Laptop Sleeve Reviews
by Shaun Chu

There are many bags and cases for laptop computers on the market and they come in countless sizes and shapes.  Some can accomodate just a laptop and others are large enough to fit many books and accessories in addition to a laptop.  But some people don't want to purchase an entirely new bag just for their laptop.  Many prefer to use their existing bag, whether it be a shoulder bag or backpack.

A laptop sleeve can be a good solution if you're looking for simple protection without the hassle or bulk (not to mention price) of a full-fledged laptop bag.  The small size of sleeves allows them to be easily inserted into most backpacks; an excellent choice for many students.

Like any laptop bag, a sleeve should have some padding to protect the laptop inside while not being too builky or cumbersome.  With this in mind, we'll take a look at a few laptop sleeves that are designed to accomodate a wide range of laptops.

 

Category: Ultraportables (12" screens)

Booq "PowerSleeve 12"

This is the 12" model in Booq's lineup of laptop sleeves. Designed specifically for the 12" Powerbook G4, this little sleeve is perfectly sized for the job. It has a top-loading design which makes it possilble to load and unload the laptop while the sleeve is in a backpack. Booq's sleeve is made out of extremely durable nylon with dense foam padding that securely hugs the laptop and keeps it safe from jolts and small impacts. For its size, this little sleeve is big on protection.

Booq goes to great lengths to ensure that the sleeve will fit your laptop. Their website has a handy sizing chart that shows which of their offerings is compatible with your laptop.

After using the Powersleeve 12 for a few days, I found the only minor problem I had was with the the small size of the accessory pockets. Small or thin items such as pencils, cd's, and disks would fit easily but my Powerbook's AC adapter and mouse were a little big for the pockets.

The PowerSleeve 12, like many other Booq products is designed to be integrated with other bags from Booq. For example, the PowerSleeve 12 can be fitted into the Booqpaq backpack. (17" Powerbook users may be interested in Booq's new FoleeMessenger 17- designed for the 17" Powerbook)

Aside from the tight accessory pockets, Booq's PowerSleeve 12 has the style, quality construction, and superb protection to make it an excellent compliment for the 12" Powerbook.

$39
www.booqbags.com
 

Category: Large (thick, builky laptops)

Eagle Creek "Computer Vault"

This simple looking laptop sleeve is an ideal solution for those wishing to carry their laptop in a backpack.  The first thing that caught my eye was its top-loading design.  This allows a laptop to be loaded and unloaded while the Computer Vault is in a backpack.  While it may qualify as a sleeve, the Computer Vault's interior room comes close to that of a full sized bag.  Almost all laptops should be able to squeeze into this sleeve.  My Titanium Powerbook fit with lots of room to spare.  (Too much room in my opinion) Also, there's a large mesh pocket on the outside for holding CD-ROM's and other small objects.  People with small laptops such as the Powerbook 2400 will definitely find this sleeve too big.

The increased room inside the sleeve seems to come at the expense of protective padding.  While not terrible, the Computer Vault could definitely use more padding all around.  The single handle on the top is useful for lifting in and out of backpacks but is not suited for long-term carrying.  There are, however, rings on either side of the sleeve about an inch from the top that permit the attachment of a shoulder strap.  Unfortunately, Eagle Creek does not provide such a strap. The Computer Vault is a simple and effective sleeve that's ideal for those with large laptops and are using a backpack as a computer bag.

 $25.00
www.eaglecreek.com
 

Category: MidSize (14-15" screens)

Ogio "Brain Bucket"

Don't let the name fool you.  While it isn't some crazy bucket with a mind of its own, Ogio's Brain Bucket does have the brains to keep your laptop protected.  The Brain Bucket features weather resistant nylon, dense foam padding and is backed with a lifetime warranty.  The dense foam does a great job of protecting the laptop without adding lots of bulk and Ogio did an excellent job achieving this balance.  While not as large as the Computer Vault, the Brain Bucket will accomodate the majority of laptops out there.  The Titanium Powerbook G4 fit beautifully.

One of the unique features of the Brain Bucket is its three sided zipper enclosure.  This allows a laptop to be used without taking it entirely out of the sleeve. The drawback, however, is that the sleeve itself must be removed from a backpack in order to unzip it. Also, if you lift up the sleeve and forget to zip it up, you're sure to find your laptop slipping out the bottom.

For those who don't mind using the laptop while in the sleeve, I've found that the reverse side of the flap that swings open can double as a mouse-pad.  Inside there's a securement strap that velcro's around the laptop to keep it in place.  Unfortunately, the straps are too long which prevents the velcro from securing tightly around a thin laptop such as my Powerbook G4.  When closed, however, the Brain Bucket's unique wedged design allows it to "hug" the laptop securely so it doesn't bounce around inside the sleeve.  A large mesh pocket on the outside easily holds CD's and small peripherals. Overall the Brain Bucket is an excellent design that takes no shortcuts when it comes to quality.

 $19.99
www.ogio.com