I needed a new laptop bag, and I
had a big REI dividend check to spend, so I picked up a Timbuk2 Commute
messenger-style bag. It's a little
bigger than I need, but not as over-the-top as most computer briefcases, whose
manufacturers seem to think value equals absurdly huge capacity and having a billion
pockets. The inside has a well-padded laptop section that should fit most
standard-sized laptops, although my X40 looks a little lost in it. It has two
nice outside water bottle pockets, which are also good for umbrellas or
rolled-up magazines.