I've commuted my share of miles with a laptop on board, normally in a rear pannier as that is the most practical way to carry that amount of mass.
Never had an issue with damage to the laptop.
Once, I had a cargo malfunction and the pannier came adrift and went for a tumble on the pavement with the laptop inside. Of course I was horrified at the moment, but there were no subsequent issues. I think a plastic corner got slightly dented.