Nobody who has been involved in buying a notebook will, no doubt, has been encouraged by the sales person to add a protective bag to their purchase if one is not already included as part of a sales promotion.  The rise in the popularity of notebooks, over desktop systems, has seen an increase in the range of bags designed to both protect and facilitate the transport of the portable computer.  However no longer is it considered enough to provide a basic bag, of whatever material, with a shoulder strap.  Discerning users are demanding a combination of smart appearance, lightweight and protective capabilities with some additional features to justify this additional purchase.

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In Belkin's case, the additional feature of the new bags, making up its Neu Elements range, is a removable sleeve that adds extra protection for the notebook.  Recently I have had the opportunity to road test, or should that be shoulder test, one of these new bags that has this removable sleeve feature.  The bag in question, classified as part of the company's Messenger Studio family, is predominately black with some silver grey flashes.

Suitable for a notebook up to 15.4 inches, this bag is constructed of micro fibre covering plenty of high density foam for protection.  A series of foam bumpers running alongside the base of the bag give even more protection when the bag is placed on the ground.  As well as the adjustable shoulder strap, the bag has a handle running across the back of the bag and a second grab handle positioned on the side of the bag.

Internally this bag's colour scheme is the opposite of that used externally.  As mentioned earlier this bag has a padded sleeve.  This sleeve can be removed to facilitate the insertion of the notebook.  It can be replaced in the main bag prior to beginning any journey.  The sleeve fits snugly into the bag's central compartment and is held firmly in place by Velcro strap.  As well as the actual notebook, this sleeve has a small compartment for storing power and other types of leads.  The central compartment also has a zipped pocket for holding various small items such as flash drives and memory cards.

Documents and pens have their own home in a side pocket protected by a fold-over flap that is held in place by Velcro pads.   A further zipped compartment is found on the flap. Additional storage is provided by side mounted and back pockets plus a pouch with a transparent front that could be used to hold an MP3 player or similar device.

This bag (product number F8N028ea) is well designed, provides plenty of protection and has a range of carrying options to suit the user's individual needs.  It comes with a STUFF BAK label which provides a protection service in the unfortunate case of you loosing your equipment.  Belkin has placed a price tag of £34.99 on this stylish bag.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=254676