How to Choose the Right Laptop Case to Travel With

Traveling is a way of life for some, while others travel only occasionally for business or pleasure. Whatever the reason for your travel, a laptop is often at the top of the list. There are many laptop cases and bags to choose from to ensure that your laptop travels safely.

The important thing to do is assess your needs and shop for a case accordingly.

1.      Fashionable laptop cases. If style is your thing, then you’ll be wanting a laptop bag that reflects your personal style; something with detail, perhaps a bright color. Cabrelli  and Knomo make women’s business bags that marry style and function effortlessly. You can pick a bag that suits you and feel confident that you will have the features and convenience you need as well.

2.      Rolling laptop bags. This is an essential feature for many people who find their bags get too heavy with a laptop and work files inside. Rolling cases are easy to handle and take stress off the neck, back and shoulders. Samsonite and High Sierra make rolling business cases and rolling laptop backpacks that will give you the room you need for all of your essentials.

3.      Leather laptop bags. For a more polished and professional look, you might opt for a leather bag. Nothing feels as elegant as a leather briefcase. In addition, leather is durable and rugged and can withstand years of use. Oftentimes, leather bags look better with age. They take on a well worn patina that leather lovers covet. For the best leather bags available, you must look at Hartmann, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Johnston & Murphy.

Top Guide to Packing Luggage for College

Ah Graduation season! High School seniors everywhere are throwing their caps and gowns to the floor, clutching their diplomas and will soon be heading off to colleges all across the country. When the time comes to leave the nest, be sure that your student is fully prepared for even the most unexpected situations. You never know what adventures might occur! Here is your new guide to preparing for and packing luggage for college.

Bedroom: More than one set of sheets (they’re going to get dirty and will not be washed for weeks, I thought I should warn you up front) comforter, pillows, pillowcases, under bed storage – they are more useful than you know and will not only hold belongings that aren’t currently in use like sweatshirts but they make the trip home that much more organized – blankets

Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, pants, jeans, khakis, shorts, sweats, socks, underwear, hangers, work out clothes/athletic clothes, dressy clothes, pajamas, gym shoes, flip flops, walking shoes, dressy shoes

Snacks: Fridge, microwave, cereal, Mac and cheese, “easy foods” like Ramen noodles; and of course you can’t forget utensils such as knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, mug, bowl and paper towels

Bathroom: Towels, shampoo, soap, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower caddy, washcloths, hamper, contacts, contact solution, glasses, special soaps or creams

Computer & Electronics: Computer/laptop, cables, printer, printer paper, mouse, mouse pad, ink, surge protector, Flash drive, extension cord, phone cases, phone charger, laptop cases/bags, laptop charger, iPad cases/bags

Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, laundry soap, vacuum, air fresheners, sponge and all purpose cleaner

School supplies: Backpack, Calendar, lamp, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, highlighters, dry erase board/markers, wall hooks, erasers, white out, glue, paper clips, stapler, 3 hole punch, sharpener, post its, rubber bands, ruler, scissors, staple remover, tape, calculator, index cards, notebooks, notebook paper

Miscellaneous: Quarters, change, ATM card, credit card, driver’s license, first aid kit, TV, DVD player, DVDs, video game systems, video games, paper towels, pictures from home, flashlight, sports equipment, alarm clock, umbrellas, men’s wallets, women’s wallets, handbags, camera case, dopp toiletry kits and cosmetic kits/cases

Now all of these items are super important for when your student is at school, but what about when you have to send the belongings (oh, and your kids too) to school and then pick them back up again? You’ll need some heavy duty travel bags to carry all of that “stuff” and you won’t find a better selection of luggage, travel accessories or duffel bags to travel back and forth with from school than from Irv’s Luggage.

If you’re in need of luggage to send with your college student, take a look at any of our TravelPro Luggage pieces, especially the Crew 8 series. They were designed with pilots and flight attendants in mind, meaning they’re super sturdy) and they have a great price tag that won’t make you cringe (like tuition bills might!) But if you’re looking for something less traditional, a duffel bag is the way to go. It will not only make weekend trips home much more organized (just throw everything in the bag, zip it up and get home!) but depending on the size of the duffel you can either roll it behind you and carry it over your shoulder for extra security. Our David King duffels make a great gift and are the perfect addition to any traveler’s wardrobe.

No matter where your student is going to college or how much they’re planning on taking with them, you will know they will be prepared for any situation with these planning tips. Now if we could only guarantee they will use them…Happy Learning!

