Recommendations for Hard-Shell Laptop Case

Russ on 03/12/2014 - 12:38

I am looking for a hard-shell case for a 15.6-inch laptop.

I've tried looking on staticice, unfortunately the descriptions don't normally indicate if laptop cases have a hard shell or just padding. Searching for "laptop hard shell" or "laptop hard case" only finds cases that are too small.

What I want is essentially like a small briefcase. Just big enough for laptop and power supply and a mouse, and strong enough that 10 kilos of school books won't put pressure on the laptop. Even better if it can be sat upon and still protect the laptop. Doesn't need shoulder straps or a handle, as it will be going inside a backpack.

The only thing that comes close so far, is a Pelican (brand) case, but at $250-plus, it's too expensive.

Anybody have a case that they can recommend?

I live in Brisbane, but am willing to buy interstate if I can confirm the above features.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • mskeggs on 03/12/2014 - 15:07
    +1

    When I need something like this I do a google image search to narrow down the keywords.
    I found several that might be suitable with a search for slim attache case:
    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=slim+attache+case&safe=of…

    e.g:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Runetz-BLACK-Case-Hard-for-MacBook-P…

    • Russ on 06/12/2014 - 01:14

      Thanks, I went out today and looked at two bag stores that sold attache cases and luggage. All were way too big. I'm looking for something that will fit inside an backpack, and still leave room for other things (lunch, books, umbrella).

      I agree that Google image search is sometimes useful, but this time it hasn't helped me. I've spent a lot of time searching via Google already, and I find over and over again that:
      - the internal dimensions of the case are rarely given
      - how strong the case is, is rarely given (e.g. "can be sat upon")
      - even whether the case is truly rigid, or just made of plastic that flexes.

      That's why I was hoping for a recommendation. Surely someone else has wanted to protect their laptop with more than just padding?

      For the case, the internal dimensions I'm looking for are approximately 43cm x 27cm by 5cm. That's the dimensions of the laptop plus power supply, and allowing for an additional 1cm of foam all around.

      My fallback position in that I could make something myself, with 9mm or 12mm plywood, a couple of hinges, and a catch. I might even make up some "poor man's fiberglass" to reinforce the corners (synthetic cloth + 24-hour epoxy).

      I'm also going to have a look through super-cheap auto and similar stores, and also fishing suppliers, to see if they sell something - maybe a toolkit or similar - where I can throw out the contents and keep the case.

  • Russ on 08/12/2014 - 10:15

    OP here.

    In the end, I found that Amazon US has a good range of Pelican cases at reasonable prices, even after shipping. I bought a Pelican 1095 case, price including shipping is about US$87 ($64 + $23 shipping), which currently works out to AU$105.

    The Pelican 1095 case is the largest laptop-size Pelican case that is slim - only 66mm thick. Internal space is only a little larger than a 15.6 inch laptop, I'm not sure if I'll be able to fit the power supply inside the case alongside the laptop.

    Dimensions of the Pelican 1095 case are here:
    http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail/Case/1095/

    I also found Kincrome cases at Bunnings, then seem to be a copy of Pelican cases. They look good, and are substantially cheaper than genuine Pelican cases, but only the largest one (AU$90) would have fit the laptop, and that case is 154mm thick - too thick for what I want it for.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join