Crave

(Credit: Built NY)

(Credit: BestBaby)

New parents are drawn to body-hugging slings like the "BabyBjorn" to keep their bundles of joy as close as humanly possible, as well as easier to tote. Perhaps taking a cue from that bond of love, Built NY has created a wearable carrier for another cherished possession--the laptop.

As we observed last week in its minimalist Cargo Laptop Sleeve, the designers at this company do not like to waste an iota of space. Now they've taken their economical crusade to a new extreme with the Laptop Backpack for computers measuring 12 to 17 inches, which Gizmodo says looks more like a bulletproof vest than anything else. (Maybe that's the idea, because it comes in styles called "Police Black" and "Army Green.")

This is one instance, however, where the touted comfort of the neoprene material used to make the apparatus might be a negative: If you forget you're wearing it and hit the back of a seat too hard, the purpose would be clearly defeated.

(Credit: Reprodepot.com)

Standard black laptop cases: boring. Fancy laptop cases: expensive. Sewing your own laptop/iPod case: Probably totally inconvenient, but in the end perhaps rewarding--if, that is, you like bobbins and seam rippers, or even know what they are.

Still not convinced? You probably can't buy a laptop case in crazy tattoo-inspired fabric (see below), but you could make one. And because this is a family friendly-ish blog, you'll have to click through to some of the other, ahem, interesting fabrics you could pick. Of course, sewing your own will require a few hours of precious time and owning a sewing machine. Or maybe, if you're lucky, you could sweet talk a crafty friend into sewing a case for you.

Wouldn't your laptop look fierce in this?

(Credit: Reprodepot.com)

If you do decide to get all crazy creative, Reprodepot.com is selling this Amy Butler pattern, which includes instructions for both laptops (adjustable for most sizes) and some MP3 players (namely: iPod Classic, iPod Touch, iPhone and the Zune).

Via Craftzine

(Credit: thelapstrap.com)

Are you one of those people who always holds up the security line at the airport, struggling to get your laptop out of its case? (Or like us, do you cast dirty looks at those people, while cooling your heels in line behind them?)

The LapStrap is an idea that's either pure genius or the most ridiculous thing we've ever seen. It's a padded nylon shoulder strap, like the kind found on most laptop cases, that attaches directly to your laptop. The company's pitch is, "Security lines...made easy!"

(Credit: thelapstrap.com)

The bottom part of the strap sits along the inside hinge between the keyboard and monitor, letting you carry the laptop as if it were in a shoulder bag. We're not fond of exposing our delicate laptop to the harsh conditions of New York without a nicely padded case, but if you're an aesthetic minimalist, or need to access your laptop frequently and/or quickly, it might be worth a look. On the other hand--since the TSA has a hard time recognizing the MacBook Air as a legit laptop, we can only imagine how they'd react to this contraption.

The LapStrap is available now, in adult and children's sizes, for $24.95.

(Credit: S.T. Dupont)

With the MacBook Air about to descend upon the masses, it's time to think about a valise that's appropriate for this piece of techno-royalty. But what to do if you weren't amused by the "AirMail" envelope and aren't thrilled with more conventional alternatives?

Dupont has the answer. The luxury goods concern is releasing the "S.T. Dupont Diamond," a limited-edition handmade travel case to mark its 135th anniversary. Although it's not a computer case per se, it can still do the job while also serving as a laptop stand--one that's finished in black crocodile skin with a black diamond in each clasp, that is. It also comes with a "Black Diamond" 2GB USB drive (the latest of many), according to Sybarites, as well as more traditional Dupont accessories such as a palladium lighter and writing set.

But if you're planning on an extended stay, you might need something a little larger. Such as the "i-Trunk."

The Racing Stripe line

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Gone are the days when one had to live with boring black, over-the-shoulder laptop bags that came with the portable. Targus has just announced a new range of notebook bags that include backpacks, slipcases, and fashion statements.

Slipcases
Slipcases are particularly popular with students who can use them in conjunction with their favorite bags while not compromising on protection. There are two ranges available: The Apple Slip Case which fits the MacBook and MacBook Pro range as well as the CityLite Slip Case for notebooks ranging from 12.1- to 15.4-inch screens. The 17-inch Apple Slip case goes for $37, while the CityLite models (which come in black, green, or gray) range from $24 to $32.

The Revolution Messenger bag

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Backpacks and messenger bags
If you need to carry a load of books along with your portable, backpacks are the way to go. A properly design pack will not only evenly distribute the load between both shoulders, but should also help keep the spine in a natural curve. Targus has three lines of backpacks: The Revolution for those with rugged lifestyles; the Voyager for the urban traveler; and the Wanderer for those who need additional storage space. For protection against rain, Targus has integrated a PVC rain cover inside a hidden pocket across all models. The Revolution holds up to 14.1-inch models and costs $79 while the 15.4-inch Voyager goes for $105 (the 17-inch version retails at $118). The 13.1-inch and 15.4-inch Wanderer models are priced at $79 and $86, respectively.

