Computerworld - Even a year after the introduction of the Asus Eee PC, netbooks are still something of a novelty. Just a couple of weeks ago, while I was sitting one evening in a hotel lounge with a group of professionals, mine was passed around with enthusiastic curiosity -- they had heard of its easy portability and were eager for some hands-on time before possibily buying one for themselves.
It was then that I realized my netbook wasn't just a nicely lightweight tool for out-of-the-office computing -- it was a statement of my relationship with technology. (A slightly different statement than, say, a MacBook Air, but still. ...) As such, it behooved me to protect my device with something a bit more worthy than the simple black foam sleeve it came with.
But that presented a difficulty -- there aren't that many protective cases out there for notebooks with displays smaller than 12 inches. And you don't want your new netbook to bounce around in a too-large backpack, or get scratched up by the other devices in your messenger bag. You want something that can really protect it -- and show it off at the same time.
What follows is a sampling of six cases that are now available for smaller systems. We've arranged them in price order, from about $25 (for sleeves that offer protection and perhaps some space for a couple of accessories, but not much more) to $120 (for bags that offer space for your netbook, your media player, your wallet, your extra drive, your water bottle and whatever else you need to carry along).
Case Logic Inc.
Fits laptops: Up to 10.5 by 7.5 by 1.5 inches
Colors: Blue, black
Price: $24.99
Case Logic's 7-10" Laptop Sleeve is one bag that I immediately decided I wanted. Like many simpler laptop sleeves, it is made of stretchy neoprene, but unlike many of the sleeves, it doesn't leave you wondering what to do with any of the add-ons that you want to carry around with your netbook.
The Laptop Sleeve includes a nicely designed zippered external pocket for the power cord, mouse or other accessories. And inside the pocket is another, tiny pocket for a USB adaptor (so it won't go bouncing around the interior). Finally, it's not only good-looking, but inexpensive. Definitely on my holiday wishlist.
Belkin International Inc.
Fits laptops: Up to 8.8 by 6.3 by 1.2 inches
Colors: Jetset red, techno blue, plum berry, black
Price: $29.99
Belkin has long been known for its variety of computer accessories and add-ons, but it's not exactly famous for its fashion sense. This may be changing; one of the items in its current catalog is a laptop carrying case that is neither traditional nor techie.
The 7" Laptop Carrying Case looks like a high-style polyester tote bag, with electric-bright colors and rectangular handle. A detachable shoulder strap finishes the look and frees up your hands. Somewhere between a sleeve and a full bag, the Carrying Case will not only protect your netbook from accidental scratches, but will call attention to your good taste.
Free Insider GuideCopyright © 1994 - 2012 Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld Inc. is prohibited. Computerworld and Computerworld.com and the respective logos are trademarks of International Data Group Inc.
