In today’s busy hi-tech world, more and more of us rely on smartphones for various online tasks. While I use my phone a lot for various things, I still use my laptop for most online activities. Due to frequent use, my laptop is regularly transported in my backpack, which in turn necessitates adequate protection – specifically if the form of a high-quality laptop sleeve such as the STM Origin Laptop Sleeve. STM are known for their quality and this sleeve effectively addresses the need for minimalist design, reliable protection and style that is appropriate for both professional and academic settings.
Protecting your laptop against damage during the daily commute, study sessions, day trips or those vital social visits is essential to preserving its condition and helps to ensure consistent performance. Laptops consist of sensitive components, including screens that are susceptible to scratches, hard drives that are vulnerable to shocks and ports that may be damaged through impact — aside from the plastic casing itself. A well-designed laptop sleeve serves as the first line of defence, protecting against accidental bumps, knocks, spills and the everyday scuffs that commonly occur in backpacks or messenger bags.
The STM Origin Laptop Sleeve is a slim, lightweight laptop sleeve with a secure and durable zip function. It is available in two sizes: 14” (suitable for most laptops with a 13” screen) and 16” (for most laptops with a 15” screen). Three two-tone colour options are offered: Black Slate, Glacier Blue and Lilac Plum, each utilising water-resistant outer material. The interior is lined with fleece to prevent scratches, while 4mm shock-absorbing EVA padding provides additional protection from impacts.
For this review, I have been using the 16” Glacier Blue version. Measuring 38x27x2.5cm it provides a snug fit for my 15” laptop. The ultra-slim profile adds minimal bulk, allowing you to put it in a backpack or briefcase without taking up any real extra space, or it can be carried independently without inconvenience.
Overall, I am very impressed with the STM Origin Laptop Sleeve. I think that it looks great and has superb protective qualities as well as being practical and stylish, doing it’s job with no fuss. It’s lightweight minimalistic design is highly effective at protecting against scratches, knocks and spills. With its internal ultra-soft fleece lining it helps to protect against surface scratches from regular handling, while the exterior combines visual appeal with resistance to environmental factors. Underlying the design is a 4mm EVA foam layer engineered for shock absorption, which disperses external forces to reduce the risk of internal component damage as well as external damage to the laptop housing.
At £25 you might wonder why it is worth purchasing the sleeve over a cheap neoprene sleeve. Well, standard neoprene sleeves do provide basic protection in that they can protect your laptop against external scratches, the STM Origin offers more for the money – it has far superior quality, water resistance and soft fleece materials, aesthetic colour options and, most importantly, enhanced shock absorption – all resulting in comprehensive protection, something which a cheap neoprene sleeve just can’t offer.
While I love this laptop sleeve, there is one notable limitation with it, at least for me anyway – the absence of an external pocket for accessories such as a power adapter. Although this may not pose a significant issue, as the sleeve fits conveniently within a backpack, such a feature would add functional value (especially when just carrying it on its own).
For me, the STM Origin has superb laptop protection in a high-quality compact, lightweight and stylish package. With its soft fleece-lined interior, shock-absorbing construction and durable zipper it is a laptop sleeve that you can depend on, especially for those frequently on the move. For those seeking robust protection without adding extra bulk, I can recommend the STM Origin Laptop Sleeve; however, users requiring additional storage for chargers or accessories may wish to consider alternative options. As I usually have my laptop in my backpack in a sleeve, an external pocket isn’t too much of a problem but one that I personally think would improve the sleeve.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £25
For more information, visit stmgoods.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
