Timbuk2 Commute and Laptop Zip Sleeve, Targus Jackie Leather Tote

A colleague recently bought a new laptop, stuck it in her old briefcase, forgot about the PC and plunked the bag on the floor at a trade show. The pre-notebook briefcase offered no padding and the laptop was damaged.

So equip your expensive tech with protection. For a street-cool look check out the messenger-style Commute (US$100, top left), which offers a padded laptop compartment, a rubberized bottom pad and an exterior water bottle pocket. Slightly more upscale is the Zip Sleeve (starts at US$50, lower left), which is smaller and sleeker and fits into a boardroom a little better, but still protects your computer.

All the way up the upscale is the new Jackie, a notebook bag that looks like a handbag. It retails for $199.99, and no one will know you’re carrying a notebook.