Custom Gaming Computers, Laptops & Notebooks
Today, customers are looking for the newest and most unique customization options to individualize their personal computer, and XOTIC PC has the answer. We offer more customization options and services than any other computer company on the market today. Everything from custom lighting and exclusive printed personalized graphics, to custom painting and airbrushing on site within our new facility. You won't find anywhere with a more extensive custom gaming computer & laptop options than XOTIC PC. Click here to start your customization today!
Computer games are loaded with incredible graphics, but the ultimate gaming experience requires the right equipment. When it comes to multiplayer, simulations, or first-person shooters, there’s no better way to feel like you’re in the middle of the action than with a custom built computer, laptop, or notebook to call your own. XOTIC PC specializes in designing and building notebooks, laptops, and desktop computers to suit any personal sense of style. Game consoles and handheld devices don’t stand a fair chance of competing with a tricked-out PC. If you are ready to design your own custom gaming computer, explore our inventory to find the perfect laptop or PC to get started.
Best Laptop Bag For You: How To Pick In 2023
What to Consider Before You Buy a Laptop Bag
Finding the perfect laptop bag can be as overwhelming as finding the perfect pasta sauce. There are just so many options. Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, vodka, oil, and garlic…Whoops, went off on a tangent there. The point is there are so many laptop bags—and pasta sauces—to choose from.
The best way to combat overwhelm is to think through a few key considerations, which we’ve listed below. If you’re able to think through these points and clearly understand your needs, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect laptop bag for you. So, let’s get into it.
Use-Case
You may be thinking to yourself, “Obviously, I’m planning on using my laptop bag to carry my laptop. Next consideration.” But we challenge you to dig a little bit deeper here. Consider:
Your Commute
It’s worth spending time figuring out the challenges of your commute and how your bag will meet those challenges. Take public transportation, for example. If you ride the subway to work, school, or wherever else you want to bring your laptop bag, a challenge may be limited legroom and space. If that’s the case, you’ll want a bag that’s compact enough to not crowd your legs, annoy your seat partner, accidentally whack people in the face while you’re standing, or take up a whole extra body’s worth of space.
Or maybe you take a bus that has plenty of legroom, but your bus stop is over a mile away from your destination. You’ll want a bag that’s comfortable enough to carry that distance.
If you ride a bike to work or school, you’ll want something with solid weather resistance, whereas if you drive, you may want a tote or briefcase for convenience and accessibility. You can easily grab something from an open tote hanging off of your shoulder, which isn’t necessarily true with a backpack. You get the idea.
Now, make sure you think about all of the ways you get to the office/coworking space/coffee shop/school/laptop bag convention. Even if you only scooter to work for the summer months, you’ll want a laptop bag that can keep up with your epic scootering.
Your Workspace
You may work at a traditional office, a coworking space, a coffee shop, the pool at your apartment complex, your father-in-law’s attic, and so on. In the modern world, it seems like you can work anywhere (particularly if you work on a laptop).
Different laptop bags work better or worse for different workspaces. For example, if you regularly work at a coffee shop it’s nice to have a laptop bag that stands up on its own. That way, it won’t slide down the table legs to the floor and get in everyone’s way. If you work in a cubicle at a traditional office, it’s nice to have a laptop bag that’s small enough to easily slide beneath your desk. If you go to school, you’ll probably appreciate a laptop bag that’s comfortable enough to carry between classes.
Also, consider the dress code at your work. Some workspaces are dressier than others and may prefer more professional messenger bags or briefcases over laptop backpacks. That’s important to keep in mind unless you’re a #rebel who likes to break the rules.
Additional Activities
A laptop bag can do more than hold a laptop so consider any secondary activities you would like to use your it for. They may include:
You may find yourself in other scenarios outside of the ones on this list, but we hope that we’ve sparked your imagination. Of course, laptop bags won’t work for every single occasion. Activities like backpacking or long-term travel will likely require that you pick up a separate bag. But some versatility is a plus, so look out for:
A larger size: Increasing the capacity gives you more space to work with, allowing you to use it for short trips, groceries, beach excursions, etc. Of course, the downside to a larger laptop bag is that it will be more cumbersome to carry for everyday life. (We’ll discuss size more in a bit.)