10 Must Have Luggage Accessories

Avid travelers know that investing in a great piece of luggage is a key component of successful travel but they also know having the right luggage accessories to accompany this great piece of luggage is crucial to hassle-free travel as well. After consulting with several world travelers and top luggage experts the following list was compiled of the ten must have luggage accessories in 2012:

1.  TSA Approved Lock – With airline security being tightened throughout the world and the chance of encountering a luggage thief always a concern, a high-quality TSA lock that can be unlocked as well as re-locked by security personnel ( so your belongings continue to be secure even after going through security).
2. Luggage Tags – With the paper tags provided by the airlines susceptible to being lost and thus your luggage being lost too; a good, sturdy, colorful luggage tag that will also help identify your luggage on the carousal is a must for all kinds of travel.
3. 3 oz. Bottle Travel Set – A bottle/container set that includes of a variety of 3 oz. bottles to choose from, that will allow you to carry a limited numbers of liquids on-board as the TSA now dictates.
4. Luggage Scale – Even though sometimes you feel like bringing everything but the kitchen sink. Keeping your luggage within the weight limits required by the airlines, so as to not rack- up exorbitant  baggage fees, makes having your own personal luggage scale to weigh luggage while at home or on the road (before arriving at the airport) key!
5. Laptop Sleeve – Some business travelers may bring a laptop business case as a carry-on but many travelers will not, so a laptop sleeve to protect your computers is of critical importance.
6. Dopp Kit – A well designed nylon toiletry bag with great organizational features including a hook (to hang your bag in the shower or by the sink); and while leather is considered a more luxurious material, a well designed nylon bag that is water resistant is a far better choice when taking your “personal essentials” on the road.
7. Packing Folders & Packing Cubes – Packing efficiently is critical due to baggage fees and the desire of most travelers to have wrinkle-free clothing. Packing cubes and folders can help make this happen!  Another added benefit of using these handy packing aids is the less likelihood of bed bugs creeping into your clothing while sitting in a hotel room, due to the zippers and velcro closures keeping the little critters at bay.
8. Garment Sleeve / Bag – Some luggage pieces are designed to be suiters but many are not!   A garment sleeve is great for packing suits and dresses for that all important meeting or party on your trip.
9. Shoe Sac – Shoes have all sorts of dirt, chemicals and germs on them, so keeping them separated from your clothes and personal effects is very important.
10. Hide-Away Tote Bag – Rarely, if ever, does someone go on a trip and not end up purchasing some kind of additional “stuff” that needs to be packed in an already over- stuffed suitcase for the return trip home; thus, having a hide-away, collapsible, tote bag as a catch- all for all those additional “treasures” is perfect!

New Laptop? Time to get a new Laptop Case!

Were you lucky enough to get a new laptop for Christmas this year?  If you were, it’s time to buy a new laptop case to protect your new gift. Laptop cases have come a long way over the years… just as laptops have. The selection ranges from the ubba-urban neoprene laptop sleeves to the conservative yet classically styled leather laptop cases to the highly durable and wildly popular traditional nylon laptop business case. No matter what style of laptop computer case you are looking for, Irv’s Luggage has the perfect selection at the perfect price!

Here are my three favorites…
For the chic yet somewhat traditional business person… my top pick is the Victorinox Architecture 2.0 Trevi Expandable Laptop Briefcase (SAB 303223). This is a perfect laptop case for the up and coming business person (men or women) as it features dual main compartments and a a built-in Aero Sleeve™ padded computer pod with breathable window to help extend the battery life of your laptop. This is an expandable laptop case, and will hold a laptop up to 15” screen size. What I really like about this Trevi computer case is that it is lightweight, has pockets and files to hold all my stuff and its made of durable ballistic nylon. This has an adjustable, padded shoulder strap  plus durable carry handles which makes carrying this laptop case a breeze. The Irv’s Luggage price is $169.97 and this laptop case will ship for free!  A great deal on a great laptop bag. Check out all the Victorinox Architecture Laptop Cases at Irv’s Luggage!

Looking for a leather laptop case?  You can spend a lot of money on a variety of traditional leather brands: Tumi, Hartmann, Johnston & Murphy, Marc New York, but one of my favorites is the David King Leather Porthole Laptop Briefcase (DK BP 119). As one of the world’s largest importers of South African leather, David King Leather offers classic style, elegance and design features that make this leather laptop case very popular. Offered in black leather, café colored leather and tan leather (natural), the styling of this leather laptop case makes this a top choice. Designed to hold up to a 15” laptop, this David King leather computer bag weighs in at 5 lbs… so you know that it is durable. Irv’s Luggage offers this David King laptop bag at $127.97 and of course, it will ship free.

And, for just the ladies… the McKlein W Series Glen Ellyn Detachable Leather Laptop Wheeled Women’s Briefcase (MC BL 9436). What I really like about this women’s laptop case is that you can choose to either wheel it or carry it by the handles or a shoulder strap. Offered at Irv’s Luggage in a choice of colors, this women’s leather laptop case holds up to a 15.4” laptop.  Fun, durable, and definitely styled for the fashionable woman.