Laptop cases are no longer simply about getting your laptop from one place to another; you can do that with a plastic grocery bag. With more people than ever daily toting their computers between the office and the home, the laptop case is now expected to mix durability, security, style—the ratio of those elements is up to you. Here’s a list of some of our favorite laptop cases that we’ve come across over the last year, each mixing function and fashion in their own way. Which works for you?

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10. Crumpler Cashmere Blazer Laptop Case

There's really no reason you have to look like a geek when carrying around a laptop case--but you don't have to look like a fashion victim either. This Crumpler Cashmere Blazer Laptop Case finds a stylish and classical medium. A padded interior case will fit a laptop of up to 17", and additional compartments--six external pockets on the flap and three interior pockets--for gadgets, pens, and writing tablets are secured with both zipped and velcro enclosures.

 

 

9. Oakley SI Vertical Computer Bag

 

When we first thought about putting together a list of laptop bags, a vision of 10 dork-friendly bags presented itself to us. But come to find out, there’s a sizable range of laptop bags out there for any taste, whether you’re looking for superior protection or a personal style statement. This Oakley SI Vertical Computer Bag is a fine example of the latter, looking like something out of Mad Max. Made to be slung over your shoulder, the bag holds your laptop vertically like a backpack would, protecting the device with heavy padding.

 

8. Zero Halliburton Deluxe 4" Computer Case

 

This Zero Halliburton Deluxe 4" Computer Case is for the Jack Bauer in all of us. With an exterior styling that clearly proclaims that you’re not messing around, this bag features a clean, dark aluminum exterior and micro-cell polyurethane foam for added interior protection. A durable handle and combination lock on top ensure the security of the case’s contents, even if this thing needs to be used as a weapon.

 

7. Voltaic Solar Panel Pouch

Clever and insightful, the Voltaic Solar Panel Pouch takes into account the fact that anyone on the go is often in need of charging electronic devices. In addition to offering a reinforced and padded laptop sleeve, the pack includes a 2,200mAh Li-Ion battery pack with three voltage settings for solar power storage (the battery can also be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger), and 11 standard adaptors (with universal sizes for a variety of cell phones). Before you get too excited, this bag will charge your cell phone, PDA or audio player, but not your laptop; it will, however, protect it while charging smaller devices.

 

6. Targus CityGear Los Angeles Notebook Case

For the frequent business commuter, this Targus CityGear Los Angeles Notebook Case can't be beat. Made specifically for carry-on functionality, the bag features a top-loading design that allows for easy access to your notebook at airport checkpoints. Interior features include a removable mesh accessory pouch, removable CD/DVD sleeve that hold eight discs, a detachable mobile phone case, and a zip-down workstation with storage for business cards, media, pens, pencils and more.

 

5. RadTech MacTruck

As the primary goal for many of us when transporting a laptop is computer safety, we figured we’d start this list off right with one of the most durable laptop cases we could find. Designed for use with PowerBooks, the RadTech MacTruck is a full-time laptop shell that you never have to take off, making your computer snug and secure whether you’re on route or working at your desk. The aluminum alloy case encloses your computer comfortably—open or shut—coated inside with high density padding. Made with heat conduction in mind, the case also keeps your notebook cool, so you really have no reason to ever take it off. Equipped with an ergonomic handle and an adjustable shoulder strap, the MacTruck easy transforms from protective case to mobile carrying case.

 

4. Tom Bihn Empire Builder

 

Our pick for the “normal” laptop bag of the lot, this Tom Bihn Empire Builder is the ideal corporate America laptop bag. Sophisticated, understated, and full of pockets and organizing elements, this is the bag that works like a mobile office. The ¼” inner stiffened foam padding of the bag surruonds a bellows that expands for accessibility. The interior features three hard plastic file dividers to protect files in addition to clips that allow you to add the Tom Bihn Brain Cell for added laptop security. The outer flap is equipped with an interior pocket big enough for PDA, with three additional pockets within the flap—one to fit CDs, another ideal for a cell phone, and a third open top pocket sized for a plane ticket, making the bag more functional as a carry-on.

 

3. Maloo Wrap

A felt encasing that both protects the bag while in transit and functions as a workstation when open, the Red Maloo Maloo Wrap is designed for versatility. The wrap encloses like a thick envelope and, when opened, provides an integrated mousepad.

 

2. Knomo Frinton 17"

 

Whoever made the decision that messenger bags definitively need to look like something a bike messenger carries around wasn’t taking into account a large market of professionals for whom the urban warrior look just isn’t going to work. For those folks, we offer the Knomo Frinton 17” laptop bag. The bag comes in two color versions, both featuring authentic leather exterior and inner pockets designed for your PDA, audio player, cell phone, and documents.

 

1. Ro Tuck Laptop Case

 

 

The Ro Tuck Laptop Case is designed for the individual who isn’t so concerned about dropping their notebook, but rather with adopting a unique and distinctive carrying option. The bag gets its svelt appearance from utilizing a vertical carrying placement, and the Ro Tuck is surprisingly padded, including additional interior and exterior pockets, for how sleek it looks.

By: robert o'neill