wisdom of magnetic closure on laptop case

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Level 1

20 points

wisdom of magnetic closure on laptop case

I am making a messenger bag that I plan to also use as a laptop case from time to time. I'm at the point in the instructions where I have to choose my method of closure: magnetic snap, or Velcro.
My preference would be the snap because it would be quiet and easier to open and close. But the instructions state that I should use Velco if I'm going to carry my laptop in it because of the danger of magnets around computers. Totally understandable.
My question - are consumer-grade magnetic snaps strong enough that I should worry? I have found several examples of commercially-produced laptop bags that use magnetic snaps.
For the moment I'm on an iBook G4, but the bag would also carry my iPod as well as a newer model of laptop in the future.
Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Aug 1, 2007 8:59 AM

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Answer 1

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Aug 1, 2007 3:25 PM in response to bobbinlacR

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

Your question is difficult to answer because we don't know what kind of magnetic latch you are talking about using or where you would want to position it with regard to the laptop. Personally, I am not familiar with magnetic latches on laptop cases, but the logical thing to do is to see if the manufacturer would be willing to give you any information about the magnetic catch or even sell you a replacement one. That might give you one that you could feel would be safe to use. You would want to position it the same way you have seen it used elsewhere.

On the other hand, you know that velcro or a zipper or a button or a strap or some other alternative would not cause any potential problems. The very safest thing would be to install velcro or something else. Maybe someone who knows more about magnets could advise you a little better about them.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

bobbinlacR Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 1, 2007 3:46 PM in response to S.U.

The magnetic snap is the same kind used as a closure on women's purses, and it would be nearest one end or the other of the laptop (depending which direction the laptop is placed in the bag), but with several layers of thick fabric between. This may be a question best directed to the Mythbusters, though it would admitedly be a boring show.

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Answer 3

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Aug 1, 2007 4:05 PM in response to bobbinlacR

I don't think fabric will cut lines of magnetic force. Metal shielding might. I am thinking back to what you said in your first posting about how magnets aren't recommended if the bag is to be used to carry a laptop. Women's purse magnets may well be stronger than what is used on other laptop cases, or someone may just be being careful.

It sounds like it will take some time to research this with mythbusters. I don't know if anybody else--maybe a physicist or something--could tell you definitively. But if you want to get the bag finished any time soon, you might want to go ahead with the velcro.

Good luck!

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Answer 4

bobbinlacR Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 1, 2007 6:56 PM in response to S.U.

Thank you for your help, S.U.
I had also posted this question to another forum (where geek-crafters gather) and several people had made the same messenger bag. They suggested the bag could use an adjustable closure, so I am going in a completely new direction.
And yes, I think this pattern maker is just being overly cautious.

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Answer 5

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Aug 1, 2007 7:30 PM in response to bobbinlacR

Glad you got this resolved--and thank you for the star!

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