Best laptop bags, backpacks and cases in 2012

No matter who you are, what toys, tools or technology you have, where you are, or where you are going, you must have a partner in managing the things that matter to you: the laptop. Here are some of the best laptop cases...

Slim, compact case is compatible with laptops with up to a 16 screen

High-volume front compartment provides ample storage for power cords and other business or personal essentials

Protective organization pockets in front compartment conveniently store valuable electronics

Carrying options include shoulder strap or top handles

The Case Logic VN line was designed for mobile minimalists who carry their technology with them from home to the office, on a business trip or to the local coffee shop.

The streamlined styling and smartly placed features carry daily essentials while maintaining a compact profile.

Luggage strap on the back panel slips over the telescoping handle of most rolling luggage. Add comfort to your journey with the padded shoulder strap and carry handles. Adjustable shoulder strap is attached to the case with reinforced stitching and heavy-gauge webbing capable of withstanding heavy loads.



This 16" attache provides full functionality and practical organization for power cords, portable mouse and other accessories while maintaining a slim profile. The no-nonsense design and optimized storage gives this attache more value dollar-for-dollar than traditional laptop cases.

High-quality materials are used throughout this exceptionally crafted attache, which is backed by a 25 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

It has plenty of pockets and places for gadgets and papers and things.

Capacity padded sleeve protects laptops with up to 16 screens.

Organization front storage section includes business card holder, pen loops, accessory pockets and key clip; also features a divided, expandable file section.



Easy transport luggage strap for easy attachment to rolling travel cases.

Material constructed from durable black gray nylon.

User review: I was extremely pleased with this case when I received it. It was exactly what I was looking for. It is not too bulky but has great padding around the laptop. My 16" fits perfect yet is still easy to insert and take out of the bag. It has room for files or other materials and has a large pocket for pens, discs etc. Seems to be well made and is very light. Perfect for what I needed.

The following backpacks are the most beautiful and most healthy! :) Just kidding ... but not entirely. These great backpacks have a super quality, are resistant to shock and they are very good to protect your laptop and DSLR camera.

This stylish backpack includes a mobile phone pocket, a computer compartment, an airflow back system, shoulder straps, a water bottle pocket, audio interface organizer pockets for business accessories, and a sunglasses holder.

- Padded Shoulder Strap
- Water Bottle Pocket
- Organizer, Audio Pocket
- Computer Sleeve

User review: I got this backpack few weeks ago and its pretty good so far. Anyways, I'm just going to put the bad and the good about this backpack. The material looks and feels very sturdy and there's a lot more room then I thought there was: FYI the laptop area fits my 15.4" laptop.

There is another compartment, the middle one, which can fit about 3 folder sized items, and yet another deep compartment in the front with nice zipper/pocket areas.

Also, note the adjustable straps you see in the picture on each side of the bag; they are extremely useful because when you don't have this bag stuffed with things just tighten it up and it appears to be a smaller bag.

The Targus Groove Notebook Backpack is the affordable backpack for your notebook and all of your gear. The padded sleeve protects notebooks with screens up to 15.4".

The front section provides generous storage for CDs, pens, a key clip, mobile phone pocket and a port hole for headphones.

In addition, there is an extra pocket for files or accessories and even a side pocket for your water bottle.

All these features are designed into a durable nylon case with a PVC bottom for protection against water and wear making this the backpack to own.

User review: So, I came across this backpack after a thorough search for something compatible. The Targus Groove Backpack met all of my criteria!

Please note, I have not had it long enough to comment on durability but it is made very well (thick, tight stitching, smooth zippering, reinforced bottom, etc). It is a BIG book bag but it makes up for that in the modestly coordinated black nylon with gray logos and its non-bulky exterior.

Additionally, the laptop pocket fits my 15.4" Dell laptop perfectly and it still has breathing room for thickness and height with a small Velcro strap to go over the top exposed portion of the laptop.

