The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a terrific laptop, but it's also pretty darn expensive. You'll want to protect this investment when you venture out into the world, and the confines of your bag might not be safe enough. Slipping your ThinkPad into a protective sleeve will do the trick.
Waterfield Sleevecase
Top Choice
Waterfield's products are handmade in San Francisco and are backed by a fantastic warranty. You're also getting one of the absolute highest quality sleeves for your laptop. There's a version specifically for the X1 Yoga, and it's available in either waxed canvas or ballistic nylon, with both vertical or horizontal orientation, and an optional strap.
Inateck Sleeve
Budget Pick
Available in both dark and light gray, this sleeve by Inateck is available to fit 14-inch laptops and is extremely affordable. The sleeve itself is made from felt and has a main compartment for the laptop, as well as two back pockets lined for protection. These can hold a smartphone, earphones, a wallet, and other small items, while still keeping your laptop safe.
tomtoc 360
Extra Protection
Think of this more as a sleeve+, since it's somewhere between a sleeve and a hardcase thanks to the pretty thick padding inside. This adds some pretty reliable drop protection, and the soft lining won't scratch your expensive new laptop, either. There are two pockets on the front of the sleeve with room for the charger and other accessories, and a handle for easy carry.
AmazonBasics Sleeve
No Frills
It's tough to beat a sleeve that costs so little, which is probably why this option from AmazonBasics is so highly rated. Cheap also doesn't mean low quality, as AmazonBasics products are always well made. It's pretty no-frills and won't do much in a fall, but it'll keep your laptop safe from minor bumps and scratches, even having a reasonably spacious pocket on the front.
ThinkPad X1 Ultra Sleeve
Official case
What better way to accessorize your ThinkPad X1 Yoga than with Lenovo's official leather sleeve. The Ultra Sleeve is designed exclusively for the X1 family with a soft-touch interior and leather exterior. The flap is magnetic for smooth opening and closing, and importantly for the Yoga, in particular, there's also an interior pen loop so you won't lose it when you're out and about.
Procase Laptop Sleeve
Sleeve Bag
This sleeve form is something of a hybrid, with a hand strap to carry it around on its own, but it's easily slim enough to go inside your regular gear bag, too. It's splash-resistant so that the odd rain shower won't be a problem, and the shock-proof interior has a soft lining to protect against scratches and bumps. There's also a reasonably spacious front pocket for your phone and other small accessories.
Keeping your laptop safe
The X1 Yoga is a phenomenal laptop and a serious investment that you should take every precaution over keeping safe. But as quality products like the Waterfield Sleeve prove, you're not limited to some thick, ugly sleeve or case. Customize it how you like, and you'll be able to carry your laptop around safe in the knowledge it's well cared for.
It's quite pricey, though, and while your budget may be a little tighter, your ability to protect your laptop will always be the highest quality. Fortunately, there are plenty of good sleeves to choose from, and the tomtoc 360 (opens in new tab) is certainly worthy of consideration for the best protection from the outside world.
AmazonBasics (opens in new tab) is also a good bet for the budget buyer, and this latest sleeve retains the no fuss, but good quality approach and even adds in an accessory pocket for good measure. Don't be too rough with your X1 Yoga, but this is still a good, highly affordable sleeve to protect it against knocks and scratches.
Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
