Milk and Cookies
with Linda and Kristen
Milk and Cookies is a savory web venue for cool products, useful tips, and idea-sharing, prepared especially for busy moms like you. From the must-haves to avoid-at-all-costs, we're dishing out tools for a delicious life balance.
Visit Linda's fitness site at Bodies in Motivation and check out Kristen's blog at Swistle.blogspot.com
I think the best investment I’ve made towards my work/life balance has to be the laptop I bought last year. Now instead of being tied to a desktop, I can quickly get some work done from wherever I need to be, whether that’s the living room sofa during naptime, the kitchen counter while I’m cooking dinner and jiggling a baby in the front carrier, or the local Starbucks (a lifesaver since being home on maternity leave; sometimes a person just needs to get the HELL out of Dodge, even if it’s just to get more work done).
Although I mostly use my MacBook around the house, for the times I do take my computer on the road I think I’d like a more travel-friendly bag that what I currently have. I’m pretty sure I’m going to upgrade to a current MacBook Pro this year, and I definitely want to make sure I keep it in good shape while still being able to comfortably tote it from Point A to Point B.
Laptop bags are sort of fun to shop for, like diaper bags they can run the spectrum from utilitarian to fancy purselike options. With my own personal criteria of wanting something at least somewhat rugged, comfortable, and sporty/funky in design, here’s a few I’ve been looking at lately:
Keen Hybrid Transport bags. Well, I love Keen shoes, so does it stand to reason I’d like one of their bags? Look how cute the base of the bag is, with the signature rubber Keen sole and all.
Timbuk2 Havoc Messenger. I’ve heard really good things about Timbuk2, and while this particular messenger is probably too big for what I need, I love the way it looks — plus, bonus for the short handle/long strap combo.
Lexie Barnes Echo 15. What an adorable design, and heLO, $30 marked down from $95 at the moment.
Crumpler. Don’t judge Crumpler’s products by their uber-annoying website, their line is awesome. I became interested in them when my company had a booth next to theirs at a Macworld Expo several years back (or maybe I was just interested in the cute Aussie men staffing their booth, WHO CAN SAY FOR SURE), and I own a very nice laptop sleeve of theirs as well as a messenger bag (pictured here). I haven’t tried their laptop bags yet, but I’m guessing they are really well made, like the rest of their stuff.
UNI Laptop Tote Bag. This tote bag isn’t all that eye-catching, but it looks like a great alternative to the classic laptop carrier design. I think I’d like using this while traveling.
Lala Paris Suede. Here’s my I-just-won-the-lottery bag, because at $400 I’m never going to buy this damn thing but OH SO PRETTY. It’s utterly inappropriate for my lifestyle, too, considering how challenging it probably is to get spitup out of suede but whatever, a girl can dream.
Do any of you have laptop bag recommendations? Let me know!
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Sort of stumbled onto this site…so first time commenter:
This laptop bag from Patagonia is pretty amazing. A friend of mine had it and inspired another friend and me to also purchase it — worth taking a look at! Also, it’s currently marked down to $63 (originally $90) — and if you hunt around online for coupon codes you can get free shipping.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&style_color=48865-155&ws=true&patcatcode=SEARCH.SEARCH_TERM:LIGHTWIRE_TOTE
Jannette | April 9th, 2008 at 4:29 am
I do have a recommendation! I searched high and low for my new bag and settled on a Nanda Lapsac (google it for pics and places to buy). It’s not the best for durability (I mean, I wouldn’t throw it down on the ground or anything) but it’s pretty awesome. It has a padded side pouch on the outside that you zip your laptop in and then a huge roomy inside for everything else. I have the creme and magenta and it is super cute and holds everything. Plus the outside pouch is great for when you’re in an airport or something and just want to pull it out super quick. The only downside is that it is kind of large and I tore the inside pocket liner, though in fairness I had it packed to the max. Anyway, it sounds like I sell them or something, but really I just think it’s the best looking laptop bag I’ve seen (and canvas so it can be washed). End rave.
