Essentials for a computer bag:

· small & compact - just enough for the computer, peripherals, pencil & notepad

· water resistant for those commutes between the office & the train

· solid seams with heavy duty hardware for the shoulder strap

· secret compartments are always nice too — for that pack of gum or small travelers bottle of aspirin

Great feedback @matthew thanks for spelling out some essentials. I agree... small compartments are great... i even adore those little pen pockets... i always find like a handful of pens on the bottom of all of my bags... this will help me avoid pen build-up, and unwanted markings.

I would go even farther and say waterproof is ideal, since one perfectly timed summer downpour can just ruin the year. Little pockets are important for the nitnoy things like keys and eyedrops. Medium pockets are essential for the laptop charger and friends.

Make sure the laptop compartment offers decent protection: enough padding on all sides to protect against bumps. Also consider a TSA-compliant bag that lets you unzip the laptop section and lay it right on the x-ray belt without removing the laptop from the bag.

Finally, consider the strap: all that computer can get heavy if you're on a long haul through airports or downtowns; you need a strap with enough width and padding to keep you hopping along. Or maybe go for a backpack style if it suits you.

Finally, and this is a subtle point, try to find a bag that let's you easily get to things after you've set it down. My favorite bags will stand upright so I can use both hands to get the computer out.

@taj Great points to bring up, many thanks for the detailed explanation of what makes a computer bag rock and roll... I especially love the "laptop charger and friends." That would be my favorite compartment!

My favorite point you make is about the bag sitting up when I set it down... So essential, so thank you for bringing it up. Not only do I think it makes the bag more efficient, it makes the bag look more professional and screams the tune of a better quality bag in general. Many thanks for the extra goodies I had not yet thought about!

Thanks for all the great ideas.

I like leather for its looks & durability, but also because I hate the landfill effect of synthetics. I recognize that some PC people freak out about dead animals, and oftentimes synthetics are better at sheltering your gear from the elements. I bought a swanky bag made by STM for my laptop, it was pretty nice and one of the least expensive options. Unlike the usual messenger bag, it has a more vertical profile. I think I prefer that for moving around quickly on foot

great ideas. but i am all about the style and will deal with any bag as long as it is cute.