Here's a choice of laptop bags whether your taste runs to sporty, stylish or no-nonsense:
ADIDAS
Model: Domain 2 Backpack
Why is it special? This backpack can carry more than a laptop. Fashioned from a combination of polyester dobby and polyester ballistic materials, the bag's structural integrity makes it a good choice when travelling through rough terrain. It comes in classic black.
Compartments: The removable laptop sleeve can fit a laptop measuring up to 15.4in (39cm). Travellers who want to have a specific place for everything will the love the number of compartments. There are the padded media pocket for MP3 and iPod players; tricot lined sunglasses pocket; internal power cord pockets; front pocket with deluxe organiser and key fob; secure back panel pocket; mobile phone pocket on shoulder strap; and, side water bottle pockets.
Dimensions: 45.7 x 31.6 x 25.4 centimetres
Price: US$135 exclusive of shipping charges
Where to buy: Online at www.shopadidas.com or at any one of the 430 Adidas outlets worldwide.
CRUMPLER
Model: Chestnut Squander
Why is it special? This water-resistant laptop from Aussie brand Crumpler is crafted from a combination of resin and polyester. Crumpler is known for its perky and funky designs. If you want a lightweight sling bag that doubles as a hand-carry, the Chestnut Squander is the one for you. It comes in four colours: black, brown, red and olive.
Compartments: It can hold a 15-inch (38-centimetre) laptop with room to spare. The strap can be adjusted for it to be a sling-on or hand-carry bag.
Dimensions: 30 x 40 x 11 centimetres
Price: A$130 (US$128) exclusive of shipping charges
Where to buy: Crumpler stores are located in 15 countries, all except one in Asia-Pacific. The stores' respective website accepts online purchase. Choose a local site or one that is geographically closest to you for faster delivery.
FURLA
Model: London
Why is it special? This briefcase-like laptop bag is for the discriminating business traveller who wants to marry functionality with style. Furla's London series comes in two styles: the Granato, made from embossed burgundy red crocodile leather, is specially designed for women; and, the Onyx, crafted from black calf leather, is designed for men.
Compartments: The London Granato has one large compartment while the London Onyx has three internal pockets. Both versions can fit a laptop measuring up to 15.4 inches (39 centimeters).
Dimensions: 29 x 42 x 10 centimeters
Price: HK$6,270 (US$808.90)
Where to buy: There are Furla outlets in 55 countries. There are five shops in Hongkong and eight outlets in China, including Beijing, Dalian, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Shenzhen.
SAMSONITE
Model: Samsonite Business/Computer Cases Laptop Bag
Why is it special: Samsonite is a trusted brand in travel bags and has now widened its range to laptop bags. The one we have chosen (pictured) has a ballistic polyester exterior with zippers that goes around its entire length and comes with an adjustable padded shoulder strap. Most importantly, it is checkpoint-friendly so that the laptop remains inside the bag while it passes through the airport's X-ray machine.
Compartments: The padded laptop compartment can hold a 15.4-inch (39-centimetre) laptop. The front compartment features a two-file divider. The bag also has two open top-accessory pockets and a front exterior gusseted zipper pocket that features an extensive organiser.
Dimensions: 133 x 43 x 15 centimetres
Price: Sale price at US$69.99, normal price at US$89.95, excluding shipping costs
Where to buy: Samsonite dealers are located in 42 countries or order from the company's online store. Allow for a four- to five-day shipping time.
SOYNTEC
Model: Wiffinder 400
Why is it special? The Soyntec Wiffinder 400 Executive case bag is embedded with a Wi-Fi finder. This feature lets you know the strength of the WiFi signal in your current location without taking out your laptop.
Compartments: Laptop storage of up to 15.4 inches (39.1 centimeters), laptop accessory storage, document storage, pen, mobile phone, MP3/MP4 player compartments, business card holder. Bagpack and laptop sleeve versions of the Wiffinder are also available.
Dimensions: 44 x 38.5 x 12 centimetres
Price: €43.02 (US$63)
Where to buy: Online from various Soyntec dealers.
URBAN JUNKET
Model: Judith Cabernet
Why is it special? This laptop bag by Urban Junket is designed to look like a women's handbag. The handbag is sturdy enough for laptops thanks to it's Italian leather finish and extra laptop sleeve. On ordinary days, it can be used as a normal handbag. This handcrafted Judith Cabernet comes in the following colours: black, brown cabernet, copper, gunmetal and olive.
Compartments: It can fit a laptop with a width size of 14 inches (35.5 centimeters). The interior of the bag is lined with organised pockets and pouches. There is also an detachable external pouchette made from the same material of the bag.
Dimensions: 34.2 x 49.5 x 16.5 centimetres
Price: US$438
Where to buy: Online via Urban Junket's website. Also available in 95 offline stores worldwide, including the US, Canada, Japan and Mexico.
Liu Hongzuo