What to Look For In a Computer/Laptop Briefcase

What to Look For In a Computer/Laptop Briefcase Some day, when a linguist looks back on the history of 20th century technology, the progression of the word briefcase from a bag for carrying attorney's briefs to a feature on Microsoft Windows will be considered worthy of an essay. The computer briefcase or laptop briefcase is another link in that evolutionary chain, a hybrid of old solutions and new needs. These are the additional features the laptop briefcase has evolved to meet those modern needs.

Essential features of the laptop briefcase

The name is the same, but the laptop briefcase is a different creature than the briefcase. The traditional briefcase is hard, while the laptop briefcase is soft. A briefcase is paper-centric. A computer briefcase is gadget-centric. For those reasons, the design of a laptop briefcase focuses more on padding, space, and portability.

Most laptop briefcases feature a computer cradle or laptop compartment that uses extra padding to reduce jarring or bumping. Unfortunately, this design feature can take up a lot of space, which is why computer briefcases tend to be larger than traditional business briefcases.

However, laptop briefcase designers have made a virtue of necessity, and the spacious interiors of the best laptop briefcases are capable of housing a lot more than just a laptop. Numerous zippered compartments are standard, and interior space is usually very ergonomically arranged to allow for maximum storage.

What this all leads to is a very hefty briefbag, which is why carrying features are so important in a quality computer briefcase. For resilience and lightweight transport, materials such as ballistic nylon are your best choice.

A plentiful supply of straps, handles, and fastenings is essential. Look for padded or gel-infused shoulder straps for increased ease of transport. Buckled straps on the body of the laptop briefcase provide more secure closure, especially when you're traveling with a full case.

Whatever laptop briefcase you choose, keeping those three qualities in mind -- padding, storage, and transport -- will guarantee your satisfaction.

Briefcase Materials

The briefcase began its life as a hard leather carrying case, but modern advances in synthetics and the need for more flexible materials have brought about great changes in briefcase design. These are some of the most popular briefcase materials being used today.

Aluminum

The strengths of aluminum -- its light weight and outstanding corrosion resistance -- are a perfect complement to the uses of a briefcase. Aluminum is the quintessential modern briefcase material. Its naturally silver-like color provides an almost futuristic visual appeal, and the lightweight durability of an aluminum briefcase is a great choice for frequent daytrips.

Ballistic nylon

Ballistic nylon briefcases are rivaled only by aluminum briefcases for their resiliency and portability. Ballistic nylon is a synthetic fabric originally designed for bullet resistance. Thick, tough, and durable, a ballistic nylon briefcase will last through even the toughest weather or travel conditions.

Canvas

Modern canvas is cotton-based rather than cannabis or hemp-based like the historic fabric that gave canvas its name. A canvas briefcase combines heavy-duty sturdiness and wear with a more casual look suitable for modern briefcase designs such as briefbags.

Leather

The leather briefcase is the classic briefcase and probably always will be. Leather briefcases combine a professional and sophisticated look with the naturally durable qualities of leather to create the ultimate business accessory. Italian leather briefcases are particularly valued for their high quality and craftsmanship.

Microfiber

Microfiber is an extremely fine synthetic briefcase material that compares very well with leather. Microfiber is often used as an accent material in briefcases, where its softness, light weight, breathability, and supple texture contribute a unique aesthetic appeal.

Polyester

A polyester briefcase will provide excellent strength and endurance at an inexpensive price. Polyester briefcases are great budget briefcases for frequent travelers, capable of withstanding even the toughest trips. Polyester business luggage such as duffels or backpacks is a smart travel alternative.