So I've just purchased a laptop to replace my aging windows 2000 machine, and the laptop is advertised as 16.4" which is the diagonal view of the screen itself, (16:9 aspect). The actual measurement of the laptop itself is a little over 15" wide, and a little over 10" deep and just under 1.5" at the thickest.
So, I'm looking at camera bags that can carry laptops, and most of them say they are made to fit 15" laptops. Does that mean 15" wide? or do they mean 15" diagonal screens? (which seems to be how the laptops are classified, by their diagonal screen size, not physical case size?) I'm new to laptops, so I'm not quite sure what measurement they are going by, or how precise the bags are designed to fit 15". Is there usually leeway for slightly larger laptops? Or no?
the bag size specifications are the same as for the laptops, diagonal screen dimensions. you will find that there is very little extra room on most bags and that you really do need to get at least what the screen size says.
Thanks for the replies! Since mine is 16:9, I may need to actually bring it along to double check that it fits, or at least bring a piece of cardboard that is the same size.
You may need a bag that is made for a notebook with a 17" display. Most notebooks with 15 or 15.4" displays are about 14-14.25" wide. The depth and thickness mentioned are fine, though thicker models will slightly decrease the length and width available.
Crumpler makes a number of good bags for 17" notebooks.
My company gave me a 17" notebook and it would not fit in the Lowepro backpack I had been using. It just wasn't tall enought to allow the zipper to close.
