Laptops are most certainly wonderful tools, and they help the user from having to be confined to a desktop workstation. With a laptop you can choose the place and time to do your computing, and it empowers many people to move their location as they see fit.

But with this ability to move comes a small problem – how do you protect your gear while traveling. The laptop industry has created a side industry, and that is the laptop case. In the beginning there was basically a repurposed case that was used for your computing rig. Now, however, there are many types of protective gear designed to help you safely ride out the bumps in life as you go about your business.

In this article we will take a look at the different types of laptop cases. You just might find a case style that fits your needs, maybe even one that you were not aware of before now.

Neoprene Cases

Neoprene cases are popular with a lot of laptop users because they offer protection with very minimal bulk. In fact, this type of case is often referred to as a “sleeve” due to its small size. As shown by the CaseLogic unit above, the case is designed to fit somewhat snugly around the unit, and the availability of extra pockets will vary by brand. The interior protection also varies, from a type of faux fur to soft cushion lining materials.

If you like traveling light, then this might be a good choice for your needs. Some people like to use this case in conjunction with another case for more rigorous traveling protection, and then use only the sleeve when at their destination. A neoprene case with an interior lining offers a lot of scratch and dent protection (especially for those who have a nice aluminum unibody machine), but it is limited in overall protection. In other words, it might be great for carrying a machine around with you, but you would not want to check it on a flight.

Hard Shell Molded Cases

The hard shell case can be compared to a turtle’s shell in that it becomes part of the computer itself. Usually designed to be a molded fit, the case snaps in place over the computer’s exterior, held in place by its own shape. These cases are available in a wide variety of colors, so there is something sure to please the user.

The thing I like about this case style is that it offers protection for the machine without the need to remove it from a case (and replacing it later when finished). This means if an accident happens in the middle of work (you know it happens), the unit is still going to be protected. The only bad part about this type of case is that it adds bulk to the machine at all times. Sure, the hard shells are usually quite thin, but if you just love the feel of that new thin laptop it could be a bit of a put off to add bulk to its sleekness.

Hard Shell External Case

If you are looking for protection at the expense of both bulk and price, then you should consider a hard shell external case. Units such as the OtterBox Laptop Case pictured above can be found to protect your equipment from extremes in the environment. The construction will vary from aluminum to resilient plastic (think football helmet). Many of these types of cases offer waterproof protection, and can even protect your gear from a dead four foot fall.

While this type of case is probably overkill for the typical business power lunch, it really shines when going on an extended trip. With one of these you could even go on safari and still have great protection for your computer. In fact, this is one case that you could check and (mostly) not worry about damage from over zealous baggage handlers.

The Backpack Laptop Case

The venerable backpack has grown from carrying books and hiking gear to being a specially designed unit for your laptop and other gear. As shown by the Targus Groove Notebook Backpack above, a backpack laptop case can carry your computer, its accessories, other books, and even a refreshing snack. The straps on a backpack case makes it very convenient, and most of the time you will find them slung over one shoulder as they are being carried to the next destination.

The flexibility of the backpack laptop case is great for a lot of uses, but you may find that it tends to get bulky with continued use. No fault of the backpack design, it is easy to accumulate gear that you don’t want to part with when carrying the case. While this might be a problem for some, I find it to be extremely handy.

Messenger Bag

The messenger bag may have become more popular recently thanks to Jack Bauer, but it does work as a great laptop carrying case. Units such as the Targus Urban Messenger Laptop Bag pictured above offer a lot of protection for a laptop while remaining a very conveniently carried design.

Usually coupled with a shoulder strap, the messenger bag puts your gear at your side and within easy reach. And if Jack can save the world a few times with a messenger bag at his side, then the design must be pretty good.

Engineer Field Bag

Okay, so maybe this is not your standard laptop case, but since I am writing this article and it is my overall favorite case to use, I think it should be mentioned. Also, I have to believe that others would find it to be equally handy.

You can find this bag at many military surplus stores on the web, and it is available in black and natural. The black case fits in perfectly fine with both business meetings and personal use, and it is economical to purchase. An inner storage area holds a 13” macbook pro perfectly, with plenty of room for chargers, backup drives, and other necessary gear.

However, as well as I like the design and plenty of storage pockets, I know some people will find the Engineers Bag to be a bad fit for their needs. Also, if you have a 17” machine, then you will find this case will not work for your needs.

Netbook Cases

Netbooks are fairly new to the laptop scene, and they have quickly grown in popularity due to their small size and economical price. A complete line of cases have come along to support these diminutive machines, and while they vary in implementation, there is a common theme – small, padded cases that wrap the netbook without adding a lot of extra bulk.

