Featured Sleeve: Floral Neopryne Sleeve from Moonsus 

I've been using sleeves more and more recently - I think I've had more coffee-shop meetings in the last month than I had all of last year. A sleeve makes it really easy to grab your MacBook and go.

I've been sporting the Floral Neopryne Sleeve from Moonsus that CareerBags.com sent over to try. I've only used one Neopryne sleeve before and that had a tacky conference logo on it.

Not so with the Moonsus sleeve. It's a pretty yet understated design - for when you want to stand out from the crowd, but not too much :)

The Neopryne is weather-resistant - always appreciated in Vancouver. And the dual zipper pulls are sturdy and easy to use as zipper pulls should be.

Moonsus has sleeves for both the MacBook Pro (and other 15" laptops) as well as smaller laptops (14"). They retail for $34 each and you can check them out on CareerBags.com.

SOHO Laptop Sleeve from iSkin 

Cool AND Couture!

I don't know what it is about the SOHO Laptop Sleeve from iSkin. I have long lusted after this sleeve. Perhaps it's the way it combines sexy school-girl chic with suave spy-guy style. Either way - I wanted one. But I kept that desire buried below the surface - along with my dual iPhone and HP Wifi TV lust. Until now!

Somehow, my pining made it across Canada to the good folks at iSkin in Toronto (yay, Canada!!) and they sent me a SOHO Magnum to try. OMG .. even the colour name (Magnum = Red) is sexy.

So, the SOHO Laptop Sleeve is pretty straightforward. Sleek black simulated leather finish (there MUST be a better word than simulated leather .. no, not pleather). Front and side stitching in one of five cool colours; interior plush lining is in the same colour as the stitching. The zipper pull on the sleeve is quite nice - weighted in just the right way for easy opening.

You can keep your MacBook in the SOHO during light use, but not extended use (it traps the heat and will do unpleasant things to your machine). I used it for about 45 minutes or so before I started to hear that "I'm hot" hard-drive whirl. Your mileage may vary.

I love the look of the SOHO. Because it is designed to hold ONLY your MacBook - it is super slim which makes for easy carrying as well as easy slipping into another bag.

The iSkin SOHO laptop sleeve is designed for MacBooks or MacBook Pros, but will fit similar PC sizes - check their website or contact them to make sure before you purchase. It retails for either $49.99 USD or $54.99 USD, depending on the site and is available for purchase on the iSkin website.

Luxe Funk-tional Laptop Sleeve from Melissa Beth Designs 

Even princesses need laptop sleeves.

Now, I don't really fancy myself a princess (Yes, ok, I did wear a tiara at my wedding - but it was just that once. What do you mean do I get it out of my drawer and wear it around the house?! Well, certainly not every DAY, but ... you know, a girl likes to feel special. OK, quit distracting me ... ) but I am reconsidering.

Recently, when I was in Toronto, I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa of Melissa Beth Designs and she gave me one of her new laptop sleeves, from her Luxe Funk-tional Laptop Sleeve line, to review.

The Luxe line is gorgeous! Its outer body is quilted satin brocade in three fantastic rich colours: Apple Green, Magenta and Licorice. The inside lining is a complementary colour in a similar material resulting in a well-padded sleeve. (I have the Apple Green - yummy!) The zipper is colour-coordinated to the outside fabric and very stylish, if not a little delicate.



My MacBook Pro 15 enjoyed a very snug fit inside the Luxe sleeve, so take note of the sizing - if you have one of the laptops that run a little big, you'll need to get the bigger size.

I really love my Luxe sleeve. It's everything a girl could want in a laptop sleeve (so pretty, so snug, so padded); it works really well inside those bags that aren't necessarily made for laptops. One thing to watch, if you pull it in and out of a bag regularly where you have a lot of other contents (e.g. power cords, wallet, cell phone, whatever), you may experience some pilling or fraying on the fabric. That's the nature of brocade - so you may want to save this sleeve for when you're holding court and not slaying dragons!

The Luxe Laptop Sleeve from Melissa Beth Designs retails for $48. Melissa Beth also has a group on Facebook where she posts contests and news items about her line.

