geeksugar -- Geek is chic.

Go Incognito With a Camo Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:00:03 -0800

This new year, I need a new laptop bag. After suffering the falling apart of one of my trusty bags, I've found myself in the market for a new laptop carrier, and I'm liking the look of this camo Trixy Laptop Bag by Acme.

It's $80, but holds the laptop in a separate, removable sleeve, so the rest of the bag can be used for your essentials — with or without your computer. Normally I go for solid color bags, but we're on the cusp of 2009, right? Maybe I could use a little flair.

From Birth to Death: My Pinder Laptop Bag Review

geeksugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:30:49 -0800

Usually when I do a laptop bag review, it's for a bag I've only gotten to carry around for a few days, so this is something different, but probably more useful and realistic — this is a review for my own laptop bag that I bought and paid for myself and have been carrying for the last few months.

I bought the Pinder Thin Laptop Bag for $40 in March (on sale from its usual $58) and they threw in the Vinnie Shoulder Strap for free.

The Thin comes in custom sizes depending on your computer, so I got the one that would fit my MacBook Pro perfectly. Even though the bag's description suggests the pockets for peripherals, when I used the bag, I left them empty. Which is why it was a surprise that the fabric of my bag started ripping just a few months after use.

To hear about what happened,

Not Hard to Love the Hard Graft Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:10:37 -0800

What I wouldn't give for an excuse to spend $450 on a new laptop bag. . . the different ways to fold it, hold it, and carry it alone make Hard Graft's Unfold Bag a versatile everyday laptop bag. Not sure which is better, the black canvas body or the all-leather body; they're both beautiful.

Not only does the folding look cool, its flexible design allows it to be used for different-sized laptops, so when you upgrade your PC, you can use the same bag. I'm keeping this in mind for my next splurge (when I'm in splurging mode again)!

Do You Trust Checkpoint-Friendly Bags?

geeksugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:04:29 -0800

Ever since the concept of a checkpoint-friendly bag came onto the scene, I've been underwhelmed. So far, the bags produced haven't been so stylish, including these newly-released checkpoint-friendly bags by MobileEdge "for her."The main reason I'm wary to purchase a new bag is that I just don't believe I'll get through the security line without having to remove my computer from one of these special bags. And I would not be about to argue with airport security either with a, "Oh no, you don't understand, this bag is checkpoint-friendly!"Adding fuel to my theory is that the TSA approved some common styles of laptop bag for this purpose, but at no time on my recent flights has anyone assured me that I could leave my computer in its sleeve. Therefore, I don't necessarily trust that I'd be able to breeze through airport security, laptop in laptop bag the whole time — not quite yet, anyway. Do you?

Do You Trust Checkpoint-Friendly Bags?

Yes, if I bought a checkpoint-friendly bag, I'd trust it to work.

Nope — I feel better off just taking my laptop out of its regular sleeve or bag at the airport.

Something else. See my comment below!

Top 5 Laptop Bags For Traveling

geeksugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00:27 -0800

Starting with Thanksgiving, we're all about to face a blitz of holidays, and besides gaining an extra five or ten pounds in mashed potato weight, you also have to look forward to the joy that is crowded airports. I can't ensure that your flights won't be canceled or delayed, but I can guide you toward the best bags for traveling with your laptop. To make my list, the following bags had to meet my criteria of being: roomy enough for a laptop and your other essentials (so no sleeves or bags that just fit the computer — you need space for magazines, a wallet, peripherals, etc.), comfortable to lug around; be a carry-on (only fools check laptops) and finally, be utterly chic. Happy travels!

Diane Von Furstenberg Wheels and Deals a New Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:30:46 -0700

Why Diane Von Furstenberg, what have we got here? You're making laptop cases for me now?!

DVF's Runway Rolling Laptop Case ($240) may not be good for every day, unless you're a rollin' gal, but traveling with this thing would make my life a million times easier. One bag + one hand slipped into the special padded laptop section to grab it out for security = one million times easier.

That plus the chic, neutral olive color? That frazzled girl in line behind you is going to be SO jealous.

Lingerie . . . and Laptop Sleeves at Victoria's Secret?!

geeksugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:00:32 -0700

Panties and PC cases at the same place? Yes please! I don't know how long Victoria's Secret has been carrying laptop cases, since I stopped buying my intimates at the superstore, but I can't say I hate the idea — or the execution.

Their sleek nylon Laptop Sleeve comes in a gorgeous plum (or pale pink) color at a very reasonable $58. Throw in a set of panties, 3 for $30, and you've just killed two birds with one stone, my friend.

