Being already oh-so-fashionable in school, who would ever want to commit the crime of carrying a laptop case that is just a piece of canvas or plastic? Getting a bag that stands out is not a problem with the latest nifty, pretty carriers worth every dollar. RACHEL TAN reports.

A laptop case has become a fashion statement especially when modern executives and students alike carry their laptop around like a second skin. Thankfully, designers have rallied to the call for unique and pretty laptop carriers.

Grab and go

Local brand Fabrix, established in March 2006, is known for designing vibrant and eye-catching laptop sleeves. Each sleeve is limited in stock, which maintains exclusivity. Best of all, each case is handmade.

The sleeves are soft to touch and then you slide your laptop in, it fits snugly. The cushioning feels adequate, but it doesn’t give a sense of security of your laptop remaining unscathed if it should fall.

The delux laptop case range is readily available for Apple Macbooks, but if you own any other laptop, Fabrix offers customisation services for an additional $5. If purchased online, the waiting time for a readily available model takes three to four days, while a customised one takes six to eight days.

Prices range from $49.90 to $59.90, depending on the design and size. Fabrix cases can be found at iShop by Club 21 at Orchard Cineleisure, AppleCentre@Funan and MacShop at Funan Digitalife Mall.

Visit www.fabrixcases.com for more information.

Look, no hands!

Local brand Flake marries minimalist and utilitarian design in one great package. Their bags come in messenger and tote variations, which can be comfortably slung over your shoulder. All bags come in a combination of two colours – a main colour and another for the trimming.

The sling is made from a single strip of fabric that wraps the bag completely, giving it a clean contemporary look. Not only is the sling comfortable on the shoulder, but the case is sturdy and is padded. A protruding trimming around the bag allows it to stand upright, preventing the laptop from any possible impact.

Flake bags are made for Apple Macbooks only, but they are considering producing bags that fit other laptops too.

Prices range from $85 to $95, depending on model and size. Flake is only available at Macshop at Funan Digitalife Mall.

Visit www.flakeflake.com for more information.

Sophistication

Acme Made is a trendy brand from the United States that started in 2002. Using quality materials such as Italian leather, coupled with European designs varying from contemporary to retro, the laptop cases are great for the working individual. Among the designs available here, the “Designer Slim” series is the most popular and it’s easy to see why. Colourful yet understated, each case is tastefully made to get you noticed the right way.

The briefcases in this series are boxy in nature, due to the protective materials used. Protection-wise, the case offers high protection as the cases are hard. However, besides the laptop and some loose sheets of paper, nothing else could fit in.

Although the briefcases are designed for Apple Macbooks, they fit other brands pretty well too.

Prices range from $129 to $519, depending on design and size.

Acme Made is available at Anthropology at Holland Village and Raffles City, iShop by Club 21 at Orchard Cineleisure and Sony Square at North Bridge Road.

Visit www.acmemade.com for more information.