15 Best 13-Inch Laptop Cases and Bags Got a MacBook Air? Or any variety of 13-inch laptop? They're a pretty good middle ground, aren't they? Portable, but not as dainty as netbooks, and with the right amount of power for productivity. Not too warm, not too cold, they're just right. Perfect for business execs, travelers, and students.Want a bag, backpack, briefcase, or sleeve to protect your ultrabook from the rigors of travel? We've compiled options ranging from the inexpensive to business-elite gear. Most of these cases have extra room for a smartphone or tablet as well, for those of us who can't be without every single one of our high-tech devices—which, let's face it, is most of us these days. Read on for the best cases that will protect your 13-inch laptop and other hardware. Photo 1 of 15 This trendy two-tone bag ($49.95) is made of nylon and polyester. Fleece lines the inside of the laptop compartment, which can fit a system up to 13 inches. A zippered external pocket and smartphone slip pocket should provide enough room for extra materials like notepads or earbuds.

A carry handle and detachable shoulder strap with removable pad offer a couple of ways of toting your laptop around campus.mcfc backpack Laptop First Looks From Computex 2014: Gigabyte P35W v2 4K Gamer, Morecovert sbr backpack Gigabyte Makes U.S. Market Push With Four Laptops, Windows Tablettransit backpack 250 aw Preview: Toshiba's 5-in-1 Concept Laptop ("The Shapeshifterʺ)ogio backpack overstock Hot MSI Gaming Laptops and Workstations from CES 2014: MSI Stealth, Destroyer, Leopard, Morepodsac backpack First Look: Gigabyte U21MD Windows 8 Laptop/Tablet Hybridprofoto b1 backpack

One of the most important accessories for your laptop is the laptop bag or laptop case: It not only protects your laptop and helps you schlep around all your other gear and papers, the laptop bag also can be a fashion statement. petunia boxy backpack saleUse this buyer's guide to help you select the best laptop bag for your needs.Buying a Laptop Bag, Luggage, or BriefcaseThe bag you choose will depend on several features and considerations, but the most important one is how you plan on using the bag. If you're a frequent traveler, for example, you should look for a bag labeled "checkpoint friendly." If you have a very large and heavy laptop, a rolling case style can help prevent sore shoulders. Carry a lot of papers, a spare battery, portable hard drive, and/or lots of other stuff? Look for both spaciousness and pockets for organization.Don't forget to check the bag's dimensions--both overall dimensions and laptop compartment dimensions--to make sure your laptop will fit in the bag.

I asked travel professionals, including popular laptop and luggage makers, what people should look for in a bag, and got some great answers to FAQs about buying the best laptop bag or luggage, including details, like self-repairing zippers, that separate a cheap bag from a quality one.Laptop Bag StylesFrom laptop sleeves to messenger bags to backpacks to rolling bags, you've got a lot of bag styles to choose from. Each has advantages and presents a different image. (In fact, it's not unusual to own more than one laptop bag so you can switch up styles depending on the circumstances.) Here's a brief overview of different styles and some hand-picked selections to make finding the perfect bag easier: Laptop Sleeves" Laptop sleeves are a snug fit for your laptop and are useful when you want to carry your laptop in another bag that lacks padding. On their own, these sleeves or cases can also be used to carry your laptop securely within your office or from room to room. Look for good padding or a hard shell and self-healing zippers.

Two examples are this Case Logic slim sleeve for laptops up to 14 inches and the Everki Camber Netbook Case/Laptop Desk, which doubles as a portable laptop desk. Briefcase-style Laptop Bags and Shoulder Bags: Briefcase laptop bags and shoulder bags are designed for carrying on one shoulder or by the handles, although you could use some shoulder bags in cross-body fashion. These bags tend to be lightweight and compact, and can be very professional and traditional or distinctive like this Shine 2 Women's Glossy Compact Laptop Bag. Briefcases and shoulder bags offer more organization features than just a laptop sleeve. Look for padded handles or straps, compartments on the outside or inside for your small items, and room for your papers Backpack Laptop Bags: Backpacks are a casual, comfortable way to carry your laptop as well as your other mobile gear. They're great for travelers, students, and city dwellers who need to maneuver easily (be careful when turning, though, in a crowded area, lest you knock someone with your backpack).

The shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly and keep your hands free. Look for padded, adjustable straps, and a padded section or removable sleeve for your laptop. Messenger Bags: Messenger bags help you carry your laptop and other items ergonomically too, with their cross-body design. They're great for active people (e.g., bike riders) because they're designed for durability and the best ones have straps to secure the bag around your waist. Look for vinyl lining, a padded strap, and any necessary compartments for your small items. Rolling Laptop Bags: Rolling laptop bags take the weight off your shoulders and are great for toting your stuff across long distances. They're typically bulkier and heavier (thanks to the wheels) than other bags, but you can fit more in them; some even can double as your carryon. Look for rubberized, ball-bearing inline skate wheels, reinforced edges, and a well-padded laptop compartment with high-density foam (for shock absorption--wheeling your laptop can be bumpy).