Case Logic NOXC-116 Hydrus 16-Inch Laptop Case (Black)

THE QUICK TAKE: While I'm a big fan of Case Logic cases, I can't recommend this case. It's well made, and the design features are attractive. But while the a-place-for-everything design may appeal to a few, most people won't use all the nooks and crannies, and they don't seem all that functional, for those who care more about function than design. And most importantly, there is almost no protection around the edges of the laptop compartment and protecting your laptop is the most important function of a case.

THE FULL REVIEW:

CASE LOGIC MAKES GOOD CASES: I've bought quite a few Case Logic cases. They've always seemed to strike a good balance of quality and price, resulting in a good value. Case Logic has also been making laptop cases for a long time, and they've continually worked to improve the design of their cases. So they are nice to use and very functional.

I will say that if I can find a good deal on a slightly better quality case, say a Roo Case, I'll make the jump. But usually I'm too cheap to pay $50-60 for a nice case, given that I'm not a heavy traveler with my personal laptop.

BUT THIS ONE, NOT SO MUCH: I wouldn't normally buy a laptop case in, say, the Brenthaven case price class. I don't use it enough to justify that. The price of this case puts it in a different price class than other Case Logic cases I've used, so expectations are pretty high.

And in some ways those expectations are met. The build quality is nice. (Though I'm always suspicious of non-metal clips on the straps.) The blue lining color sets a nice mood. The design is attractive, in a way. Until you start thinking about whether you'd really use all those little pockets and places, and whether there's still room for, say, a thick stack of documents and your charger. The stretchy outside pocket is kind of neato, but ultimately not that useful or attractive. And I don't like the handles, the zippers, or especially the clips on the strap I put the strap on and take it off regularly, and these clips are awkward.

But the real deal breaker for me is the lack of protection around the edges of the laptop compartment. This kind of case is going to put down onto hard floors by frazzled, distracted travelers, and it should be built to protect the laptop. There's just a very thin foam, and no harder layers, to protect the laptop edges, sides or corners.

I'm a practical, thrifty, value-oriented sort of person, and it speaks volumes that even though I was given this case free by Amazon Vine to try it I'm not going to use it. I'm also pretty careful. But I just don't want to have to think about how I'm setting the laptop down all the time, or whether I might bump into something. I'll find a nice case with more protection. Maybe one of those nice, not too expensive, Case Logic cases ...

I was a bit rushed shooting the video review, so here's what I missed:

This laptop bag has all the conveniences of a traveling techie. One of the side pockets is open and elastic to fit a journal, bagel or an electronic gizmo for easy and quick access. The shoulder strap detaches very easily. The only negative aspect of the design I noticed is the bag handle. Whereas the shoulder strap is thick with lots of cushion, the handle is thin with inadequate cushion. If you carry your bag using the shoulder strap, this shouldn't be a concern. I do, so this deficiency for me is irrelevant.

4 stars primarily because of the price, which at the time of this review was just under $100. If you buy this product, make sure you use it for years. Case Logic, with its 25 year warranty has put is money where its mouth is.

I use a laptop for work, and I would highly recommend this product.

Buy Case Logic NOXC-116 Hydrus 16-Inch Laptop Case (Black) Now

The first thing I noticed was the shoulder strap and handle. They are both better by far than other laptop bags I've had and this matters to me a lot. The shoulder strap is usually the first thing that goes on my bags and this one is made to last. The handle is really a dual handle that you grab altogether when the bag is closed. The handle feels great too, much better than I expected. The zippers are pretty good.

The bag is smartly designed to actually hold the things people carry, with pockets for each type of item. There's a tablet pouch for an iPad or other tablet. There's an area for keeping folders and papers and it's separate from the laptop. It has an outside zipper pocket, a necessity. There's a lot more too.

The case is just the right size to carry on a flight. The Velcro strap attaches to luggage and works very well to attach to chair legs for security when in public places. The strap is easy and quick to use yet strong. It's worth mentioning again that the handles are superior as well as the shoulder strap perfect for travel.

The way this laptop bag is designed, no one part is likely to be used up well ahead of the other parts. I think the whole bag will be on the same life cycle. I like this laptop bag a lot.

Read Best Reviews of Case Logic NOXC-116 Hydrus 16-Inch Laptop Case (Black) Here

When you first get this case, it will take you a while just to explore it all. There are a multitude of compartments, pockets, slots, and spaces in a wide variety of sizes. If you can't find a place in this bag for your item, you either aren't trying, or maybe you don't need to carry that item! I could easily carry both my laptop and netbook, with a tablet or Kindle thrown in for good measure. There are places for all my cords, chargers, mouse, camera, papers, book, pens, whatever. Many of the pockets are lined with soft fabric that would be gentle to delicate screens. The bag feels sturdy, the handles and straps are padded, and the so-called "bagel" pocket in the front hasn't held a bagel yet, but it's great for a snack bar or two. I haven't yet needed to use the "security straps" that would enable you to attach the bag to a chair or table, but I think that could be an important feature to some people. I really like this bag and it has served me well on overnight trips.

Want Case Logic NOXC-116 Hydrus 16-Inch Laptop Case (Black) Discount?

My husband is certainly much more of the "tech" person in our household, and he absolutely loved this case. He's been needing a good one for a while, and this one is really well-made. It's durable and has great straps, and lots of compartments for organization. It's definitely roomy and holds a lot more than it looks like it does. (Always a great plus.)

Another great item from Case Logic we have several of their products, and they never disappoint. They always put out top-notch products. In fact, I can't think of any electronics or gizmos we have in our house that doesn't have a case logic case to house it in. We've been very pleased with this company, and this laptop case is no exception.

Save 33% Off