A few helpful hints when choosing a new bag
Sounds like a daft question but size really does matter! With so many models and screen resolutions currently available make sure you order the correct size bag for you. Many of the popular budget ranges do not accommodate widescreen laptops.
Sizes of laptop range from 12 or 13 inches right up to 17 inch widescreen and 20 inch.
If you don't know what size your computer screen is, measure it diagonally across the screen.
Read a review of widescreen laptops here.
As well as considering the frequency and duration of your commute or trip you should consider how you will be travelling. A journey on the tube is going to generate a lot more wear and tear than a car journey where your laptop bag is nicely tucked away in the back seat. Also consider whether you will have to walk for any length of time. It's all very well having a funky laptop bag but over time you will find a well-padded shoulder strap pays dividends!
Some more detailed advice on travelling with a laptop can be found here
Some laptop cases do not have extra storage for the power supply, pens, paper, books, files, mp3 players, phones and all the other usual things that the professional carries around. Laptop sleeves do not have any extra space usually and are a simpe scratch cover for your computer.
Make sure you check out what extra pockets and compartments the bag has as you may otherwise find yourself having to buy another one for your accessories!
Some bags also have an attachment mechanism that can fit your bag onto a suitcase when you are in airports or train stations.
A bit of a truism but you get what you pay for! When it comes to laptop bags the same rule applies; prices start at less than £20 for a flimsy rubber laptop sleeve and range into the several hundreds of pounds for fine leathers and other designer materials. Obviously your choice will depend very much on your budget and needs and the ideal choice is usually a compromise!
Nylon is a hard-wearing, easy to clean material synonymous with outdoor pursuits equipment. However this also makes it a great material for laptop bags and of course comes in hundreds of colours.
Easy to wipe clean, water-resistant and pleasant to touch, rubber is more commonly used for laptop sleeves rather than bags but many bags utilise this somewhere in their construction especially on the bottom where bags receive the most wear and tear.
ABS Plastic is used for hardshell cases and flight cases where the optimum level of protection and security is required. Hard cases can usually be locked
Funky laptop bags and tote laptop bagsoften feature beautfiul printed fabrics as part of their design. Check the quality of the material if you can and the edge stitching to make sure the bag will last well
The top end of the women's laptop bag market features beautiful Italian and European leathers which needless to say are both durable and attractive. One thing to bear in mind if you are buying online is that leathers can vary in both colour and grain quite dramatically.