Lauren | April 9th, 2008 at 4:29 am
I totally see you with and ACME bag.
http://www.acmemade.com/bags.html
Ashley | April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 am
oh i am so in need of a good laptop bag! seems that many have not realized that some laptops are bigger than others - mine has a 17″ wide screen - which makes it longer than the teeny tiny ones. obviously! so the one laptop i bought (ok so it was not a splurg - $25 at target LOl) looked big enough, sadly, it was far too smal… and then i am picky too. not a fan of messenger bags but more of the ‘purse like’ variety! i am sure marketers hate me LOL!
Kate | April 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
btw, acmemade ones look AWESOME!!!!
Kate | April 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
http://www.rei.com/product/760505
This is the bag I use with my macbook pro that I just got–the laptop section inside is a snug fit for the 15 inch version so 17 inch laptop would definitely be a no-go. It is a fake pebbled suede on the outside though which wipes down really easily if your toddler happens to get his Annie’s cheddar bunny smeared hands on it. (theoretically, of course, my toddler is always spotless) The lining on the nightshade version is a somewhat alarming bright purple which surprised me since I ordered it online. It does have good spaces for sippy cups and a couple of diapers if you need to use it as a laptop/diaper bag.
Carrie | April 9th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I bought the BEST laptop bag because it works as a pretty decent looking leather bag (so I can take it to meetings when I am nicely dressed) AND it carries my laptop too. The key is that it carries my stuff vertically, not horizontally, which makes it not look so HUGE.
I just searched all over it to find the make and couldn’t find it, so that’s not much help. But I got it in a bag store in Provincetown MA, on sale for $89, and it is functional and sturdy!
Katrin
http://www.momstimeouts.com
katrin | April 9th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I love these Chickpea bags because you can use them as a diaper bag/purse/laptop carrier.
http://www.queenbee-creations.com/items/118
amber | April 9th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
LOVE my Vy & Elle Laptop bag:
http://www.vyandelle.com/computer.html
(go to “Laptop Pack”)
You can disconnect the shoulder strap and tuck it away if you want to use it as a (comfy!) backpack, and vice versa.
It also has a great sturdy handle for just picking up, is made from recycled billboard material, and looks actually too cool/artsy/funky for anyone who knew me to believe BUT it’s great for travel (I did 40 cities last year). Good deal at $135 or so.
Good luck!
Marivic | April 9th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I like my Mango Tango bag. I got it from eBags and it’s cute but not too expensive.
http://www.ebags.com/mango_tango/brand_search/index.cfm?brandid=10293
Stacy | April 10th, 2008 at 5:45 am
My husband has a 17 inch mac book pro that he totes back and forth from work almost every day. He custom ordered a timbuk2 laptop bag and he loves it. It’s super durable and has a really nice padded laptop sleeve sewn into the bag.
The only downside is the bag is BIG - but then again his laptop is BIG so I guess they go well together. I think that’s a problem you are going to have with any bag though, if you choose to get the 17 inch laptop, it’s just a big laptop that needs a big bag to protect it.
nicole | April 10th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I have one of these for my mac and love it. Waterfield designs - http://www.sfbags.com
Sharon | April 10th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I recommend the shoulder/neck sparing laptop backpack. Mine is a cheap one from Walmart and I take it to work with me every day.
MotherGooseAmy | April 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Hey, Linda - thanks for this. Last night I saw the Lexie Barnes Echo you featured and fell in love. I ordered one right away and it shipped today!! I love the bright colors - so tropical-vacation - and what a great deal. Thanks!!
Also enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and suggestions. I love bags and I would own a ton if I won the lottery. I love to online window shop for bags. Sigh. Anyway, I want to agree with Katrin that a vertical bag is The Best. I have the most wonderful messenger bag like that and it fits a lot of stuff, yet is so slimline and compact to carry.
Diane | April 11th, 2008 at 12:53 am
I looooove my Timbuk2 bag. I ordered the medium Messenger Bag from the site. The sleeve is easy to get my computer in & out of a, dis also great for hold papers that you need to keep nice.
