Bay Area-based Timbuk2, which has made some of my favorite laptop bags over the years, has a new line of messenger-style bags covered in a nubby, upholstery-like fabric, in very cool retro-modern designs. The company sent me a couple to try out. First, note that you won't mind carrying these fine-looking bags for any reason, even if you don't have a laptop to tote. The bags are light and easy to carry; my one quibble with messenger-style bags (of any make) is that the large flap can make it awkward to get into the bag quickly.

The one pictured above is covered in a fabric called "Night Bird," which has a dark-blue background with multicolored concentric rings. Open it to find, in the waterproof interior, a multitude of open and zippered compartments for phones, pens, and so on, as well as a large corduroy-lined slot for the laptop.

Timbuk2 also includes an extra "cross strap" to help stabilize the bag's weight across your body; I haven't seen this before with messenger-style bags. The shoulder strap is easily adjustable and has a padded center. The bag comes in two sizes: 13 inches ($150 list) and 15 inches ($175). Shop around for deals.

After the jump is a picture of the red-with-curvy-shapes "Sanguin" bag, which comes in the smaller size only (also $150).