Lots of us use our smartphones to do a lot of our tasks online, while I happily do my banking from my phone and browse the internet, I do prefer to use my laptop for most things. Because I use my laptop so much, it is always being thrown in my backpack when I go anywhere, so it needs protection – no, not in the form of big burly security guards, but a laptop sleeve. And the STM Origin Laptop Sleeve steps up to the challenge with its minimalist design, reliable protection and sense of style that complements both working and student lifestyles.
Protecting your laptop during your daily commutes, study sessions, weekend getaways or just taking around to a friend’s house for a gaming session is essential to ensure it stays in pristine condition and performs reliably for years to come. Laptops are packed with delicate components: a screen that can get scratched, a hard drive vulnerable to shocks and ports that can bend or break when jostled and that’s without looking at the plastic casing they are housed in. A well-designed laptop sleeve acts as the first line of defence, protecting your device from accidental bumps, knocks, spills and the everyday scuffs that can occur when bumping around in backpacks or messenger bags.
The STM Origins Laptop Sleeve is a slim, lightweight and secure zip-up sleeve for your laptop. Available in two sizes 14” (fits most laptops with a 13” screen) and 16” (fits most laptops with a 15” screen). It has a choice of two-tone colours: Black Slate, Glacier Blue and Lilac Plum, using water-resistant outer material. And it is completed with a fleece-lined inner section to protect the laptop against scratches and 4mm shock-absorbing EVA protection against knocks and bumps.
For this review I have been using the 16” version in Glacier Blue, which measures 38x27x2.5cm and is a snug and comfortable fit my laptop with a 15” screen.
The Origin laptop sleeve’s ultra-slim profile adds minimal bulk to your laptop, making it perfect for slipping into a backpack or briefcase without talking up too much space, and it can be used for carrying on its own without feeling cumbersome. Being just 2.5cm thick, the sleeve is nicely balanced between being lightweight and having robust padding, without sacrificing that all-important protection for portability.
Overall, I think that the STM Origin is a smart and stylish protective laptop sleeve, perfect for protection against every day usage. It is lightweight and does a superb job of offering protection against scratches, knocks and spills. Inside the sleeve, the ultra-soft fleece lining ensures that its precious cargo is protected against surface scratches and scuffs from constant handling. The outside looks smart and stylish and well as being resistant. And beneath it all lies a 4mm layer of EVA foam engineered for shock absorption, which is designed to soften the impact from minor drops or knocks. The EVA foam helps to disperse external force from a knock or small drop across its surface, reducing the risk of damage to delicate internal components.
You may argue that a standard neoprene sleeve will protect your laptop (these generally offer basic scratch protection) but the STM Origin is far superior in quality; it’s water-resistant, has stylish colour options and is built to absorb shocks, offering much better all-round protection.
Now time to be a Negative Nelly. While I love this laptop sleeve as it looks smart and offers a great deal of laptop protection, for me there was something missing – an external pocket where I can store the laptop power adapter. I know it’s not a big issue, especially as I still put the laptop in the sleeve in my backpack, but it would have been nice to have a pocket for it.
The STM Origin Laptop Sleeve offers essential protection wrapped in a stylish package. Its fleece-lined interior, shock absorption and durable zipper make it a reliable protection for people on the go. If you’re looking to safeguard your laptop without adding bulk, I can recommend the STM Origin Laptop Sleeve, although if you need extra space for the charger and accessories this won’t suit. The dimensions of the sleeve deliver a secure, form-fitting hold with no extra space.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £25
For more information, visit stmgoods.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.