Core77

Why can't all laptops have handles?

By Rain Noe - February 16, 2010

in Object Culture

Laptops are really two-part products, at least if you want to truly use them in the mobile situations for which they are designed: You buy a laptop, then you buy a protective bag or sleeve for it.

Wouldn't it be cool if laptops were actually self-contained things that could be carried around like briefcases or simply slung over your shoulder with a strap? Along these lines I'm digging the chunky handles, some of them retractable, on the Ndura Rugged 13.3 laptop and Panasonic's Toughbook H1 and 30 models.

Aside from the handles, the housings themselves are designed to be their own protection. These are largely designed for contractors and soldiers, but this is an example of military "technology" I'm hoping will one day trickle down to the consumer sector.

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sceek eller

7 years ago

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All laptops can have a handle, it's called a ToteGrip, universal laptop handle and it fits any laptop. I love mine!

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J Ryder

13 years ago

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I've always agreed with this, especially since laptops were essentially created to be convenient and easy to handle. And over the years, I've come to the conclusion that all laptops don't have handles for two big reasons. First, many companies have had problems during design and manufacturing, particularly with hinges and frames. One example resides with HP and some of their Pavilion models which have been riddled with problems stemming from basic design flaws to poor manufacturing, and topped with poor choices with certain plastic and metal parts. My old HP Pavilion had flaws in the cooling system placement that facilitated overheated, which in turn, took its toll on the overly plastic framework and cheap metal hinges. This caused cracking and ultimately lead to the hinge failing. Take this mentality and apply it towards making a handle, that by it's very concept, will take more wear and abuse than a hinge and you are asking for the handle to one day crack, break, and snap off! Byebye laptop. A second reason why all laptops don't have handles relates primarily to what a handle, itself, really signifies. Laptops were originally created to be mobile, as opposed to their desktop counterparts. They take up less space, can be moved easily from room to room or taken on trips, and give the appearance of a multi-function machine all in one by consolidating everything: multimedia drives, webcams, ports, etc. But as soon as laptops hit the market, people mistakenly assumed that you can carry it almost anywhere and handle it almost in any fashion. Despite the added mobility feature, laptops are arguably just as, if not moreso, delicate than basic desktop computers. Desktop PCs have huge bulky cases, which unintentionally serve as extra space and buffers for shock and vibrations. Laptops on the other hand have all the components condensed into a small package, thereby being more susceptible to wear and damage. Now, add a handle to a laptop, and you are implying, promoting, or facilitating more unncessarily handling of the the laptop than originally intended. Regular, standard laptops were/are not designed to be handled rigorously on a daily basis as people had hoped. Slapping on a handle on any laptop would simply invite easy handling and lugging around. As some have said, they would rather simply lug the laptop around as if it were a "bag" itself, without the use of a carrying case. Big NO NO. Unless you have a Toughbook, XFR, or any popular/well-known rugged laptop, you don't to make it more susceptible to damage, etc. If all laptops have handles, then I believe that there should be explicit notices/labels that advise of cautionary handling.
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Artur

14 years ago

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For me, I don't see an advantage of lugging 2 bags around. One normal backpack/messenger bag AND one laptop with a handle. Perhaps it's just me, but I like the small factor of a laptop not bloated with handles (at least as shown here) or SUPER extra protection. I just with they'd design the aircooling correctly.
On the other hand I wouldn't mind seeing little popout legs (like the ones under a normal keyboard) integrated into the laptop to aid the said cooling as well as some ergonomic advantage.
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PDXPilgrim

14 years ago

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You should check out the Toughbook F8 from Panasonic. Retractable handle on a sub-4 lb. machine with a 14" display. It even has a DVD burner. THE way to go through airport security!
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Francois

14 years ago

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If I remember correctly, one of the first Sony VAIO (all rounded design) had a handle... and it was well integrated in the overall design.
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