…… TECH Need a Travel Case for my New Laptop

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
I have a Lenovo thinkpad 3 15” laptop and need a sturdy travel case for my new laptop. OC went to Best Buy and well there was a lot of options. This is my first laptop, not sure how to protect it while traveling, suggestions needed.
 

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
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Stick it in a Lamborghini...it will be safe.

OIP.RwHCyv5HoY8s5-CuuBMxwQHaEc
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
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I’ve been carrying laptops around for a very long time unless you intend to drop it off a building or stress test it under the wheels of a truck, a “sturdy case” isn’t needed. I have universally used a zippered padded case (like a folio) and have never had an issue. The goal is to pad the impact if you drop it. That’s it.
 

BassMan

Veteran Member
Normally people use a good laptop case, and are careful not to drop the case, or bang it into walls. Something that fits your laptop well, with padding. I sometimes use an oversize case, and add foam padding.

A more elegant solution would be to get a padded laptop sleve, then place the sleve in a laptop case.

There are also hardshell cases: 1470 Protector Laptop Case | Pelican

Just use common sense. Unless you have to handle extreme temps, or dropping the case, just get something with padding, that has extra room for doo-dads (e.g. charger).

BTW, rolling cases concern me a bit. If you are rolling it around a lot on rough surfaces (brick sidewalk, gravel, etc)., it will bounce the laptop around (vibration). Again, I just add extra foam padding in that case. Often the rolling cases have a removable laptop sleeve, in which case, you could carry it, and roll the case.
 
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packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
I’ve been carrying laptops around for a very long time unless you intend to drop it off a building or stress test it under the wheels of a truck, a “sturdy case” isn’t needed. I have universally used a zippered padded case (like a folio) and have never had an issue. The goal is to pad the impact if you drop it. That’s it.

I have cats. They enjoy pushing stuff off of surfaces to test that gravity still works. :lol:
 

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
Normally people use a good laptop case, and are careful not to drop the case, or bang it into walls. Something that fits your laptop well, with padding. I sometimes use an oversize case, and add foam padding.

A more elegant solution would be to get a padded laptop sleve, then place the sleve in a laptop case.

There are also hardshell cases: 1470 Protector Laptop Case | Pelican

Just use common sense. Unless you have to handle extreme temps, or dropping the case, just get something with padding, that has extra room for doo-dads (e.g. charger).

BTW, rolling cases concern me a bit. If you are rolling it around a lot on rough surfaces (brick sidewalk, gravel, etc)., it will bounce the laptop around (vibration). Again, I just add extra foam padding in that case. Often the rolling cases have a removable laptop sleeve, in which case, you could carry it, and roll the case.

Don’t want a rolling case. OC went to Best Buy and the majority of the cases had zero padding. I don’t have a good place to “store” my laptop at the moment and it’s currently living on top of a stack of plastic boxes, that house my gemstones. I just need something that’s padded enough to make it somewhat ca5 proof, ie store it on the floor, etc. cats will sit on anything.
 

dioptase

Veteran Member
I don't know if this will meet your needs, but I've been happy with the Case Logic cases. This is what I have for my current HP laptop; do a search to find one to fit your laptop dimensions. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QXX0MG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

(That strap on the back of the case is excellent for securing it to the handle on your suitcase as you are going through/to/from the airport. Just slide the whole case down the handle, easy peasy.)
 

Blacknarwhal

Let's Go Brandon!
I have been ferrying laptops around for some time. For the last several years I've used a Codi bag similar to this, $30 on Poshmark.


m_5e1119c62cc515bae764e2b6.jpg


Works just fine.

Nicest one I ever had was a laptop case I reviewed once, long ago, for Saddleback Leather. If you've never seen these, they are breathtaking bags. BREATHTAKING. I realized it was so nice that I would never want to take it anywhere for fear of it being stolen. That and the bag actually cost more than any laptop that ever went into it....
 

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
I have been ferrying laptops around for some time. For the last several years I've used a Codi bag similar to this, $30 on Poshmark.


m_5e1119c62cc515bae764e2b6.jpg


Works just fine.

Nicest one I ever had was a laptop case I reviewed once, long ago, for Saddleback Leather. If you've never seen these, they are breathtaking bags. BREATHTAKING. I realized it was so nice that I would never want to take it anywhere for fear of it being stolen. That and the bag actually cost more than any laptop that ever went into it....

Thank you!
 

Green Co.

Administrator
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The one I got for my little 13" MacBook I got on ebay. No name on it, just the cross on red background like the Swiss army knives.. :) But it is well padded, divided in the main compartment for the LT and carrying my checkbooks and calculator. Large pockets on each outside for carrying charger, a box of various thumb drives, external drive, and dongles. I think cost was around $20, four years ago.

But LT's are tough. Mines been bounced around on the back of a motorcycle, and thrown in a pickup floorboard for other trips.
 

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
The one I got for my little 13" MacBook I got on ebay. No name on it, just the cross on red background like the Swiss army knives.. :) But it is well padded, divided in the main compartment for the LT and carrying my checkbooks and calculator. Large pockets on each outside for carrying charger, a box of various thumb drives, external drive, and dongles. I think cost was around $20, four years ago.

