A guide to the main styles of bag available and their merits
The messenger bag is literally 'what it says on the tin', this casual style evolved from the type of bag used by cycle couriers. Great for round town and perennially popular, not to mention funky! Just make sure there's enough padding if you're using it for longer periods - this type of bag is probably unsuitable for long distance travel.
This style of bag has the added advantage that prying eyes may not know it contains a vaulable laptop.
Another popular casual style particularly suited to anyone who likes to have their hands free to do other things! Very popular with students and schoolchildren, however this style is renowned for comfort and practicality and according to Which.co.uk performed best in lab tests. If you spend a lot of time walking or inner-city commuting this might suit.
If you're going further afield with your laptop or just travel frequently on public transport you may find a rolling laptop bag is just what you need. This style usually benefits from increased padding, better build quality and more storage space for other items such as paperwork.If you are a professional who travels frequently this is a must, although you may also need a second bag for when you arrive!
The main difference with these two styles is the method of accessing the contents - with a briefcase laptop bag you usually have a flap much like a conventional briefcase which has added security as it's more difficult for someone to snatch the contents; with a top-loading bag you will find it easier to remove the laptop from the case.
The tote style laptop bag is a derivative style whose popularity is increasing as the style is much more about the bag and less about the laptop! Many bags in this style are available in beautiful leathers which if well made will obviously have a long life if well looked after. Read advice on laptop bag care and cleaning
As a bare minimum, you should invest in a sleeve for your laptop. You can use it around the house protect your computer from stop dust, coffee, and anything else that might accidentally end up on your laptop!
If you do use a sleeve, make sure you completely power down your laptop first as it could cause overheating and damage to the hard disk.