1. Sleek Satchel
At 13-by-11 inches (33-by-28 centimeters), the Roots Milano ($398; www.roots.com) is too small for most laptops but ideal for carrying the essentials plus a little more. The vertically oriented leather bag has four small external pockets (phone, PDA, chocolate-covered espresso beans) and one zippered enclosure.

2. Urban Player
Strong, clean lines and style-conscious details separate the Ogio Urboe ($59; www.ogio.com) visually from other packs, but the real kicker hides inside: a side-access laptop compartment and a dedicated charger and cord pocket.

3. Creative Courier
The Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote ($70; www.patagonia.com) is such a multitasker, it could coin a new term: übertility. The 11.5-ounce (28-gram) ripstop nylon hauler makes a terrific schlepper, doubles as a backpack, and even folds into a pouch.

4. Strongman
"Tote" is a dainty little word, but the Timbuk2 Cargo Tote ($70; www.timbuk2.com) is anything but. Made of ballistic nylon with extra-long, heavy-duty handles, the waterproof carrier brings a masculine edge to a lightweight handbag.

5. Executive Assistant 
The Victorinox Swiss Army Charles Delux Laptop Messenger ($130; www.swissarmy.com) is padded like a hockey goalie and loaded with useful bells and whistles, such as zippered stash pockets, a cell-phone holder, and an iPod sleeve. It'll keep your 17-inch (43-centimeter) laptop safe and electronic detritus supremely organized.

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