Laptop Sleeve

November 27, 2006 12:28 AM

Where can I find a laptop sleeve with the opening on the short side?

I want to keep the sleeve in my backpack and just remove the laptop as needed. I need the opening to be on the shorter side so this can happen.

Help me.

Oh, and my laptop, I believe, is 14.1 inches or so. (It's a sony, I can never remember the exact number).

posted by benji to Computers & Internet (17 answers total)

Waterfield Designs makes customized cases and seems to be pretty accommodating to special requests. I had an long email conversation with them to include extra customizations. But in the end, I decided that my extra options wouldn't be practical. I settled by purchasing the standard bag that's pictured on the page.

If your laptop is relatively popular, they'll probably already have the dimensions for you.
posted by Cog at 1:03 AM on November 27, 2006

I use the Shinza Zeroshock sleeve, with both a 12" Powerbook and a 15" Macbook Pro, both in a backpack. I bought the Zeroshock expressly so I could easily slip my notebook into it without removing it from the backpack first. I absolutely love it, and have no complaints about it.
posted by melorama at 1:36 AM on November 27, 2006

I asked a local wetsuit manufacturer to make me one. They knew how to make it and it was cheap compared to whats on offer in stores.
posted by a. at 1:57 AM on November 27, 2006

The one I have was made by Eagle Creek. Can't help you with particulars as it was a work freebie.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 4:08 AM on November 27, 2006

Ebags lets you search for sleeve by feature. They seem to have plenty of vertical sleeves.
posted by klarck at 4:44 AM on November 27, 2006

I second WaterField. It's even a standard option to get it open on the short side.

Tom Bihn also makes some. See, e.g., this sleeve.
posted by raf at 5:24 AM on November 27, 2006

Another good option: West Ridge Designs.
posted by ~ at 5:50 AM on November 27, 2006

this one by builtny is my favorite, though i am also a fan of waterman.
posted by judith at 5:53 AM on November 27, 2006

waterfield, i mean. i blame the insomnia.
posted by judith at 5:55 AM on November 27, 2006

I have a Zeroshock sleeve. It has a zipper that opens around three sides, with two zippers, so you can leave it open on whatever side you want. It's a little spendy but it's really rugged and if you change your bag layout, it will still work! Make sure you measure your laptop correctly if you get one though, they run snug.
posted by jessamyn at 7:07 AM on November 27, 2006

Thirding the Zeroshock! I've had one for a few years now and it's great. It's also fun to squish.
posted by stefnet at 7:14 AM on November 27, 2006

Wrappers seem good.
posted by caek at 8:59 AM on November 27, 2006

REI Deal of the day has one for about $12 and it has a flap that I think would accommodate your needs - check it out.
posted by eleongonzales at 9:28 AM on November 27, 2006

foofpod makes really good laptop cases. i have the corduroy one, and it's lasted quite a while (2 years+).
posted by kerning at 12:43 PM on November 27, 2006

Nick has one from Jansport. Our cat also likes it for napping.
posted by bilabial at 1:13 PM on November 27, 2006

i can vouch for the tom bihn. i have a horizontal sleeve and it's very well-built.
posted by GS1977 at 12:34 PM on November 28, 2006

I've had a SlipSafe laptop sleeve from The Pouch that I used daily for that exact purpose for six years, and it's held up unbelievably well. They're thin (neoprene) but sturdy, and custom made for your laptop's dimensions.. great for maximizing backpack real estate.
posted by everybody polka at 11:32 PM on November 28, 2006