Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
That's what I meant. The laptop won't fit in the panniers. I don't have an SSD, but I always shut it down to avoid damage to the HDD. I was originally just going to go the neoprene sleeve, but didn't plan on it when I bought my panniers last year. They are relatively small, since I just needed a change of clothes in one, and shower stuff in the other. I'm still not sure if I'm going forward with this, and it definitely won't be this month, so I'm open to other suggestions. This pannier (although ridiculously pricey) has excellent reviews, and apparently is like the last one you would ever need. Big enough to carry everything I need, lifetime guarantee, specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. I can't envision commuting without a laptop.
(I am pasting some of this from another comment, sorry if you already read it . . . and don't forget, I will need you to throw down the same Gauntlet's on me!)
First, I am new here, and I love it. I need the Mustachian community to help me along this journey. My comments will always be what I would expect someone to reply to me with.
Disclaimers:
1. If you are retired, don't read my comments.
2. This is an MMM forum, not a Nashbar or other bike forum.
So, with all that in mind.
Gauntlet(That's supposed to be a 'Gauntlet' laid down, I hope it works!)
Your answer to transport your laptop: A milk crate, zip ties, towel and a garbage bag in the rain. $5 if you don't already have a milk crate. (That's 185 reasons this idea kick's ass!)
(I know it doesn't look cool, my dad just asked me if I was collecting cans . . . . but screw other peoples thoughts de-railing my retirement!)
I know I sound like this righteous financial snob, but I will just let my accomplishments speak for myself:
- Until just recently I used to drive my car, sit in a room with men for 30-60 minutes, making small talk about sports I really didn't care about. At the end of this I gave some money to cut my hair!!!
- Until just recently I drove my car 2.5 miles to work ....
- Until just recently I had 2 cars!
- Until just recently we dried our clothes in a dryer, the dishes on heated dry, and had regular flow shower heads!!!
- Until just recently I was paying to insure a $390,000 house, when mine was worth $230,000! (Check your insurances!!!)
- Until just recently I paid for CFL bulbs while my power company gave them away for FREE!
- When I did ride my bike, I went to the bike shop to see everything I needed. It totaled $200. Luckily I woke up, found an old rack, modified it to fit, zip tied a milk crate to it, inserted a backpack with a garbage bag inside. Whatever the weather, I will ride. Money spent: $0.
and my favorite:
- Until just recently I took those CFL's that I paid for and put them on the shelf, waiting for the incandescent's to burn out ....
So, as you can see, everything I write is with double black eyes from face punches. I have
just picked myself up out of my suckiness, and I write out of respect for the community, and the I write out of the seriousness that we need to take in controlling our future!
You guys rule, you guys are awesome!