Why you need a laptop bag that fits Apple’s new 15-inch MacBook Air

The new 15-inch MacBook Air from Apple might be the lightweight everyone's been waiting for. Weighing in at 3.3 pounds, it achieves a balance between portability and durability, making it an ideal choice for those constantly on the move.

One of the key selling points of the new MacBook Air is its ultra-thin design. At 11.5 mm, it is touted as the thinnest 15-inch laptop currently available on the market. But while thin and light to carry, it's still a sizeable laptop that takes up space in your bag.

With 15-inches measured across the screen and 5 mm borders, the total size of the new MacBook Air is 13.4 x 9.35 inches (or 34.0 x 23.7 cm). If you're planning on splurging on this new laptop so you can bring it with you while you work or travel, you might want to consider if you have a large enough laptop bag that fits. And while this could seem like a non-issue, a lot of women's bags don't actually fit a 15-inch laptop.

Protect your precious new baby from scratches

First and foremost, the primary function of a laptop bag is to provide protection for your device. The new 15-inch MacBook Air, while boasting of its robust build quality, is still an electronic device susceptible to damage. And its slim profile makes it more vulnerable to dents and scratches.

A laptop bag with cushioned compartments provides a layer of protection against these potential damages. Whether you accidentally drop your bag or bump it against a hard surface, the added padding can absorb the impact and prevent harm to your new laptop.

Resist the wrath of the weather gods

While the MacBook Air is designed with a sturdy aluminium chassis, it's not impervious to the elements. Exposure to rain, snow, or high humidity can potentially harm its electronic components and affect its performance.

Many laptop bags come with weather-resistant features, such as water-resistant materials and rain covers, which protect your device from adverse weather conditions. This is particularly important if you live in a climate prone to sudden weather changes or if your lifestyle or work requires you to travel frequently.

Organise those accessories

The 15-inch MacBook Air, being larger than its predecessors, comes with added features and potentially more accessories that you can add on to suit your workflow. This can be anything like a larger charger, an external mouse or magic trackpad, or perhaps an external keyboard. Keeping these accessories organised can be a challenge without a dedicated storage solution.

Laptop bags often come with multiple compartments and pockets designed to hold these accessories securely. This organisation system not only helps you quickly locate what you need but also prevents items from scratching or damaging your new Air when in transit.

Read more on how to keep your work handbag organised.

Comfortable transportation

Despite the MacBook Air's slim profile and relatively light weight of 3.3 pounds, carrying it around without a dedicated bag can be cumbersome, especially over long distances or during extended periods. 

A laptop bag, particularly one with adjustable straps, allows for easy transportation without breaking your back. Whether you're commuting to work, travelling to a different city, or simply moving from one meeting to another, you can throw the bag across your shoulder and have it hang at a comfortable height for you.

There's little that's more annoying while walking than having a laptop slap into your thigh at every step, and with a practical bag that can be adjusted to your size, you can skip that altogether.

Versatile carrying styles offers your shoulders some relief

Avoiding a beating to your hip or thigh with an adjustable shoulder strap has your first point checked. But you might also want to help your back and shoulders by changing the way you carry your bag throughout the day.

Many laptop bags are designed to be versatile, offering various ways to carry them, such as handles for hand-carrying, shoulder straps for over-the-shoulder use, or backpack straps for carrying on your back.

The ability to switch carrying methods can help prevent fatigue and discomfort, especially when carrying your laptop for extended periods. Additionally, a versatile bag can adapt to different situations and dress codes, from casual to business professional.

Read more on what straps to choose for a work handbag here.

Reflect your personal style

Laptop bags come in various designs, colours, and materials. Choosing one that complements your personal style or the professional image you want to project can enhance your overall look and make it feel more you.

The MacBook Air itself is available in four stylish colours - Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray. Selecting a laptop bag that complements or contrasts these colours can add to the aesthetic appeal of your device, making a statement about your style and personality.

Avoid bumping and crashing

While protecting your laptop from small scratches inside your bag, you also want to stop it from being thrown around too much. A sudden change of movement can result in your MacBook crashing into something that might damage it.

A laptop bag specifically designed to accommodate a 15-inch laptop will provide the most secure fit. This stops your laptop from moving around in the bag, unlike what it would in a huge tote bag with just one room.

 The precision of fit can also make your bag more compact and easier to carry, while providing quick and easy access to your laptop when needed.

Protect your new investment

With a starting price of $1,299 or £1,399 for the least advanced model, you need to consider this a long-term investment. And it's only sensible to take measures to protect that investment.

A laptop bag acts as insurance against potential damage that could impair the functionality of your Mac and shorten its lifespan. By using a laptop bag, you're taking a proactive step to ensure that your laptop remains in top condition for as long as possible, ultimately getting the most out of your investment.

Read more about how to protect your laptop from getting damaged in your bag.

Keep the resale value intact

While you want to make sure your new MacBook Air keeps in perfect shape for you, assuring that it keeps its value might be an even more important issue if you consider reselling it at some point.

If you frequently see yourself upgrading your electronic equipment to take advantage of new features and better performance, it's good to be able to regain some of the original investment value by selling the things you're no longer using. 

While smaller scratches could mean less to you as long as the laptop stays functional, potential buyers often pay close attention to the cosmetic condition of a used laptop, and a well-maintained MacBook Air can command a higher resale price. 

A laptop bag can protect your laptop from scratches, dents, and other wear and tear that might reduce its value. Investing in a laptop bag can thus pay off in the future if you decide to upgrade to a newer model.

Quick access

With a laptop bag, your new Air is always within easy reach. This can be especially important when you're working in different locations throughout the day, such as at a coffee shop, in a meeting, or at the airport.

With a dedicated compartment for your laptop, you allow for quick and easy access without having to rummage through other items in your bag. Some bags also feature external pockets where you can keep items you need to access frequently, like your phone or travel documents.

Look and feel professional

A stylish and well-made laptop bag can convey a sense of professionalism. This can be particularly important if you're using your MacBook Air for work or in an academic setting.

Choosing a laptop bag that matches the professional image you wish to project can enhance your credibility and help make a positive impression. In professional environments, attention to detail matters and extends to the accessories you choose.

A high-quality laptop bag that is clean, well-organised, and stylish can reflect positively on your professional image and show that you care about your work and your tools.

Don't forget about the rest of your things

I know buying the new MacBook Air might make it feel like it's your one and only precious asset just for a little while. But when you bring a laptop with you to work, you also need to take the rest of your essentials with you. 

From books for your study or work, a water bottle to keep you hydrated, to a change of clothes for the gym, a laptop bag serves as a versatile storage solution. Some laptop bags even feature dedicated pockets for tablets or smartphones, makeup, pens, business cards, and other small items, offering you extra storage space and helping you stay organised.

Make a decision before you buy it

If you're already hovering over that 'add to cart' button, make a quick mental note about finding the perfect bag before your new laptop is delivered. 

From providing physical protection and weather resistance to enhancing style and professionalism, a laptop bag offers many benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. So whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone who values your computer, a dedicated bag will ensure that your MacBook Air is well-protected, easy to carry, and always ready to perform at its best.