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Get a sturdy
laptop bag
Hector Choksi
LET us face the
facts. In the 21st century you cannot go to a
business conference without a laptop. The laptop bag which
protects your workstation has to be discreet, strong and
fashionable.
You will need to
consider a lot of factors in buying a laptop bag, the most
important of which are durability, choosing the right size,
style and features.
The first factor
is durability. The laptop bag’s first requirement is to keep
the equipment safe and immune to scratches. It should be able to
protect your equipment from the unavoidable jolts and bangs.
Another important factor is that it must be 100 per cent
waterproof as dampness is the main enemy of gadgets.
The first
consideration is as to how much your laptop weighs. The smaller
and lighter it is, the more portable it will be. But less
computing power and functionality will be placed into that
computer. There are various categories of notebooks available in
the market — simple notebooks, sub notebooks, ultra portable
(thin and light) and desktop replacements.
If the empty bag
weighs more than three pounds, you could end up carrying more
than seven or eight pounds once you have packed the laptop and
accessories. There are several cases available in the 14-inch to
17-inch laptops. Look for those that have removable paddings to
add more protection.
The other aspect
which buyers often forget is the shoulder protection if you plan
to carry the laptop bag on your shoulders. High quality shoulder
straps with sufficient length (you can check it in the shop) and
good padding will be comfortable and ensure that you can walk on
with ease, without experiencing shoulder pain. As to the
material of the bag, I would strongly recommend leather ones, as
they are more dependable. But then as even nylon bags cost Rs
2,000 plus, the money you can afford is the main factor. Ensure
the bag is sturdy, for if the straps fail and the laptop bag
falls heavily on the ground, your loss could be very high.
Choose a style
that fits your individual fashion sense and lifestyle. There are
numerous styles in the market to choose—totes, messenger bags,
back packs, rolling carriers. If your are a business
professional, select a bag that complements your professional
image.
If you travel
pretty often and spend a lot of time slogging through airports
and often have to emerge triumphant through security only to
discover that your departure gate is in a whole other time zone,
well, it is enough to make a road warrior fall on your own
spear.
But a rolling
laptop brief with wheels gliding smoothly and stylishly behind
you will ensure that the faraway gate posed no problem.
Recently,
well-designed luggage bags that would enable travellers to keep
laptops in their cases at airport security checkpoints are in
the market. The specifications require a bag design that allows
the X-ray equipment to have a clear view of the laptop itself,
unobstructed by pockets, flaps or extra gear like power cords.
It is not laziness
that makes travellers want to circumvent the rule, which is
right up there with having to remove shoes as a checkpoint
irritation. They see their unprotected laptops trundle along the
checkpoint belt to be rudely deposited into a pile-up at the
other end. In the commotion, there is the potential for damage,
theft and misplacement. — MF
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