Laptop Cases Offer Many Choices of Fabrics and Materials

By L. Shepard, Published 2.4.2007

Laptop cases, with their wide variety of styles and options, come in a number of different fabrics and materials. How you intend to use your laptop bag should be a key factor in determining what fabrics and materials you should select in a laptop case.

Leather Computer Bags

Some of the sturdiest and most stylish cases are leather computer bags. Within this category of bag, there are several different types of leather to choose from. Napa calfskin is a popular choice for its softness and durability, as are other Napa leather bags. There are thicker leathers available, as well as many suede models. Italian leather laptop cases offer high-quality leather that resists most wear. Italian leather can come in smooth varieties or embossed with a pattern.

Aluminum Cases

Aluminum is a good choice for those who require a hard laptop case. Finding affordable aluminum laptop cases has become easier in the past few years as laptop use has grown and more options have become available. Aluminum cases offer a hard protective shell for the laptop to protect it from excessive jostling and the elements. Many styles offer inner compartments for the laptop and for other items. The inside materials may be leather, nylon, polyester, to hold and protect the laptop. Some aluminum cases have foam interiors to cushion the laptop on all sides. The foam may be flat foam that conforms to the shape of the computer, or it may be dimpled, egg-carton-style foam.

Nylon Cases

Nylon cases are a good, affordable choice for laptop cases. Nylon comes in several different varieties, with some having extra protective properties. Ballistic nylon is a tough fabric with a tight weave. This tight weave makes this type of nylon hard to stain and easy to clean. It also makes a tough outer layer for a laptop case that resists most damage. Block nylon is a water resistant fabric that allows an extra level of protection from the elements. Nylon fabric comes in varying thicknesses, with some having a tighter weave than others. Microfiber nylon has one of the tightest weaves available, and makes the fabric practically impervious to water, stains, and oils.

Computer backpacks are often made of some type of nylon. For the vigorous use that a laptop backpack is used for, ballistic nylon offers some protection from wear. Many backpack laptop cases have some mesh components to make the bag lighter and more useful for carrying other items. A backpack may have nylon mesh inside to hold computer cables and accessories and often a padded nylon area for the laptop.

Neoprene

Neoprene is sometimes used to ensure that a laptop case is durable and will hold up to heavy wear. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that resists moisture and provides a tough outer coating for a laptop case. Neoprene is also lightweight and is a good alternative for 17 inch laptop bags, which tend to be heavy.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a good choice for an inexpensive case or laptop backpack that is also impervious to moisture. Vinyl can be styled in many ways, from a thin vinyl layer that looks like plastic to a thick, soft vinyl that is styled to look like leather. Vinyl doesn’t have to have a shiny appearance; it comes in matte finishes that look much like microfiber.

Mixing Materials

In addition to choosing a material for the laptop case, there are also choices of hybrid cases that encompass more than one material. Many laptop cases are made from several different fabrics in order to protect the laptop and offer convenient options. Often, laptop cases made of one material (such as leather) may also have straps or handles made of other materials, such as nylon for extra durability. Many also have mesh outside compartments to store drinks or other items. There are some nylon cases that come with leather trim or leather handles. There are canvas bags that are reinforced with neoprene or other more durable materials. Some laptop cases rely on thick, padded materials, and some come with a metal frame to protect the computer.

Other parts of the laptop case come in a variety of materials as well. For buyers expecting to use their laptop case as a carry-on case, there are wheels made of several different materials. Wheels may be plastic of varying thicknesses, or they may be a combination of plastic and rubber or metal and rubber. The telescoping handles common on rolling bags can also be made primarily of either plastic or metal.

Women’s fashion computer bags come is many different materials that can carry the style of a high-end handbag. There are women’s laptop cases that have silk exteriors, with some having brocade embellished silk. There are suede bags that come in many colors and patterns, as well as leather computer bags that are high in both style and protection. Some women’s fashion computer bags are styled for use as both a purse and a laptop case, with many compartments for personal items. Inside women’s computer bags there may be silk, satin, corduroy, or polyester lining and padding.

It is also important to pay attention to the type of construction in a laptop case. While aluminum cases use a metal hinge, other types of cases have different methods of holding the bag together. Many leather and canvas bags are made with metal rivets; others use cotton or polyester stitching to keep it all together. Nylon and suede bags often use metal rivets. Women’s fashion computer bags often have topstitching as part of the overall styling. For a case that is expected to endure repeated abuse, a steel riveted case makes a good choice. If the case is to be used less often or with more care, a polyester or nylon stitched bag is a good option.

Regardless of how you intend to transport your laptop computer, there is a laptop case that is right for you and your needs.

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About the Author:
L. Shepherd is a freelance writer living in Alabama