Shoulder strap your laptop without a bag

Want to sling your laptop over your shoulder for easy transport... but don't need a big, bulky bag as part of the deal? Check out the LapStrap, designed to make toting your laptop as simple as tossing it over your shoulder.

As gadgets go, the LapStrap barely qualifies: It's essentially a vinyl belt, padded most of the way around. To use it, just close your laptop around the non-padded portion of the strap, then put the padded portion over your shoulder like any messenger bag. Your laptop naturally grips the strap tightly, and in my tests, didn't slip around at all.

The pad is reasonably thick, but since you're only lugging five or six pounds, you don't have to worry about the strap digging into your shoulder.

LapStrap markets the gizmo for quick getaways and, especially, simplifying your airport security line process. With the LapStrap, you needn't worry about trying to unfasten your backpack or briefcase to get your laptop out for placement onto the conveyer. And since you don't have to carry your laptop in your hands as you approach, LapStrap leaves your hands free for things like your boarding pass, cell phone, or shoes. I haven't used it for a trip, but I'd imagine the LapStrap shaves at least a couple of minutes off of your journey through the security line.

There's one key problem with the LapStrap, of course, and that's the risk that you'll smash your laptop into a wall or something, and you'll have no padding to protect it. That's a real concern, but the LapStrap is best for short trips. Honestly I think it works well in conjunction with a regular laptop bag: Use it to carry your laptop around the office during the day, but keep it in a regular bag for the ride home. Or use it for the first part of your airport trip, but stow it back in your bag once you get through the security line.

For $25 (at most; the company offers volume discounts and is hoping to sell the items to big companies as promotional, logo-branded giveaway merchandise) it's a pretty risk-free endeavor.

Link: LapStrap

See also: Airport X-ray friendly laptop bags in the works (Note: These bags are out now)