Laptop Bag News 

This is a feed from my new Funky, Chic and Cool Laptop Bag News blog. Often, I get updates from designers, notifications of sales, etc that don't merit a full module here, but are still interesting or relevant to you. Let me know what you think in the Guestbook!

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

DIY Blank Canvas Skin from Skooba Designs 

Give your laptop tote that *personal* touch!

I love Fall! The leaves turning bright colours. New clothes. Season premieres on TV. But mainly (and here you will truly understand the depth of my geekiness), I loved the new school supplies. Every fall, before school started, I would visit KMart with excitement and glee .. what cool new notebook or pen or markers would there be this year?! And always, ALWAYS, I got a brand new box of 96 colour crayons. Loved them. The *potential* they embody ... all the great design that will flow forth from those 96 magical sticks.

Fast forward to now. Several years out of school, I no longer get new school supplies each fall. I miss that pure unbridled creativity. But NOW, thanks to Skooba Design (formerly RoadWired), I have a reason to run out and get the fattest, juiciest pack of magic markers. The "DIY Blank Canvas" version of the Skooba Skin.

Now, the Skooba Skin is very cool in its own right from a design and structure perspective. It has this fancy pants, handle-flip design ... "I'm a tote. I'm a sleeve. I'm a tote. I'm a sleeve." ... which is quite cool (you can see the two states in the picture to the right). So it works whether you want to protect the laptop in another bag, or just need a small breezy bag to carry on its own.

I wanted to carry my MacBook Pro around in it for a few days, but the size they sent over didn't fit my MBP 15 (they do have one to fit it, that just wasn't the one they sent .. their sizing goes all the way up to 17" which is good news for a number of you). I poked and prodded the Skooba Skin and I feel I would have been very comfortable putting my laptop in it .. the Skooba Skin is well padded and secure. Note: for those of you in wetter climates or prone to drink spillage, it is *not* waterproof.

The Skooba Skin is quite slim ... you could fit a folder of papers and a thin book or magazine in with your laptop. I could have fit my power brick as well as the MBP, but not much more. So you gear-heads out there, take note!

So aside from this funky, flip handle design, Skooba has taken a fun turn with the materials. The "DIY Blank Canvas" version is just that ... a sleeve made from pristine cream-coloured canvas, just itching for you to add you own personal touch. NOW you can see why I am running out to get me a new set of markers. This Skin is intended for those folks who really want a personalized, unique laptop tote. They've started to feature a few of the designs that customers have sent in on the product page. I've included one of them to the right - a really wicked pink flamingo design.

If you were a doodler in school or have been trying to find a use for that last bag of beads that came with your BeDazzler, then the Skooba Skin might be for you! It retails for $27.95 to $39.95 depending on the size. You can see it on the Skooba Designs site at www.skoobadesign.com.

Chic Sleeves for the 17" Laptop 

Your big screen deserves a sleeve that looks good too!

A number of readers have asked about what funky, chic and cool sleeves are available for their 17" laptops. I've pulled a few out here.

Built NY 17" Laptop Sleeve - Stripe

For those of you who already have a fav bag for your 17"-er, this candy-bright sleeve will give it more protection (and look much classier) than that old t-shirt you have it wrapped in.

Amazon Price: $27.37 (as of 05/11/2008)

Belkin Neoprene Notebook Sleeve for 17-Inch Laptop (F8N049-BR)

Belkin .. standard, reliable sleeve.

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 05/11/2008)

Byo 17" Laptop Sleeve Dots

I really feel that dots never go out of style.

Amazon Price: $29.83 (as of 05/11/2008)

Laurex 17" Neoprene Notebook/Laptop Sleeve Case - Red Blossom

Laurex has some great designs for laptop sleeves!

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

Shock Absorbing Laptop Sleeve 17-inch (Gray)

If you tend to be a little rough with your laptop, this shock-absorber may be the one for you. And it even comes in lots of colours!

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

The Zephyr and Brain Cell Sleeve by Tom Bihn 

Perfect for both a mild-mannered reporter and international super-spy

I'm considering a career as an international spy. I already love martinis and am pretty good at Baccarat. Now I need the right laptop bag. Tom Bihn sent over their Zephyr and it may be just the ticket!