- At checkpoint, unfolds to flat position keeping above and below the laptop sections clear.

- Adjustable padded laptop straps inside to fit different size laptops.

- Open Viewing Compartment: Unique quick recognition window design accommodates most 17" laptops.

- Airflow Back System: Multi-panel airflow design provides extra padding for comfort and maximum back support.

- Organizer Pocket: Interior organizer provides divider pockets for pens, pencils, cell phone and CD's.

User review: This bag is perfect for 17.4" laptops. Actually it reduces weight on your shoulder due it's air-flow technology. This bag is big enough to put college books or business documents. I also keep cooling hub and external hard drive in it. This is perfect for great deal.

This Backpack isn't only good for school, but for traveling. I have just recently went out of the country and I had a laptop, so it was pretty convenient to just open the bag instead of taking the laptop out.

You paid hard earned money for your laptop and now that you got it, you have access to unlimited information. Now you just have to protect this wonderful notebook that can change your life.

The Commute 2.0 combines the functionality of a laptop bag, the organization of a briefcase, and the versatility of a classic shoulder bag.

The Commute 2.0 offers plenty of storage space, with a large main compartment; a plush, corduroy-lined computer compartment; and an internal organizer panel.

The clever laptop compartment also unzips to lie flat, so you don't have to remove your laptop at airport security (the compartment is TSA compliant for maximum convenience).

The Commute 2.0 even excels in nasty weather, with a waterproof TPU front flap to keep your stuff dry in a drizzle and a waterproof Hypalon rubberized bottom. Plus, the key fob is still there, so you'll never need to dig for your keys.

Other details include a grab handle for easy lifting, a luggage pass-through for your wheelie companion, and a detachable shoulder strap.

User review: I've only had the bag for two months, but it has held up perfectly thus far and I envision it still going strong for many years to come. After two months of daily use, it basically still looks and feels like new.

The seamwork, fabric, zippers, and design are all of very high quality, and you can tell just by holding it that the bag was built to last. It might begin to fall apart if you are extremely rough with it or if you are a professional bike courier, but for the average person it'll probably last at least a decade.

Keep your belongings, and yourself, stylishly organized with Kenneth Cole's lovely messenger bag. Contrast stitching accents its rich leather body, while a short handle and long, adjustable strap keep your carrying options open.

The flap closure opens up to reveal a roomy main compartment, complete with a full-length zipper pocket for your smaller necessities. Front gusseted pockets include a cell phone pocket to keep it handy and within reach.

User review: This is a beautiful bag, as is true with most Kenneth Cole products. It wears very comfortably over my shoulder and stays out of the way as I walk. The look is absolutely awesome. But I was shocked at the small size of the bag. There are some small inside pockets, but the pockets aren't always enough. Considering all of the electronics and accessories that we carry today, this bag may not offer all of the space you require. If you're traveling light, though, this is the bag for you.

With a design sensibility that's unapologetically function - over - form, the Command's rugged oxford nylon and anodized hardware make it Timbuk2's most sophisticated bag. Paired with a TSA compliant laptop sleeve with studded liner technology, and you're guaranteed to fly in style every time.

- Durable oxford nylon fabric feels smooth and has subtle sheen; waterproof TPU liner
- Luggage pass-through for wheeled luggage
- Anodized aluminum hardware for sophisticated look and quiet entry and exit
- Improved, TSA compliant external laptop compartment unzips and lays flat to clear security without removing your laptop
- Laptop liner is studded for intense laptop protection

User review: I have used four different Timbuk2 messenger bags up to this date, including the Commute 2.0, and this one is by far my favorite one. The "Napoleon" pocket and the bottom compartment make it very handy when rushing to catch your next flight and having to keep your passport in a secure, zippered, compartment that you can access without opening the bag or even looking at it. It has become second nature to me to simply store my car keys and get my badge from this same pocket every morning as soon as I arrive at the office.