A bag to carry your laptop in is more about the machine than how it looks on you, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
NO laptop bag is fashionable enough to pass as an object of style. Laptop sleeves are cool but you can't fit anything else in there.
And once you live the life of a commuter-hop onto the LRT during peak hours and you get an idea -your bag is more about function and less about style.
Tjin Ng, who co-founded multi-label bag portal oribags.com, says that when it comes to notebook carriers, function is way above style.
Here, she gives some tips about buying one:
GET THE RIGHT SIZE
Is your laptop a 13-, 15-or a 17-inch machine? You are buying a bag for it so that's the most important consideration you need to give. If you have a 13-inch laptop, you need a bag that specifically fits that size. You can get a bigger bag - one that fits a 15 inch laptop - but that may not be the best idea.
Laptop bags usually come with padded compartments, designed so your laptop is snug and secure. Think of it as a helmet. You don't wear a loose one, do you? A bigger compartment will not give your laptop the protection it needs.
If you do have a laptop bag that has a slightly bigger fit, then get a protective sleeve. It doubles the protection and offers you an option of transferring it to any bag.
THINK OF COMFORT
Are you constantly on the move? Do you have loads to carry besides your laptop? Ask yourself these questions because your carry comfort greatly depends on it.
If you are constantly on the move and have a heavy load to carry, then you need to consider a good backpack.
A backpack has two padded shoulder straps for better weight distribution. It also helps promote better posture and give you the freedom to move.
Look for a chest strap that's great for people with smaller shoulders. The strap holds the shoulder straps in place and keeps the bag close to the body.
A messenger bag is great if you're not carrying too much and allows quick and easy access. Most messenger bags double as briefcase too.
DURABILITY
Everyone has a budget to work with and you may need to up your budget to own a good laptop bag. But take into consideration durability. We've all heard stories of people losing valuable items in the middle of their commute because their bags gave way.
Most of them were using bags with poor quality and durability.
Many brands now have bags made with anti-cut material which are affordable and ideal for people who commute. Invest a little extra and you'll have a bag that will last you a long time.
Remember, like all other items, bags undergo wear and tear.
WATER-RESISTANT OR WATERPROOF?
This is probably one of the biggest confusions in the bag world.
"Is this bag waterproof?" is a common question. More often than not, the carrier is not water-proof but water-resistant.
Water-resistant means the material is able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely. Waterproof means it's impenetrable by water.
These days, most bags are made with materials that have been treated to repel water.
They are able to handle spills and perhaps some light rain but may not be good during a heavy downpour or a trip to the waterfall.
For outdoor activities, you have to specifically ask for a waterproof bag which often comes in the form of a dry bag. Dry bags are available in a wide variety of sizes and forms.
Most come in a roll top design and are meant to float when it hits water. In case you are wondering, you can also get dry bags that are backpacks with laptop compartments.
* For information, go to www.oribags.com.