Plastic Cases: Ultimate Protection For Your Laptop?

Plastic laptop cases are designed to protect your laptop from damage. They are typically made from hard-shell plastic, which is great at absorbing shocks or drops. A well-fitted case will enhance protection by minimising movement and potential impact during transportation. However, some people prefer to keep their laptop as it is, valuing its original design and thin form factor. In this case, a laptop sleeve can be a good alternative, as it will protect your laptop when it is not in use.

The benefits of a hard shell case

While some people prefer to keep their laptop as it is, others like to add a hard shell case to protect their device. A hard shell case is designed to be protective and typically has rubber or plastic material that is great at absorbing shocks or drops. The rubber bumpers on the corners of the case are designed to protect the laptop if it is dropped on its corner. A well-fitted laptop case enhances protection by minimising movement and potential impact during transportation.

Hard shell cases may be the most durable option, but they’re generally only available for specific models, which makes them harder to shop for. Some brands make cases specifically with durability in mind, such as Casetify, Supcase, and Otterbox. The Casetify Impact Case, for example, has extremely large rubber bumpers on its corners.

The choice of laptop case depends on your desired balance of protection, style, and functionality. If you purchased an expensive laptop, it is important to choose a case that is aligned with the quality of the laptop you are looking to protect.

The importance of a well-fitted case

A well-fitted laptop case is essential for protecting your device from damage. While laptops are designed to be portable, they are also delicate pieces of technology that can be easily damaged during transportation. A good laptop case will enhance protection by minimising movement and potential impact.

Laptop cases are typically made from materials such as nylon, polyester, leather, neoprene, and hard-shell plastics. These materials offer different levels of durability, water resistance, and aesthetics. Choosing the right material depends on your desired balance of protection, style, and functionality. For example, if you are looking for a durable case that can withstand drops and shocks, a hard-shell plastic case with rubber bumpers on the corners is a good option. These cases are great at absorbing impact and will almost certainly protect your laptop better than no case at all.

Generic fit laptop cases are designed to accommodate a range of laptop sizes, offering versatility but potentially sacrificing a snug fit. Custom-fit cases, on the other hand, are specifically designed for a particular laptop model, providing precise protection and a tailored look. The choice between generic and custom fit depends on your preference for fit and level of protection. If you have an expensive laptop, it is worth investing in a high-quality case that aligns with the quality of the device you are looking to protect.

In addition to protection, laptop cases can also add customisation and style to your device. Some users prefer hard-shell cases because they allow for personalisation while also adding a layer of protection. Laptop sleeves are another option that offers protection when the laptop is not in use, without changing its form factor while in use. Ultimately, the importance of a well-fitted case lies in its ability to provide peace of mind by safeguarding your valuable device from potential damage during transportation.

The different materials used in laptop cases

Laptop cases are made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, leather, neoprene, and hard-shell plastics. Each material offers different levels of durability, water resistance, and aesthetics.

Hard-shell plastic cases are designed to be protective and are great at absorbing shocks or drops. They are typically custom-fit, providing precise protection and a tailored look. However, they may only be available for specific laptop models, making them harder to shop for.

Nylon and neoprene cases, on the other hand, are the lightest options available. While they may not offer the same level of protection as hard-shell cases, they are versatile and can accommodate a range of laptop sizes.

Leather cases provide a balance of style and functionality. They offer some protection against impacts and drops, while also adding a touch of elegance to your laptop.

When choosing a laptop case, it is important to consider your desired balance of protection, style, and functionality. A well-fitted case will enhance protection by minimising movement and potential impact during transportation. Additionally, if you are carrying liquids in the same bag as your laptop, consider a water-resistant case to protect your device from accidental spills.

The pros and cons of a laptop sleeve

Laptop sleeves can be a great way to protect your device when it's not in use, without changing its form when it is. They can be a good middle ground for those who want to protect their laptop but also value its original design and thin form factor.

The pros of a laptop sleeve include:

• Protection: A sleeve will protect your laptop from scratches, bumps, and minor impacts when it's not in use.
• Lightweight: Sleeves made from materials like neoprene and nylon are lightweight, making them easy to carry around.
• Customisation: You can choose from a variety of designs and materials to find one that suits your style.

The cons of a laptop sleeve include:

• Limited protection: While a sleeve will protect your laptop from minor scratches and bumps, it won't provide the same level of protection as a hard shell case. If you're looking for something to protect your laptop from significant drops or impacts, a hard shell case might be a better option.
• Fit: A generic laptop sleeve might not provide a snug fit for your specific laptop model, which could affect the level of protection it offers.
• Water resistance: While some sleeves are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. If you're looking for something to protect your laptop from liquid damage, you might need to consider a hard shell case or a sleeve with more specialised water-resistant properties.

Overall, a laptop sleeve can be a great option if you're looking for basic protection without adding too much bulk to your device. However, if you're seeking maximum protection, you might want to consider a hard shell case instead.

The best brands for protective laptop cases

Laptop cases are made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, leather, neoprene, and hard-shell plastics. Each material offers different levels of durability, water resistance, and aesthetics.

Hard-shell cases are designed to be protective and typically have rubber or plastic material that is great at absorbing shocks or drops. Some brands that make cases with durability in mind include Casetify, Supcase, and Otterbox. The Casetify Impact Case, for example, has large rubber bumpers on its corners to protect the laptop if it's dropped.

If you're looking for a case that can take a beating, you might want to consider the following:

• Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Carrying Case ($36)
• AquaQuest Typhoon Laptop Case ($60)
• Thule Gauntlet (price not listed)
• Batianda Ultimate Protection Case ($33)
• Leatherology Slim Leather Laptop Sleeve (price not listed)
• Monos Metro Laptop Sleeve (price not listed)
• MOSISO Laptop Sleeve Bag ($17)
• Bagsmart Laptop Sleeve Bag ($10)
• Montblanc Sartorial Laptop Case ($1,040)
• MOSISO 360 Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag ($33)

For PC users, the Dell Essential Sleeve 15 is a great option. It's designed to fit 15-inch Dell laptops and protect them from bumps, scratches, and spills. The form-fitting case is also subtle and professional-looking.

If you're looking for something stylish, you might want to consider the following:

• Out of the Woods 16-Inch Tech Folio
• Native Union 13-Inch Stow Slim
• Bellroy 14-Inch Laptop Sleeve
• Herschel Supply Co. Anchor 13-Inch MacBook Sleeve

Frequently asked questions