 |
|
Is your Notebook PC in danger?
How to get the right carrying case to protect your Notebook PC |
|
|
|
| Does your Notebook PC case reflect your work and travel style? Or is it the same one you've had for years-possibly included with a former Notebook PC purchase? |
|
| Too many Notebook PC users just use whatever is handy to tote their Notebook PCs, regardless of whether it's the right choice. |
|
| Why the brouhaha over a simple case? After all, the point of a Notebook PC case is just carrying your Notebook PC. Isn't it? |
|
| Actually, that's just half the story-and maybe not even the more important half. The above statement about moving a Notebook PC from one place to another is true, as far as it goes. But it's missing one key word that makes all the difference: Safely. A major purpose of a Notebook PC case is to safely move a Notebook PC from one place to another. |
|
| That might seem like an obvious conclusion, but if your Notebook PC case is not properly set up for your Notebook PC, don't assume it's providing the necessary degree of protection. In this situation, one size definitely does not fit all! |
|
Preventing scratches |
|
|
| There are different levels of protection, and these require different levels of fit. If all you want to do is make sure that your Notebook PC doesn't get scratched in moving, a slipcase is fine. These are often made of neoprene-wet suit material-and provide good scratch resistance, but little protection beyond that. Padded slipcases provide a bit more protection than a slipcase, but not much more |
|
Protecting the drive |
|
|
| The most vulnerable parts of your Notebook PC are the hard disk drive, and the LCD screen. The hard disk is vulnerable to impact shock, while even a slight bit of weight or something as innocuous as a paperback book incorrectly positioned can crack an LCD display. |
|
| The best way to approach and minimize the risk of Notebook PC damage is to first select a type of Notebook PC case that works with your travel needs. If you frequently fly to client sites or conferences, a rolling case with an extendable handle makes it easier to maneuver around airports and down airplane aisles. A messenger style case is good for more casual use, and if you really want a great level of protection (and style) a hardshell attaché Notebook PC case made of aluminum or molded plastic is the way to go. |
|
| Whatever style you pick, make sure that the padding securely holds your Notebook PC in place, and protects it on all sides. Many cases come with movable bolsters that are held in place by Velcro and allow you to customize the case for your particular Notebook PC. |
|
Are you a "stuffer?" |
|
|
| Finally, when you start using your new Notebook PC case, don't compromise the protection by overstuffing the case. The whole point is to protect your Notebook PC, not see how much you can fit in the case. If you know that you are a "stuffer," choose a case with plenty of room for "stuff" and a well protected Notebook PC storage compartment right from the start. |
|
| It's all about protecting your investment. No finance or accounting professional can argue with that. |
|
More at HP.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Rick Telberg as Editor At Large for the AICPA Insider family of e-newsletters, is the most widely-followed commentator in the finance and accounting profession. He has helped launch and develop several industry-leading businesses, including the magazines Accounting Today, Accounting Technology and Practical Accountant magazines, and the websites WebCPA, Pro2Net, and CPA2Biz. He blogs at www.Telberg.com |
|
| Any views or comments expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of Rick Telberg and Bay Street Group LLC and not necessarily those of any other organization. No person quoted or cited has any known connection to or interest in Hewlett Packard, and their appearance here should not be construed as an endorsement. |
|
| Copyright 2007 Bay Street Group LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission. |
|
|
|
Printable version
