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

The Akiko Laptop Bag for Men - Another Hit from Mamtak

Mamtak Bags already holds a special place in my heart with their lovely Aya laptop bag. Well they've done it again - this time with a bag for the gents. Behold, the Akiko Laptop Bag for Men. I've written a full review of it over on Squidoo - here's an excerpt ...

Like the Aya, the Akiko bag's style immediately conjures thoughts of Amsterdam. The bag's familiar pannier shape references cycling in the Netherlands: delightful jaunts past tulips, windmills and those special Dutch cafés where you can get more than just a coffee.

Even with its roots in Amsterdam, the Akiko's style and edge easily fit into any North American metropolis, well, any metropolis really: Vancouver, New York, Tokyo, Paris, or Berlin. (Hmm, maybe I should test the bag on a world tour? That's reasonable, right?). It has a sophisticated yet casual look, something that I would expect from a unisex bag; however the design remains unexpected and simply modern.

You can read the full review of the Akiko Laptop Bag for Men.

And ladies, lest you think this bag isn't for you, fret not. Even if it doesn't suit your personal style, take a gander at the model they used in their recent photoshoot.

Photo Credit: Mamtak Bags - from their Facebook Page

The Alesya Laptop Bag - a Sure-fire Southern Charmer

It takes a lot to surprise and delight me in a laptop bag. Sure - sleek design goes a long way. But real surprise? Pretty rare.

Well, colour me surprised and delighted by the new laptop bag designed by Alesya Opelt from the eponymous Alesya Bags. Alesya has really raised the bar on the "laptop bag for ladies that doesn't look like a laptop bag" category.

An excerpt from my review …

First, Alesya's Southern charm actually starts BEFORE I even get to the bag. The packaging is delightful. The bag is cosseted in its own bag which came with Alesya's standard card as well as a personal card and note to me. And the whole kit-and-caboodle was packed in a sturdy, stylish box. This is a pic of the card; you can see a full slideshow of the unboxing on my Flickr.

When I first examined the Alesya bag I thought, "Wow - a gorgeous shoulder bag. Wait... it's a laptop bag?"

Yes, it is.

A shoulder bag, in supple leather with well-appointed hardware and careful stitching, is designer Alesya's disguise for toting around a laptop. The laptop sleeve is hidden under the bag's front zippered flap, at the widest part of the bag. Fully secured under an adjustable velcro strap, my 15" MacBook Pro is fully protected and concealed. Out for sushi with friends after work? No one will ever know I'm toting a laptop.

You can read the full review of the Alesya Laptop Bag. I encourage you to also take a quick look at the video below - it's great laptop bag p0rn and really shows off the clever design of the Alesya.

Reveling in Gear and Gadget Pockets - the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase Bag 2.0 (Guest Review)

I am blessed with a lot of geek-tastic friends. Geek-tastic friends who go above and beyond when I ask them to do things. My buddy, Tris Hussey (who is the author of, among other books, Create Your Own Blog: 6 Easy Projects to Start Blogging Like a Pro) was in the market for a new laptop bag. I suggested that he come peruse my review copy stash - and if he saw something he was keen on, he'd take it for a test drive and keep it if he liked it - and do a little review.

Now, not only did Tris do a review of the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase Bag 2.0 from Mobile Edge, but he did a video review AND included a comparison with some of his older bags on why he liked the new one, but what he thought Mobile Edge could do better.

Even if you're not in the market for Mobile Edge specifically, Tris points out a lot of things to think about when you are shopping for a new laptop bag. The tips he shares in the video complement a recent post of his on the FutureShop.ca Tech Forum called Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - also worth a quick read if you're in the market for a new laptop bag.

Thanks for the review, Tris!

Kicking Some Serious Laptop Bag Ass - the KIKEN from Slappa

Not a lot of laptop bags make me want to pull some awesome jujitsu moves or break out my light sabre for a wicked Jedi vs Sith takedown.

But get a load of the KIKEN Laptop Shoulder Bag from Slappa.

Maybe it's the clever marketing from Slappa. Or maybe it's the name of the bag (KIKEN!). Or maybe it's the feature-laden bag itself. In any case, the KIKEN laptop bag from Slappa is a force to be reckoned with.

First, check out the cool marketing ...

Second, check out this excerpt from my review ...

