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ARMOR PLATE YOUR LAPTOP

BY JOSEPH KRAUSS

Protecting your valuable laptop should be a priority. In addition to regular cleanings, consider investing in a high-qualtiy carrying case to protect your laptop, not only when traveling, but any time the computer is not in use.

There are a few important things to keep in mind as you search for the right laptop case. It should have thick interior padding, especially around the sides, where your notebook is most vulnerable. Make sure the shoulder strap itself is strong enough to bear the weight, paying special attention to the clips that attach it to the bag. These can become weak over time, and if just one gives way your notebook could be in for a rough landing.

Fortunately, several vendors throughout greater Cairo offer a wide variety of reliable carrying cases tailored to the needs of different users. Most businessmen will be satisfied with the Targus Notepac (£E 220), a solid model with good interior padding, durable metal strap clips and plenty of accessories pockets. The Notepac is carried by most local merchants, and available in real leather (£E 400) and in a deluxe size (£E 500) for larger laptops.

Another excellent choice is the APC TravelPower Case (£E 700), which lets you protect and power your laptop at the same time. Made of sleek and durable black leather, the case’s integrated power system can be plugged into any AC power outlet to charge your laptop and devices. It includes several small zipper compartments for chargers, cords, cameras and phones, and the heavy padding in the laptop compartment affords plenty of protection against potentially harmful magnetic fields.

The more mobile executive might be interested in the Deluxe Notebook Backpack (£E 375), also by Targus. The spacious backpack includes a padded removable notebook folder, lots of pockets and plenty of room for other necessities. The mesh shoulder straps and hip-belt stabilize the load, keeping the notebook from sliding around, and hard leather padding on the bottom makes for added safety. This model is perfect not only for students but for those whose work takes them to more rugged locales.

Frequent travelers, especially those who have to take their office with them, will appreciate the Targus Trademark Universal Rolling Case, with plastic wheels and a retractable handle. The wide axle on this bag keeps it from tipping over, and the heavy interior padding will properly cushion your notebook even if there are some bumps in the road.

Those who think one laptop is never enough should check out the Targus Universal Notebook Computer Case (£E 450). With room for two notebooks and an accordion file folder, this model can hold an entire office, or serve as a compact and carry-on container for conference presentations or big meetings.

If you travel light, on the other hand, your best option is probably the pared down Icon Ramp Notebook Case (£E 165). Its streamlined design does away with the folders and endless accessory pouches of the other models, but it’s thick enough to provide adequate protection for your hardware, and its compact size makes it perfect for executives on the go.

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