Offbeat Laptop Bags

A bullet-resistant backpack? But of course. Here's a guide to some offbeat laptop bags.

Laptop bags may seem boring to some. But the reality is, some new and veteran models are anything but. This week: a look at some of the more interesting laptop bags.

The Bullet-Resistant Backpack

Yes, you read that right: a bullet-resistant backpack. From MJ Safety Solutions, the backpack is undoubtedly the most unusual bag I've seen recently.

After the tragedies of Columbine and other school shootings, the $195 backpack's inventors came up with this product, designed for students and anyone who fears gun or knife violence. There are two models, both with padded computer compartments. The makers claim that the bullet and knife protection panel adds only 20 ounces to the backpack's weight. Go to Traveler 2.0 for a video demonstration.

The Solar-Powered Bag

Here's something for the Al Gore on your holiday list: a backpack with solar panels that can charge handheld devices (but not laptops).

The Voltaic solar bags include several backpack models ($199 to $249) and a messenger-style bag ($229). Each contains three waterproof solar panels and delivers 4 watts of solar power. One hour in direct sun will power over three hours of iPod play time, the company claims.

The bags also include a lithium-ion battery pack, which stores surplus power so it's there when you need it. You can also charge the battery pack using an AC adaptor. Each bag comes with 11 adaptors for popular cell phones and other devices. And the company says the bags are primarily made of--Al Gore, are you sitting down?--recycled soda bottles. The three panels add a total of 12 ounces to each bag.

The Pulp Fiction Bag

For the ladies, MobileEdge sells something cloyingly called the Cutebug laptop bag ($90). The cool thing about these messenger-style bags: They feature vintage pulp fiction-inspired designs. The "Bright Promises" bag holds laptops with up to a 15.4-inch screen, while the "Kisses and More Kisses" bag holds laptops with up to a 14.1-inch screen.

Other Options

Interested in more-conventional laptop bags? I can recommend the following:

• CODi Sling-Pak ($148). Stylish, single-strap backpack features a built-in padded sleeve. The company says the bag protects laptops with up to 15.4-inch screens--but laptops of that size protrude outside the protected compartment, so I'd recommend this for owners of 14-inch and smaller models instead.
• Briggs & Riley 20" Carry-On Computer Upright ($325). I love Briggs & Riley bags for their durability and lifetime guarantees. This wheeled bag, which I've used and recommend, includes a laptop compartment plus space for one or two days' worth of clothing and toiletries.
• Waterfield Design's Cargo Bag ($169 to $249; prices vary based on design choices). For years, I've been a fan of this San Francisco-based company's messenger-style bag, which you can configure with an airplane seatbelt closure. Padded laptop sleeves cost $38 to $55 extra.