Go with a backpack if you walk and use public transport a lot. It will protect your laptop with the well-padded, dedicated compartment and go easy on your shoulders. Buy a laptop sleeve if your movement is minimal and indoors only.
People Also Ask
Yes, it is safe to carry a laptop in a backpack, if it is a purpose-built laptop backpack. A laptop backpack prevents harm coming to your laptop and to your backpack, so both last longer and look better.
Yes, but we recommend against packing your computer in your checked luggage. Keep your computer nearby, in your carry on or personal item for safekeeping.
Laptop backpacks are designed to protect your laptop, so they have a padded pocket that you can put the computer into. Many of them also have extra padding on the straps too, which protects the laptop if it falls over.
A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.
An overloaded backpack can cause your laptop to bend, crack, or flex in permanently damaging ways. Make sure there is ample space for your laptop before you put it in any bag.
A carry on bag is your larger, primary bag, which you'll stow in the overhead bin. A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you.