has soft and sturdy polyurethane wheels for a smooth and quiet trip, a wonderful three-tiered, telescoping, aluminum locking handle (no more Hunchback of Notre Dame for me!), and a few great, removable accessory pouches (cell phone, CDs/DVDs, and a sizable one for cords, and cameras, or for your user manuals).

The thickly padded notebook sleeve in this model fits up to a 17" Widescreen Laptop. The front flap of the case is a zip-down workstation, and has mobile accessory storage, business card holder, key clip and pen loops, plus offers easy access to your most important files.

Security and weather protection are additional things to consider when purchasing a laptop case. The Targus 717 is manufactured with doublewelt seams and cordura nylon, similar in construction to a great REI Outdoor Jacket and just as rugged. The interior pockets are fastened by a strong elastic strap to secure your laptop and accessories from slipping around during those mad dashes to the airline gate and to keep your precious equipment safer while stowing the case under the seat or in the overhead of the plane.