A netbook sleeve is usually just a neoprene or micro-fiber pouch that fits around your netbook to protect it from scratches and bumps. The Neoprene pouch was first released by Tucano shortly after Apple Computers Inc released the iBook G3 (that’s the snow one). Called the Tucano Second Skin, it was literally a second skin for the laptop. It fit closely to the iBook to protect it from incidental harm.

Neoprene is the material used to making wet suits. It was chosen because of it’s resilience to wear, good strength, and longevity. It also holds it’s shape. After any applied pressure, the neoprene simply returns to it’s original shape. The result is that it adds some protection to your precious netbook against knocks.

Since it’s advent, the netbook sleeve has evolved into a fashion statement, with many colors and designs available for you to express yourself. The sleeve has migrated from just Apple Mac users, to cover all types of laptops and netbooks. One problem for the portable PC user is that manufacturers find it hard to produce a size that fits all the different models of netbooks. With thicknesses of netbooks varying considerably, a skin that will fit one model perfectly seems overly large on a thinner variant of the same screen size.

Is a netbook sleeve / skin a good investment? We think so. Even if you don’t travel a lot with your netbook, you’ll find a good netbook sleeve will add extra life to it and add an extra bit of protection to ensure your netbook continues to function properly.

If you are an avid netbook user, investing in a sleeve will personalize and add to the experience. Sleeve makers such as Tucano, Case Logic and Asus netbook sleeve design their skins with you in mind. You’ll find their products literally hug your netbook, protecting the case from damage and all those open ports from dirt that’s accumulated in the bottom of your carry case or bag.