What dangers may await you when transporting laptop?

First, you need to figure out what dangers may lie in wait for a laptop on the road. Much depends on the place, method, distance, time and even intensity of movement.

In public transport, it is important that your hands are not occupied and that you can hold onto the handrails, because there is not always place to sit. Sudden stops can lead to the laptop hitting hard objects, and during rush hour, at maximum load, excessive load on the case, deformation, cracks and failure are possible.

When transporting on foot around the city, the likelihood of mechanical damage to the laptop is minimal, unless there is intense flow of people whom you may accidentally bump into. However, there is still the possibility of heat damage if the laptop is left in the sun for long time. No one is immune from weather surprises in the form of rain or hail. When moving on foot, it is important to take into account the comfort of the user himself, since carrying several kilograms of weight in his hands for a long time will be difficult, especially for girl.

Active people often choose bicycle to get to work or leisure. This method requires complete freedom of action for the user and secure fixation of the laptop. The main threats are vibration, sudden shocks, rain and heat.

When traveling by train or air travel, the greatest danger is laptop theft and mechanical damage. It is not always possible or necessary to take it with you into the cabin, and the luggage compartment is not the best place for such equipment.

Taking into account all the features of probable transportation, we can determine the main threats to the laptop:

  • Mechanical damage (shocks, falls)
  • Vibration
  • Thermal impact
  • Water hazard
  • Theft

Optimal ways to safely transport laptop

Solving problems with transporting laptop will not be difficult if you choose the right accessory for this. Manufacturers have provided several effective methods, each of which is suitable for certain conditions:

  • Bag briefcase
  • Backpack
  • Case
  • Overlay

Bag

Laptop bag is considered the most popular way of moving, especially in the city. Daily travel to work, presentations and interviews. In such cases, you often have to resort to the services of minibuses, private cars, the metro, and constantly change your position during boarding and disembarking. The bag copes with these tasks perfectly, as it is usually equipped with handle, shoulder strap and compact dimensions that allow you to hold it securely in your hands. It is convenient to travel short distances on foot, because the weight of the product is small, but the laptop itself is quite massive. Even when worn on the shoulder, discomfort may occur. But this method is not suitable for cycling fans, although there are dubious options with straps like backpack. Almost all models are focused on business style, so they have discreet appearance in dark colors.

The laptop bag does not have high degree of protection and is more suitable for manual, careful transportation. The compartments are not equipped with shockproof linings or anti-theft mechanisms, so it is not worth leaving such valuable cargo in the luggage compartment, on the floor or hanging shelves in the cabin of bus or train. For manufacturing, synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) are most often used, which are distinguished by their strength and water-repellent properties. Even better option is leather, which is used to make full-fledged business briefcases.

Pros:

  • suitable for men and women
  • assortment for different screen diagonals
  • has shoulder strap and handle
  • compact dimensions
  • good protection against water and dust
  • ease of movement in public transport
  • presence of compartments for the power supply, mouse and other small accessories
  • additional compartment (external or internal) for documents

Cons:

  • in most cases it only suits business style
  • minimal impact protection
  • not suitable for bicycles and other active modes of transportation
Laptop bags with shoulder strap

Backpack

Backpack is universal way to transport laptop and other things due to its functionality and practicality. But not all models are suitable for transporting such valuable cargo. There are two main areas that you should take closer look at - gaming and urban with special compartment for laptop. Gaming backpacks are usually branded, with themed design for specific laptop series, for example, Legion from Lenovo. The range of urban models has no limits; everyone will find something to their liking. There are unisex options, as well as for children, for business and sports suits.

The laptop backpack has high degree of protection against any threats. There are soft pads here, including on the bottom, which will preserve the integrity of the equipment even if it falls from small height (chair, seat in vehicle, slips out of your hand). You don't have to think about scratches at all. Soft dampers are also good at dampening vibration, which can have detrimental effect on some laptop components, such as the hard drive(HDD). Most backpacks have increased protection from water, ultraviolet radiation and other vagaries of nature. If we take into account the presence of hidden zippers and the possibility of installing anti-theft locks, then this method of transportation is suitable for any scenario - on foot, by bicycle, by car, by public transport, by train, by plane.

Special attention in backpacks is paid to the comfort of carrying laptop and in general all things, of which there can be quite lot (sportswear, shoes, documents, headphones and other gadgets). Many models are equipped with anatomical back, wide soft straps and additional fasteners (waist, side, chest straps), which will help distribute weight and avoid excessive stress on the back and shoulders during long walks and even running.

Advantageous advantages for choosing backpack can be useful features - pockets for money, glasses and bottles, remote hydration pack, USB interface for recharging mobile devices while on the move.

In general, the backpack can be used on urban scale and for traveling anywhere in the world, small picnics and hiking trips, if we talk about specialized models.

The only disadvantages of moving laptop in backpack can be considered the increased dimensions and weight, which will make themselves felt when manually carrying, boarding and disembarking from transport.

Pros:

  • suitable for any style of clothing for men and women
  • assortment for any screen diagonal
  • versatility of carrying (in hands, on back, shoulder)
  • high level of protection against shock, vibration, drops, water and theft
  • ease of movement by any transport and on foot
  • additional compartments for things
  • large capacity
  • useful features (hydration pack, USB)

Cons:

  • large dimensions and weight
Backpacks with laptop compartment

Case

Case is simple and reliable way to protect your laptop while traveling over any distance. Made from different materials depending on the purpose of use. Plastic and polyurethane models cope better with impacts, neoprene protects against water, and classic nylon or polyester provides basic protection against scratches. Case guarantees high mobility, as you can quickly take out your laptop and start working. It is convenient for transporting laptop in the glove compartment of car, comfortable carrying in your hands within the office, and guarantees safety in suitcase, sports bag, or travel backpack while traveling. The cases have minimal weight and are available for different screen diagonals and clothing styles.

However, the case also imposes certain limitations due to its ultra-compact nature. They do not provide additional compartments for the power supply, spare battery, mouse and documents. Carrying handles are also missing in most cases, so carrying massive laptop in your hands or under your arm is problematic.

Pros:

  • ultra-compact
  • suitable for travel
  • variety of materials for directional protection
  • for any style of clothing
  • increased mobility

Cons:

  • limited capacity
  • no compartment for power supply
Laptop cases

Sleeve

Sleeves are two separate plates that provide additional protection to the top and bottom of the laptop. They are easy to put on and often have original design that will help make the laptop stand out from others. The covers are similar to a silicone bumper for smartphone, only they are made of durable plastic. This option is suitable for basic protection against scratches and accidental impacts during transportation in regular backpack or bag. By themselves, they are not effective against moisture, water, dust, or falls. It is worth understanding that the pads increase the weight of the laptop, although only slightly. The assortment is focused on small diagonals (13 - 14 inches), which are more mobile and are more often carried. Although you can find more options.

Pros:

  • creates original design
  • provides scratch protection

Cons:

  • does not protect against water, dust, moisture
  • poor protection against shocks and falls
  • increases the weight of the laptop
Laptop covers

Don’t forget that you shouldn’t skimp on inexpensive accessory to protect expensive equipment. But there is also no point in investing more than necessary. It is important to make the right choice that will ensure safe transportation in certain situation. Sometimes it's better to buy several accessories for all occasions.