Like Ms. Moneypenny, the Zephyr is sturdy yet beautifully designed. It has everything I need to transport key documents, conceal microchips or protect the spy secrets on my laptop. Made of ballistic nylon, in colours from classic to kicky, the Zephyr boasts top notch hardware and splash proof zippers for those rainy days on a stakeout in Paris or for deploying diversionary coffee-spillage tactics.

Its asymmetrical front flap has 3 outside pockets to hold items I need to access quickly (passport, contacts to beat the retinal scan, etc.) The flap lifts to reveal even more pockets and pouches. The padded interior includes three plastic file dividers to keep my top-secret papers pristine and in their place (essential for double agents who need separate files).

The Zephyr is very well-padded, yet roomy, so you'll likely want a sleeve to ensure your laptop has a secure ride. I also tested the optional Brain Cell sleeve which connects to the Zephyr by an ingenious clip system for extra laptop security. My MacBook Pro 15" give a sigh of bliss as I settled it into the padded confines and sturdy suspension system of the Brain Cell. It also has hooks for a shoulder strap as well as its own handles, so can double as a bag itself; if you need to make a quick escape - just snap it loose from the Zephyr and leave the rest as a decoy as you dodge rival agents in the airport. Watch the snaps on the outside pocket though, they are a little too sturdy for the material and mine are threatening to tear.

Speaking of the airport, the Zephyr also has a handy zip-open "roll-aboard" slot on the back to slip it over the handle of a rolling suitcase. When not it use, it can be zipped and used as another pocket. I found the handles on the Zephyr comfortable to hold and am a big fan of the Absolute Shoulder Strap. Super-comfortable and well-padded, it distributed the weight nicely and didn't cut into my shoulder, leaving my hands free for espionage or super-spy snacks.

As a spy, I need an air of aloof coolness about me; the Zephyr is definitely cool! It retails for $140, the Brain Cell for $50 and the Absolute Shoulder Strap for $25 (all USD).

The Archetype by TOM BIHN 

Tough and Sophisticated Laptop Bags and Sleeves from Seattle

In my ongoing survey of the laptop bag landscape, I haven't found a lot of different options -- from a materials perspective. Ballistic nylon is, of course, a staple. As is faux-leather. There are some interesting uses of oil cloth. And, of course, genuine leather rules the roost. But nothing of late to make me sit up and hold open the door to the FunChiCo Pantheon.

That is until Darcy from TOM BIHN down in Seattle shipped me up a sample of one of the coolest sleeves I have seen in a long time: the Archetype.

What makes the Archetype so cool? The outside of the sleeve is made with real cork fabric. That's right .. the same material that you stopper your Syrah with is enclosing your laptop in style. The outside of this sleeve is really incredible. The cork has a slightly raised texture - very pleasing when you smooth your hand across it. And it is really gorgeous to look at; it reminds me of a hand-fashioned wooden bowl that you might see at a local craft fair - exquisite!

And while ensuring that the outside is super-stylish, TOM BIHN certainly hasn't skimped on the inside of this bag. It is made of closed cell foam (8mm thick!) and lined with soft-brushed tricot which cosseted my MacBook Pro 15". There are some small, thin handles to carry the sleeve which are very comfortable. The Archetype also has fasteners where you can add on a shoulder strap (it doesn't come automatically with the Archetype).

Being in Vancouver, I am always worried about the water-resistence of my laptop bags and sleeves. The Archetype has a YKK Uretech splash-proof zipper. It is really pretty cool how these small rubber flaps fold-over the zipper when you close it. (I can't believe I am waxing rhapsodic about zippers ... but when you live in the rainiest place on earth, they matter!). The zipper extends all the way around the sleeve, so you can set it up and work without having to remove it.

I am really loving the Archetype. I use it as a complement to my backpack (my powerbrick and mouse don't really fit inside) and stand-alone when I take my laptop to meetings. It always provokes comments, questions, and people reaching out to touch it. You can find more pictures and tech specs at TOM BIHN's site. The Archetype retails for $95.00 USD.

