.: Mobile Office

A stylish laptop case is just as important as a trendy handbag. But it should also be useful. Who needs a cute bag that's annoying or painful to carry and doesn't fit all of your stuff besides? These bags are functional and fashionable.

Mobile Edge makes some of the best laptop cases on the market. They teamed up with Women in Technology International to create a line of chic bags, totes, and briefcases for laptops. Each bag combines security features and usability with chic style that will appeal to business women at any stage of their career. Our favorites include The Milano handbag, the Ultra Laptop Tote, and the gorgeous briefcase in leather or faux croc.

For a messenger style bag that's still boardroom appropriate, look no further than Abbi New York's Jade and Sienna. Both are absolutely gorgeous and sport a wide strap for extra comfort. Wear it across your chest or shortened for the shoulder. Either way you'll look fabulous.

The height of laptop bag couture: styles that don't look like business bags at all. The Abbi New York Sabrina is smartly compartmentalized and offers great laptop protection.

Mobile Edg/WITI Faux Croc Briefcase $180 @ eBags	The Milano by Mobile Edge, $100 @ eBags
Abbi New York's Sabrina, $90 @ eBags	Abbi New York Sienna, $90 @ eBags

Back Office :.

Commuters often opt for laptop backpacks - especially for heavier models. You needn't look like a college student in this instance. There are plenty of cute bags to choose from.

The bag at the top of our list is from Kara B. The Metro backpack keeps your hardware safe in a padded compartment, plus has two roomy inside compartments for anything else you need to carry. The shoulder strap pads are a smart addition and help relieve some of the strain due to weight. Get it in faux leather or laminated canvas with over a dozen different colors and styles.

The Paris from Mobile Edge/WITI has a classic look and modern sensibilities. It comes with a removable accessories/cosmetics pouch, workstation section for accessories, ventilated and padded rear panel, and a wireless security shield. Get it in black or tweed, too. Perfect for the chic technogeek.

There's no reason to be buttoned up on casual Fridays, so you can certainly step away from the more traditional office cases. The Moonsus cappriccio backpack is a great pick, as it's sophisticated without being stuffy with patterned canvas and leather piping.

Those toting smaller laptops should consider the sumdex she rules nicole modern backpack which, along with the usual padded compartment and pockets for your essentials, comes with a Personal Safety Light & Detachable Cosmetic Case.

Simple's new Hangover bag boasts an "urban-backpacker" style with a radically cushioned section for the laptop. It will fit anything up to the Apple 17", but check the dimensions for larger PC's.

Mobile Edge/WITI's The Paris, $130 @ eBags	moonsus capriccio backpack, $200 ($65 off!) @ kolobags.com
sumdex she rules nicole modern backpack, $44 @ eBags	Hangover Laptop Backpack, $100 @ Simple Shoes

.: Global Office

Chances are, if your laptop is the center of your professional life, you also have to take it with you on the road. Your computer will need extra protection for the rigors of travel.

Waterfield Designs has very well-made protective sleeves for nearly every laptop on the market. Each is customizable to your needs - vertical or horizontal opening, flap or no flap, and additional shoulder strap option.

The Sumo Two-Pocket Case is an extra-protective laptop sleeve with benefits. The first compartment fits 12" laptops and the second holds cords, papers, and other small items. Slip either of these into your carry-on luggage without worry.

Coakley's Travel Portfolio is perfect for carrying everything you need for a meeting or presentation right off the plane. There are a plethora of compartments for everything from your ID, passport, PDA, or cell phone to all your cords, accessories, files, and much more. Carry it on your shoulder or use the back sleeve to slip in on your rolling bag's handle.

For a great all-in-one carry-on/business trip/laptop case bag, the versatile Solo Case Rolling Laptop Traveler has a section for clothes that includes a suiter to stave off wrinkles and a special compartment in the front that holds a removable laptop case to keep your computer safe.

Waterfield Designs Laptop Sleeve, starting at $38

Coakley Travel Portfolio, $375 @ eBags

SOLO 3 in 1 Rolling Business Traveler, $119 @ eBags

Bigger Office :.

Ever since 17" laptops were introduced, finding a bag that fits them has been a Herculean task. Finding a good-looking bag is even harder. They do exist, and most of them will work for the more common 15.4" size, too.

Waterfield Designs' products are durable, attractive, and nearly as customizable as laptops themselves. Our top pick for big laptop screens is the Cozmo. The strap is ultra-comfortable and helps offset the weight of larger laptops. There is organization inside and out with plenty of places for your stuff. Even better, get the Cozmo Mambo Combo which includes the bag, one of their awesome protective sleeves, and a gear pouch to neatly store your cables.

Big screen doesn't have to equal bulky bag. The Mobile Edge/WITI Large Faux Croc Portfolio is slim and durable. It fits an Apple 17" laptop with room to spare for the cable pouch (included). It will fit the wider PC laptops, too. You can slip this in another bag or carry it alone with the strap (also included).

Carrying larger laptops is much easier if you have a backpack. But this brings a new concern: theft. Especially when it comes to crowded commuter situations. Again, we turned to Mobile Edge and found a great solution: the SecurePack. It keeps your gear safe because the opening rests against your back. There's even a small, secure compartment or little pockets on the straps for your MP3 player.

Looking for a travel-worthy bag to fit your large laptop? The best we've found is the "Level" Carry-On Wheeled Tote from High Sierra. You'll be able to fit all your carry-on needs plus your computer plus your wires plus your files plus... you get the idea. High Sierra specializes in tough bags that protect and last so your baby will survive every trip.

Waterfield Designs Large Cozmo Laptop Bag, $149. Save with the Cozmo Mambo Combo, only $179.

Mobile Edge SecurePack, $80 @ eBags

"Level" Carry On Wheeled Computer Tote, $150 @ eBags.com