You have heard it before. A new invention is being tested to solve a problem and in the process an entirely different need is answered. Memory Foam is such an invention. Intended to help astronauts withstand immense G-Forces while blast off ended up being used for mattresses instead. The lingering hand print left in the mattress is one of the most popular demonstrations of Memory Foam. The lightweight yet dense properties of Memory Foam, lends itself to improving other products such as pillows, slippers and even laptop cases and sleeves.

Many well known laptop sleeves are constructed of neoprene which is typically used to make underwater diving suits. Neoprene fabric stretches and forms around its contents keeping them from bumping into hard objects and being damaged. The silky smooth surface of Neoprene also protects against scratches.

Each fabric, whether Memory Foam or Neoprene, have benefits that make them great for protecting electronic gadgets such as laptops. Making a choice depends on your wants and needs. It may depend on whether you want compact fit, colorful designs, extreme protection or a minimum of protection or a combination of all these.

Memory Foam is thicker and denser offering a higher level of protection from bumps, dings and punctures. Pressure against a computer screen makes me very nervous. The thickness of memory foam does make laptop cases and sleeves bulky so possibly not a great fit for small bags and briefcases. Many Memory Foam cases are designed to perform on their own with handles and outside organizational pockets. Some are a simple zippered case with no handles or pockets.

Do not feel pressured to buy a case designed to fit any particular laptop or netbook. Simply measure your laptop or netbook and choose a case accordingly. If you need to carry extra items along with your laptop or netbook it may be wise to choose a case that could accommodate the extra cargo.

I own an HP Mini 9 Netbook so my favorite case is the HP Premium Memory Foam Pouch Case with Front Pocket. It is not the everyday run of the mill black cases. It has a “newsy” design. News articles, photos and headlines lay a top a black and gray background with a punch of hot pink. The exterior is water resistant and the inside is soft with shock absorbing properties. The front zip pocket is large enough to carry my power cord or other gadget I may need to carry at any given time.

The CaseCrown Memory Foam Thin Pouch Case for Acer Computers is another case that I like. It is a bit larger than the HP case (10.1”) without a front pocket. This case has a handle but it is thinner and could be placed inside a larger bag much like a laptop or Netbook sleeve. Again, the background is not the ordinary black – instead it has a black on black checker board design.

Sometimes it not necessarily the design that counts it is the color. Navy Blue computer cases are rare so I wanted to introduce you to the Avertec Buddy Netbook Case (10.2”) with Memory Foam. The exterior is Navy Blue Nylon and is water resistant. There are no outside pockets but there are double handles up top.

If you like the color blue and texture you should also check out the Avertec Buddy Memory Foam Netbook case with shoulder strap.

Serendipity discoveries often provide great products. Memory Foam is used for comfort as well as protection of one of my favorite gadgets – Laptops and Netbooks.