Laptop Bags: Spring Fashion Lineup

Available in 15- and17-inch sizes, the Hipslip, from the Southern California-based Shootsac, brands itself as a "laptop sleeve with 'benefits'." Though scarcely larger than a laptop sleeve, this slim laptop case comes with extra pockets, a removable shoulder strap, and interchangeable fabric covers.

The $99 Hipslip has two expandable exterior pockets that can accommodate a power cord, a mouse, and other peripherals--and they lie conveniently flat against the outside of the bag when not in use. The removable strap snaps on with sturdy buckles and the interchangeable fabric covers (sold separately for $35 each) attach via Velcro strips. Neoprene padding protects the bag's contents.

Who knew Space Invaders could be haute couture? This Macbook case (dubbed "Velvet Invadors") from Velvet Idole features a black leather exterior and a vibrant, turquoise Space Invader-patterned interior. The case is padded to protect your laptop and has two zippers.

You can find the Velvet Invadors laptop case for around $100. Velvet Idole sells it in various sizes to suit different models: Macbook 13-inch; Macbook Pro 15-inch; Powerbook 12-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch; and iBook 12-inch and 14-inch.

Here's one for the guys--the Expand-It Laptop Messenger bag by BBP Bags. The narrowest dimension of the appropriately named Expand-It can stretch from a svelte 3 inches to a roomier 7 inches.

The lightweight bag, priced at around $85, includes a removable, padded laptop sleeve that matches the bag's outer design (none of that cheating and offering you a lame, plain black sleeve), loads of pockets, and a lifetime warranty. There are two sizes--small (for 13-inch laptops) and medium (for 15-inch laptops)--and two color patterns: black pinstripe and red plaid.

The Juicy Couture Ombre-Logo laptop case comes in two eye-catching color schemes: "vivid" (bright fuchsia with gold hardware), and "black" (black with silvertone hardware). With either color combination, the "Juicy" logo appears emblazoned across the front in ombré stitching. The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap, top handles, a double-zip top, and a front zip pocket. Its dimensions are14 inches across by 11.5 inches tall by 2 inches thick.

You can snag the Juicy Couture Ombre-Logo Laptop Case for $128. If you're looking for something even girlier (like, say, with a bow, rhinestones, and some dangly charms), check out Juicy Couture's $158 "Daydreamer" Velour Laptop Sleeve.

Get your gaming on in style with this durable Razer Starcraft II Zerg messenger bag. The bag features a heavy-duty, tear-resistant, thoroughly weather-proof 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell, and a water-resistant inner lining. The bag contains multiple inner compartments and a special, padded inner sanctum with Velcro fasteners for your laptop. The design features Blizzard Entertainment's Zerg logo and Sarah Kerrigan with (what looks like) a mutalisk.

The bag measures 22.8 inches by 14.6 inches by 3.3 inches, so it's roomy enough to handle pretty much any laptop plus assorted gaming gear. When the bag reaches the market, you'll be able to buy it at Razerzone.

Do you rule the arcade and want everyone to know it? Then you need this Pacman Messenger Bag by 16Bit on Etsy. The bag is furnished with a zippered inside pocket, an outside cell phone pocket, a drink holder, and a clear card holder. Composed of 600D polyester, it measures 14 inches by 11.5 inches by 4 inches.

You can scope out the Pacman Messenger Bag, as well as some other cool retro gaming-themed bags (think Nintendo Controller, Asteroids, and Tetris), at Etsy; each goes for $45 plus $10 shipping (to addresses in the United States or Canada).

Did you drop a bundle on an awesome new laptop skin, only to have that beautiful work of art obscured by an opaque bag or sleeve? Well, now you can display the skin wherever you go, bu slipping it into a clear laptop sleeve by Altego.

The neoprene-padded sleeve uses Air Cushion technology and has a transparent front panel. And because it's transparent, it's checkpoint-friendly, so you may be able to breeze through airport security without removing your laptop from the sleeve. The 14.9-inch-by-10.2-inch-by-1.6-inch carrier fits laptops with diagonal sizes of up to 15.6 inches.

You can find the Altego Clear Laptop Sleeve in black at Amazon.com (it also comes in gray), for $30. And if you need some skins now that you have a way to show them off, try GelaSkins.

If you're not the messenger-bag type, check out this sleek, form-fitting backpack by Built NY. The $80 Laptop Backpack is made of lightweight neoprene and sports a breathable mesh back panel (in case you're doing something strenuous, like riding a bike). Additional accoutrements include two zippered compartments for peripherals. The backpack is designed to fit your body so well, its makers say, that you can wear it underneath a coat. The exterior is water- and stain-resistant.

The backpack comes in two sizes--medium and large (correlating to men's medium and large shirt sizes)--and it can hold a 12- to 16-inch laptop.

This leather laptop bag makes a perfect addition to anyone's outfit. It offers a protected laptop compartment, a number of organizing features, and outside pockets for easy access.

A strap on the back lets you secure the bag on a rolling luggage handle, and a side slot accommodates an MP3 player or cell phone. There's even a side compartment designed to hold a small water bottle. The Barcelona comes in medium and large sizes, for holding 15-inch and 17-inch laptops, respectively.

The Barcelona Bag is available in black with an orange or platinum stripe at Zegari for $325 ($260 for a discounted version).

You may also be interested in these stories:

• Fashionable Laptop Bags Let You Geek Out in Style

• Road Test: Checkpoint-Friendly Bags

• Essential (and Cool) Laptop Gear