Looking for a Laptop Bag?

If you have just spent your hard earned money on a new laptop, you want to make sure that it is protected as you travel around. Over on CNET they have produced a list of their favorite laptop bags; here is a summary:

Vaja Messenger Slim Laptop Case
This case is designed specifically for the 13” and 15” MacBooks and is a high-quality hand-made leather case, with over 50 color combinations. The bag measures 15 inches long by 11 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep. The main compartment is has a durable fabric, a front flap hangs over this, with no buttons, zippers, or clasps. The main compartment is not that spacious and with your MacBook inside, there's little room anything else. There are however, additional pockets under the front flap and on the rear of the case for papers, magazines, or MacBook accessories. Bottom line from CNET “Despite the space limitations, high price, and MacBook-only design, the Vaja Messenger Slim is the nicest laptop case we've seen to date, and it generated more than its share of envious stares.”
Priced around $230
CNET Score: 8/10

Lexie Barnes Echo
The Lexie Barnes Echo provides only three large pockets. The front pocket is a single zippered compartment that can holds your cords and accessories; the middle has a double zipper that is padded for your laptop; on the back there is a slim pocket for files, magazine, or newspaper. The Echo line includes bags in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch sizes. Bottom line from CNET “the Echo an excellent choice for pedestrian or transit commuters and anyone who doesn't need a laptop bag to also serve as a briefcase.”
Priced around $95 the lexie barnes Echo is available at Amazon
CNET Score: 8/10

Timbuk2 Soma
The Tinbuk2 Soma is available in five subdued colors, it has two soft straps that let you carry the bag like a briefcase or throw it over your shoulder. A double zipper opens three quarters of the way down the sides, letting you see and access the bag's many organizer pockets. The central double zipper opens all the way down its sides, allowing easy access to all of the bag's contents; a central molded and padded laptop compartment protects laptops with up to 15.4-inch displays. On one side of the laptop compartment is an open section to accommodate writing materials; on the other side of the central laptop compartment are two deep pockets that can hold power cords etc… Bottom line from CNET “No matter how much stuff we stuffed in the Timbuk2 Soma, it kept its sleek lines and slim shape--a huge plus for business travelers who want to look put together even while lugging all their electronic necessities across the country.”
Priced around $100
CNET score: 8.5/10

Mobile Edge Milano
The Mobile Edge Milano is designed for females who are looking for something stylish to carry their ultra-portable laptops. This is a shoulder strap laptop case and contains three main compartments accessed via the double zipper that opens down the side of the bag. The three compartments are divided into; organizer pockets, central laptop storage pocket, and the third can be used for files and notepads. Bottom line from CNET “The shoulder-bag design is stylish and versatile--we can easily imagine using this as a briefcase even without the laptop--and we like that the straps flatten out at the top to keep them from sliding off your shoulder”
Priced around $90 the Mobile Edge Milano is available at Amazon
CNET score: 8.5/10

Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Roller
The Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Roller can hold a laptop with a display of up to 15.4”. The case is fitted with a set of wheels and telescopic handle to allow you to roll the bag like a suitcase. The case is made of water-resistant microfiber and measuring 17.5 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep by 7.5 inches thick. The case has three roomy compartments that will take writing materials, your laptop and various accessories that you will need with you. Bottom line from CNET “We were impressed not only by how quietly the bag rolled but also by its inherent stability; even when going down stairs, the bag never felt the slightest bit likely to flop over.”
Priced at around $100 the Kensington Contour Balance Roller is available at Amazon
CNET score: 8.5/10

Source: CNET