EXCLUSIVES

Laptop Armor: Making a Case for Security
Words by Ric Getter

July 2004

Mac® users, as a whole, are a comparatively secure group. Rampant viruses do little more than add junk to our mailboxes and breaking news about newly discovered security holes in the "other platform" do little more than elicit sardonic smirks. But there's one fear that all computer users share: a dropped laptop can really spoil your whole day.

When it comes to cases, there is no shortage of choices these days. There's a huge range of styles, sizes, and quality levels. Laptop Armor from Matias is one of the very few you'll find that does exceptionally well on all three counts. We had the chance to check out their slim aluminum model, one of several recently announced by the company.

Even from a distance, a Laptop Armor case racks up lots of points for style. From the sleek handle to the angled, extended feet, it's as good-looking as the laptop it holds. The longish, uniquely designed footpads allow the case to stand securely upright, even on deeply carpeted floors. They'll also absorb a fair amount of shock during an unplanned descent to a hard surface. The key-lockable metal latches are disproportionately large for such a trim case and convey a justifiable sense of security for the owner while being rather intimidating to anyone who is not. And, it's not just a matter of appearances. These are heavy, cast metal latches that open and close with a most pleasing "clunk" rather than the cheap click of less formidable hardware.
The case is flanked by two discreet metal buttons that serve as the attach points for the Laptop Armor's removable shoulder strap. At the strap's apex, a wide, leatherette-covered pad distributes the weight comfortably during an extended portage and is patterned in a way that will help keep the strap on your shoulder rather than constantly sliding down your upper arm. Release two levers and the strap can be quickly detached.

One other nice exterior touch involves what is not there, rather than what is. Matias has chosen to forgo brand identity for the sake of security. There are no company logos or anything else on the outside of the case that would lead one to believe it contains your computer. It looks like just another anonymous aluminum briefcase (albeit quite a classy one).

Open the case and you will find an equally well-designed and constructed interior. The upper half of the case holds three letter-size file pockets. These are held snug against the lid with a pair of Velcro straps. At the front are three covered pockets sized to hold your PDA or iPod™, cell phone, power adapter, pens, pads, or any other similarly sized necessities.

Have it Your Way
The most unique aspect of the Laptop Armor's design is how much of it is left to the user. Matias takes a building-block approach to laptop storage. The slim-line case (for 12"-15" laptops) that we examined included a generous collection of 8.5" and 5.5" long pads. They contain extremely firm foam and have Velcro along their entire length (hooks on one side and loops on the other). They fasten to the inside edges of the case and can be arranged and stacked in a variety of ways. The most obvious and secure is to stack the blocks so the laptop is centered inside the case. This, based on our rather meager knowledge of physics, would provide the greatest level of shock absorption. However, with a little imagination, you'll find a number of other layout options. We would have appreciated one case-height partition that could provide a longer, contiguous storage area beside the laptop. All in all, it's a most unique approach, even though it might not appeal to everyone.

Just how much security does this case provide? A QuickTime® video on the Laptop Armor web site shows a PC laptop and its case surviving a 10-foot drop onto bare concrete. This demo is definitely in the don't-try-this-at-home category, but it does make a point. As attractive as it is, this case is designed to protect a prized possession.

The case we tested represents the upper-middle of the range of Laptop Armor designs. Ours was the Slim Aluminum model that holds 12"- 15" laptops. Other models include a 17" Slim Aluminum, 17" Universal, and an economical metal-framed EVC case for slim, 12" - 15" systems.

Aside from the originality and thought that went into the design details of the Laptop Armor case, what impressed us the most was the overall value of the product. This is an extremely well constructed, durable piece of hardware for a very reasonable price and would be an ideal home for anyone's i- or Ti-book® that's going on the road. And if there comes a time when your faithful companion should succumb to the laws of gravity, this case will definitely make your day.

Price (as reviewed) $149.95. Other models from $99.95 - $179.95. By Matias, Corp. www.laptoparmor.com.