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Laptop Messenger Bag Fact Sheet

by Christina Wright

Laptop messenger bags often have organizers and extra features

With the huge variety of bags out there, choosing the right laptop messenger bag can be intimidating. Some messenger bags look more like briefcases, fashion totes or laptop cases than laptop messenger bags, and they come with as many different features as they do styles. We have collected these facts about laptop messenger bags so you can make an informed choice when you're considering purchasing one. Keep reading to learn more about the standard options and extra features of computer messenger bags.

Laptop Messenger Bags:

  1. Screen size: The screen size specification of messenger bags is one of the most important factors when you're choosing computer messenger bags. You wouldn't want to carry your small netbook in a 17-inch laptop bag, since the extra room would jostle your laptop or tablet, and a large computer simply won't fit in a notebook messenger bag designed for much smaller notebooks, netbooks and tablets. Most laptop messengers range from about 15-inch to 17-inch laptop bags, although you can find notebook messenger bags fitting 13-inch, 10-inch and smaller laptops and netbooks.

  2. Straps and handles: Laptop messenger bags are often defined by two handles: one adjustable shoulder strap and one top handle. The shoulder strap usually has a sliding pad to help distribute the weight of the laptop on your shoulder. Many laptop messengers have removable shoulder straps, so they can be converted into briefcases for a professional look and converted back into messengers when you need both hands free. The best messenger bag will have a padded or soft-grip handle for easy carrying as well as a thick shoulder pad and adjustable strap.

  3. Style: Laptop messenger bags come in a wide variety of styles to fit many different uses and personalities. Many laptop bags are designed to resemble briefcases in professionalism and elegance, making them great bags to take to work. Other laptop messenger bags look like fashion tote bags; these can be great laptop bags for working women and stylish moms on the go. Durable laptop messenger bags and brightly colored or designed messenger bags are perfect for the student. Another factor of style to consider is the alignment of the bag, since vertical laptop messenger bags are currently in vogue.

  4. Material: A large part of style is the material of the laptop messenger bag. Leather messenger bags are almost always the most professional, and they are often the bags with removable shoulder straps. Leather messenger bags are also some of the most durable, since leather is a naturally strong and resilient material. Canvas is a natural material and makes messenger bags easy to clean and care for. Other materials, such as polyester and nylon, are also popular materials for laptop messenger bags. Many bags will use more than one of these materials to maximize the benefits of each. Don't forget the padding of a laptop messenger bag; next to screen size, padding is the most important feature to investigate before buying a laptop bag, as it cushions and protects your laptop computer from jostles and bumps.

  5. Features: Laptop messenger bags have many features for you to consider. One of the more common features is a removable laptop sleeve that provides extra padding for your laptop inside the case and out. If you want to choose a laptop sleeve and laptop messenger bag separately, choose a laptop bag with a screen size that can hold the added dimension. Other features might include organizer pockets for pens and business cards, accessory pouches for power cords and flash drives, multiple pockets, locking and self-repairing zippers, and pass-through earphone access for internal MP3-player pockets. The best messenger bag will combine useful features with bold or timeless design to meet your laptop traveling requirements.

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