Carrying Cases:
Saddlebag designs for laptop cases offer camouflage and convenience

While crisscrossing the world with a laptop in tow, one rapidly comes to appreciate a well built and well planned computer carrying case. Is the shoulder strap contented? Is there suitable room for the power supply, an extra battery and a small tool kit? Is there room for paper files, floppy disks and a modem cable?

Luckily, there are many carrying case prepares to select from, for the popular features in a case are fairly subjective. Roadnews.com recently demanded two carrying cases from manufacturers for evaluation. Both met our criteria for a good case: Comfortable to carry and many room for file folders and computer paraphernalia.

The two cases also met another of our key necessities that they not look like laptop carrying cases. We firmly think that a case's design should not screaming "steal me" to every robber in the airport. This means cases should not look computer cases. While one can not claim that these bags look like ordinary pieces of carry-on baggage, these cases are tough to make out as computer cases.

Both cases can be explained as saddlebags, as they are half of what a cowboy would sway across the back of his horse in the untamed, Wild West. The bags are taller than they are large, with a grip on top that lets you carry the bag just like any other piece of carry-on luggage. Both cases also come equipped with rucksack straps covered in a back compartment. These straps let you sway the case securely and comfortably onto your back for those long treks down airport passageways.

Here's a run down on each case:

Kensington Saddle Bag

The Kensington bag appears to be the enhanced made of the two and presents numerous features that go beyond those presented by the other bag we reviewed. Access to this bag is from the top, where a huge flap, which is retained in front by a big plastic clip, swings up and out of the way.

Once open, you have access to two foremost compartments. The rear one is well padding to hold your computer. A bigger compartment to the front has three separators that you can use to arrange business papers, files, magazines and so on. Or if you desire, these separators are easily removed, leaving you with one big compartment suitable for peripherals or even a rapid change of clothes.

On the front, but still defend under the front flap, is a zippered compartment where you can hold all your small stuff. Here you get five sub-compartments appropriate for a spare battery, cell phone, floppies, phone wires and adapters, and assorted tools.

Kensington also throws in a shoulder strap for the bag, presenting a third technique to carry the bag. The bag weighs 3 lbs 7 oz. (1.68 kg) and generally retails in the United States for about US$90. The bag is accessible with fake-leather trim in either chocolate or black. Take the black, as the tan will dirty hastily.

Targus Convertible Backpac

Targus uses the same saddlebag plan, but takes a different approach. Rather than a large front flap, the Targus bag has separate zippered compartments. The major compartment totally unzips on three sides, giving you unrestricted access to your computer, and smaller inner compartments that hold floppies and other.

A second compartment is divided into three everlasting file sections that take folders, papers and the like. On the front of the bag is a huge compartment that closes with Velcro, fairly similar to the front pouches found on more traditional carrying cases. This compartment will simply hold a charger, spare batteries, and an external drive.

The Targus bag, weighing in at 3.25 lbs, comes in black, blue or green and generally sells at about US$70. It is also presented in black leather at an extra cost.