I knew the minute that I unboxed the SLAPPA KIKEN laptop bag that it was a pretty bad-ass piece of business. Puncture-proof ballistic nylon - customizable front flap options - checkpoint friendly AND roomy enough for a 17" laptop? It was enough to make me yell "KIKEN!" and karate chop things. And I did! Good thing only the dog was watching.

First, let's talk aesthetics: thanks to SLAPPA's patent pending M.A.S.K. technology, you have a choice of flaps to customize the look (and functionality) of your bag. SLAPPA sent me three to try out and they easily zip on and off. (Think Karate Kid style: Flap on. Flap off.) I'm a fan of the Lime Blast (I likes a punch of colour). The monochrome P-Tac Matrix flap is very cool looking, and there is also a woven flap called Jedi Mind Trix, which has velcro straps to let you carry more gear (including a yoga mat, if that's your thing. Jedis love the yoga).

You can read the full review and see more pics of the KIKEN Laptop Bag from Slappa over on Squidoo.

Black is Anything but Basic - the Sumo Professional Laptop Briefcase by Mobile Edge

OK, I'll admit it. The basic black generic laptop bag often gets a bad rap from me. Not ALWAYS undeservedly. But, in the case of the Sumo Professional Laptop Briefcase from Mobile Edge, basic black is a good thing. Matthew from Mobile Edge recently sent over a review copy. Here's an excerpt of my review ...

My closet is full of work clothes, but I can only classify one outfit as "the perfect work suit". My perfect work suit fits me like a glove. It looks good standing up for a presentation - it looks good sitting down for an interview. I can trust it to carry me through the day with confidence and it always adds a little spring in my step. The Sumo Professional Laptop Briefcase from Mobile Edge, with its funky look, sturdy construction, and superior laptop cosseting capabilities makes it the perfect briefcase counterpart to my perfect work suit.

This bag is great for client meetings in the city or when I travel out of town on business. Actually, it's perfect to take with me on vacation too - it's for any occasion when I need my laptop (and why be coy? That's pretty much every occasion.)

You can read the full review of the Sumo Professional Laptop Briefcase over at Squidoo.

Ashton Kutcher + Boy Scout = STM's Scout Messenger Bag

Roughing it in the urban jungle never looked so good as with a Scout Messenger Bag from STM. The good folks over at STM sent over a sample and we put it to the test. Here's an excerpt from the review ...

The Scout Laptop Messenger by STM is a classic canvas messenger bag with a modern edge. It's a little bit vintage nostalgic - a little bit hipster - and a lot of good design. Think...Boy Scout meets Ashton Kutcher. That said, I would classify this bag as unisex - I coveted this bag the moment I saw it. But since my brother also fell in love with it instantly, I've included it in the man-bag line-up.

The Scout comes in black and olive - the lovely Adam from STM sent me the olive Scout in the medium size (it also comes in small and extra small). The bag's exterior is made of soft, water-resistant canvas, and the lining is water-resistant nylon. It's not a bag meant to carry everything and the kitchen sink, but it's got ample room for your electronic accessories, a few books and, of course, your laptop.

You can read the full review of the Scout and check out some interior photos over on Squidoo.

Rule the TSA Checkpoint Roost with Mobile Edge Scanfast Bags and Backpacks

You know what's cool? Not getting your goods felt up by the TSA. You know what's funky? Keeping your gear protected while going through airport security. You know who has you covered? Mobile Edge.

Matthew from Mobile Edge sent over a couple of their latest and greatest Checkpoint Friendly bags - a briefcase model and a backpack model. I've reviewed them both over on Squidoo.

From the briefcase review …

Black and sleek, this bag is function, function, function all the way. The front of the bag has four zippered pockets. There are two pockets shaped and sized for cords and power-bricks, and there is a large flat, zippered pocket for reading materials. The fourth pocket is a smaller zippered pocket for quick access. I'm stashing my airline ticket and identification in there.

The briefcase opens clamshell-style. One side has a built-in slot for my laptop, and the other has storage for documents and accessories. The laptop pocket is made to fit laptops with up to 16" screens. It easily fits my MacBook Pro, and it will definitely fit a PC as well. The elastic and Velcro strap firmly secured my laptop. The "Checkpoint Friendly" label on the pocket will remind TSA agents that bag is cool to go through the X-ray. It's ALL COOL, TSA.

Read the full review of the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Briefcase Bag 2.0.

