Sorry to ask another laptop question, but it occurred to me that maybe I can put my laptop in my carryon suitcase in a neoprene sleeve, and save my space in my messenger bag which will be full of meds, ipod, snacks and the like. I am not sure if this is folly. I already posted a question and was warned about the pitfalls of bringing a laptop but I must bring it, so that is not up for debate. What do you think of putting it in the wheeled carryon?
Thanks,
Karen
In the never ending quest to pack less/pack smaller than the last time I want to switch to a sleeve for my laptop that will protect it inside my messenger bag instead of carrying a bulky laptop case.
Are some sleeves superior to others? What would be a good brand/style to look for?
Unless you pack awfully light, adding a heavy laptop to your carryon might make it checked baggage. I always carry my laptop as a "personal item". That way it's available to me on the plane, not up in the overhead bin. However, I carry a small "laptop". For four trips this century, I took along a MobilePro handheld at 2.4# and smaller than a piece of paper. I've since switched to a 2.9#, slightly larger Toshiba, but it's still pretty small.
Thank you Lee, I never thought of that. I'm such a novice traveller!!
The other thing that you might need to keep in mind is that in many airports they still require you to remove your laptop from its case while going through security. If it's packed deeply into your carryon, you would have to unpack your bag right there to get at it -- and the people behind you wouldn't be very happy.
Karen,
I have 18 business trips under my belt this year so far. True, they are all domestic right now, but almost everyone included a laptop in a neoprene sleeve. It is really so easy - just reach into your carry-on and pull it out.
The sleeve method works fine for either a messenger or wheeled carry-on. I use it in either a rolling carry-on right on top so I just slide open a zipper and pull it out or in my Patagonia MLC backpack/shoulder carry-on.
Here's my suggestion - you're in Edmonton and there is a Mountain Equipment Co-op right there. Just go down with your laptop and try out a neoprene sleeve. You'll see how easy it is and how well it protects. They also have a great return policy so you can try it at home with your full setup to see how it works loaded up.
Pete
I love my neoprene sleeve so well that I told my boss I didn't need or want the free computer bag she was giving to all employees! It makes travel with my computer so much easier in saved space--no dedicated laptop bag as my "personal item." Not to mention saving precious ounces of weight. I'd say, go for it!
Hi Karen:
Yes, you would be able to carry your laptop in a neoprene sleeve in your carryon. I've done so on a few trips. (As other posters have said, you'd have to take it out and put it back in when going thru security but that's not a huge deal.) Just make sure it's packed securely so it doesn't move around/get jostled too much.
Something minor to consider, too, is whether you want to keep it in there once it's on the plane. If the overhead bin above you is full, will you be able to keep it in a bin where you can keep a reasonable eye on it? Also, sometimes other people move things around in overhead bins so it might get a bit jostled.
Also, every once in a while, there's not enough overhead bin space and flight attendants have to start gate checking bags. So either make sure you get on the plane early enough to try to get an overhead bin, or leave enough room in your messenger bag to put the laptop in there in case you have to.
