Beyond the Basics: Transporting Your Laptop

Hey y’all! This is Roxanne here, and I’m one of the new graphic design interns for Burning Oak Studios. I work under Bradley, the Art Director who has been blogging up until now. I’ve been helping out with some of our DVD packaging, and now, sprucing up the blog, (which I’m pleased to say is looking good after a lot of tweaking!) Feel free to leave any comments about how this new design can be better…we’d appreciate it

It’s been really exciting working here, but at times, plain scary. There are a lot of new aspects to working in a professional environment that are very different from plugging away at the school computer labs, or working on projects for friends. When you go into an already established work environment- you have to adapt to how things are done there. While it’s been really satisfying, the biggest learning experience for me so far has been adjusting to becoming a mobile worker.

Whether you’re just going a couple blocks to meet a freelance client at a coffee shop, or you’re going on a trip out-of-state to a conference of like-minded individuals, having a laptop and maintaining it properly is a great skill that can help you get to that job you really desire.

Rain Rain- You Can’t Just HOPE It’ll Go Away
Whether you like it or not, when maintaining a laptop, facing up to Mother Nature is something you’re going to have to do sooner or later. So a good investment from the get-go is to invest in a waterproof bag. Even if you drive to work, that short 30-second walk to your office building could mean annihilation for your laptop. Here are three water-proof laptop bag options intended for a student, a young working professional, and an urban-jungle navigator.

The iPack

I got this one when I was in school. It’s advertised mainly for iPod lovers because of the handy holder for it, but what attracted me was the large, padded, waterproof compartment. Apparently from target.com reviews, the iPod features are not even all they’re cracked up to be. BUT it’s perfect for someone who needs to carry a laptop, while carrying books. I still use the bag now, but must admit, did get wise-cracks from friends about carrying about an iPack while in school. It doesn’t bother me, because it keeps my laptop dry and me happy. Also, I chose the bright turquoise color…which may have had something to do it… but they do have less conspicuous black-bags available.

The Shuttle Laptop Bag

Now, I understand not everyone may be happy about carrying around an iPack. For someone more professional, the Shuttle Laptop Bag is an excellent choice. While I have not purchased it myself, it appears to be extremely functional, (waterproof and padded are the key elements here), while having a no-nonsense appearance. But, for those of you who like the nonsense, there are multiple color options to get wild with. However, a possible downside is that, unlike the iPack, this bag is intended for carrying laptops solely. While you can carry it by hand, on your back, or with a shoulder strap, it’s a good idea to consider how you’ll be carrying the rest of your belongings before you purchase this.

The Manhattan Portage

If you’re looking for it all- the look, functionality, and protection for your laptop- here is a great selection that you can rely on as your one-and-only bag. While this one costs more than twice the amount of the Shuttle Bag, it can hold more than twice the amount of belongings. It has a section for your laptop, as well as separate room for the rest of your necessities. It’s just like the iPack, only the whole thing has a waterproof-lining, AND you won’t have to deal with snarky comments from too-cool-for-school boysBesides black, there is a brown and even a camo version available.

So, that’s all for now- and if you all out there think of any other tips for how to protect your laptop while on the go, or have experience with these bags, just comment and let us know!

This is Roxanne signing out, and I’ll be back with more tips from my learning experiences here at Burning Oak Studios.