Casing suggestions, please.

June 22, 2006 3:44 PM

Where to find some sort of carrying case for a small notebook computer?

Needed: a carrying case (approximately 6" x 11") to fit a small notebook computer. Could be larger, but snug enough so the unit doesn't slide around. I wish I could find something like a large padded nylon envelope I could zip it into. It doesn't have to be a "computer case" per se, it doesn't need a handle, so any alternative suggestions are welcome, perhaps even preferable.

Also, are there any sites selling computer cases that give the option to search by size required?

posted by anticlock to Shopping (13 answers total)

These guys say they'll make one to your specs. I have one for a powerbook that works well.
posted by sohcahtoa at 3:53 PM on June 22, 2006

Tom Bihn makes an excellent bag. From your description, sounds like Soft Cell ought to do the job. For something heftier, I have a Monolith that's saved my ass a few times. Use the 'fit list' thing on the site to figure what's best for your laptop.
posted by Drunken_munky at 4:08 PM on June 22, 2006

Yeay! I get to be the first to recommend Waterfield. I have a sleevecase which I think is what you are looking for. I can't say enough good things about mine.
posted by radioamy at 4:08 PM on June 22, 2006

My suggestion may seem a little odd, but you may want to try hitting a couple of gun/ sporting goods stores. The size case you want is basically that of a dual pistol case.

They come in all shapes and sizes, but generally they are very rugged, have decent padding, and are usually vastly cheaper than something you would buy for a PC.
posted by quin at 4:22 PM on June 22, 2006

These are fairly functionally equivalent to a large padded nylon envelope.
posted by Zed_Lopez at 5:20 PM on June 22, 2006

Echoing radioamy, I've been very happy with my Waterfield laptop sleeve. It looks like they've added a lot of customization features since I bought mine four years ago - for instance, the standard sleeve is fastened with a Velcro strap, but you can now add a flap if you so desire.
posted by Aster at 5:20 PM on June 22, 2006

I carry my 10" laptop around in a Shoreline laptop sleeve - you can unzip it and use the laptop whilst it's still inside.
posted by blag at 5:43 PM on June 22, 2006

It sounds like a bag targeted at the (just recently discontinued) 12" Powerbook/iBook would fit your computer. You may even be able to find something on sale.
posted by Ptrin at 8:00 PM on June 22, 2006

I've been happy with this wrap from RoadWired. It's inexpensive and just the right size for a 12 inch laptop.

Haven't used one, but I hear good things about the Waterfield sleeves as well.
posted by Sand Reckoner at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2006

maybe Bailey Works, Timbuk2, or Chrome?
posted by the painkiller at 9:37 PM on June 22, 2006

I'm with Drunken_munky: Bihn bags rock. His "Brain Cells" are basically padded, sized-to-fit laptop sleeves that can be tossed inside larger bags.
posted by enrevanche at 1:48 AM on June 23, 2006

I agree with Drunken_munky and enrevanche. Bihn bags are great. I keep my 12" PowerBook in a Brain Cell, which is sturdy enough to carry on its own with a shoulder strap. But it's usually inside my Brain Bag backpack or my Empire Builder briefcase. All are very sturdily made.
posted by brianogilvie at 7:49 AM on June 23, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks for all your suggestions! I need something a bit smaller and more minimal than most are offering, however the Waterfield's are amazing looking and Timbuk2, Chrome are beautiful, I may get one of these for my regular-sized notebook. The pistol case was a great suggestion especially price-wise and I was hoping someone would come up with an alternative like that. Thanks again for finding all these!
posted by anticlock at 11:10 AM on June 23, 2006