As shown with the popular Swissgear Netbook Case above, these cases often add extra pockets for your other gear, making them handy for the road warrior. Many of the designs feature an integrated carrying handle and optional strap, which works well given the light weight of the computers themselves. If you have a favorite netbook, you might find this case to be a very handy way of getting from point A to point B while offering protection.

The right case will vary by person, application, and machine type. In fact, some users may find that a single case does not fit all of their needs. The important thing is to find a case that fits your individual needs and budget. Just remember that the worse time to realize that you need a laptop case is after an accident.

Most tech products have one thing in common,  they can be quite expensive. Despite the cost though many of us don’t really take care of our products like we should, we’re humans, we’re lazy by nature, just throwing things here and there regardless of consequences. I personally prefer to take care of my things that I paid good money for, that’s why my laptop that’s five years old still works today. Not that I actually use it that much, but it still works fine, and it’s in very good condition. I like bags and sleeves and covers and all of that stuff on my electronics, I try and protect everything I have because it just costs too much to replace.

Today for review the gang over at GearZap have sent me over a great solution to protect my Acer Aspire One D250, the Hard Candy Bubble Shell Case. Yes the name is bit odd, but it’s a great product. The one I got for review is clear so you can still see my netbook, but it offers very good protection from everyday bumps and scrapes. The name Bubble Shell comes from the pattern on it, it resembles bubble wrap actually, and it’s certainly an interesting look. So read on to learn more…

Specifications:

Hard Candy Bubble Shell Case for Acer Aspire One D250 – Clear

Stand out from the crowd and add some personalization and protection to your Acer Aspire One D250 with Hard Candy’s Bubble Shell case. Available in a variety of colours, these snap-on, always-on cases provide protection from scrapes and scratches while adding personality to your Netbook. These cases are designed to fit the Acer Aspire One D250 perfectly, keeping your netbook as slim as possible.

Key Features:
- Tough Polycarbonate Shell protects from Bumps & Scratches
- Easy to use Snap-On Always-on design
- Bubble texture creates a unique design statement
- Made to fit perfectly, allowing access to all connections and controls
- Features recycled paper packaging

Additional Information:
Product Number: 22772
Manufacturer Code: BS-ACER-CLR
Manufacturer: Hard Candy
Case Material: Polycarbonate
Style: Hard Case, Book Style, Skin
Warranty: 12 Months

Price: £26.97 / $42.59

Unboxing:
The Hard Candy Bubble Shell comes in a rather large box that was in a plastic bag as well.

Inside you’ll find the top and bottom halves along with the instruction sheet.

The bottom half has several cut out spots for the ventilation and rubber feet to replace the ones the shell covers.

The top half is basically one solid piece. If you didn’t guess buy the name the shell is bubbled.

Usage: 
Installation is fairly simple, but can be a bit difficult as it is a tight fit. The tightness of the fit is a good thing though as it it won’t be coming off anytime soon. 

I installed it on my Acer Apsire One D250 Netbook.

Once it’s installed you’ll be able to see the netbook perfectly, so if you’ve got a skin or something on it you can see it. This is of course only for the clear version, you can get it in other colors/styles.

Flipping it over we can get a better looks at the bottom, I blacked out my key and identifying information on the bottom of my Aspire One in the pictures.

Most of the ventilation areas are cut-out to make sure it stays cool, and you’ll still have access to the battery locks as well. You won’t however have access to any of the doors with the shell on the netbook, a minor inconvenience though since most people don’t upgrade and change components often.

The sides are open and the front has cut-outs as well so you can still access ports and switches.

One thing I like about this case or shell is that you can leave it on forever, unlike cases and sleeves where you take it off and put it back on.

It is hard plastic so it will protect from scratches and scuffs, but it won’t offer much protection for drops of course.

I used my Aspire One for a few hours while running temperature monitoring software and there really was no difference, about 1 degree higher is all.

Overall I like this case a lot, and it will remain on my Aspire One. It doesn’t really add much thickness either so it will still fit in you bag or most likely any sleeve as well. The bubble pattern makes it look thicker than it really is, but I like it the look.

One small issue might be that over time scratches and scuffs will make it not clear anymore , but only time will tell on that one.

Another thing might be the price, coming in at about $43, it might be considered expensive to some. Then again if you look at the prices of cases and such, it’s priced about right.

Conclusion:
I like this product quite a bit personally, it’s got a very unique look to it and it offers good protection for the netbook.

