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.

Gone are the days when a guy has to carry a briefcase to work. In this day of business casual, it’s completely acceptable to carry a laptop messenger. While the classic bike delivery guy may come to mind when you think messenger bag, you’d be surprised that there are laptop messengers that work for a whole slew of occasions.

Professional enough, but without screaming boring, the oxio freedomer messenger laptop bag is lightweight and offers just a tad of flair with the retro striping. The classic messenger design has a foldover flap which opens to the laptop compartment and other pockets. (Did you know that the whole point of the foldover flap in a messenger is to keep the thieves out during urban travel?)

And for the guy who does have to dress up to go to the office, we really like Aaron Irvin’s leather messenger laptop bag. It has a very clean lined design and comes in a gorgeous, hand-finished leather.

On the practical side, their laptop messengers and backpacks feature padded shoulder straps and handles, as well as tons of compartments for everything that you want to carry. No doubt that these were designed specifically to carry laptops, as they all have padded laptop compartments.

There are some more subtle colors to choose from like black and grey, but we really dig the picnic red.