What The Heck Are Laptop Messenger Bags?
When laptops first came out, they came with very distinctive hard carrying cases usually with a computer company logo on it. At first, these were status symbols, but then the danger soon manifested itself - these distinctive status symbols became targets for thieves. Now, anything used to transport an incredibly valuable laptop computer and its data are done in cases as low key as possible. One of the most popular alternatives to the laptop carrying case is the laptop messenger bag. They look like regular old gym bags or backpacks.
Who Needs One?
If you do a lot of traveling with your laptop - even if you drive it to work and back - then you need some kind of carrying case, such as a laptop messenger bag. If your laptop just travels from one room to another in your home, then you really don't need to worry about any kind of carrying case or bag. Laptops are light, versatile - and notoriously delicate. One good rainstorm or one accidental slam into a wall will kill the laptop. Until laptops can withstand being stepped on by an African bull elephant, you will need a carrying case or bag.
Components Checklist
First off, measure the dimensions of your laptop to see if it will fit inside a laptop messenger bag before you bring one home. This will save you some embarrassment. Also, avoid bags that have obvious straps or pouches on the outside for cell phones, Walkmans or other small electronic gadgets that are a magnet for thieves. You want something that looks like it's not carrying a highly desirable laptop.
Laptop messenger bags come in a variety of styles, colors, patterns, straps and handles, but usually most of them are made of nylon. This makes it less expensive and waterproof. They're called messenger bags because of how they look - like saddlebags for a Pony-express rider or a bike messenger. Some are even made to fit on a bike.
Decide how you best want to cart around your laptop when deciding on a laptop messenger bag. Can you tuck it under your arm, sling it on your back or get on your bike? Some even look like carry on luggage, so if you do a lot of flying, this is defiantly one to consider, since anything on an airplane gets knocked around.
Price should be one of your least concerns, but most quality laptop messenger bags can be found for under $125 (US). Considering how expensive laptops are and how invaluable your data is, laptop messenger bags are a small investment.