Increasing the capacity gives you more space to work with, allowing you to use it for short trips, groceries, beach excursions, etc. Of course, the downside to a larger laptop bag is that it will be more cumbersome to carry for everyday life. (We’ll discuss size more in a bit.) Minimal organization: A big bucket of a compartment will fit a larger diversity of gear than one that’s filled with pockets or otherwise sectioned off. Too much organization—especially specific organization designed for specific gear—can feel limiting.
A big bucket of a compartment will fit a larger diversity of gear than one that’s filled with pockets or otherwise sectioned off. Too much organization—especially specific organization designed for specific gear—can feel limiting. A separate laptop compartment: If there’s a specific compartment for your laptop, you can use the remaining compartment(s) for other stuff. We’ll talk about this concept more in the Organization section of this guide.
Size
You should take into consideration not only the size of the laptop bag, but the size of its laptop compartment, sleeve, and/or pocket. Brands call the dedicated laptop spot inside of their bags by different names. For simplicity’s sake, we’re going to refer to these spots as laptop sleeves throughout the rest of this guide.
Sleeve Size
This goes without saying, but make sure to choose a pack that has a laptop sleeve that will fit your laptop. You don’t want a sleeve that’s too small, and you don’t want anything too big, either. Your laptop may move around during transit, which opens up more opportunities for damage.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as it sounds. The advertised laptop sleeve size can vary from company to company. One brand’s 13’’ sleeve will easily fit a 16’’ laptop while another’s 13’’ sleeve will barely fit a 13’’ laptop. (Exasperating, right? Get it together, brands!). To be extra sure, it’s probably best to size up. If the sleeve ends up being too big, you can always stick your laptop inside of a case or an additional padded sleeve first. We’ll talk about laptop protection more in the Protection section of this guide.
On a similar note, if you plan to put your laptop inside of a separate sleeve or case before putting it into your bag, make sure you consider that when looking at the laptop size limitations. If your additional protection is too bulky, it may not fit inside.
Bag Size
By our definition, laptop bags are usually between 15 and 30L. Keep in mind, that 1) there are many exceptions to this “rule” and 2) there is no standard backpack liter measurement. One company’s 20L can be another company’s 15L. (Again, get it together, brands!).
You may want a laptop bag that can hold your lunchbox, change of clothes, and go-to encyclopedia as well as your laptop. As we mentioned earlier, larger capacities do tend to make for more versatile bags, but they can be a pain to carry around.
Or, you may want a laptop bag that will hold a laptop, a pen, and nothing else. If that’s the case, you could probably even size down to an 8L bag. Smaller laptop bags tend to be easier to lug around and can work as lightweight daypacks when you want to carry a little more than your pockets allow. But, if you ever do need to haul your go-to encyclopedia to work, you may run into problems.
Style
We probably don’t need to tell you that aesthetic is a key factor when it comes to choosing a laptop bag. You’ll likely use it frequently—maybe even daily—so you should love how it looks. Luckily, there are so many high-quality laptop bags that you should be able to find one that’s not only your style but also durable with thoughtful organization and adequate laptop protection.
