Logitech Launches a Goody Bag

Logitech, makers of mice, webcams, and a bevy of other accessories, is bringing out the mother of all accessories—a case to hold them in. In a departure from the usual chip-driven devices, Logitech's newest products are the Kinetik 15.4 Backpack and the Logitech Kinetik 15.4 Briefcase.

I got to try them on for size at a recent Logitech show and tell in New York City, and let me tell you, for a company not named Tumi or Targus, it's done a nice job of combining looks, ruggedness, and practicality.

Both the briefcase and the backpack have those lightweight but durable exo-shell constructions to protect the laptop. Both are made from durable nylon and polyurethane, colored orange and black—a bit Halloween-ish, but certainly gender neutral. Both have compartments that effortlessly expand to allow access to your PC (that's a manicure saving feature from my perch).

The backpack is contoured to your back and the briefcase is cushioned just where you need it, helping you avoid the telltale black and blue thighs of laptop toters. Nice padded shoulder straps and plenty of room to store key accessories (even if they're not Logitech's) round out the design. Some of my favorite design subtleties? Both bags are topple-free. They stand on their own when left propped up. Both have lots of pockets with cute little icons suggesting what goes where. This helps packing-challenged folks like me and serves as a nice checklist for me to make sure I've got my batteries, headphones, etc. And, of course, the backpack has the iPod holder built in. The bags come with a five-year warranty and fit most 15.4-inch notebooks and the Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro. Both cost $99.

Since there doesn't seem to be one laptop bag that's the "gotta have it," Logitech may have a shot. After all, the company's got lots of experience knowing what goes inside the bag. Do you have a laptop bag that you truly love? I'd love to hear about it.