Leading Edge Laptop Bag

Not much is known about the shown Leading Edge laptop bag. It's unknown if Leading Edge laptops came with bags, but like today, it's very unlikely and may have been offered as an additional premium up charged option. It may not even have been available as an optional bag from the company and could have only been offered as internal company swag. LeadingEdgeComputers.com maintains several Leading Edge laptops and upon testing each, it appears to best fit the DLT/386SX laptop, which was a rather hefty laptop computer. Regardless of how it was offered, let's explore more about the laptop bag.

The Leading Edge laptop bag was an interesting piece of vintage computing history. Little official information exists regarding whether this bag was ever sold alongside Leading Edge laptops, or if it was a special−order accessory. It may have been an optional upcharge for business buyers, or it may have been an internal company−issued item, perhaps gifted to employees or executives. What is clear is that it was tailored with practical utility in mind, particularly for the heavier portable computers of its time, such as the DLT/386SX laptop.

The bag was crafted from a durable grey−green canvas with black trim, and offered a blend of rugged styling and functionality. The laptop bag featured one sizable zippered front pocket measuring 10" by 16.5" , ideal for cables, documentation, or disks. Inside, it included a non−zippered pocket along with a hook−and−loop adjustable divider that could accommodate notebook widths ranging from 9" to 18" . The bag was padded on all sides, including the top, for enhanced protection, and came equipped with two fabric handles with a leather grip and an attachable satchel strap for easier transport. Rubber pads on the bottom reduced dirt contact and added stability when placed on the ground.

In terms of dimensions, the bag's interior measured 17.5" in length, 14.5" in width, and 4" in height, sufficient to comfortably fit several Leading Edge models. It housed the DLT/386SX ( 14" x 12.75" x 3" ) snugly, but also had enough room for the 386SX Notebook and 386SX Plus, which were smaller in footprint. Adorning the front of the bag is the iconic Leading Edge triple−triangle logo, a subtle but distinct nod to the brand. For vintage computing, this bag is a rare and symbolizes a time when computing was transitioning from an exclusive domain of the desktop to also include the road.