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Kelly's Klicks: Cool Laptop Bags for Him

Click here now to see our NEW Fall 2006 Fabulous Laptop Bags + Accessories Guide! (The article below was originally published in 2005.)

Q. I absolutely loved your column on Geek-Chic Laptop Bags a few weeks ago and found a great bag for myself! I'm wondering if you can tell me where I can find a great bag for my husband? It's his birthday in a few weeks and I'd love to surprise him with a cool, new bag. Thanks!

A. Absolutely. But be forewarned: There aren't many "fun" and colorful bags out there that still manage to look masculine. But, you can find cool sporty ones, sleek and stylish designer ones, and just plain practical ones. So depending on your husband's taste and lifestyle, the following sites should lead you in the right direction.

Start your search at ebags.com, where you'll get a good feel for what's out there in manland. ebags.com is basically the amazon.com of the bag world. You can search by tons of brands, or by different features such as leather, fabric, attaché, sleeve, etc. But the best part is the consumer product reviews, so you can really get a feel for what you're buying. They also have a generous hassle-free return policy, where you have 30 days to send a bag back, and they pay for the return shipping. So in case your taste doesn't quite mesh with your husband's, it's not a problem as you can ship it right back for free.

On to the bags! Traditional business types might dig the Leather Expandable Computer-Friendly Attaché by U.S. Luggage New York ($35.99). With a traditional briefcase profile, the advantages of this bag are that it has a cell phone pocket, PDA pocket, business/credit card holders, pen loops, a two-tier fan file holder with adjustable Velcro closure, an adjustable/removable shoulder strap with non-slip ergonomic shoulder pad, and a removable padded computer pocket with disk pockets -- not to mention it's expandable, allowing for an additional inch of storage. So for the guy that needs to run to meetings with his files, phone, and laptop, and he's in a traditional business setting, this is quite the deal.

Also a great value at ebags.com is the Samsonite L35 Notebook Case in black ($33.99). With strong zips and chrome links throughout, it's thin yet durable and comes with a 3-year warranty. For on-the-road and frequent-flyer types and guys who walk or take the train to work, consider a bag on removable wheels, such as the C-Drive Mobile Office ($89.99). Available in black with orange, blue, green, or charcoal accents and linings, this bag goes the distance for guys who literally go the distance. A big plus is that it has a bunch of removable compartments, so it's flexible depending on the user's needs. It also fits under an airline seat as well as in the overhead compartment -- a must for business travelers. Guys who can use a little color in their lives, however, and work in more creative environments, or who are still in school, might like the TechWeave II in green apple or pomegranate ($22.49).

The things to keep in mind when shopping for a bag are the amount of protection the laptop will need (will it be banged around a lot?), the weight of the bag (if he's commuting every day, any added weight can be a pain), the amount of storage, and the style. Also, it's super important to keep in mind where he'll be using it. You might think it's great to get him a neon green bag, but if he's an exec, that might not go over well at his company. Sometimes, as boring as it sounds, it's best, or most appropriate, to just blend in. Sigh… Another thing to keep in mind is that you don't necessarily have to choose a "laptop bag" per se. If you find a messenger bag, or any kind of bag for that matter, that you think he'll like, you can always buy a laptop sleeve, which is a protective small case that goes around the laptop. And as long as the bag has room for the computer and the necessary cords and attachments, you can use the bag as a laptop bag.

For example, tombihn.com's Empire Builder Briefcase ($130) is a great bag, and can be used as a laptop bag when you purchase the removable Brain Cell, a.k.a. laptop sleeve ($50).

Creative and sporty spirits will enjoy the Swiss site freitag.ch, where you'll find unique bags fashioned out of used truck tarps. You can even build your own custom bag ($115-$169)!

Designer guys should check out kennethcole.com's Cole Port-Er bag ($125). Linen-embossed full-grain leather in black with front and rear pockets and a removable shoulder strap, this bag is sleek and masculine. At coach.com, check out the Tyler Brief in black or brown ($498). Lots of room, lots of style, lots of money.

Count on tumi.com for well-constructed cases that are insured to last a lifetime. Choose from laptop backpacks to briefcases to bags on wheels and more ($175-$875).

Ashford.com offers up supreme style and affordability with its McKlein Leather Computer Case in brown ($119). And the McKlein Black Nylon Detachable Computer Case ($129) is great for frequent flyers due to its patented removable wheel base that allows you to carry it as a rolling suitcase or on your shoulder.

Last but certainly not least, San Francisco's sfbags.com features expertly designed bags with a sporty flair, as well as all the accessories cases you'd ever need. Guys who have a deep respect for function will flip for these bags.

Best of luck -- let us know what you choose!

Got questions? We've got you covered! Send them to kelly@bussbuss.com and we'll hook you up. You can also catch Kelly's Klicks each week in Pink magazine.



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