Typewriters and Laptops, Living Together in One World

geeksugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:30:04 -0700

Satisfy your love of vintage geek and typewriters without actually having to buy an old typewriter. Sure, they're gorgeous and romantic, but do you really have the space for one? I don't, but I don't have to give up on the dream if I get this Typewriter Laptop Bag ($55)!

Yup, you can combine your love for two eras of tech in one place and one product. Multitasking, that is.

Geek Chic Back-to-School Essentials

geeksugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00:18 -0700

You've probably already been back to school for a few weeks now, but it's never too late to update your wardrobe, and this (of course) includes your gadget wardrobe! What kind of a friend would I be if I let you walk around campus with last year's laptop bag or DS case? Psh. Not a good one, indeed. Check out my slideshow of some of the coolest and essential back-to-school goods. . . and I'm not talking about No. 2 pencils. Source

Jane Marvel's Marvelous Laptop Bags

geeksugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:30:25 -0700

It doesn't matter how many years ago you graduated, for most people, the beginning of Fall will always mean back to school. I always feel the need to buy "school supplies" — new pens and stationery, and of course, a new laptop bag. For those like me or who are actually going back to school, I found my favorite new laptop bags from Jane Marvel.

Marvel's bags are fully padded and packed with pockets for chargers and other gear, fit up to a 17-inch laptop, and best of all, there are a wide variety of linings and exteriors (and they come with a matching mouse pad!). Each fab bag runs just $82, so you'll still have money left over for books!

HP Gets Eco-Friendly With Its Packaging

geeksugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:49 -0700

Last week, PetSugar ordered a camera battery from Amazon, and it came in this unnecessarily over-sized box – waaay too big for the size of its contents. It made me kinda sad to see such a waste of space (and materials) for such a small item. So when I saw HP's packaging idea for its newest laptop at a recent unveiling here in San Francisco, I was relieved that at least someone shares my frustration.

Available at your local Wal-Mart for a cool $900, the HP Pavillion dv692 will be sold in its own laptop bag, reducing packaging waste by 97 percent! You'll find the computer on the shelves right in the bag, complete with safety bubbles to prevent damage. And I gotta say — the bag ain't half bad! It's certainly more stylish than some of the others we've seen here. Would you buy a laptop that comes in its own bag, or are you just too picky about your accessories?

High Way Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:45:08 -0700

You know I'm always in the market for a new laptop bag; anything to alleviate the weight on my shoulders, make my life easier, or you know, just have something new to show off. I'm considering the High Way Laptop Bag in gray (also in black). It's PVC and nylon, and while I appreciate that no cows were harmed so that I could get my computer to and from work, I don't know that anyone, bovine or not, would appreciate that I was doing it with PVC. Especially not PVC that costs $150. Still, there are some redeeming qualities about it, such as the front pocket and long strap. What do you think?

High Way Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Solar Laptop Bag: Are These Things Getting Better, or Worse?

geeksugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:05:24 -0700

It's like I'm playing my own personal waiting game with solar bags; I really want one, but I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars. When I see new ones, like this briefcase-looking Solar Laptop Bag from the MoMA Store, I just sigh. Six hundred dollars but it's still not amazingly fabulous-looking. It's definitely not terrible and has its own perspective, but it's not worth what I see as a large sum.

I get the necessary expense of solar, but I'm a little dumbfounded that design isn't being promoted at least. Oh well, they do appear to be getting less heinous, but still nothing will make me rack up my credit card bill until a solar bag looks close to this!

The World's Ugliest Laptop Bags!

geeksugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:05:13 -0700

You know, we're really lucky to no longer be slaves to standard black messenger laptop bags. These days, we have stylish options, and personally, my biggest problem is that I can't decide between colors and fabrics. But that doesn't mean I don't see a whole lot of ugly. I've compiled my Top Five Ugliest Laptop Bags for your pleasure (er, displeasure?)!

Which is the Ugliest?

geeksugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:28:01 -0700

Which is the Ugliest?

Latico Leather Patchwork Bag

Swirl Urban Laptop Case

Anuschka Laptop Bag

Juicy Couture Velour Laptop Bag

Car Seat Laptop Bag

LeSportsac's Lexie Tech Tote: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:45:40 -0700

I really appreciate LeSportsac's contribution to the gadget-bag world; not only have they partnered with Stella McCartney to bring us laptop and camera bags, but they continue to churn out new pretty patterns for sleeves. Now they bring us the Lexie Tech Tote ($120), which I'm crushing on. The neutral tone is mod rather than boring, and it looks like a single bag that won't break my back when I have a lot of stuff in it, especially since the nylon is a lighter alternative to leather or canvas. But the same things I love about it — the color, the size, the fabric — might be what someone else hates.Tell me: It's a hit for me, but is it a miss for you?