Among messenger bags, the $59 Targus Revolution can hold a 14.1-inch laptop with ease.

An interesting compromise is the $59 Pulse Convertible case which can switch between backpack and messenger bag modes.

Of particular note is Targus' new Racing Stripes Range. Like the Pulse, the $59 Racing Stripe 2-in-1 Convertible Case changes carrying methods with ease, while the $46 messenger model fits 13.3-inch notebooks. The backpack unit goes for $79) and a model which includes a camera tray for a SLR shooter adds $6.58 to the price.

Business traveler
There are two new models which cater to the business traveler who frequently embarks on day trips. The Corporate Traveler Vertical Roller does not need to be checked in and can fit inside overhead luggage compartments. The Ultra-Lite Corporate Traveler is a conventional over-the-shoulder design and one of the lightest available, thanks to its use of military-grade ballistic nylon. The Corporate Traveler Vertical Roller ranges from $178 to $264), while the Ultra-lite Corporate Traveler retails at $197.

Ladies range
The Milan, Paris and Deluxe Tote models look just like any stylish female handbag in the market. One would hardly suspect that a notebook resides within. For a more sporty look, the Prague Ladies Backpack comes in a fun blue shade. Do note that the Targus Ladies Range caters to only 14.1-inch notebooks and below.

Jump over to our photo gallery for a look at the new Targus lineup.

(Source: Crave Asia)

The EcoSmart Convertible Messenger/Backpack

(Credit: Targus)

Targus has just announced a new set of laptop carrying cases that are both green--as in the color green--and green, as in environmentally friendly.

The company press release notes, "Targus' new EcoSmart series of messenger bags, backpacks, and top loading laptop carrying cases are made of PVC-free material, which makes the production of EcoSmart cases less harmful to the ecosystem. In addition to the removal of PVC material, plastics used on the cases are recyclable and all metal hardware is nickel-free."

The EcoSmart Sling

(Credit: Targus)

Targus' new line of EcoSmart cases will be come in four styles: Convertible Messenger/Backpack (pictured), Sling (pictured), Messenger, and a Top Loading case. No word yet on pricing, but the release says the bags will be available for the holidays and that, "All of the cases include a padded notebook sleeve with scratch resistant, quilted lining; a security strap; and a detailed workstation with a key hook, pen loops, accessory pockets, and plenty of storage options. The cases fit 15.4-inch laptop computers and include specially designed pockets for a water bottle and MP3 player. The backpack includes a tuck-away shoulder strap as well as a removable shoulder strap. The Top Loading case also includes a removable shoulder strap."

Personally, I wish Targus would make a case that you could either eat or smoke after you were finished with it. But I guess this is a step in the right direction.

(Credit: MoMA)

One of digital technologies benefits has always been saving trees--or so we thought. It seems somewhat ironic then that such products as wooden computers, TVs and cameras appear to be on the rise.

Either way, we should have known that techno-fashion accessories wouldn't be far behind. Enter MoMA's wooden laptop tote, which is purportedly made from "ecologically thinned cedar," whatever that is. Shiny Shiny says you must pay for the privilege of being on the cutting edge, of course, to the tune of $265. But you'll be the envy of everyone at the next Gilligan's Island party.

(Credit: Treehugger)

Hey, hippies! I know you probably carry your laptop around in an organic-cotton sack and would never think of switching over to a briefcase (that evil, chilly symbol of greedy corporate America and all its Hummer-driving Enron-clone zombies). But maybe this will change your mind. Treehugger recently featured the Eclipse Solar Gear Hybrid Notebook Case, which will charge your computer with solar energy thanks to an inverter and battery pack inside. In addition, it can charge your GPS navigator, MP3 player, satellite radio system, or BlackBerry. But you don't have a BlackBerry, of course. Those are instruments of Big Brother.

So, as you tote your laptop around from "Save the Polar Bears" Meetups to Pearl Jam concerts to the wheatgrass smoothie bar at Whole Foods, it can be sustainably charging in the process. Groovy.

(Credit: Case-Mate)

As part of our charitable holiday wishes, we've asked that people not neglect the MacBooks in the family while their iPod siblings get all the attention. The response, we're happy to say, has been admirable.

If you're looking for one more accessory to stuff in your laptop's stocking, the ever-fashionable Chip Chick has just the item: a "form-fitting leather wrap." The line of "Signature Suits" from Case-Mate come in various designs of black, white and red with contrasting accents.

The case covers are a bit on the high side at $149, but just one of these tasteful jackets will make your MacBook feel like a million bucks. And even though they're made of leather, they still won't run the risk of being mistaken for fur or any synthetic variation thereof.