Computer Bags - What's the Best For Your Laptop?

The computer bag industry is booming, with customers no longer having to stick to the standard black nylon carry case. Computer bags have now become a fashion statement, with an endless selection of style and design. Making the right choice is essential, to ensure a purchase that suits your lifestyle and travel needs and most of all keeps your precious lap-top safe.

Size Really Does Matter! 
When selecting your computer bag it's essential you get the right size as many of the latest designs don't cater for wide-screens. If you don't know your lap-top size, measure the screen diagonally, it should be between 10 and 20 inches. Once you've narrowed down the correct sized bag, also make sure there's enough space for your cables, files, adapters, pens, paper and phone. The last thing you want is another bag to house all your accessories!

Some tote style computer bags designed especially for women offer the ultimate handbag all-in-one. With luxurious leather in fashionable designs, they come equipped with a myriad of pockets and hidden compartments to house everything a woman needs.

Material Matters 
The cheapest computer bag on the market is a simple rubber lap-top sleeve that will only set you back around 20 bucks. But how easy these are to carry and how much protection they afford your precious laptop is another matter.

Traditionally computer bags were made from hard-wearing black nylon in a brief case style, which is still a brilliant way to carry your lap-top with plenty of space for accessories and protection for your computer.

Plastic hardshells are also now available in wonderful bright colors. These can be carried alone or placed inside your bag to prevent your lap-top from getting scratched. Hardshells are great for frequent flyers as they protect your computer from bumps and scratches and can also be securely locked.

Printed fabrics are a great fashion statement but be sure to check the quality and edge-stitching for durability. Finally leather provides a computer bag that is professional, fashionable and durable and will last you for decades. Make sure you check the quality and grain of the leather.

How Do You Travel? 
The final consideration when buying a computer bag is to make sure it suits your travel needs. Do you go to work by train everyday? If so, you'll need some padding for protection. If you travel by car, then you probably won't need such a padded bag. Are you a frequent flyer? Then opt for a hardshelled computer bag or padded backpack. Or if you walk a lot, a computer tote bag might be the latest fashion accessory but is it really going to be comfortable over one shoulder? A bag with adjustable padded straps might not look so hip but could save you painful backache! In the end, if you're still in doubt break out your laptop and look it up on the internet!