where can i find an always-on case?

I own a 13.3" sony vaio SZ laptop and am looking for a case similar to this:

http://www.radtech.us/Products/Omni.aspx

i.e. a case that can stay on the laptop all the time while I'm using it.

Ideally i'd like something leather that looks a bit nicer than that example I gave, but there seems to be very little variety around

By the way - I am based in the UK but would be willing to buy online from abroad if the place offers international shipping

 

Those things are very nice, but very bad for cooling. I woould not recomend using one for more than short periods.

 

X2
Why would you want something that will block airflow to the bottom of the laptop?

 

on an SZ the fan vent is on the back edge of the laptop, just below the lid hinge. Depending on the design, it doesn't have to interfere with the cooling.

 

Why can't you just get a normal bag and put the sz in it? Shouldn't be too hard to take it out when you need it. You'll get more space in the bag, save more money, and keep your laptop in better condition.

 

Thats not the point. When air hits the bottom of the laptop it helps a LOT in cooling. GL

 

i've only seen these in "waterproof" or "water resistant" types of material, never leather.

i definitely agree that it's a terrible idea to use one of these as it will retain heat and cause your notebook to die a very early death.

remember that the people making this product are trying to make a buck and not looking out for your best interests in prolonging your notebook's life.

unfortunately, it's a "good idea" but fails miserably in the real world.

good luck on your search, but you would be best suited in listening to all the posts saying "don't do it"

 

Remember that the fan isn't the only way the notebook cools itself. It also depends on being able to disperse heat through the case, especially the bottom.

I would suggest getting a sleeve - fairly easy to slip the laptop in and out of there. Just put the laptop on standby when you need to put it away. Takes a few seconds to come in and out of that mode.

 

I think Levenger used to have a leather one ( www.levenger.com), dunno if it's still available or in what sizes. However, I'd also like to state that I think this is a very poor choice due to its adverse affects on cooling. Don't forget, proper cooling affects the longevity of your laptop.

 

Quote from the Radtech web site:

In spite of this statement (which is not supported by any images or other evidence on the product site) I agree with others who said that such a case is a bad idea because it interferes with cooling. The front of a notebook can also get very hot, depending on where individual components are located. Having even a little air flow around the entire surface of the notebook can make a big difference in terms of keeping temperatures down.

 

I appreciate what you're all saying about the importance of cooling, but I bought one of these - http://www.ebags.co.uk/shoreline_cases/14_1_laptop_sleeve/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=49733

it was cheap and ships free, and it does the job I wanted. There are only 12" or 14.1" versions, so I opted for the larger one. It is slightly too big for my 13.3" SZ but the extra space around the edges helps with cooling.

I have it in the case now and have been testing it by using all my common applications and watching the heat carefully. After a couple of hours it is still running cool, with the fan automatically setting itself to the lowest/quietest setting, so it seems to be fine.

Also, the elastic strips which go over the corners of the laptop to hold the case in position (see pictures on website link), keep the screen a fraction away from the keyboard when the laptop is closed. This stops the screen from scratching on the keyboard, which is a complaint i've heard from some SZ owners.