Although laptop sleeves are specifically designed to carry all the laptops we use today, there are many other uses that can be found for them. And with the plethora of laptop cases on the market and in our homes, you may have a replacement laptop case or take up closet space. Why let it waste space when you can use it?

1. Portfolio writing. When you’re rushing from meeting to meeting, or bringing your latest set of items to the doctor’s office, a laptop briefcase can make a great portfolio. It will keep your work organized and together and it might even have a couple of pockets for notepads and pens.

2. Art carrier. If you are a student or professional illustrator, you need to keep your artwork clean and smudge-free. A waterproof laptop sleeve can do just that and provide an easy way to transport your art.

3. Container for important documents. If you don’t already have enough important documents to guarantee a fireproof safe or filing cabinet, a good quality laptop sleeve will protect your documents from the elements. Some laptop sleeves may even be designed to resist a fire! Documents to include in a secure container include social security documents, birth certificates, and any titles you may have.

4. Portable photo holder. Nothing is as heartbreaking as seeing the only copy of a ruined or destroyed photograph. So if you need to carry multiple photos, consider using a laptop sleeve to protect them on your trip. Protecting your photos is particularly important if they are old and fragile or if they are the only copy and you do not have a digital backup.

5. Student’s book bag. Any type of laptop bag can easily be turned into a backpack for use in college. Hard laptop cases with straps can be used to hold one or two books and all your notes, thus providing a waterproof holder for these valuable bits of information. With your notes safely stored in this case, you won’t have to worry about the type of pen you used to take your statistics notes when you get caught in a sudden downpour on the way to history. Your notes will be safely protected from the rain, with an ink-free guarantee!

6. Modernized briefcase. The days of the brown or black leather briefcase have come and gone, but if you’re a briefcase type person, you can use a metallic laptop sleeve for a sleek, modern look. You can keep all your files or work, as well as supplies and even your Blackberry in one of these cases.

7. Children’s art station. You can buy portable art stations for kids, but often these stations are anything but portable. They are usually made of thin plastic with cheap zippers that open at the worst possible time. If you’ve ever had to pick up six dozen crayons and a foot of scratch paper while trying to board a plane, then you know what I mean. But a good quality laptop sleeve is made for portability and can also hold paper, markers, crayons, and more. Plus, a hard laptop case makes a great “tabletop” for the little artist on the go.

8. Seam carrier. Whether you’re crocheting, knitting, or embroidering, a laptop sleeve is a great way to carry your current work-in-progress. The case will keep your materials safe and dry, and protect your tools and your project from bumps and knocks. Unlike the bags and baskets you can find for these supplies, a laptop case will not allow loose thread to get tangled in items when you put it in or move it.

9. Magazine. If you’re taking a long car or flight trip and you’re a magazine reader, a laptop briefcase is the perfect way to organize and transport your magazines without dropping, breaking, or getting lost. When you’re waiting in a crowded airport, the last thing you want to do is keep track of a bunch of loose magazines, and with a laptop bag, you can simply lift the handle and hit the road.

10. Portable DVD Companion. Portable DVD players come with their own variety of carrying cases, but they rarely have enough space to carry all the things that come with a portable DVD player. Why not use your laptop case to carry movies, cables, and any other additional accessories that accompany your DVD player?