LeSportsac's Lexie Tech Tote: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

You May Already Have an Airport Security-Friendly Laptop Bag!

geeksugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:02:34 -0700

It turns out that you may not have to sacrifice style for convenience after all. After announcing that the TSA would approve certain laptop bags that you wouldn't have to take your computer out of in the airport security line, the first prototypes were underwhelming, and had me thinking I'd just continue to take my laptop out of its bag. But now it seems that's unnecessary, because the TSA has approved a few common laptop styles that you won't have to remove your laptop from!

They are: Butterfly style, trifold style, and sleeve style, and this policy went into effect on Saturday.

The TSA specifically says no to backpack and accordion styles, and of course, gives the stipulation that carrying these styles doesn't guarantee that you won't have to pull your laptop out of its bag. But still, baby steps.

New Laptop Bags at . . . Crate and Barrel?

geeksugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:03:55 -0700

I went into Crate and Barrel the other day to find a tea pot, but to my surprise I found . . . laptop bags?

I usually associate C&B with cozy home stuff, kitchen things, but nothing for my geeky side. The techiest thing I'd seen there till now was a laptop rest (which I repurposed for my sewing machine). These are actual Crate and Barrel laptop bags, too, not just them carrying the LeSportsac brand or anything.

In any case, the soft nylon bags were $20 and pretty cute, if you're thinking about stopping in for a citrus reamer and a new laptop tote!

Needlepoint Laptop Case: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

geeksugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:45:43 -0700

I love that the outside of this Needlepoint Laptop Case looks like an old Apple II monitor and that the seller took care to depict a game of Pitfall! It's like a vintage geek candy coating on your modern equipment inside. Of course, that handiwork comes at $150, but for someone who grew up with an Apple II, it's nothing short of a masterpiece. What do you think of it?

Needlepoint Laptop Case: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

Totally Geeky!

Geek Chic!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Is Your Laptop Killing Your Back? Get Some Relief

geeksugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:59:01 -0700

Last week I read a post on FabSugar about how you shouldn't carry a bag that's more than 10 percent of your body weight and I knew I was in trouble.

Geek girls can't help it — it's the laptops! Since the average weight of a laptop is about 5 pounds, we're usually around halfway to that 10 percent mark — and as women, we've got all our purse essentials in there as well. Add on some luxurious fabric like leather, and BAM! Back-break city.

That's why sometimes it's not even a question of laptop sleeve vs. laptop bag; if you're using a sleeve in a bigger bag, that's going to be heavy. If you're using a laptop bag that holds other things, that's going to be heavy, too. We can't win!

Except, of course, we can. Here are a few tips for your next laptop bag, if you're starting to feel the weight of your world on your shoulders! To see the tips, just

Fancy That: A Neoprene Laptop Bag That Doesn't Say Wetsuit

geeksugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:45:38 -0700

As a lady, and worse, a lady who cares about the design of her computer as much as the design of her clothing, you know how hard it can be to find a nice-looking laptop bag. Sometimes I'll be on a roll, posting a pretty laptop bag almost every day, but I hunt for those suckers! For every gorgeous, slouchy leather laptop bag, like this one by Hayden Harnett, there's scads of ugly, ugly bags.

Generally, it's the fabric that brings the tone down; for some reason, some manufacturers think that our laptops will be the target of bullets, battering rams, and other things the army — and not a girl going to work — needs to worry about.

Neoprene used to be on my list of offensive fabrics, but I have to reconsider this material because of this Rose on Red Laptop Bag ($45). The fabric loses its industrial-ish, masculine edge with a rose stamped into its side, but on the same token, the near-imperceptibility of the image prevents it from screaming "I'm a chick!" Well played, bag people.

Ice Red Laptop Bags: For Business and Pleasure

geeksugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00:56 -0700

Shopping online is so convenient and so much fun, especially when there are websites like Shop It To Me that fully customize your online shopping adventures. But I do love checking out items in person, especially laptop bags, so I can decide whether or not the bag is exactly what I'm looking for. So when these two bags from Ice Red Designs arrived on my doorstep, I instantly outweighed the pros and cons of each. For an all around trendy day-to-night kinda bag, the black vinyl Shine Glossy Laptop Bag can hold laptops up to 17-inches and offers multiple compartments and pockets for your shades, cell, a book and other goodies. It also comes in pink and silver but in my opinion, the black is the most sexiest and sophisticated. It's priced at $70, which is predictable considering it's an all-in-one bag — no need to carry a separate purse with this one!