A lighter shade of pumpkin ... orange laptop sleeves 

Case-Mate 13" Signature Sleeve MacBook Laptop Cover in Italian Leather over Form-fit Shell, Baha Orange (04525)

Amazon Price: $89.56 (as of 05/11/2008)

Shock Absorbing Laptop Sleeve 13.3-inch (Orange)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

GYMSPacific Poppy Apple iBook Tech Tote 14"

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

Sherpani Laptop Sleeve SM

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

THIN from Pinder Bags 

Who knew perfection came in such a small package?!

I admit it. I used to scoff at laptop sleeves. Why did you need a sleeve when you had a fancy backpack like mine which had a built-in sleeve?

I'm going to tell you why. Because sometimes you move to Vancouver where it is really rainy. And the bag you have was CLEARLY designed in Southern California where it never rains. So if you don't have a sleeve to protect your laptop while it is in your leaky bag, well, you're going to have one short-circuited laptop.

Enter Pinder Bags.

The good folks over at Pinder sent me a sample from their new line of laptop sleeve carriers called THIN. The THIN is designed to be either a sleeve or the entire bag for when you're traveling light.

As a sleeve, I'm a big fan of the THIN. It snuggles my MacBook Pro 15" perfectly. When you slide your laptop in, there are additional padded flaps that protect the top of your laptop and offer added protection in case you turn the sleeve upside down.

As a bag, it's even better. Each side of the THIN has a velcro pocket where the handles can be tucked and could stash something small. There is also a zippered pocket on one side where I kept my power cord. Now, you can't carry a lot in the THIN. The pockets were big enough for my Moleskine notebook, but not a full-size folder (Pinder has a larger bag, the Maverick, which holds full size files).

The THIN has both built in handles as well as a generous, adjustable shoulder strap. The generous bit is important. I'm a big gal and some straps won't fit me. I was able to do a full body-cross with this strap. The bag itself is water-repellent ballistic nylon.

The THIN comes in a variety of sizes; it normally retails for $49 USD, but there is a sale going on for $34. You can buy online or at a few retailers in the US.

Is there anything I don't like about the THIN? Well, I'm not a big fan of their colour palette. Pinder has 8 colours to choose from, but they don't suit my taste. However, I do love the interior - let's see more of that bright robin's-egg blue! But, since I use this primarily as a sleeve, I wasn't too fussed about the colour.

And a final great thing about Pinder, they donate 5% of net revenues to one of 7 charities (listed on their site). You chose which one you want your 5% to go to. It's great when a business gives back. Visit www.PinderBags.com

The StuffitBag 

Cool Clothes for Your Laptop

So we've been a little heavy on the functional (or funksional as my friend and camera-bag maker Carly would say). I've been pining for something bright coloured. Something to make me sit up and say WOW. Something to reaffirm that pink and green and black make one of the most awesome colour combos in the world!

Well Jill over at Stuffit Bag obliged. She sent over one of her Stuffit sleeves ... a heavily quilted envelope for your laptop that protects it when it is stuffed in your backpack or briefcase.

The Stuffit is like a sleeping bag for my Mac Book Pro. It is soft and quilted and sqooshy. My MBP 15 slid right in and promptly took a nap. So soft, so comfy. And the interiors is all black, so your computer baby isn't woken up by the bright happy colours on the outside. Stuffit Bags are available for laptops from 12" to 17".

Now, the Stuffit isn't going to protect your laptop if you drop it .. but when used as intended, it worked like a charm. The outside fabric is sturdy and thick and stood up well to repeated shoving in and out of my bag. The one thing I wish the Stuffit had is some kind of fastener to secure the envelope flap. The flap is designed to tuck into the sleeve, but I'm a little paranoid and would prefer a snap or band or something.

The Stuffit comes in fabulous patterns (mine is the "Bubble Watermelon" shown here) and bright colours - the Citrus Wave is a must for orange lovers! And there are also a couple of black and white patterns for the more subdued among you. A StuffitBag sells for $25 CDN and are all made in Calgary, Alberta. And you can even throw them in the washing machine! Check 'em out at www.stuffitbag.com!