The Hard Candy Bubble Shell Case is a good product really, one that will give you piece of mind when travelling with your netbook in a bag or not.

If you’re looking for a unique and decent way to protect your netbook then I suggest you give this one a serious look.

Pros:
+Clear version allows you to still see netbook and protect it
+Seems well made and should offer good protection
+Can stay on forever
+Interesting look
+Installation is easy

Cons:
-Rather Expensive
-Covers doors on bottom
-Plastic can get scratched and scuffed making it look dull

Disclosure: This product was given to Laptop Reviews Central for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review, we do not, and never will, accept payment from companies to review their products.

Today I’ve got a rather brief review for you of what I think would be considered a case for your laptop. It’s from Belkin and it’s called a SleeveTop, it’s an odd name yes, but it’s really a combination of a sleeve and a carrying case so I guess that’s where the name came from. The Belkin SleeveTop is nicely made, it’s very simple to use but it’s got a major design flaw in that it has no pockets at all. A laptop case with no pockets makes no sense to me…

Specifications:

Belkin Laptop SleeveTop – Green

Belkin SleeveTop lets you easily open and use your laptop without removing your laptop from the case. Protects your lap from your computer’s heat when you are using it; safely stows your laptop when you’re not. Belkin SleeveTop makes it easy to take your laptop with convenient handles.

Key Features
- Uniquely designed for comfortable laptop use on a couch, bed or table
- Closes to protect your laptop when not in use
- Opens for use quickly; you never need to remove your laptop from the case
- Protects your lap from a hot computer
- Premium finish is both stylish and also complements your home decor
- Built-in cooling pads prevents heat retention under the laptop
- Features durable, hand-washable material
- Works with laptops with 15.4" widescreens or smaller
- Comes with a Lifetime Warranty

Price: $16.00 (US Dollars)

Unboxing:
There’s no fancy packaging for the Belkin SleeveTop,  just a plastic bag.  Attached to the case is a product identification tag with the specs and features listed.

The case is actually very well made, the material is thick and it seems durable, but it really isn’t padded as you might expect, it’s more hard than padded. You basically just slide your laptop into it and you’re done. There are zippers on both side of the sleeve to open it up.

When you open the sleeve up you’ll only find two rubberized strips and that’s it, no pockets of anything like that. The strips are rubber as I mentioned, this helps keep your laptop from sliding around, but they’re raised as well to allow some airflow under your laptop.

Usage:
The only large sized laptop I have is my older Dell Latitude C640, it’s a 14.1 inch Intel P4 based laptop. It’s older but it still works fine.

Here’s a couple close up shots of the laptop sitting on the strips, there’s a very small bit of clearance beneath the laptop to allow airflow. It seems to work, my laptop was only a couple degrees hotter than if it was sitting on a table, and the case also will insulate your lap if you use it to work on your lap. The case is hard so it works like a platform to help keep the laptop stable on your lap, but the top really doesn’t lock into place so it can just fall down forward onto your laptop.

..and here’s my laptop inside of it. There’s really no room for anything else at all inside of this case so don’t expect to take a power supply with you or any accessories. You could toss some papers or folders in there, but I wouldn’t put anything hard as it might damage your laptop.

To carry it you just grab the handles and go.

Personally I don’t care for this product at all, I have to take stuff with me, especially a power supply, I never leave home without one really.

Not having any pockets at all is a major design flaw in my opinion, everyone is going to be taking something with them I think.

I also don’t case for that fact that you’re laptop really isn’t secure at all inside, no straps or anything hold it in place. So if you just toss this on your car seat or wherever it can just slide right out of the case.

Yes it’s inexpensive coming in at about $16, but for a few dollars more you can get something with pockets I’m sure.

That’s me though, I need to take stuff with me, but if you’re not like me then you might appreciate this product.

Conclusion:
Well I’m not sure about this product really. I mean I guess if you don’t need to take anything with you other than your laptop then you’ll be fine, but I think most of us always take stuff with us. Personally I don’t like this product at all, but that’s just my opinion.

It’s inexpensive, but i don;t think that makes up for the flaws of not having pockets or not having any way to actually secure your laptop inside of it.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, well made and very minimalistic case then you might want this one.

Pros:
+Nicely made 
+Seems durable 
+Inexpensive
+Can use laptop without removing from case

Cons:
-Doesn’t really secure laptop inside 
-No pockets or anywhere for accessories 

I would like to thank GearZap for the opportunity to review the Belkin Laptop SleeveTop and for their support of Laptop Reviews Central.

Disclosure: This product was given to Laptop Reviews Central for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review, we do not, and never will, accept payment from companies to review their products.