A laptop sleeve may seem like a functional yet superfluous purchase. In reality, it represents an investment in your laptop’s safety, protecting the device from scratches, breaks and water spillage and giving you peace of mind when in transit that your pride and joy isn’t coming to any harm.
That said, not all laptop sleeves were created equal, and there’s a surprising diversity on the market. Waterproof laptop sleeves should be your priority, as they keep your device not only safe from water, but also from dust. You should also consider whether you’d prefer a more durable, hard material, which offers greater protection but also tends to be heavier. Anyway, let’s dive in a little deeper; here are 6 tips on buying the best quality laptop sleeve.
CHOOSE A PERFECT SIZE
Your laptop should fit snugly in its case for ultimate protection and to ensure it’s not able to move around too freely within it. If there is too much free space, your device may be prone to scratches and the impact of knocks will be greater. Stretchable sleeves are available, rather than having to search for a particular sized sleeve, though model specific laptop sleeves are the norm now, so finding one which is the perfect size shouldn’t be too difficult.
MIND THE THICKNESS
The thickness of the sleeve also affects its safety. Ideally, the sleeve shouldn’t be super thin as it will make the laptop body vulnerable to damage, which rather defeats the point of the thing, don’t you think? On the other hand, a thicker sleeve will be bulky to handle and difficult to fit in a bag. Best, then, to find that compromise between durability and protection, seeking one that fits in your bag and provides security to the body of the laptop.
Such a sleeve will keep the laptop safe in case of minor falls, though it should be noted that few sleeves on the market can protect your laptop from dropping it from a height.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Sleeves come in a variety of materials with the most common being nylon, plastic, leather and, above all else, neoprene, a kind of synthetic rubber.
The basic purpose of the sleeve is to protect the laptop and this can be fulfilled by most of the materials. So, whilst we’re keen to focus on the functional within this article, a little of your own aesthetic preference and eye for style comes into play here.
SPACE FOR ACCESSORIES
You should also consider whether your laptop sleeve needs space for additional accessories. Should you be intending to take your laptop out with you without a larger bag to hold it, then it’s pretty essential that your sleeve has pockets or additional sleeves to carry your accessories. You wouldn’t, after all, want to be walking around with a charger in your pocket or a mouse stuffed down your trousers. After all, its wriggling would be most uncomfortable down there.
Do bear in mind that the provision of pockets within or on the outer sleeve do negate some of the more protective elements of the sleeve.
CHOOSE A SLEEVE WITH A ZIP
A sleeve with a zip is generally safer than one which uses velcro or a buckle to close it, with the latter two not providing sufficient safety should you drop your laptop when you’re travelling. Also consider whether the laptop sleeve allows you to add a strap easily, making it easier to carry.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Buying a laptop sleeve should not be viewed as an unnecessary expense but rather as an investment in the safety of the device. Consider material, closing mechanism, space and accessories and you won’t go wrong! Above all else, prioritise the size of the laptop case to ensure its security.
