I've been bike commuting with a laptop and pannier for several years now. Never had any damage to any of my employers laptops. Even though, I do NOT use laptop specific panniers. Never have. The only thing I do special is wrap it in a plastic trash bag for rainy commutes.

I can understand the concern you have. My experience has been that it is not an issue with a little common sense.

Now, if you crash and land on the side where the laptops is... well, all bets are off there.