All Timbuk2 laptop sleeves, all the time! 

I love my Timbuk2 Backpack - their sleeves are pretty great, too!

LAPTOP GRIP SLEEVE MEDIUM

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

Timbuk2 Curly-Q Quilted Laptop Sleeve (Black-X-Large)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

Timbuk2 Classic Laptop Sleeve (Moss/Moss/Moss-Large)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

Timbuk2 Classic Laptop Sleeve (Navy/Gray/Navy-Large)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

QUILTED LAPTOP SLEEVE MED

Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)

"Eddie Would Go" sleeve from AppleSac 

So, I'm back on the sleeves. I love my Timbuk2 and my Steve bags, but sometimes you just want to grab your laptop and go. OR you need to stuff it in a non-laptop bag. Enter, the sleeve.

Or, specifically, the "Eddie Would Go" sleeve from AppleSac. AppleSac has about 6 different designs and I love them because the inside is all fleecy. The outside might be burlap or a regular fabric - but the inside is all cosy to just snuggle your laptop. Nice!

The "Eddie Would Go" comes in sizes for 12" to 17" Mac, Power or iBooks. And it retails for about $30 USD.

Blogs about Laptop Bags 

Folks who love laptop bags as much as I do!

Laptop Bag Explorer Blog

Steve Fronek, founder of Rainebrooke Laptop Bags, is blogging about the world of laptop bags. Great to see an expert in this field talking about both his own and his competitor's bags. He features some unusual bags like the Duma laptop bag made from carbon fiber! Would love to see some more "care and feeding" articles from him. Check it out! Fronek also has a Squidoo Lens to complement his blog and company: Laptop Bag Explorer Lens

The Bag Blog

The Bag Blog has info about bags, purses, and pocketbooks among others. Located just outside of Boston, TBB has a couple of posts about laptop bags. Worth a perusal.

The Bag Lady: Laptop Bags

The Bag Lady writes about all things bag-related. She has a great feed on just laptop bags that include some very cute but highly functional bags. Some great fabrics too: quilted bags, metallic bags and tweed bags are all in vogue right now. Check it out!!!

Just Laptop Sleeves 

sometimes a little sleeve is all you need

Laptop Quilted Sleeve Medium

Price: $30.00

High fashion chic meets urban cool. This quilted laptop sleeve makes any laptop computer look like a designer dream machine. Carry it solo as a styl... more »

High fashion chic meets urban cool. This quilted laptop sleeve makes any laptop computer look like a designer dream machine. Carry it solo as a stylish computer clutch, or stow it in either the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag or Cargo Tote.

Laptop Grip Sleeve XL

Price: $60.00

Fully padded laptop case with plush corduroy lining keeping your laptop snug. Padded carrying handles and shoulder strap make travel a breeze

Skooba Skin 1415 (Medium)

Price: $27.96

With a flip of the flap, the Skooba Skin converts from a sleek, padded laptop sleeve to a handled carry bag, or vice-versa. Skooba Skin is designed to... more »

With a flip of the flap, the Skooba Skin converts from a sleek, padded laptop sleeve to a handled carry bag, or vice-versa. Skooba Skin is designed to protect a computer while carried inside another bag or suitcase, or to be used on its own for meetings, classes or other times when the laptop alone is all that needs to be carried.

Urban Med

Price: $189.00

The Attaché is a super stylish and ultra protective laptop case that turns into a street ready backpack without compromising fashion. Our Urban line... more »

The Attaché is a super stylish and ultra protective laptop case that turns into a street ready backpack without compromising fashion. Our Urban line has the appearance of a silky fabric and is one hot urban bag.

Poppy Apple iBook Tech Tote 14"

Price: $36.00

This notebook sleeve does not come with a carrying handle or shoulder strap

GymsPacific Sarong 

High-end neoprene bags for your laptop and other gadgets

And you thought your sarong was just something for your hippy boyfriend to wear at the folk festival. No more. Now, your laptop needs one too. Check out the laptop sarong (aka laptop sleeve) from GymsPacific. Available in both Maui Hibiscus and Bora Bora Hibiscus patterns, these sleeves will keep your laptop nice, cool and refreshed.

