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Luxe For Less: Laptop Bags

Lauren Sherman

 
 
 
Geek-chic may be a hot trend on the runway. But in real life, do techy travelers care if their computer bag looks luxe? You bet your hard drive they do.

Kirsten Osolind, 39, founder and CEO of Chicago PR and marketing firm Re:Invention, uses a casual bag by Coach  for everyday travel. But for important meetings and when she wants to make a “powerful” impression, she whips out her Louis Vuitton Odessa laptop bag (above left).

Made of black Taïga textured leather and lined in black canvas, this 14 ½” x 12” computer case has a leather handle, a removable leather shoulder strap, plus a removable zipped pouch able to hold any stray cords. There are also pockets for your files, pens and any other important meeting materials.

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"My LV was a gift from an esteemed business mentor,” Osolind explains. “It's tastefully distinctive."

 
If you want a sharp case for less, take heart: For well under the cost of a new Apple iBook, you can find snazzy laptop bags from a variety of luggage manufacturers.

Cheap Chic
Label-conscious carriers will gravitate toward the Tech Field Bag from prepster brand Jack Spade ($185). The nylon/canvas bag is available in brown or navy, with orange accents. It’s six inches deep, so it has plenty of room for your laptop as well as extra papers, pens and pencils and smaller gear including a cellphone and MP3 player.

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Prefer leather? With a padded honeycomb frame to keep your notebook safe and secure, Samsonite's leather notebook case ($170) contains an accordion file holder, two large interior mesh pockets for accessories and a strap that slides over luggage handles, making transportation a snap. The piece features a flush metal closure that distinguishes it from everyday black sacks.

Another option for leather lovers is Coach's Logan bag, made with weather-resistant glove tanned leather and designed to hold everything from a laptop to business cards. The extra-long strap--52.5"-- makes it easy to wear across the body. Price: $448.

Now there's no excuse for looking geeky while on the go.