Everki Camber Netbook Case/Laptop Desk

The Everki Camber is an unusually functional case for netbooks and ultraportable or ultrathin laptops up to 13". Besides providing the expected laptop protection, the Camber case boasts convertible straps, minimal carrying weight, and -- most extraordinarily -- the ability to use the case as a portable laptop desk. In short, you can get a lot of value out of this case.

Everki's tagline is "style that works" -- and this claim is exemplified by their Camber netbook case. The clamshell case has a no-frills minimalist look with inside padded compartments in Everki's signature orange. What sets the Camber apart most, though, is its clever inclined slope that allows you to use the case as a portable laptop desk.

This unique feature has many benefits. You no longer have to find a place for your case or put it on the floor (where it can get dirty, stolen, or trampled) when you use your netbook -- keep the case under the netbook on your lap or a table and you instantly have an ergonomic laptop stand. The Camber's 30-degree incline makes typing more comfortable and, by elevating your netbook, the case helps prevent neck cramping when using your netbook in your lap. This would be a perfect solution for commuters, and I also found the case very handy when using my laptop in bed.

Unfortunately, my Lenovo Ideapad s10-3t netvertible tended to slip around on the case's top. This may be due to the Ideapad's slightly larger netbook width (11" versus the 10.3" width of the ASUS Eee). Since the Camber is meant to carry ultraportables with screens up to 13", the sliding may also be an issue for larger laptops. An Everki rep informed me that they had received only one other report of this issue, though, and my 12.1" Toshiba M700 tablet was actually steady and secure on the Camber case, so it really may be an issue that varies from model to model, dependent on the alignment of the little rubber feet on the laptop bottom and the case's angled sides.

Even with that caveat, though, the Camber has proven highly useful as both a portable laptop desk and a netbook case in general. The memory foam back panel, padded interior compartments, and durable, semi-rigid EVA hard outer shell provide ample protection for laptops. There are even elastic corner restraints to hold larger ultraportables in place.

Another unique feature of the Everki Camber netbook case is its convertible strap design. The case's velcro system allows the strap to convert from a sling carrier to briefcase handles or removed altogether so the case can be used as a netbook sleeve (though the Camber will take up more room in another bag compared to slimmer netbook sleeves). Carrying my netbook in the Camber was incredibly comfortable due to its light weight, though there's no padding on the strap.

As far as netbook cases go, even with the many colorful sleeves and cases on the market today, there aren't very many different form options to choose from and you may think a case is just a case. The Everki Camber netbook case/stand, however, is a case apart. At $49.99 MSRP, the Camber costs slightly more than typical netbook cases, but you are also getting a convenient laptop desk in the bargain, making the Camber a pretty good buy.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.