The red Sirocco Urban Laptop Tote Bag isn't at all what I expected. It's much bigger than it looks on the website, and it kinda reminds me of those padded cooler bags — therefore, not office appropriate. But, if you're in need of a weekend travel bag that's also beach and laptop friendly, this bag is a great option. And with a shock-absorber shoulder strap, it can carry lots of items, without putting a ton of strain on your shoulder. The Sirocco is priced at $70 as well.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Presents the Sloane Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:45:28 -0700

The name Sloane will always be cool, first because of Ferris Bueller's rad girlfriend, secondly because Sloane Square in London is amazing, and now because Marc Jacobs has created a namesake laptop bag. Full disclosure: I am obsessed with every bag Marc Jacobs designs. The leather is always soft and good quality and the details are fantastic, as you can see with the Sloane's metallic trim and trademark logo lining.

At $290, the Sloane is also a bit cheaper than Marc by Marc's regular leather handbags as well, making this a not-terrible investment!

Juicy Couture Laptop Bag: Neither Juicy, Nor Couture: Discuss

geeksugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:21 -0700

Is it a little icy in Hades today? It really makes me wonder because this Juicy Couture laptop bag ($195) is not covered in pink, purple, velor, or suede. I am so used to seeing this or this that I had to do a double take on the brand. It's confusing.

Instead, this bag is vaguely masculine (save for a few pieces of removable flair), and pretty rough and ready — kind of Girl Scout chic.

The black canvas and gold and leather accouterments make this bag a little more industrial than I usually go for, but it looks substantial — and dare I say I like it more than their usual offerings?! I dare. I totally dare.

Leaf Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:45:10 -0700

Go green materially and aesthetically with this Leaf laptop bag! The makers of this bag could have stopped at the recycled microsuede and recycled PET but they continued the green theme to the outside of the bag. The bag's flap is inspired by an unfurled leaf, and though I find it lovely, I don't know how I'd feel about carrying it.What do you think? Should the designers have stopped while they were ahead, or do you love the tree-house look?

Leaf Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Kate Spade's Belle Meade: The Belle of the Laptop Bag Ball

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:45:55 -0700

I tend to go for laptop bags with a little more flair than a simple portfolio, but this Belle Meade laptop bag by Kate Spade is like a shrewd, serious business woman — with a discernible edge of sexiness (think Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary). It's the sumptuous-looking leather that does it for me, and keeps the bag from looking too "professional."

I'm smitten with all the colors (red, black, and brown), and adding to that buttoned-up sexiness I was alluding to is hidden inside: leopard-print lining. Graaaawhr!

Recycled Car Seat Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:45:30 -0700

It's very hard to fault an eco company who's doing right in the world by making products out of green and recycled products. But, it can also be very hard to find a green design that agrees with you.Such is my issue with BeGoodDesign's recycled leather laptop bag. I love the concept — a laptop bag crafted out of the leather pulled from old car seats — but the looks, I'm not so sure I'm into. Maybe it's the checkerboard. What do you think of it?

Recycled Car Seat Laptop Bag: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Belkin's New Fall Lineup of Products!

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:17 -0700

By the time Autumn rolls around, I'm always ready for new colors, fresh designs, and ingenious pieces of new tech. Belkin is already gearing up for the arrival of Fall with colorful new laptop accessories including totes and sleeves as well as fun and functional mice. . . all which are very affordable.
Check out my slideshow to see what else Belkin has in store for us this Fall!

Wool Laptop Handbag: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:30:24 -0700

Gadget artisan? That's what I thought when I found this felted wool laptop handbag from Etsy. Made from one solid piece of "pure ship wool" from a maker in Marrakesh (such fancy heritage!), this unconventional pouch is the most different laptop bag I've seen in a long time. The handmade origins and the seller's suggested crafting enhancement makes this worth every penny of the $60 price. I'm in love. What about you?

Wool Laptop Handbag: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Patent Leather, Patently Accessible

geeksugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:45:14 -0700

Need a laptop bag that's polished and professional, but won't kill your shopping budget? Nine West's patent laptop bag is pretty patent leather and reasonable at $99.

Also available in brown, it has space and pockets galore, and the padded laptop compartment is removable. Should you need this bag to double duty and go to dinner with you, it's all ready.

You can still drool over this, but be happy with yourself because you'll still be able to afford to eat. Nine West starts shipping the bag on Aug. 18, so it'll be with you just in time for your Fall wardrobe!

