<p>My son’s grandparents are getting him a laptop for his graduation gift and I’d like to get him a case for it. I’m thinking the Eddie Bauer type of thing, but wonder if anyone has recommendations on cases/holders for these things and what to look for in one…and what to avoid.
dumb question: are they all about the same size? meaning, are they pretty much one-size-fits-all, or do they make them specific for certain kinds?</p>
<p>Obviously, we don’t have a laptop so I am rather clueless. </p>
<p>He might want to pick it out himself- I have a northface backpack that has a padded pocket for the laptop to slideinto.
There are also more formal looking cases, as well as padded cases that can go into any backpack
The sizes are fairly standard- I have a 14 inch laptop and I can fit it into my pack easily- the only time you might have a problem is if you have something like a 17 inch laptop, which is really going to be a PITA to haul around.</p>
<p>I’m no expert, but I can tell you that they do come in specific sizes, to fit the monitor size of the laptap. Probably 14" or 15" are the most common sizes, but you’ll want to determine the monitor size of the laptop being purchased before going shopping for the case. They come in a variety of sizes from as small as 13.3" to 17". </p>
<p>I don’t think students actually carry them around campus much, though from speaking with students, I think they sometimes take their laptops to the libary. Also, I think engineering students may sometimes carry their laptops with a little more frequency than non-engineering students. </p>
<p>EK4 is correct in her assessment of hauling around a 17". That is the size I have and it is fairly heavy/bulky.</p>
<p>The style, number/size of storage pockets, color and other amenities desired for the case will vary by the personal pefernces and tastes of the user. </p>
<p>I just bought my kids laptop and case this week. He picked it out. I think we paid about $40 for the case.</p>
<p>Bought son a very nice Targus laptop-backback at TJ Maxx but also saw them at Marshall’s. Paid $29.99, computer store had that specific model for over $80.</p>
<p>costco also carries them, but, yes they do have several sizes. Some are extremely small, and made for the micro laptops. If you have a college nearby, the bookstore might be worth browsing, since they usually have a selection.</p>
<p>Just a comment on grandparent’s purchase: check with next year’s college – purchasing direct from the school may provide 4 years of free tech support, not to mention that the computer will already be setup with e-mail and other college IT stuff.</p>