GymsPacific Laptop Bags

Just for Designers 

Getting your laptop bag or sleeve listed on my lens ...

It's thanks to you designers that we all look a little cooler lugging our technology around. I want to feature as many bags and sleeves as I can; you can facilitate this process by contacting me using the link at the top of the lens.

There are progressively more complicated steps you can take to get a review. They are as follows:

1. Emailing me! Super-easy - we've made contact and I put you into my queue. Warning: this queue is very long. It helps if you can write something snappy about your bag or sleeve.


2. Once we've made contact, it helps if you pull together and email me a media kit with the sleeve you'd like to have featured. Saves me time in trying to find all the specs and capture the product shots. Great photography is the best. Inside and outside shots, if possible. The more detail you can provide, the easier it is for me to write the review.


3. Sending a review copy of a bag. I put it to the test, either myself or one of my cadre of testers. And I write a review. I don't return review bags or sleeves (unless its like an "art piece" or something :). Please note, it generally takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time I receive the bag to the time a review appears. This allows me time to try out the bag, plus accomodates my work and travel schedule. I love testing and trying bags, but it is not yet my day job :)

My policy: I will give preference in my review queue to a designer who sends a laptop bag or sleeve. I feel that's fair. Why? Well, it's a bigger commitment on the part of the designer and to me that's a reflection of their customer service which, to me, is just as important as the bag. And also, it's easier to review something you can touch. That being said, if you don't want to send a sleeve, it's totally fine. The specs and photos in Step 2 are paramount, then.

Readers: I will always state if I have received a review copy of a laptop bag or sleeve.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them!

Photo Credit: Mrs. Maze

Tell me: Which laptop sleeves are your favourites? 

And let me know what I should be reviewing more of.

Thank you for stopping by! Please leave a note if there are certain sleeves that you would like to see more of. Or, if you just like the lens, I'm happy to hear that too! And if you *really* like the lens, it would be great of you ranked it, dugg it, or favourited me. Thanks again for checking it out!Also, you can check out my Laptop Bag Lens FAQ where I answer some standard questions people ask me about traffic, income, how to get to #1, etc.!

mindyclarke This is very exciting lens here, I lover your lens and your laptop sleeve information is mind blowing, I will forward your lens to my friends. I have created one great lens that focuses on home theater systems. Posted May 08, 2008

Minary Which one suitable to my MacBook Pro.I would prefer the black one I would like to afford it ><. I would like you to summit u to submit your len to my catalouge , if you're not mind :) My Web Directories Posted March 16, 2008

cr4zyguy Nice lens! We have some laptop sleeves over here too at http://snupped.com Posted February 27, 2008

maxy Hi Kate. Colourful lens, 5* from me! Hope you visit my phone card lens! Posted February 13, 2008

thomasz Cool lens. Interesting info. Posted February 13, 2008

mynameiskate Hi, Steve! Thanks for your comment - I think it will work out better too; sleeves are really becoming more popular and coming into their own. Posted January 31, 2008

Rainebrooke Another great lens Kate...good idea breaking off the sleeves into their own lens. Posted January 27, 2008

Index of Laptop Sleeve Reviews and Modules 

• Featured Sleeve: Floral Neopryne Sleeve from Moonsus
• SOHO Laptop Sleeve from iSkin
• Luxe Funk-tional Laptop Sleeve from Melissa Beth Designs
• Laptop Bag News
• DIY Blank Canvas Skin from Skooba Designs
• Chic Sleeves for the 17" Laptop
• The Zephyr and Brain Cell Sleeve by Tom Bihn
• The Archetype by TOM BIHN
• A lighter shade of pumpkin ... orange laptop sleeves
• THIN from Pinder Bags
• The StuffitBag
• All Timbuk2 laptop sleeves, all the time!
• "Eddie Would Go" sleeve from AppleSac
• Blogs about Laptop Bags
• Just Laptop Sleeves
• GymsPacific Sarong
• Just for Designers
• Tell me: Which laptop sleeves are your favourites?