Laptop case makers are going through a massive re-evaluation of what they should deliver. Their designs are moving away from the staid, standard and frankly cheap-looking nylon cases that would scream “mug me!” if they weren’t so unattractive. You could perhaps call it the Apple Effect – as laptops aspire to a new level of style, so bag manufacturers have started offering more palatable designs. And ones that don’t necessarily shout “laptop”, either.

Another reason is that as notebooks have become must-have, carry-anywhere, everyday items, so the boundaries between regular bags and laptop ones are becoming blurred. A regular-looking satchel suddenly sports a laptop pocket, for example, or slimline shell cases come to the fore that are designed to be chucked inside your everyday bag. Meanwhile the executive-style nylon and leatherette numbers will soldier on, but their ranks will be limited to business types and we won’t have to put up with them any longer. It’s all to be expected, really, and it’s about time. Here’s a sample of the old and new guards.

Crumpler Breakfast Buffet

RRP: $120
Site: www.crumpler.co.nz�
Fits: 12-inch laptop

Pros: Students will like this messenger-style bag, and they won’t be the only ones. This particular design (and Crumpler has a huge range) fits a 12-inch laptop with space for a charger, documents/magazines, mobile phone and a few other items. It’s super-durable with good protection for your machine, which gets a padded pocket with a Velcro fastener alongside another pocket of similar dimensions for paperwork, etc. There’s another pocket on the front for smaller items like your keys and phone, and a mesh one in the cover flap. In all, it’s a simple, stylish and protective design, and one that belies the crazy minds that spawned it. For a glimpse into the world of those crazy minds, check out the Web site; it’s really something else.

Cons: We can’t think of any really, beyond the fact that it probably wouldn’t do for suited and booted Dell owners.

Verdict: You’ll be seeing more of these around. Our favourite.

Case Logic KNC2

RRP: $100
Site: www.caselogic.com
Fits: 15-inch laptop

Pros: The tag on this case says, “It’s your expression. Own it.” If you’re trying to look smart in a businessy way but you don’t have money to burn, then this could be for you. The leather almost looks real and the bag is of a sturdy and practical construction that offers good protection and plenty of pockets for documents, peripherals and CDs. It also has one nice touch for the executive in a rush: while the Velcro-sealed front flap gives easy access to many the pockets, there is a central smaller flap set inside it which provides easy access to the storage point for a PDA or phone.

Cons: This is optimised for a 15-inch notebook and there is only one strap inside for securing smaller-sized laptops. A moveable divider separates the laptop from the charger compartment, but it looks like it might throw its moorings if jogged.

Verdict: It’s not super-stylish, but this is a practical case that will look after your notebook and papers.

Axio Fuse Backpack Case

RRP: $199
Site: www.techniq.co.nz
Fits: Up to 15-inch. Small laptops require a sleeve.

Pros: This is a medium-sized, rigid-shell backpack covered in black polyester that’s designed for computer-toting cyclists and motorcyclists. The pack is stylish but pretty featureless from the outside, beyond its ergonomically shaped breathable back and shoulder straps. But unzip it and it opens up like a flower, revealing a bright interior and three large storage pockets on one side and a document organiser, pen holders and CD holders on the other. The padded laptop pocket is behind the document organiser, under its own zipper. Undo this and it folds out into the middle. This is a sturdy and well-designed backpack that will leave you feeling very organised.

Cons: It’s water-resistant and likely to withstand light showers. But for total security, especially riding at speed and over longer distances, you’ll need to buy an additional waterproof cover.

Verdict: Ride on.

WAS Laptop Case

RRP: $200
Site: www.wasnewzealand.co.nz 
Fits: 15 or 17-inch laptops

Pros: WAS New Zealand bags have a clue in their name as to what they’re about, inasmuch as they used to be something else – namely billboards made with durable vinyl. The bags are cut from the more interesting sections, those with patterns or detail, and each is unique. A Velcro seal adjusts to whatever amount of stuff you want to chuck in them, and they have seatbelt-material straps and trim that is unlikely to ever die. They have two main compartments – a large document pocket with extra pockets for a pen, notepad and mobile phone, and the pocket for your laptop, which first goes into a protective U-shaped foam sleeve. It doubles as a satchel with the sleeve removed.

Cons: The U-shaped sleeve has no side protection for your laptop, and while the outer shell has some side padding in the form of seatbelt-material trim, a heavy knock could spell trouble.

Verdict: Set to become a classic.

Belkin F8E935-OFW

RRP: $100
Site: www.belkin.com
Fits: 15-inch laptop

Pros: This bag has a top-loading configuration and a fold-over enclosure, which means putting your laptop into it is easy when it’s slung over your shoulder. When the front flap is lifted a front storage area is revealed, which opens up concertina-style to expose a multitude of pockets for pens, peripherals and documents. This case styles itself as a ‘mobility bundle’, including a four-socket USB hub and mini-scroll mouse. It offers good protection and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons: While this may last a lifetime, the dubious styling means that you’re unlikely to be using this in a couple of years. The configuration is okay, but the shiny vinyl and faux-tile trim are not. Nor are the cheap plastic zippers and the heavy rubberised carry strap. It even smells unpleasant. A cynical person might think that the mouse and USB hub are intended to distract one from these facts.

Verdict: If shiny suits are you, it might suit you, sir.

Crumpler School Hymn

RRP: $80
Site: www.crumpler.co.nz
Fits: 15 or 17-inch laptops.

Pros: This semi-rigid, snug-fitting shell combines a laptop sleeve’s simplicity with a carry-case’s weatherproofing and shock protection. It doesn’t bend much, even when empty. It features a thick zip with protective inner zip guard, and a soft fluff-free lining that will keep your laptop scratch-free. It has no extra pockets, no carry handle and no internal straps to secure your laptop; the idea is that you buy the right-sized case for your machine. You can then carry it as is, or inside another bag. You can also work inside this case – simply open it, open your laptop, and the lid of the former will be held open by that of the latter. It comes in various colours, black being sober enough for most.

Cons: There’s nowhere to carry your charger or phone, except in the other bag you’ll be putting this one in.

Verdict: Think of this as a tough skin for your computer, as per iPod skins.