Funchico.com - Funky, Chic & Cool Laptop Bag News

Altego Clear Laptop Sleeve - a "eureka" moment in laptop protection

This is one of those "I can't believe I didn't think of it" moments. A clear laptop sleeve so you can show off that cool GelaSkin you have on your laptop.

I know, "Duh!" right?

Check out my review of the Altego Clear Laptop Sleeve.

Loving the elegant Lady Lindy laptop tote from Bobarra

The Lady Lindy from Bobarra is one of the most elegant bags I've seen in a long time: really simple lines, but with a touch of flair via the scalloped trim. Plus, it's checkpoint-friendly. Can't get better than that!

I've been watching The Tudors series on CBC. Up here in Canada, the season just finished and I've been wondering how I might start working more brocade, puffy sleeves, jeweled head pieces and snoods into my wardrobe. Luckily, I have found the perfect bag that Catherine of Aragon or perhaps her daughter, Mary would carry. Elegant and stylish without being over the top - a bag fit for a queen. I'm referring to the Lady Lindy laptop bag from Bobarra. Andrea from Bobarra was kind enough to send over one for review.

When I first unpacked the Lady Lindy, I was struck by two things. One - the unusual fabric pattern. When carrying it, I've had a number of people say "Great pattern - what is that, fleur de lis?" Then they look closer. "It's frogs! Frogs!?". Yes, frogs. I have the "Charlotte" pattern (named after the delightful southern city in North Carolina; Bobarra also has several other more traditional fabric patterns if you're not a ranidaphile). From a distance, it looks like an elegant, slightly Tudoresque fabric - but up close, whimsical frogs. Very clever! The second visual aspect of the bag that really stands out are the scalloped top edges. I've never seen this is a laptop bag before and to me, it really takes the finishing to a whole new level. Again, sophisticated with a touch of whimsy.

Check out my full review of the Lady Lindy from Bobarra.

A Field Guide to Laptop Bags for Journalists

Earlier this summer, I was contacted by Benét Wilson - the Online Managing Editor for Business Aviation (and on Twitter as @AvWeekBenet). Last year Benét interviewed me about check-point friendly laptop bags for her column "Towers and Tarmac". This year, Benét moderated a panel on "Becoming a Multimedia Journalist" at the annual conference of The National Association of Black Journalists. She asked me if I would send her some thoughts on what laptop bags would be good for journalists.

The following piece is what I came up with.

Journalists are a varied species – and the tools of the trade they carry are just as varied.  So when Benét asked me to put together some recommendations for bags for journalists, I got a little concerned.  But after some field research, I’ve been able to identify four sub-species of journalists and the bags that would be appropriate for each.

First up, Journalist Maximus, or the “I carry everything with me at all times” journalist. These folks were likely Boy (or Girl) Scouts and want to always be prepared – so they bring all their reporting tools with them.  And the best bags for these folks: backpacks.  Now, the type of backpack bag best for Journalist Maximus depends upon species variation:

Some JM’s are a little clumsy and need to protect their most sacred of tools – the laptop.  But they also want plenty of room for their other gear plus easy access to recorders, notebooks, granola bars, etc.  For the JM whose laptop is primary and perhaps prone to bashing themselves and their bags around, I recommend the Smart Alec backpack and Brain Cell from Tom Bihn.  I have fallen over backwards while wearing my Tom Bihn with Brain Cell, landed square on my Macbook Pro, and it emerged totally unscathed.

Say you’re the type of Journalist Maximus for whom the camera is the thing.  And your backup camera.  And your backup backup camera.  Plus tripod.  And some other gear that you like to have with you “just in case”. And that laptop you have to carry so you can file the story.  Well, the Aura Backpack from Slappa is a good choice. Slappa has a long history of making awesome bags for the toughest of gearheads – DJ’s.  They’ve now translated that expertise into bags that are perfect for camera-ladden journos on the go.  They’ve included lots of padded pockets for cameras and lenses as well as straps for tying on tripods and other misc gear.  Plus you can slide a laptop in.

Finally, there are some Journalist Maximus (Maximi?!) who are, well, a little girly – and don’t want to carry around a big, bad backpack.  These ladies are possibly a little in denial about how much they carry.  Luckily, they have a hero in Melissa Beth Designs.  Melissa Beth has created a startlingly roomy backpack, called the Piggy Back, for a laptop and other gear that has a very slim silhouette and sits well on a smaller frame that often comes with this variation of the JM sub-species.

 

Element Briefcase from Mobile Edge (Guest Review)

I just posted a review of the ScanFast Element Briefcase from Mobile Edge over on my Squidoo lens.  Coincidentally, I just received this review of its predecessor, the Element Briefcase, from creative colleage Lisa Penz of White Raven Creative.  The original Element is still being sold by Mobile Edge (though not in the pink), but the ScanFast is the newer model.  Lisa's comments pertain to both models, I think.  Enjoy!

I recently retired my laptop backpack for an over the shoulder Mobile Edge laptop bag. As the creative director for my agency White Raven Creative, I have a very hectic schedule which demands me to be in various places in a short time span while wearing many different hats so to speak. I soon realized that my backpack wasn’t working for me and I was in dire need of a multipurpose laptop bag to support my ultra busy lifestyle of work and social engagements.

I determined that my main criteria in finding a new laptop bag was both functionality and versatility. It was also critical for me that my bag be easily transportable while maintaining aesthetic appeal and a professional appearance. 

Kate recommended the Mobile Edge bag for me. The Mobile Edge bag is a Special Edition over the shoulder laptop bag that is durable and high-quality which gives me the piece of mind that my Macbook is well protected while I travel from meeting to meeting. I really like this laptop bag because it is very suitable to my style and resonates with my personality. The exterior of the bag is very professional looking which juxtaposes it’s unique colour combination of dark brown leather with complimentary pink suede features. To add to the element of fun - the sleek, fabric interior has a funky striped pattern. This playful looking interior is also abounding with compartments to the utmost detail. There is even a pocket for my Passport! Talk about thinking of everything. I really look forward to taking this laptop bag inflight!

The downsides to this bag are few. I would say the bag is quite a large size in relation to my body. As I am 5’4” - this bag may not be the ideal size for someone my height. Also, with loads of compartments and ample padding comes weight. This bag is not light! It becomes very heavy after carrying it around town.

I’ve been using the Mobile Edge bag for a few weeks now and I am receiving many compliments wherever I go. It seems to attract many different people (especially women... they say the love the style and the pink!).  Thanks Kate!

Thanks, Lisa!  You can see the full Element line over at Mobile Edge; it retails starting at $89 USD.

Checkpoint Friendly "Checkpoint Flyer" Laptop Bag from Tom Bihn

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we're starting to see the checkpoint friendly bags emerge from laptop bag designers.  I just posted a bit about the one from Tom Bihn over on my Squidoo lens.  I think his tri-fold design is pretty darn clever!

Get the details about the Checkpoint Flyer over on Squidoo.

Bonus Link: Article on Aviation Week about the TSA friendly bags in which I am quoted.  Cool!