Unplggd: Laptop Sleeves

The humble laptop sleeve is a tool that is not often thought about. Most are carelessly thrown in our bags and hardly get a glance. Yet, laptop sleeves are vital to protecting computers from a verity of nasty fates that can befall a laptop in transit. Below we have compiled some of our favorite sleeves, our criteria for selecting them, and why a laptop sleeve is a must.

Even if your bag that you use to tote your computer around in is padded, it is still a very good idea to use a sleeve. Sleeves are great thin cases that work in conjunction with other bags or as a quick standalone. More than anything, the sleeve acts as the most important barrier to protect and extend the life of a computer. Without a sleeve, a laptop can become damaged within short order leaving you without your very pricey computer. A laptop sleeve protects a computer from more than the normal types of damage one associates with moving around a computer. One of the most important things a good sleeve does is keep small objects like coins and pens from becoming lodged in ports and other sensitive parts of the laptop while in transit. We know of an individual who ruined his optical drive because a dime somehow migrated inside while his PowerBook was loose in his backpack. Below is our list of musts for a laptop sleeve:

Convenience: Laptop sleeves must be easy to use and not frustrate the user. One we had years ago was difficult to insert our laptop into causing us to be negligent in using it…most of the time it sat at home.
Protection: Obviously a laptop sleeve should protect your gear and not just function as a piece of decoration. We are big fans of neoprene, but Timbuk2 and other companies make great sleeves from a variety of materials ranging from wool to quilted nylon.
Fit: A sleeve that is ill fitting does not protect your laptop nor is it as easy to use as it should be. Make sure to get a sleeve that is the correct size for your particular laptop.
Dust Resistant: If you ever go any place that is prone for dust, having a sleeve that can keep dust from penetrating into your laptop is a must. We have experienced this first hand while out taking photos in the desert. You may not need that feature, but if dust is the least bit possible for your, we suggest getting a dust proof sleeve.

Here on Unplggd we have also featured a large number of laptop sleeves. Below we lave listed some of our favorites.

DIY Sweater Laptop Sleeve
Eco Friendly Laptop Sleeves
Bubble Mailer
Felt Laptop Sleeve

By Campbell Faulkner

Submit a Comment

We welcome your comments on this moderated blog. We invite you to participate respectfully in the conversation that interests you—on topics from design to our products to what makes the world a better place for all of us.