http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/35396131/c/3.html

I love this bag. It’s really exactly the size to carry my macbook around. If you put it up next to other bags, you’ll see how much extra bulk they have and how little this one has. Would highly recommend it. Bought mine from an Apple store in NY

http://www.sjdesign.com/

http://www.highergroundgear.com/

There were some OK generic PC carriers out there, but those were built oversize and provided moveable pads to custom-fit the computer… dumb idea. I don’t want to spend $50+ on a case then have to rely on vecro to hold the goods in place!

http://blog.johnjosephbachir.org/2007/06/29/still-the-best-laptop-sleeve-that-i-can-find-the-tom-bihn-brain-cell/

Although, since I got my iPhone I don’t tote my laptop around as much anymore.

Yes, I am a consumer whore. (And how!)

While you can’t expect serious storage space if you’re looking to buy one of these, expect the most protective case you can buy for your notebook in this size/form factor. You can’t argue with Brenthaven’s commitment to doing that part well.

Also of note, I have some Wenger products, including a Swiss watch that was a gift almost 8 years ago. Aside from replacing the battery twice (seems about right), it’s never off by even a few seconds. If it wasn’t for DST, I would no doubt be able to set it and forget it… for 3-4 years.

So I’m fond of their products too. I considered a Wenger case at one point, given their storage capacity and killer looks. If anyone’s considering, check dealmac first, as I’ve seen a number of Wenger bags and backpacks on special quite recently: http://dealmac.com/search.html?search=wenger&x=0&y=0

The PowerSleeve has been discontinued by booq. There was never a PowerSleeve model specifically made for the MacBook. The boa slimcase S90 is not necessarily a replacement for the PowerSleeve since it is a bit bulkier. It’s just a small case.

The Brenthaven Edge has been around for at least a year. Maybe more. Really well made. Some people consider this a work-in case, but I would not since my MacBook Pro gets really hot and ventilation is pretty key.

Since some of these bags are hard to find in local shops, feel free to send me an email and I’d be happy to share my thoughts on each (quality, warranty,etc.) and even products by other vendors that I don’t carry but have tested and used in the past.

Email me at jeff@jeffhartman.com.

First, the Zoom by a company called Spire. Their backpacks are great because they have a sort of oval shape that doesn’t look like a computer bag – no one ever knows mine is a computer bag, as it looks too small. Inside the packs have a rigid panel with velcro, and they include a laptop sleeve that can velcro to itself (if you just need a sleeve) or can slide into a pocket in the backpack and velcro to the rigid panel (for really nice integration into the pack). Mine has flown off the passenger seat of my car and bounced off the floor of my car, with no damage to my laptop inside. I’d recommend this to anyone, even though it may be slightly outside of your requirements. It does have a nice comfortable handle on top and just enough room for a power supply and a book (though I imagine you could stuff it with a bit more stuff and you might not want straps on the back).
http://www.spireusa.com/products/ZM6.htm

To carry my larger work laptop I went outside my comfort zone and reversed my philosophy: I got a bag that would let me also carry enough for an overnight trip, the Mountain Hardware Memo – this holds a decently large laptop (mine is 15″ widescreen) and has a couple of other full-sized compartments that allow me to carry just enough files and clothes (in separate pockets so no one in the meeting has to see the clothes) for a business overnighter (and is carryon sized to boot). Its a bit tight for all that but so long as I keep my wardrobe simple it works well, and is great to carry compared to a laptop bag and a small suitcase.
http://www.rei.com/product/765744

http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product.jsp?prod_id=8235&cat_id=14&sub_cat_id=63

My small MacBook fits perfectly. Info on Wenger’s website says it fits most 15″ screen laptops, but I can’t imagine that’s true. Certainly my old 15″ Dell doesn’t fit.

There is enough room inside for the power adapter, a mouse, a few CDs, and a pad or folder of paper.

On the outside, there is a slim zippered pocket on one side, and a sleeve on the other (held closed with a small velcro patch). These hold my iPod, or cell phone, smaller bits of paper, or a short ethernet cable; but they won’t hold anything bulky.

The bag itself opens with a double zipper. Unzip across the top and the lid folds back. Unzip further, down either side of the bag, and the whole side folds open. The zippers are some sort of nylon and heal closed very well. I’ve carried the bag through very heavy rain with no ill effect.

There is a single carry handle on the top, and a strap securely anchored to the side. There are no flaps, or pouches, or swivels, or bungie nets, or bottle holders on the outside.

I have sometimes wished it was bigger so I could put more things in it, but I know that if it was bigger I’d be much more frequently wishing I wasn’t lugging around so much crap.

I’ve had the bag for about 3 years. Nothing has broken (mostly because there is very little to break) and there are no signs of wear. Handle and strap are still secure.

I was walking through a big-chain office supply store one day and just happened to see it. It was about $30.

Cheers.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlloyd/148037336/

Maybe a bit *too* partial