Clumsy No More: Samsonite L45 Protects My Laptop

Have you ever known a person so clumsy and uncoordinated that they are prone to breaking just about anything you place in their hands? I am one of those individuals. In the past few years I’ve managed to drop and break my old Toshiba laptop and my lovely Casio EX-55 digital camera. If it wasn’t for extended service plans I would be entirely sans techno-gadgets. I am a serious investment risk.

When I got my replacement laptop, I also invested in a reasonably priced and very protective case. The main requirements were that the case when unzipped would not allow for me to fling the laptop on to the floor (the fate of my Toshiba). I also needed lots of pockets, a large-ish (although not massive) size, and some protective features. While browsing through the selection of cases my eyes and fingers settled on a Samsonite L45. It certainly wasn’t the flashiest selection but it met all of my requirements and seemed sturdy to boot.

Priced at around $60 (suggested retail is closer to $80), I settled on the bag. A year later it still looks great and functions just as intended. My computer, a widescreen model, is anything but compact in lieu of the tiny Centrino models. The black look is vaguely space age but also subtle. It is a good selection for IT professionals (like myself), students, and even business travelers. It is not tiny at 16” x 14” x 2.5” but to me it is more important to have something protective than something that is really cute. Another thing that I like is that it is so easy to use. As with all bags, all you have to do is unzip the perimeter of the case. Slip your computer into the intended pocket and secure it with the Velcro strap. There are pockets hidden all around the Samsonite model. Inside the case there is a large open pocket perfect for a portfolio. There are also two additional flap pockets that can house a mouse, power supply, network cable, CDs, wireless card (if you don’t have it built in to your computer), USB cables, and the like. There is an abundance of room in this bag all protected by 10mm foam padding.

On the outside of this bag, first note the molded corners. My corners are all scuffed up, but they have done an outstanding job at protecting my HP laptop. The zippers are rugged. I’ve had no issues with any breakage. On the front of the bag hidden beneath a secure Velcro flap is a large pocket. Within that pocket are smaller ones intended for writing utensils, business cards, and various other professional necessities. Flip the case over and there is one final zippered pocket that fits flat materials nicely. My only complaint about the whole Samsonite L45 is that there is a strange wide, open “pocket” at the back. It actually isn’t a pocket; rather I believe it is a way to fasten it to other Samsonite luggage. To me it is an annoyance because I accidentally will drop items in and they will slip out the bottom. Samsonite calls this the “SmartPocket.”

Other features include a substantial adjustable padded shoulder strap which has yet to twist or stretch and a rubber grip handle. All-in-all, I’ve never been this impressed with any of my former computer cases regardless of brand or price. It is lightweight (just 3lbs 12oz) and is definitely intended to accommodate larger size computers like mine. The exterior feels a bit rough like canvas or something but in truth it is constructed of 600 Denier Polyester which wicks away moisture and further protects your precious computer. Samsonite tops off their case with a 3-year warranty.

The Samsonite L45 has been a smart addition to my portable computing arsenal. I needed something that would protect my computer from my own clumsy fingers. I’ve dropped this bag plenty of times, forgotten to zip it up, flung it across the room (with the computer carefully packed), shut the strap in my car door, and even stepped on it a time or two. My computer is none the worse for the significant wear. I could only be more pleased with this bag if it generated a new laptop spontaneously every six months. Even worse? I’m afraid my extended warranty won’t be necessary this time around. I guess I will have to turn my attention to dropping my fixed Casio EX-55, 80GB Video iPod, or Sony PSP. My Hewlett-Packard is safe.