When I transitioned from a behemoth laptop to my tiny Dell Inspiron 710m (which I love even though it's not the smallest or prettiest in its class), I bought a tiny laptop bag to go with it so I could really travel light. For awhile, I was so delighted with its slimness that I almost didn't mind that I had to carry the fat adapter in my purse. Never mind all the other stuff I generally carry, like pens, notepads, and cords for other portable devices -- no room for any of that stuff.

Looking for something a little roomier and more versatile, I came across a few fashionable, very ladylike styles that look like oversized handbags -- tempting if I weren't the type of ungentle person who regularly spills coffee, walks around in the rain without an umbrella, and throws things around in my car like a gorilla in a cage.

In the end, I bought this VertiGo bag (named that because it's, of course, vertical) with a laptop sleeve insert (I got the very bag pictured above, except with orange leather trim instead of the green). Made of a highly durable black, ballistic nylon, it comes in 4 different sizes, ranging in price from $79 to $89, with a choice of 9 different trims. I love that it's not strictly a laptop bag, which means I can use it as an overnight bag, as a carry-on when I'm flying, as a book bag (not that I ever read books anymore), or as an alternative to a handbag. There are a number of interior pockets for things like cell phones, pens, business cards, whatever. The exterior sports two large pockets, front and back (big enough for files, books, candy bars, water bottle), and one small pocket on the side (for another cell phone or iPod maybe, or a baby bottle if you use this as a diaper bag). I'm not sure why, but I feel like the vertical positioning makes it less cumbersome to carry.