Sunday, September 28, 2008

Laptop bags for your travels


The trendsetter
Mango Tango$46http://www.mangotangollc.com/
Mango Tango manufactures one basic bag in two sizes (16” and 18”) to accommodate most laptops. The bags are padded, satin-lined, and have generous 25.5” straps. There is one pocket inside and one pocket out. Pricing ranges depending on the size and material. Over 24 different colours/fabrics are available, and all leather and suede models are faux.
The go-getter
RoadWired Scooba Skin$41.99http://www.roadwired.com/
The Skooba Skin doubles as both a tote and an envelope. Its handles fold up when you want to carry your laptop around on its own, and fold down when you use the Skooba Skin as a padded envelope for transporting your laptop in a larger bag that doesn’t offer any protection. Three sizes are available. Skooba Skins come in various colours and fabrics, including silver nylon, blue ultrasuede, brown corduroy, pink vinyl, olive, and black.
The pragmatist
Heys ePac05$59.97http://www.shop.heys.ca/
The ePac line features a side-loading laptop compartment with four padded walls and a 2” foam floor. A fully padded Air-Mesh foam backside offers Velvet-covered lumbar support for the lower back and the S-shaped shoulder straps contain Jelly-Centers. There are five styles in the ePac line and a huge assortment of colour options. This bag is all about comfort, colour, and protection.
The traveller
LuggagePoint Juice Bag$290http://www.luggagepoint.com/
The Reware Juice Bag Collection features an integrated solar panel that generates up to 7 watts of power and will charge any 12 volt electronic device – such as cell phones, MP3 players, and GPS units. You plug in your gear into a Car Lighter Adapter socket inside the bag – just like you would in your car. The bags are water-resistant, have reinforced bottoms, and are made out of recycled 2-litre soda bottles. They are available in yellow, black, charcoal grey, or dark green.
The techie
Skullcandy LINK Pack$169.95http://www.skullcandy.com/
Listen to music and take phone calls without hands or headsets with a weatherproof LINK Pack on your back. Hidden in the straps are 60mm speakers, an AA battery-powered amplifier, waterproof drivers, and a Mobile-Mic. A headphone plug is located in the front pocket. Sewn in the mid-strap is a soft switch panel for controlling power, volume, and your phone.
The freelancer
Belkin PocketTop$74.99http://www.belkin.com/
In addition to storing your laptop and accessories, the PocketTop is a mobile workstation that protects your lap from the heat. It also stows your power supply while plugged into your laptop and frees you from fumbling around with the power cord when moving your laptop back and forth – perfect for those with a shot battery. Use it while sitting on the couch or lounging in bed. The PocketTop is hand-washable and comes in green, orange, or silver. It fits laptops up to 15.4” and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Working girl
Timbuk2 Marina Handbag$92http://www.timbuk2.com/
The Marina Computer Handbag fits laptops up to 15” and features extra thick padding, a rubberized bottom, and no-slip shoulders. A zip pocket on the outside includes a holder for your cell phone and pen. The bag is available in black or rose. Timbuk2 has so many great bags, it’s hard to pick just one. Visit their website to see the rest or create a custom bag of your own.
Environmentalists
Targus Eco-Smart Case$79.99http://www.targus.com/
Targus has a new line of environmentally-friendly notebook cases. The standard PVC backing has been replaced with a Polyurethane coating, the fittings are nickel-free, and if you get tired of it, you can send it back to Targus where they will separate and recycle all the materials. The company has also reduced packaging waste by removing the stuffing from inside the cases, replacing the large hang tag with a small one, and removing interior brochures. The Classic model fits laptops up to 15.4” and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee.
Animal Lovers
KaraB Metro Backpack$98http://www.karab.com/
KaraB offers four styles of bags for women: a Traveler Tote, Metro Backpack, Messenger Tote, and Euro Briefcase. The Metro Backpack is our favourite, available in 16 different hues of faux leather. The padded computer compartment fits a 15” laptop. An outside cell phone pocket can double as place to put your MP3 player. Four metal feet protect the bottom and rivets reinforce the straps and handle. Shoulder straps come with removable pads.

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