So the thing about new gadgets is that they almost always require new apparatus for carting them around. The annoying thing about new gadgets is that the carrying cases can cost as much as, and sometimes more than, the damn gadgets did in the first place - if you can even find them at all.

I’ve just plain given up on finding a sleeve for my sparkly new phone, and in terms of laptop bags, I very nearly despaired. If you’re a guy, it’s easy: head to Timbuk2 and order up anything that catches your fancy. That’s it - you’re sorted for whizz and Es. If you’re a chick, though, most of the options out there are enough to make you weep with the ugly.

Even the custom Timbuk2 bags, while very well intentioned, are bit misguided in their execution:

Call me crazy, but that just is not $210 worth of pretty.

Much better looking are the variety of laptop sleeves out there, which you can of course shove into the roomy bag of your choice. My standard for good sleeves is that they be custom sized to your laptop. If you’re a Mac owner, than the world is your oyster (but you already knew that, you smug Mac whore, didn’t you?)

Velvet Idole makes really well produced leather zip cases for all Mac laptop sizes, and considering how very stylish they are, €75 is a fair price. Fabrix Cases also makes Mac sleeves in some truly lush prints from florals to camos to business stripes, but for $50 they’ll make you one sized to your exact lappy dimensions:

If you prefer something a little more padded and just absolutely beautiful, you can buy one of the Tilly Moss sleeves I’ve been lusting after for almost a year. Again, they’re sized for Macs but for a mere €30, you can get one to snuggle your exact technological proportions.

Unfortunately, I am under strict instructions to by not just a sleeve but an entire laptop bag, preferably one made of armour. As recent events have proven, I am un-naturally hard on hardware, and if I could be forced to compute in a padded vault, my huband would probably lock me in there and just shove food under the door. Luckily, this isn’t a viable option, but buying a bag from Computer Fashions is:

These bags are hand made in a really fabulous range of Amy Butler fabrics, usually combing florals with dots or stripes. They come in two ranges: a narrow profile padded laptop messenger bag ($49.00), and a larger, deeper laptop/diaper bag version ($69.00). Both can be custom sized to your gear, and there are options you can add like key clips, adjustable straps and mobile pockets, too.

And one will by mine. Oh yes, yes it will.