Your laptop is your best friend for coffee shop frequenters and those who work remotely. Some laptops are more powerful (and, therefore, more expensive) than the average desktop PC. They also often contain hundreds of gigabytes worth of data, work, and – yes – even memories, equal to at least several pounds in sentimental weight.
It is no surprise that people frequently develop an attachment to their laptops. Some are kept around long past their best-by-date out of sentimental attachment alone. These devices are often covered in the sticky remnants of one-too-many spilled cups of coffee and are often worth much less than they should be when the time comes to let them go finally.
But it does not have to be this way.
For as long as valuable, fragile devices such as these have existed, numerous methods have been safeguarding them. Some are simple, requiring little more than a cloth and some old-fashioned elbow grease. Others – such as the topic of this article – require that you lay down some cold hard cash. Rest assured, however – the results are definitely worth the minor dent in your bank account.
Which laptop sleeve works best?
Due to their sheer preeminence in an age when more and more people have started working from home, the industry surrounding laptops is greatly inflated. Simply put, the amount of options you have is overwhelming. You would be surprised at just how many laptop sleeves, laptop bags, and screen protectors are not worth the leather or cotton they are made from.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Before we dive into which brands and products work best, it is important to know the exact size of your laptop. For some, this could be as easy as referring to your laptop’s guide. The process is slightly more involved for others who tossed their guides in a box hidden somewhere in the attic.
How do you measure the size of your laptop?
Firstly, before we set about determining the dimensions of your device, there is an important distinction to understand. The laptop “size” that is displayed on the packaging does not refer to its exact width. Rather, it refers to the size of the screen.
This is important to understand because the size of your screen will never align with the device’s width. For example, a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro has a width of 11.97 inches.
The screen is bigger because it is measured diagonally, not horizontally. Measuring it for yourself is easy: simply hold a ruler or measuring tape from the bottom left corner of your screen (not including the bezel or the frame surrounding it) and measure the distance to the top right corner.
With that over with, it is time to measure the actual dimensions of your laptop.
Measure the Width
To start, lay your laptop on a flat surface with the screen closed. Measure the longest side of your device with some measuring tape – a standard 30 cm ruler may be too short. Note the measurement down on a piece of paper.
Measure the Length
For the length, repeat the process with the shorter side, then note the measurement.
Measure the Height
Depending on your device, measuring the height of your laptop may be tricky. Slimmer devices with rounded surfaces are particularly demanding. Fortunately, the back part of your device will almost always be the tallest, and this is the only measurement you will need. Position your device so that its back edge runs flush with the edge of the surface it is placed on, then measure it and take note.
How to Find a Good Sleeve
Once you have all of your measurements, you can start browsing for a decent sleeve and bag. The length and width are the most important elements to consider, lest you end up with a sleeve that simply cannot fit your device.
The sleeve or bag you end up with should also not be too much bigger than your laptop to avoid unnecessary bumping. A good sleeve should:
- Fit your laptop snugly – your device should not move around too much within the bag.
- Include a padded compartment for your device. The best sleeves also include a padded element at the bottom, which can absorb some of the shock should you ever drop it.
Some of the best brands include Bellroy, Harbor London Folio, and Horizn Studios. However, you may be just as well served to purchase a sleeve from the laptop manufacturer itself, such as Samsung.
Conclusion
Getting your hands on a good laptop sleeve is crucial to ensuring your device’s longevity and value. All it takes is a few quick measurements and a visit to your nearest tech store to keep your laptop safe. Now you know exactly what size laptop sleep you need for your laptop.