Is it just a regular laptop or a "special" laptop that has important programs related to work (i.e. CITRIX logins, proprietary software for business, etc). If it's just a regular laptop then just buy el cheapo one somewhere and have a home & work laptop, just swapping over the data via USB or external hard disk or even the cloud.

I would also note that a laptop is a collection of connections. Wires soldered to boards, screws holding in plates, hinges holding on screens. Repeated, as in 1000s of jarring motions every day will eventually start to take a toll on these connections, more so than ordinary walking. You also have the risk of "wipeout" where you fall down and crush the thing.

Anonymous wrote:I have an Osprey bag that holds my laptop fine. It can strap down pretty tight. Try runcommuter.com bag reviews to find one specifically designed for laptops. Or better yet, I agree with others that it's best to develop a system for not carrying your work laptop home. Email yourself the files, or put on a flash drive, or use Dropbox for them. No matter how tightly you lash down that laptop, I imagine the jostling from running will shorten its lifespan significantly.

Better check with your IT dept. I'd fire you for emailing files to yourself if they go to a non work address. If you are working in a virtual environment that's one thing. But...Hopefully you don't work on company projects on a home computer.

Thanks everybody. I telecommute 2/wk so its hard to not bring it home.

I have an Osprey bag that holds my laptop fine. It can strap down pretty tight. Try runcommuter.com bag reviews to find one specifically designed for laptops. Or better yet, I agree with others that it's best to develop a system for not carrying your work laptop home. Email yourself the files, or put on a flash drive, or use Dropbox for them. No matter how tightly you lash down that laptop, I imagine the jostling from running will shorten its lifespan significantly.

I never brought my laptop home, but I often carried a lot of paper or books in my Osprey running backpack with no problem. Be aware of the measurements, though. I have one of the smallest of the Osprey line, and it wouldn't be quite big enough for a laptop.

Agree with the above, or, instead of a flash drive, can you use Dropbox?

Do you have to bring the laptop home? Is there anyway you could leave it at work and just put necessary info on a flash drive that can easily fit in your pocket?

If the laptop is small enough to fit in a backpack, you could strap the backpack very tightly to you--lots of people run with hydration backpacks or other backpacks (think military and those that run in "boots and utes" in races.)

Running with a backpack always bothered me though, I could never get the straps tight enough and it would flop around on my back. Probably getting one with a waist belt would help.

Any ideas? I used to do it all the time but I now have a work laptop tjat I bring home and I need a laptop that I can run home 5 miles with.