If you are buying your first laptop you may not have gotten to the point where you are thinking of how you are going to cart it around. The nice part is in today's market you have tons of options, but that is also a double edged sword. As many options as you have, you have to choose one and hope its going to be the right fit. Among your options you can choose a standard shoulder bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. You can choose any color and material you want and you have optional features like air flow padding, cell phone pockets, iPod stash pockets and space for everything else you might need on the road. You have price options that range from the bargain to the outrageous and everything in between.

Of course, the easiest way to begin your search is to go to Google and type in “Laptop Bags” and see all the options that pop up on screen. BUT, here are a few suggestions on how to prepare before you buy.

First, make sure you know the size of your new, used or refurbished notebook. Don't assume anything, take out your trust measuring tape and make sure you have the size down. Some laptop bags are made for smaller screens and some are made for larger ones and you want to make sure the laptop bag fits the laptop bag and that your machine won't moving around within the bag a lot. There are laptop bags with adjustable padding, but make sure you look for that feature if you think you'll need it.

Also, be aware of how heavy the laptop is and think about your personal preference for carrying. For instance if you know the laptop weighs several pounds and you are small of stature, a messenger bag or backpack will be easier for you to control. If your laptop is larger and you have any back issues, again, consider the type of bag you need to maintain your physical health and well being. Shoulder bags can look more professional, but if you are traveling with a garment bag and a suitcase as well as with your laptop in a shoulder bag you don't need it falling forwards or backwards as the weight redistributes itself. Weighing down one shoulder all the time can also be bad for your back, hips and neck. A great way to figure this out is to go to your local office supply store with your machine and try some bags on for size. Then take your newfound knowledge online and get the best price!

You should also think about how you are going to use the bag. Are you taking it into business situations or is it for your college student to lug their used laptop around campus? Are you going on an excursion in the wilderness where it needs to be protected from water? Will you use it rarely? Choose appropriately so that you feel comfortable and confident that the laptop will be safe and that you will present yourself well. Make sure that is has adequate protection if you are clumsy or tend to be hard on things and make sure the bag is sufficiently durable for your lifestyle. Choose a material that will be appropriate for your application, whether fun and colorful or staid and understated.

Finally, what else do you need to carry? Some people need to combine their laptop bag with their diaper bag while others need to transport files and still more want to bring their digital camera or iPod along for the ride, not to mention the cell phone!

Once you know what you need, think about your budget. If you are a bargain hunter, you probably already got a great price on a refurbished laptop or used laptop. You can get straightforward laptop bags for great prices on EBay and other sites. Perhaps a gently used laptop bag for your refurbished laptop will be just fine! You can also spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect bag that converts from backpack to briefcase to get the best of both worlds.

Don't spend your money before you know what you really need and before you find the best deal. You can get everything you need and want in a versatile and durable laptop bag, you just need to be a smart consumer and do your homework!