5) checkpoint friendly laptop bags – Since we’re on the topic of frequent travelers, it’s important to mention that checkpoint friendly laptop bags have gained rapidly in popularity. Rather than taking your laptop out of its case at security, these are permitted to transport through the x-ray in the case. We recommend the mobile edge scan-fast laptop messenger. The laptop compartment opens to TSA specifications, and then there are many added pockets for easy access to everything else that the busy travelers needs to carry. Plus, it has a sleeve so that it will slide over a wheeled bag handle and sit tight.

4) designer laptop tote – With the last year’s economic challenges, some folks have held back from buying new accessories. However, we are seeing ladies begin to update their wardrobe with a practical choice, like a laptop tote. It’s pretty hard to choose just one. The Moonsus cosmopolitan satchel is true to its name. Made of supple leather, this laptop tote looks more like a stylish handbag but the three-quarter zipper opens to several handy compartments, including one specific for a laptop. This author travels with a similar by Moonsus, and the bag does wonders going from day meetings to a just a handbag when I’m on the road and don’t want to carry multiple bags.

3) eco-friendly laptop sleeves – Is it fashion that influences culture or vice versa? Regardless, we have seen an increased interest in laptop cases that take concern for the environment by using recycled items. Greensmart has built its brand around this concept, and has multiple sleeves and jackets made from recycled plastic bottles.

2) netbook case – The whole point of a netbook is small and compact. If that is the point, then why would you choose a big laptop bag? We’re partial to the Higher Ground mini shuttle 10”. One of the best features is the cool deck workstation – the case opens up into a full work station that your netbook never needs to leave. The cool deck dissipates heat to keep your laptop from overheating while in use. This mini-notebook case is so versatile it comes in multiple color choices and has a removable shoulder strap.

1) Designer Laptop Sleeves – By far, these sleeves were the top seller this holiday. They are economical (most less than $50), versatile (can fit in numerous other bags), and expressive (try a few and use the one that fits your mood). There are an assortment of designs ranging from flowers or hearts (pictured) to skulls or camouflage. The neoprene is imprinted with a patent-pending process that makes for a design that is truly permanent and won’t peel off.

Already, we are hearing that laptops are one of the #1 purchases for the 2009 holiday gift season. So, why not get that someone special a laptop bag to protect his or her laptop in style? Several styles from athena, including the flap laptop bag(pictured), offer a stylish choice at less than $50 for the ladies. Netbooks, laptops 10″ and smaller, have come on strong this year. Whether male or female, there are cool netbook cases under $50, like the tucano vertical laptop messenger bag, mobile edge portable laptop backpack, and the sumdex mini notebook case.

Giving a laptop sleeve is a great way to go if you’re not really sure what style bag will make sense. A sleeve can be carried solo or in another bag (even ones that are not necesssarily laptop friendly). Many of these are priced as low as $20-$35. If you can be sneaky enough to find out the dimensions or size of your recipient’s laptop, it will make for a better fit, as laptop sleeves are meant to be form-fitting. We especially like the polk dot collection from isis dei. There are also greensmart’s neogreen laptop sleeves, which are eco-conscious, as they are made with 25% energy than neoprene.