MEGATech Reviews – Case Logic QNS-113 Laptop Sleeve

If you’re going to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a laptop, then why on Earth would you allow it to venture into the world all naked and unprotected? Even when you look at a lot of backpacks and messenger bags that appear to be designed for carrying notebooks, they can be seriously lacking in any sort of real padding. For times like those, you might want to consider a laptop sleeve like the Case Logic QNS-113. The molded sleeve is designed to accommodate Ultrabooks and other thin-and-light notebooks with screens between 12.0 and 13.3-inches in size.

A Simple Sleeve for a Simple Purpose

The goal of the Case Logic QNS-113 is a simple and straightforward one: protect your notebook. It’s important that we keep this objective in mind, because it’s not really meant to replace a more robust “techie” bag. There are no external or internal pockets whatsoever, so you won’t find a place to stow your power supply or other accessories. There is a handle, though, if you want to carry this around.

On the protection front, Case Logic opted for a material called ethylene vinyl acetate, or EVA for short. This shock-absorbing polymer is oftentimes used in sports equipment like hockey pads and boxing helmets. The molded design is such that you get a stiffer shell on one side and more of a thicker, quilted padding on the other side. It’s definitely beefier than the admittedly cheap sleeve I got from the dollar store.

This is meant to be a “slimline” kind of design, but it will inherently add some bulk to your otherwise thin and light laptop. It happily accommodated my 13-inch Fujitsu Ultrabook without any fuss and owners of similar-sized notebooks, like a 13-inch MacBook Pro, should find this to be a good fit too. Officially, Case Logic says the QNS-113 will accommodate devices up to 13 x 9.4 x 1.5 inches in size.

The Multiple Functions of the QNS-113

Even though the QNS-113 is a relatively simple product, Case Logic has still designed it such that it can serve a few different purposes. As mentioned, assuming your battery life is adequate, the QNS-113 can easily be used on its own to carry around just your laptop. It’s minimalist and effective. You can also use it in tandem with another more robust bag if you want added protection for your notebook.

When I tried to slide the QNS-113 (containing my Ultrabook) into the laptop compartment of the Case Logic Griffith Park backpack, I found it was far too snug and it just wouldn’t fit. However, I was able to fit it inside the larger main compartment just in front of where the laptop would normally go. With outer dimensions of 14.2 x 11.0 x 1.8 inches, the QNS-113 is roughly the same size as a bulkier 14-inch or 15-inch laptop. If you plan on using it with a backpack or another bag, you’ll need to choose accordingly.

Interestingly, this laptop sleeve can also serve as a lapdesk of sorts, all without removing your notebook at all. The sleeve can open up like a clamshell, complete with a couple of bands on either side, and you can work away just like that. The bottom half, as mentioned, is stiffer and it comes with integrated “airflow channels” for your laptop to breathe. Depending on the thermals of your notebook, these channels may or may not be adequate.

MEGATechie Competent Carrier or MEGATechie Case of Overcompensation?

At the end of the day, yes, this is just a laptop sleeve. It’s going to be thought of as just another commodity product that’ll blend it with countless other laptop sleeves on the market. That being said, the QNS-113 is a pretty darn good laptop sleeve for what it is. The build quality is there, the PVA foam feels robust, and the “integrated airflow channels” are a nice bonus.

The Case Logic QNS-113 carrying case sleeve for 13-inch notebooks has an MSRP of $29.99 and can be found online for as low as $21. The black version is shown here, but other colors may also be available.