But LT's are tough. Mines been bounced around on the back of a motorcycle, and thrown in a pickup floorboard for other trips.

Thank you, I’ll take a look! This is what I need depending on where I’m at... most of the time I’m home, other times not in a laptop friendly area, so jostling is to be expected.
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
Umm no, I’m in search of a case so I can store my laptop on the floor and the little bastards cannot open it and order stuff off of the internet. Do a search it’s a real thing! Dogs call 911.
Oh, I believe it! Dogs save your life; cats pamper themselves.
 

SurvivalRing

Rich Fleetwood - Founder - author/coder/podcaster
I bought this Swiss backpack after heading out on the road for my year of Apple Mapping. Picked it up at Walmart.


Drove several states with it on the road, and as a carry-on on a dozen flights back and forth across the country.

The only damage was one of the short straps that you pull down to settle the backpack just right got nibbled on, and torn a bit, by my daughter’s dog in the St. Louis.

Other than that, a hardworking, well cushioned, and solid laptop protector. Highly recommend it.
 

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
I bought this Swiss backpack after heading out on the road for my year of Apple Mapping. Picked it up at Walmart.


Drove several states with it on the road, and as a carry-on on a dozen flights back and forth across the country.

The only damage was one of the short straps that you pull down to settle the backpack just right got nibbled on, and torn a bit, by my daughter’s dog in the St. Louis.

Other than that, a hardworking, well cushioned, and solid laptop protector. Highly recommend it.

Thank you, will look into this one tomorrow.
 

Tristan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Whatever kind you go with, try to get that padded strip on the shoulder. That part has proven welcome on more than one occasion.

Used to transport a laptop a lot, and one thing I've noticed in current bags is they may have padding in the sides, but little to none in the bottom, which to me is a very poor design choice.

Only case I've purchased recently is a combo from Logitec which comes with a wireless mouse and is about
$20-25 - not a high-end case, but isn't a high-end laptop either. ;) It does, however, have a bit of padding on both sides as well as the edges. If I added a neoprene sleeve for the Laptop it would be enough to survive 98% of the damage done historically to my gear.

Here's a link:

Logitech Laptop Sleeve

Not a recommendation, just for reference.
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
PDW, you really need to not let your fecking cats run your life. These days, whenever I see the term “crazy cat lady,” you come directly to mind.
 

patriotgal

Veteran Member
Second a well padded folio. My gaming laptop is in one when not in use. I also have a wheeled backpack style for travel. It holds everything but the kitchen sink. My back isn't up to lugging heavy stuff anymore
 
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packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
PDW, you really need to not let your fecking cats run your life. These days, whenever I see the term “crazy cat lady,” you come directly to mind.


Dennis... it's called an open concept house! Some clown decided back in the early 70's that this 1905 victorian needed to be open concept. :rolleyes: And there's not a single closet on the main floor of this house. And being in charge here is akin to herding cats! Hmmm, I do believe you're the ultimate cat wrangler! :lol: :xpnd:
 

Wildweasel

F-4 Phantoms Phorever
I just went through this to bring home the pawn shop laptop I bought while in FL to stave off boredom. I ended up getting a well-padded Kroser laptop bag off Amazon for less than $60.

It's convertible from satchel, to shoulder bag, to backpack with back pack straps built-in and a removable shoulder strap. Compartments for two laptops, a tablet, chargers, mouse storage enough room to put a change of clothes and toiletries in an expansion pocket. That allows the to be used as carry-on luggage for a short trip where the laptop is needed.

Hang it on a doorknob or coat hook and it should be cat-proof storage for your laptop.
 

Griz3752

Retired, practising Curmudgeon
I have a Lenovo thinkpad 3 15” laptop and need a sturdy travel case for my new laptop. OC went to Best Buy and well there was a lot of options. This is my first laptop, not sure how to protect it while traveling, suggestions needed.
Generally if you pick a well made soft case which your device fits into well, it's likely all you'll need. Make sure it's got a good shoulder strap; I find lugging a notebook is easier cross body and it tends to not hit desks & such when carried in that fashion. I've also got a good day bag back pack w/ a sleeve in the main pouch but it won't take my wife's monster 19" screen beast.

I know Pelican makes one (they make cases for pretty much anything) but you really probably don't need such and, they're not cheap. I'll bet Bozo Bezos & Co have a few under "rugged" or "heavy duty protective" but unless it's a name brand, there's no guarantee it really is tough.
 

Tristan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Another type I seriously considered was this:

Laptop + Tablet Briefcase/Backpack Hybrid

There was another brand of essentially the same design available, as well. SwissTech, iirc. Nice looking bit of kit... Well padded with some extra room for 'Gear' (or lipstick, I guess...)

Carry as a briefcase, or bring out the shoulder straps as necessary.

(I've just about talked myself into going back and getting it...)
 

db cooper

Resident Secret Squirrel
I have one of those zippered padded ones now for 14 years. The same Vista then Win 7 lap top has never had an issue as far as physical damage is concerned.
 
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