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February 9, 2005
Ask the Bag Lady: Affordable Laptop Bags
Dear Bag Lady,
The super-fantastic Manolo posted your link and now I have a burning question.
Do you have recommendations for those of us who would like to carry our laptops in a bag that doesn't scream Functional But Ugly?
Oh, and for less than $100?
Reader SC
Dear SC,
Funny you ask, since I just randomly bumped into some lovely (and affordable) laptop bags and couldn't resist purchasing one for myself.
Like most of you I have the corporate issued ugly black laptop bag that I have been using to cart my work laptop when I traveled. It was unimaginative and ugly, but it got the job done and it was provided by my company so I didn't have to pay for it and therefore I didn't give it a second thought.
That was until earlier this week when I stopped off at the Target for some batteries, cleaner, and handsoap and ended up stumbling on the perfect laptop bag.
The Black and White Polka Dot Zip-Top Laptop Carrying Case is cute and simple with plenty of room for a standard size laptop, for only $24.99. I instantly loved the polka dots but it also came in pink, and stripes. There is an additional design with a flap top and shoulder straps.
The polka dot bag has a padded, quilted inside to protect your laptop and I especially like the removable sholder strap so I can choose to carry the bag in my hands or over my sholder.
All the bags above, while better then the dull standard laptop case, are still a little on the traditional side. If you are looking for something that will really stand out try the Pink Italian Newspaper Laptop Bag. I didn't see this bag in the store and only now just spotted it online. Note that the online reviews are both negative, so probably best to look out for this bag in person at your local Target and buyer beware.
Have a question for the Bag Lady? Let us know.
Comments
Thank you so much for this entry. I suffer with my ugly black computer bag too. I'm always looking for alternatives. If you come across other interesting ones, even on the higher end of the price scale, I beg you to let us know!
PS. I love your blog!
Posted by: Lisa Marie at February 10, 2005 11:11 AM 
I'm not the bag lady, but I do have a suggestion: check your local department store. I was browsing through the accesories looking for something else, and found that some of the major lines (Nine West, Fossil, etc) have finally realized that girls carry laptops, too! There were some fab tote bags with a special padded insert for the laptop...one tote even had a striped lining and the insert matched! Very fun, and reasonably priced. (Sorry no link...)
Posted by: VDOprincess at February 10, 2005 12:47 PM
I saw the laptop bags at Target the other night! If I didn't hold myself back, I would have bought every one they had in stock. The patterns are so cute!
Posted by: Erma at February 10, 2005 6:56 PM
Last month we received several emails similar to this one:
"I am on the constant search for a laptop bag. I have yet to find a bag that is the right size for a woman, attractive, functional and stylish. I generally carry a laptop with me, but find nylon laptop bags drab and often too small - they hold only a laptop, nothing more. Know of anything out there that will accommodate a laptop and papers and is GREAT looking?"
As a matter of fact we do know of some stylish bags to tote your precious gigabytes. We even negotiated a free shipping deal with our friends at Kolobags.
Happy shopping!
Check it out at:
http://shefinds.com/laptops.htm
Posted by: michelle madhok at February 11, 2005 12:08 PM
Wow! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions so quickly. Now I'm off to browse. (PS. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting.)
Posted by: Lisa Marie at February 11, 2005 1:41 PM
The Target bags are nice, but they are a blatant rip-off of Acme Made bags. :(
Posted by: holly at February 11, 2005 5:39 PM
ooh i love that black polka dot bag. i wonder if could find it at the target near me. my poor ibook just gets shoved in any old bag because it is so difficult to find cute laptop bags that don't cost more than i want to spend on a laptop bag. i have found some cute sleeves lately, but am actual bag would probably be great to own.
Posted by: renee at March 5, 2005 11:15 AM
You need to check out www.acmemade.com
Their computer totes are the HOTTEST computer bags I have ever seen. They look like they will last a lifetime and actually fit your computer plus a notebook and purse items or perhaps just a little purse tucked inside alongside your books. I think in this case you are paying for quality since they are EXPENSIVE. I have the green shiny iPod mini wallet for my green ipod mini and it is Super Fashionable and I love it.
Posted by: Laura Miles at March 15, 2005 3:25 AM
i bought a takeoff designer purse from "fashion flairs" which works great...
Posted by: kimberley at March 15, 2005 3:03 PM
I've gotten quite a few questions from readers about affordable, yet stylish laptop bags. I've recommended the Target bags as well. They are stylish, but not very roomy.
The Budget Fashionista
check out my blog at http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com
Posted by: Kathryn Finney at March 21, 2005 5:15 PM
I did find that the Target bags were poor quality.
Check out Pinder laptop bags. They even have sizes for 17" laptops.
http://www.pinderbags.com
They have very colorful bags and their quality is outstanding.
Posted by: Michelle Waters at May 13, 2005 10:53 AM
I don't know if anyone is still checking this page, and I have yet to purchase my own laptop bag, but this is my favorite website so far- they have super cute bags (I have a crush on Bob):
http://www.caseclosedbags.com
Posted by: Ellie at June 8, 2005 10:23 AM
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