From the backpack review ...

Remember the cartoon Inspector Gadget? Thanks to his genius niece Penny and her dog Brain, Inspector Gadget inadvertently foiled the plans of evil Dr. Claw and his M.A.D. agents every week. I was a little in love with Penny, of course - but I was always jealous of Gadget's spring-loaded shoes, helicopter hat and hand-phone. So when I opened the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack 2.0 from Mobile Edge, I was immediately taken with its clever design and easy access to all of my geek gadgetry. It's like an Inspector Gadget backpack - for grown-ups.

Read the full review of the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack 2.0.

And don't forget, you can get 15% off any Mobile Edge bag by using the code FUNCHICO at checkout.

Stay Fashion Forward with the Chloe Dao by Nuo Laptop Satchel

I don't know about you, but when I go into the office, I have a pretty limited range on what I can wear. Business casual. Now, for women, that is certainly much more liberal than men's choices, but still - I couldn't walk in the office in one of these outfits.

However, I can have my laptop bag come from the same designer. I recently had the opportunity to review the Chloe Dao by Nuo Laptop Bag (Chloe was the winner of Season 2 of Project Runway) courtesy of Kolobags. Here's an excerpt ...

The Nuo Laptop Satchel is a true fashion bag. If I were sitting in a director's chair on the Project Runway set, I'd say things like: it has a sleek silhouette and elegant lines; the faux leather detailing and the hardware are appropriate for the design; the stitching is well executed; it does not seem like a mother-of-the-bride laptop bag.

OK, the print. I hear Michael Kors in my head saying "That's a lot of print!" (why is Michael Kors spending so much time in my head?) And sure - it IS a lot of print. But step back a second - the abstract floral print is bold, feminine and sophisticated. The pattern has a smart colour scheme: the brown, black, red and blue in the design are going to allow me to coordinate the bag with whatever I'm wearing. I can definitely "make it work!"

Read the rest of my Chloe Dao Laptop Satchel review (and see some internal shots of the bag) over at Squidoo.

And once you've read the review, you can use the code FUNCHICO at checkout at Kolobags for a 10% discount!

IceRed's new "Shine 2" compact laptop tote

Just starting to get into the swing of holiday season (after, ahem, taking a few months off from reviewing bags here).  First bag of the holidays - the Shine 2 from IceRed Bags.  Appropriately red, glittery and festive!

From the review ...

The Shine 2 is a mini version of the Shine Glossy Laptop Bag, made especially for your smaller laptop, netbook or the iPad I hope I'm getting this holiday season (hint hint, Santa. HINT HINT.) My review bag is a deep cherry red with white trim - a perfect match for my houndstooth winter coat, although I may now be forced to buy red boots to complete the look. I don't WANT to...I HAVE to. You know how it is, ladies.

Like the original Shine, the Shine 2 is made of glossy vinyl with nylon piping - so it looks sharp and is very practical in Vancouver, where precipitation is, shall we say, a frequent occurrence. It's also extremely lightweight - even with all of my gear in it, it feels lighter than my purse. It comes with a matching padded shoulder strap for over the shoulder or cross-body action but it's so light, I mainly used the two snapped handles to tote it around.

Check out the full review of the Shine 2 Compact Laptop Tote!

The Allie Laptop Tote from Rainebrooke - a Pink Sensation!

One of my favourite movies is Legally Blonde.  I just love Elle's sass! And I think she would love the Allie Laptop Tote from Rainebrooke.  Aside from being a pink sensation, it's all business for someone trying to become a partner in a law firm by the time she's 30.  Here’s a snippet from the review:

The front of the Allie Tote has a large pocket with a place for pens and business cards.  The pocket has a snap closure.  And, yes, you guessed it.  That means when I need to fetch a pen, I put my tote on the floor, and I bend and snap! (Get it?  Get it?  It’s the bend… and snap!) Two smaller pockets are layered on the outside of the snap-pocket provide access in a pinch.  There’s no need to go digging through the depths of a bag. The Allie tote features a deep, zippered pocket on the outer back panel.  Perfect for stashing a little cash for a French manicure! Or perhaps a passport and boarding pass for a trip to Aruba?

Check out my full review of the Allie Laptop Tote from Rainebrooke.  And if you decide to buy, don't forget to come back here for a coupon to use at Rainebrooke!