I’ve been hauling it around since August, and it looks remarkably brand new. I can pack computer + day’s worth of clothes + knitting no problem.
chelseac | April 11th, 2008 at 5:33 am
urban junket makes great leather laptop bags that look like purses and are multipurpose but they are spendy…a few hundred dollars. my fiance got me an awesome work laptop bag and i know he got it online… it’s a susan g komen bag… let me see…http://cgi.ebay.com/New-129-Susan-G-Komen-Laptop-Notebook-Tote-Case-NWT_W0QQitemZ120228163447QQcmdZViewItem
thats’ what mine looks like… big fan.
willikat | April 11th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I absolutely love, love, love my Cozmo bag from these guys (WaterField Designs): http://www.sfbags.com/products/cozmo/cozmo.htm
It comes with a “suspension” strap that makes my bag feel much lighter (even my eight-year-old daughter agrees). It also looks professional enough for work, but has enough flair to it to be pretty and original. My husband also has a bunch of gear from them (sleeve, bag, camera bag, wallet, pouches, etc.) and he swears by them. He likes to buy made in USA products. I highly recommend it. (So many choices out there…you can’t go wrong.)
Cynthia | April 11th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
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Vaine Loera | April 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Wish I had seen these recommendations before I bought my bag. I bought a 17 inch laptop — didnt think about the weight of carrying that baby around. So I bought a backpack style bag. After a while I just couldnt handle it anymore so I had to buy a roller bag. So I bought one at Walmart and the wheels fell apart in a few weeks. Now I have the Swiss Gear bag. Nothing great to look at but for me fits the bill so I dont have to carry my heavy laptop back and forth every day, just roll it.
Pam | April 11th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hi Linda,
I’m a regular reader of 3 of your online columns (daily all & sundry reader) and I thought I’d let you know about the bags I make, which are definitely fun, funky and colorful. You choose the combination of fabrics, and I make your bag to order. My sister is a realtor, and needed a bag to carry all her accoutrements for selling homes, plus her laptop. I designed one for her last year, she’s still using it every day and loves it. It’s one of my best sellers!
Check it out here http://www.isabellabags.com/bebop.jpg (my home-grown website) and if you’re interested let me know and I can help you choose fabrics.
Thanks!
Carolyn Taylor
Carolyn | April 11th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Although I have never been able to justify buying one, I covet the bags, laptop and otherwise made by Acme Bags
(acmemade.com). They have some beautiful designs and fabrics.
Christine | April 14th, 2008 at 4:05 am
I bought a case for mine at the laptop store (one of those no-handle things), and I use a $4 messenger bag I got on clearance at Target. Fits perfect and it was cheap. Heh.
thejunebug | April 14th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Oh. laptop store = apple store, sorry!
thejunebug | April 14th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I use a Tom Bihn Brain Cell for my laptop, it’s a hardsided, suspended sleeve and then I throw it in whatever bag I’m using at the moment. Since I’m usually flying when I leave the house with it, I throw it into my carry on, which at the moment is a tote from JMcLaughlin. I am very tempted to purchase this one from JCrew though http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod89836233&catId=cat90244
Nic | April 14th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I have a Pinder bag (the Thin), which I love. It’s small enough to double as a sleeve when I use a carry-all bag, or it has its own removable shoulder strap and two handles that tuck away into the surprisingly ample pocket space where I keep my power supply. http://www.pinderbags.com
Moriah | April 15th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I LOVE my Lexie Barnes diaper bag (the Duchess) and knitting bag (the Lady B) and cannot imagine that the laptop bag would be anything less than rockin’. And that PRICE!
Melissa | April 22nd, 2008 at 1:41 am
If you like the idea of recycling you should check out The Recycled Jeans Laptop Bag. I make them with fun belts, patches and chains added. All of the bags I carry are under $80 because when you have kids you have to make your money go further. Mostly the laptop bags I have would appeal to high school and college kids, which I have 2.
Thanks for the fun site!
Connie Summers | August 27th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
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sandra | October 14th, 2008 at 9:14 am