Many students and professionals use backpacks to store their belongings. Often, students and professionals carry various types of equipment, including laptops.
If you own a 17-inch laptop you may be wondering if it will fit inside a backpack.
This article will explain if a 17-inch laptop will fit inside a backpack along with other important information.
Care Should Be Taken When Carrying a Laptop in a Backpack
Before proceeding to answer if a backpack can hold a 17-inch laptop, we must offer a word of warning. If you carry a laptop inside a normal backpack, it could experience damage.
Some backpacks are not designed to safely enshroud a backpack and keep it protected.
Not only could laptops become scratched, but the screen can also crack, especially if you forget you are carrying your computer and drop your backpack or put it in an unsafe spot.
Will a 17-Inch Laptop Fit in a Backpack?
Yes, a 17-inch laptop will fit inside a backpack depending on the size and style of backpack you are using. Providing the backpack is at least 17 1/2 inches long and 10 1/2 inches wide you won’t have a problem.
You will need to ensure there is ample room to slide the laptop into position inside the backpack. Having at least 1/2 to one inch of space on the sides will prevent your laptop from being too compressed during transport.
Some laptops are smaller than others. You will need to first measure your laptop before determining which backpack will hold it safely.
How to Measure Your Laptop
Fun fact, many people do not know the proper way to measure the screen size of their laptops. When you purchase a 17-inch laptop, this means the screen is 17 inches across diagonally.
Many people mistakenly believe this means the screen is 17 inches wide.
This is similar to how a tv screen is measured.
Before determining if your laptop will fit inside a backpack, you need to measure it to get the dimensions. First, you will need to measure the screen diagonally.
You should also measure the length, width, and depth of the laptop, as various manufacturers offer different measurements.
If you own a 17-inch laptop, the dimensions should be around 40 centimeters (15.75″) long and 29 centimeters (11.4″) high, though this can vary among manufacturers.
To ensure you have the correct measurements, measure your backpack with a soft measuring tape.
How to Select a Backpack for Your Laptop
Not all backpacks are designed to carry laptops safely. Keep in mind the following tips when selecting a backpack for your laptop.
Look For a Padded Compartment
Many backpack manufacturers make backpacks to specifically hold laptops. These backpacks should indicate their specialty.
A laptop backpack will have a padded compartment that allows you to slide your laptop in place and keep it protected against getting knocked around and damaged.
Check the Materials
The materials of the backpack are also of extreme importance. The backpack must be made of durable materials and should be waterproof to shield laptops from damage.
Polycarbonate is the material of choice for laptop backpacks because it is crush-proof and will protect your computer from being damaged.
Never place your laptop in a backpack that is not waterproof.
Rain and spills are bound to happen and could cause catastrophic damage to your computer.
Look for Adjustable Shoulder Straps
You need to remember that you will be carrying the backpack on your back. While your laptop may not seem overly heavy now, lugging it on your back all day can lead to pain.
Adjustable shoulder straps are going to be your best friend while carrying your laptop backpack.
Not only do you need adjustable straps for comfort, but you also need them for security.
You do not want to have to worry about your backpack slipping off your shoulders and falling, causing expensive damage.
Space for Other Belongings
Most people are going to want to carry more than their laptops, especially if they are students or working professionals.
In addition to the concerns above about your laptop fit, you also need to ensure you have space for other belongings, including school books, files, and writing materials.
The more available compartments, the better the usability of a backpack.
A 17-inch laptop will fit in a backpack providing the backpack is at least 17 1/2 inches long and 10 1/2 inches wide.
measuringstuff.com
Tips for Carrying a Laptop in a Backpack
Carrying a laptop inside a backpack can be safe as long as you take proper precautions.
Consider the following.
- Always shut down your laptop entirely before placing it in a backpack to avoid overheating.
- Choose an anti-theft bag to keep your laptop safe from thieves.
- Unplug all cables before carrying your backpack.
- Do not overpack your backpack.
- Zip all compartments closed.
- Lightly place your backpack on the floor. Do not sling it on the ground.
Make Sure Your Laptop Fits
Many of today’s modern backpacks are made to accommodate laptops up to 17 inches. Taking the steps above to measure your laptop will help you to avoid issues with fit.
Your laptop needs to fit precisely to help you avoid damage. By taking the precautions above and being extra careful, you can transport your laptop inside a backpack safely, making it available to you on the go without having to worry about costly damage occurring.