What Do You Want in a Laptop Bag: Looks or Convenience?

geeksugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:45:51 -0700

Ahhh, philosophy! Today I tackle the question: If it's ugly, will you carry it? Laptop bag manufacturer Skooba has started producing bags, which will be TSA approved and can be carried through airport security so you won't have to remove your laptop from them. Awesome, right? Except, um, they're pretty fug.Here's the thing. I've been schlepping a laptop through airport security for a long time, and I've got it down. Whether it's a sleeve or a separate laptop bag, I can breeze through security because I'm ready to unlock and unload. The point is: If this fabulously convenient no-remove laptop bag stays unattractive, I can leave it. Call me vain, shallow, whatever. You see how I drool over sexy laptop bags here all the time, so why would I suddenly switch because I'm saved a millisecond in the security line? But am I alone? What would you pick, especially in the realm of the security line: Convenience or attractiveness?

What Do You Want in a Laptop Bag: Looks or Convenience?

Convenience

Attractiveness

I need a happy medium of both!

Something else. See my comment below.

I Would So Carry the Carrie

geeksugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:00:59 -0700

JoJo Designs' Carrie Laptop Bag is the kind of summery laptop bag I need; in lightweight canvas, it would be light enough to toss my laptop into, along with sunny day essentials like my sunglasses, water, etc.

Its lightness belies its durability — just check out the cross-section photo of the bag loaded up with computer, books, and everything; of course, in the event that you do overload, they include a handy-dandy optional shoulder-strap.

Yakity Yak! Yak Pak Laptop Bags

geeksugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:13 -0700

I've always loved Yak Pak's prints and bags (stop by their awesome shop on the Haight if you're ever in San Francisco), so when I saw that they offer laptop bags in their coolest prints, I was understandably jazzed!

With twill cotton on the exterior and padded nylon on the interior, I think they're worth the $67. I've owned Yak Pak bags before and have always been pleased. Plus, the style is like a sleeve/bag hybrid, so what's not to love?

I don't always love every print I see, but when they're rad birds, skulls, and other cool patterns, I'm all for it.

Swirl Urban Laptop Case: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:45:06 -0700

If psychedelic prints give you a headache then avert your eyes; here comes Z Attache's Urban Laptop Case in Swirl. I don't really know where to begin with this one — the swirling pattern is making me nauseated despite my usual love of bright and bold colors, and the hard interior looks perilous to my precious computer. Plus the fact that they want you to wear this is a backpack is nearly driving me to drink. Of course, all these things may be what others are looking for in a laptop bag (I'm just not one of them). What do you think?

Swirl Urban Laptop Case: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

I think it's _________. See my comment below.

Billabong's Cheapie Laptop Bag For Summer and Travel!

geeksugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:02:19 -0700

If you're tired of my spendthrift tastes in expensive laptop bags (hey, I don't choose them, they choose me) then I have a nice little treat for you. Billabong's Carry On laptop tote is fun, floral — and under $40!

(We are in a recession, after all.)

I like that Billabong markets this tote as being for travel, as it would be great strolling through the airport with it, but I'd travel right to work with it, too.

And hey, bargain hunting still qualifies as retail therapy!

Luxurious Geek: The Mulberry Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:40:33 -0700

Hello, fine British quality. Renowned leather accessory maker Mulberry has created this gorgeous laptop bag — and for just under $2,000!

I feel like a runaround Sue, falling for this laptop bag, then that laptop bag, and you might think it's exhausting. But it's totally not. What is exhausting is figuring out how I'm going to pay for all this.

Hayden-Harnett: Giving Me a Heart Attack With the Catalina Laptop Bag

geeksugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:35:20 -0700

At the risk of sounding predictable: I need this. Hayden-Harnett is obviously slowly trying to drive me nuts, because first it was the Ibiza bag, and now this, the leather Catalina laptop bag.

It costs a painful $437, but look at it. Sumptuous leather, a crossbody strap (which makes it look chic, not messenger bag-ish), and a slouchy style that announces to the world, "World! I have fabulous laptop bags!"

Embrace Summer and Let One of These Bags Embrace Your Laptop!

geeksugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:05:20 -0700

By now, you should know my school of thought on laptop bags: more, more, more! Even if I don't end up purchasing every laptop bag design that catches my fancy, I can't get enough. It's another level of geek eye candy, and the changing seasons are just another excuse to switch out your laptop tote. Check out my slideshow for the best of the bright, summery laptop bags and sleeves!