Laptop Cases: -A Chic Fashion Accessory & Technology.......

For back-to-school or back-to-work, what are the latest trends in technology fashion? A laptop bag, as protection, is a must-have. And having the bag match the style and personality of the laptop owner is just as important to enhance professional image, stylishness, and even flair.

Although laptop briefcases continue to be the most popular style in the laptop bag category, there are three new recent fashion trends, which mean more versatility for the laptop owner:

* Lightweight laptop messenger bags and sleeves for students and people on-the-go
* Laptop bags with matching, removable sleeves
* High-end laptop totes that can be used as a laptop bag or just for an evening out

Students and metropolitan dwellers, for whom moving quickly is a must, are taking advantage of the new trend in light, sleeve-like messenger bags and laptop sleeves with removable shoulder straps. Designers such as Paulpac and Kipling have created very lightly padded messenger bags that won't add extra weight while protecting a laptop. Opt to insert an additional removable sleeve for extra protection, or carry the messenger as a light, everyday bag for anything from books to gym clothes to files. Similarly, many laptop sleeves, which have traditionally been inserted into non-padded bags as added protection, are now available with their own removable shoulder strap for standalone portability. This versatility means a laptop sleeve can protect a laptop inside a regular non-padded bag, or be used by itself, carried over the shoulder to quickly move from one place to another. Key designers offering this solution are Lifepod and Mobile Edge.

Growing in popularity are laptop bags with removable, matching laptop sleeves. The bags have light padding; the matching, removable laptop sleeve is also padded to offer extra protection. It's easy to carry the laptop in the sleeve from location to location, rather than carrying the entire laptop bag. Or the bag can be carried by itself without the sleeve when a laptop is not in tow. Brands such as Kipling, Piquadro, Tucano, Melissa Beth, and Frances & Grace have designed bags specifically for this adaptability.

The laptop brief has been around for a while, and continues to be the most popular style, but what else is there? There has been an increase in high-fashion laptop totes and other styles of bags that not only serve as a laptop bags, but that can stand alone as sophisticated, fashion totes. The designs and fabrics of these accessories are as ornate as any designer handbag, and feature construction of fine leathers and more expensive findings, clasps, and stitching. Brands such as Acme Made, Gina B, Lodis, Athena and Adrienne Vittadini are driving this, allowing ladies to transition from day to evening without changing bags.