We’re not here to tell you what a fashionable laptop bag looks like—beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all—but we’ve noticed the most common styles you’re likely to come across, including:
Techy
Heritage
Business Casual (the bag version of a button-down and khakis)
Sporty
Classic (a slightly elevated version of your elementary school bag)
Fashion/Slick
Materials, Durability, & Craftsmanship
We suggest investing in a bag that’s made from high-quality materials with excellent craftsmanship. In your search for a laptop bag, you’ll probably come across materials like:
Standard Nylon
Ballistic Nylon and/or Ripstop Nylon
Polyester
Various types of CORDURA® branded fabrics
Canvas
Leather
Tarpaulin or TPE Fabric Laminate
And more
We’re not going to take a deep dive into all of these fabrics in this guide (check out our Travel Backpack Guide if that’s what you’re looking for.) As a general rule of thumb, Ballistic and Ripstop Nylon as well as CORDURA® branded fabrics are going to be your most durable. Leather and canvas laptop bags look classy and professional, although they’ll be heavier and more susceptible to the elements than the synthetic options. For that reason, we don’t generally recommend them for travel or if your commute involves a lot of walking. But, if you’ll primarily be driving to and from work, a leather or canvas laptop bag could treat you well (and impress your fashionista coworkers). Bags made from Tarpaulin or TPE Fabric Laminate will be highly water-resistant but will also pick up marks and scratches quite easily. Finally, Dyneema and X-Pac provide some nice weather resistance and are typically lighter weight, but they tend to be expensive fabrics.
Of course, the durability of your laptop bag should depend on personal preference and/or how often you’ll be using it. Daily use is going to be tougher on your bag than if you work from home and only go to the neighborhood coffee shop occasionally.
Also, consider zippers and hardware. They may seem like a small thing, but a broken zipper or buckle can render some bags inoperable. Do your best to avoid unbranded zippers and hardware (we’ve had some bad experiences). We’ve had great luck with YKK and Riri. Zoom and SBS zippers are decent, but we’ve generally found them to be less desirable. Duraflex, YKK, Woojin, Nifco, and ITW are all solid brands when it comes to other hardware on bags like buckles and strap-adjustment sliders. Note that zippers come in sizes on a scale from one (small) to ten (large). We’d recommend looking for something above a #5 for all exterior zippers, although #8-#10 will treat you the best. Smaller sizes work fine for internal pockets.
EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader 24L (CPL24 V2) The EVERGOODS CPL24 V2 feels like it has been built to withstand a hurricane. That’s to say, it’s super durable with exceptional craftsmanship. The exterior of the pack is made of some durable stuff—500d High Tenacity Nylon 6,6 to be exact—that has been finished with a DWR coating for water and abrasion resistance. While the massive zippers can be a little sticky around the corners, they will (probably) last you decades to come. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if you passed your EVERGOODS CPL24 V2 down to your favorite grandchild. See Details & Buying Options Check Price at EVERGOODS
Budget
You should keep your budget in mind. If you can afford it, we suggest investing in a laptop bag that will last you for years instead of continually needing to replace a cheaper one. In the long run, purchasing a more expensive, yet higher-quality bag will probably save you money. Plus, it’ll have a better environmental impact, keeping broken bags out of the landfill. As the saying goes, “buy nice or buy twice.” Of course, this requires that you have the initial money to invest in a pricier bag, which we understand not everyone has.
Now, keep in mind that expensive doesn’t always translate to durable. Sometimes, you’re paying for style, brand, or clever marketing. A good rule-of-thumb is to look for brands that proudly back their gear with generous warranties. That usually means a brand makes quality products that they’re happy to guarantee. You can also read through our detailed reviews, as we’re dedicated to helping you decide whether or not a bag is worth the money.
How To Choose The Perfect Laptop For You and Your Lifestyle – No Matter Your Budget
In today’s digital age, laptops are more useful than ever before. It has become so commonplace that many of us can’t remember a time when laptops weren’t an essential part of our everyday life. Moreover, what used to be a luxury reserved for the affluent is now an affordable device accessible to almost everyone. So whether you use your laptop for work, school, or play, this piece of technology is here to stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of different options available, no matter your budget. So if you’re looking for some helpful tips on buying a new laptop, no matter your price range and lifestyle.
Determine what you’ll be using your laptop for
One of the first things you’ll want to do is figure out what you’ll be using your laptop for. The reason is that it’ll help you narrow down your options quickly. You don’t want to end up with a laptop that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Instead, you want to make sure it ticks all the boxes so you can get the most out of your device. So let’s start with some of the most common uses for a laptop and how to narrow down your options accordingly.
