OK, so the economy is the top of everyone’s mind. We continue to see television features, magazine articles, and blog postings on ways to save money. There in one certain thing: you don’t want to cut corners on the safety of your laptop. You likely spent a pretty penny when you bought your laptop, and the data you store is truly priceless.

Here are a couple of thoughts on how to keep within a lower budget:
1) Less expensive doesn’t mean it doesn’t work well. There are an assortment of laptop messengers, laptop backpacks, and stylish laptop briefcases that are bargain priced at less than $50. Just be sure to look for a laptop bag that has the proper padding to protect your computer and that is made of durable materials.
2) Use a laptop sleeve. Maybe you already have a ton of fashionable totes or handbags that are large enough to fit a laptop. All you need is a laptop sleeve that will add padding for protection. This is a great solution if you love to switch your computer bags with your outfit. And, it allows you to recycle the great fashion accessories that you already own.

For the overnight traveler — or the significant other that always seems to bring half the house with her to work — take a closer look at the Georgia wheeled laptop case by Kipling. Constructed with Kipling’s signature lightweight, water-resistant crinkle nylon, the laptop case features a retractable pull handle and durable skate wheels, providing her with effortless glide around the international terminal. Ample interior and exterior pockets store up to a 15.4-inch laptop, cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, a change of clothes, and of course, you.

She uses a calendar, a date book, and a PDA. She knows just when your mother’s birthday is and bought the gift last month. She’s a 21st century Wonder Woman. Make her smile this Valentine’s Day with a laptop tote that applauds her organizational skills. The McKlein Winnetka leather ladies laptop tote, in smooth white Italian leather with rolled handles and nickel hardware, duly organizes her work life and home life — and keeps her looking as smart as she is. Also available in powder-blue, blush, cranberry, persimmon, pistachio, and black. Fits screens up to 15.4 inches.

Is he dashing, debonair, and always groomed to the nines? May we present, Irvin. Aaron Irvin. For the gallant I-take-my-martini-shaken-not-stirred man in your life, Aaron Irvin’s large microfiber computer bag is refined, slick, and made with the finest black microfiber nylon and outfitted with nickel hardware and Swiss made zippers on all four sides. Rolled, supple, calf leather handles give way to a detachable ergonomic shoulder strap. A bevy of internal compartments make extracting the dossier for his next mission a cinch. This laptop bag fits screens up to 17 inches.

Urban grey water-resistant nylon with bold orange interior and accents make Tucano’s Cobra Horizontal Limit messenger bag, a smart choice for inclement winter weather — and navigating city streets. The lightweight unisex messenger bag features a cushioned shoulder strap, a fully padded drawstring closure laptop compartment, a zippered interior front panel for camera cases, iPods, and peripherals, and a Velcro front flap to keep it all safely tucked in. Now if only your life were this structured. Fits laptop screens up to 15.4 inches.