So it says a lot that the first thing I thought of when I saw the new line of j'Tote laptop bags was not "that's a nice laptop bag," but, "that bag is gorgeous!" The Fall '07 line of 10 laptop totes, each designed by Anna Vahey Casey, seem to upend the usual approach to fashioning computer bags, adding function to form instead of vice versa.

Over the past couple weeks, having already been sold on the detailed designs, I put the Dubheasa model (pictured) through the functionality wringer. What I found most impressive was the laptop pocket; my PowerBook (fits notebooks up to 15 inches) didn't budge an inch once I secured it inside the padded walls with the heavy-duty padded Velcro closure. For added insurance three gel pads--one on the bottom and another on each side--provide extra shock absorption.

And, naturally, both zippered compartments provide pockets galore for cell phones, PDAs, iPods, pens, notepads, yada, yada, yada.

The bag on its own, despite all its fringe, padding, and hardware, isn't that heavy when empty, so I felt free to shove as much into it as I could. The result: Even with a full load, the heavily padded (and detachable) shoulder strap didn't dig into my arm or get uncomfortable.

Of course, all the designer bling and cache comes with a hefty(ish) price tag; the Dubheasa model runs $210, and the rest of the line prices out from $175 to $315.

And, as with most bigger-ticket items, you'll want to pay special attention to the upkeep of a j'Tote laptop bag with the help pf the designer's handy dos and don'ts guide.