Business/Work: If your laptop is for work, you’ll want something durable, reliable, and portable so you can take it with you on the go. If you’re using your laptop for work, you’ll want to make sure it has Microsoft downloaded onto it to ensure you have all the programs necessary for your job. You will need to download Microsoft-Partner yourself after purchase.
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School: If your laptop will be used primarily at school, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to carry around campus.
Home Office: If you use your laptop as a home office, you’ll want something reliable and easy to use, thanks to a great keyboard.
Entertainment: If your laptop will be used primarily for entertainment, you’ll want something easy to carry around with you.
Gaming: If your laptop will be used for gaming, you’ll want something with a powerful graphics card that’s easy to transport.
Decide how much you’re willing to spend
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When buying any product, it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend. You don’t want to go into your shopping experience with a lofty price tag in mind. Instead, you want to make sure you have a budget in mind, so you don’t overspend. This will help you narrow down your options a whole lot easier. This is especially important if you’re on a tight budget. Luckily, there are plenty of great budget-friendly options out there if you know where to look. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot to get a great laptop.
Find the right screen size for you
When it comes to selecting a screen size, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to decide whether you want a 14-inch or a 15-inch screen. Next, you’ll want to determine whether you prefer a computer with a 16 or 17-inch screen. So let’s start with the most common screen sizes that you’ll come across.
14-inch: This is a great laptop for those who want something lightweight and easy to carry around. Keep in mind that it won’t be as powerful as a 15-inch, and it may be harder to use on the go.
15-inch: This is the most common laptop screen size, and it’s great for a variety of different use cases. It’s not too large, and it won’t be too heavy.
16-inch: This is a great option for those who like to have a lot of screen real estate. It’s a great laptop for those who want to multitask.
17-inch: This is a brilliant laptop size for graphic designers and those who like to edit videos. It’s a great option if you want more screen real estate.
Decide whether or you want a touchscreen or not
While many laptops come equipped with touchscreens, this feature isn’t offered on all devices. If you’re specifically looking for a touchscreen laptop, you’ll want to make sure that it is available. Keep in mind that not all laptops with touchscreens are created equal. Some devices are built with touchscreens, while others are more of an afterthought. If you want a touchscreen laptop, you’ll want to ensure that it is designed with touch. You’ll also want to consider whether or not the screen is made of glass or if it is made of plastic. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the laptop you choose has a touchscreen you can use, whether that’s for entertainment or work purposes. It’s a great way to make your computer more user-friendly and functional.
Choose between Mac and PC
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There has been a long-standing debate between those who swear by Mac laptops and those who swear by PC laptops. The truth is that both are great options for all kinds of users. The only thing you need to do is decide which one works best for you and your lifestyle. Let’s start with the pros and cons of Mac laptops.
Mac laptops – Mac laptops are more costly than their PC counterparts. However, they are powerful devices that Apple has designed to be easy to use. This makes them an excellent choice for those who are new to computers.
PC laptops – PC laptops are usually less expensive than Mac laptops. In addition, they are more versatile due to their open software system, which can be customized to suit your needs.
Find the best weight for you
Let’s face it. Most people are on the go at least a few times a week, so you’ll want to ensure that your laptop is lightweight enough for you to carry around easily. This will help you avoid being weighed down by a bulky laptop, making your daily commute a lot more complicated. Not to mention that carrying around a heavy device can potentially cause long-term damage to your body. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that you know what the laptop you choose weighs in before you buy it. The last thing you want is to set yourself up for trouble by selecting an overly heavy laptop. To avoid this, you’ll want to ensure that you are aware of the specs of the computer you choose.
Conclusion
The laptop is perhaps the most critical tool in your digital life. You use it for everything from work to play, and you must find the right one for you. Whether you prefer a Mac or PC, plenty of options are perfect for every lifestyle and budget. With a little research, finding the ideal laptop for you is easier than ever.
