Marianne..i know what you mean.I got tired of the black ugly shoulder bags too..and the ones they make for laptops are either ugly or too uncomfortable. I have resorted to buying thick sleeves for the laptops and then using nicer totes as laptop bags. It is safe for the laptop only if your handbag is not too big as compared to the laptop though. You can get neoprene sleeves for all sizes pretty cheaply at http://www.ebags.com

Marianne, Tumi has some cute laptop bags that come in bright colors but they're nothing like what Angie posted about, they're definitely laptop cases. They're also a little pricey but if you watch a local TJ Maxx (if you have one), I find them there occasionally at a great price.

I had the same quest - finding a super cool laptop bag (but not for hundreds of dollars.) In the end, I decided it wasn't possible, and bought a fun big bright yellow bag at H&M for $29 last week. I've already used it this week to carry around my laptop (including on the plane), but plan to buy a protectice sleeve eventually.

These are in a higher price range, but I thought I'd mention them just in case.
http://www.knomobags.com/eshop......asp?SS=10

Thanks everyone for ideas! Mirah, I haven't tried the sleeve+regular bag yet - I wasn't sure a typical tote would handle the weight of a laptop well (bottom sagging, handles breaking and so on). I'll keep that in mind and try to look for a sturdy tote. Antje, I like your solution... I should check Target or maybe H&M when it opens here.
Inge, those Knomo bags look nice, but not quite what I am looking for. I could maybe handle the price but then I would feel committed to this bag... you know what I mean.
Dixiegirl, I like Tumi quality and had hopes for them, too, but yeah, it's not like that red patent tote!

That red patent tote is AWESOME. I clicked on it immediately, too, but I'm not ready to spend the dollars.

marianne..you are right about the sturdy part..but along with shoes i'm a bag addict.. so i usually buy cheaper totes and rotate them per mood and necessity :) My current favorite is a transparent bag with yellow and black patent patches which I found for some 20 odd dollars ..of all places at payless! I wouldnt be able to use it on a flight but its great for hauling to work and back.

Yes, I am still drooling over that tote too. The price is steep, but I would probably pay it if it were suitable for a laptop... otherwise it wouldn't make sense.
Mirah, I'll check payless too. Maybe I could find a cheaper version so that I won't be sorry if it breaks!

Here is one that's not quite as cool as the red patent one, but still pretty nice, and it's on sale at Macy's for $79: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....=EverGreen
It only accomodates small to medium sized laptops, though (up to 15'').

That IS a cute laptop tote Antje. Makes me wish I had to carry one around!

Oh Ana, be glad you don't have to! (Cart a heavy laptop around.) I'm actually looking at a wheeled laptop bag right now. My mom wants to give me one for my birthday (which was 4 months ago, but that's how it sometimes is... especially when we live in different countries) so I'm browsing. Unfortunately most of the wheeled ones are pretty boring, just black and stuff. Saw one in zebra, I might bite... Nothing like a little touch of animal print to perk you up in the airport, right? ;-)

That's true! I have to commute on public transportation and hauling the laptop around is no fun. That's why I am looking for the lightest possible bag. Even super-expensive nice bags tend to be heavier than I need. I like that red bag, Antje - the only thing is it's really exposed on the top... I also wonder what the weight is. I admit after this tote conversation I spent waay too much time on ebags and luggageonline. I was kind of looking at this but can't tell if it meets the requirements:
http://www.luggageonline.com/p.....ct_ID=9447
There are a few wheeled ones there too btw - no zebras, but bright colors:
http://www.luggageonline.com/p.....4294966740

I like those! Really like the shape of the first one you linked to. Very pretty shoulder bag.
So I'm looking at the wheeled ones and very much like the second one in the set you linked to (the one with the clasp) in red. I might go for that one if my mom is happy with the choice :-)
I had found this zebra one, but I'm worried about the quality (not leather): http://www.coolcomputerbags.com/detail.aspx?ID=421 Fun though, huh?

Oh Antje, those wheeled bags are so cool! I love the giraffe print a lot, the zebra one is super too. I wouldn't mind to haul it around in those prints.

The red wheeled one is sleek! Hope your mom likes it :)
I like the zebra one - it's hard to say what the material is like, but it's cute! Looks like I need to spend some time on that site, too.