But that's the point of this writing exercise; most of us buy a laptop case just for the purpose of carrying a laptop that doesn't have handles, in something that does.

Carrying your laptop, that doesn't have handles, in a case that does is some functionality, but is that all you want your laptop case to do? Don't you want it to perform other functions as well?

THINK about this:

You want a protective sleeve in the case that is padded and provides shock and scratch protection for your laptop. And you want your computer to fit in its pocket snuggly but not so tight that you have to struggle to pull it out at security in the airport.

You want room in it for your power adapter and wireless mini mouse.

You want room for a file, a couple of CD's, maybe a cell phone.

Maybe you want to make a statement. You want a case that is class.

Now ask yourself, "Where am I going?

If you're going to the office, you may just need room for your power cord, a wireless mouse and a couple of CD's.

But if your going on a three-day business trip you may need a case with room for a book, cell phone, PDA, some files, and easy airline ticket and passport access.

And if your going to Europe on a business trip or to Hawaii on a vacation you may need even more room in that laptop case.

Then the question is, “How can I get a laptop case that is functional for every occasion?” You can't. You have to go about buying a laptop case just like you do your luggage.

When you go to the gym to workout, you take a small bag to carry your workout clothes and shoes, so you buy a bag just right for the occasion.

When you go on an overnight trip, you need a bag that will handle a change of clothes and your toilet articles, so you buy an overnight bag, maybe with rollers.

And when you go on an extended trip you buy a large piece of luggage to haul everything you need in it.

You get the picture. If you choose different pieces of luggage because you require different functionality on different occasions, you need to put some thought in to choosing different laptop cases for different occasions.

So...you need to either find one laptop case that is versatile enough to cover most of you needs, or if you're like me, you probably need to get two or three different types of laptop carrying cases.

I have a light but good case for work. I have a hard side (aluminum) case for when I need my laptop out in the field, and I have a large leather rolling case that will hold everything I need on a vacation or on an extended business trip.

Don't you want this kind of functionality too?

I promise you, that if you put some thought into why you need a laptop case, you will be a lot happier camper after you buy one, or two or...