By Brian Merchant
Brooklyn, NY, USA | Tue Apr 21 11:00:00 GMT 2009
It's an encouraging thing to see an otherwise mundane product niche like laptop carrying cases overflowing with green options. Who would've thought?
Perfect for your energy sipping green laptop, laptop cases made from surprising recycled materials, bags outfitted with powerful solar cells, and extraordinarily durable, greenly designed packs make for compelling, environmentally friendly alternatives to your run-of-the-mill nylon messenger bag. Here are five of the most intriguingly green and low-impact laptop cases out there.
Why We Like It: Unlike some other solar paneled bags, Voltaic's Generator actually looks stylish—in other words, you'll be able to tote your laptop around without looking like an extra from Battlestar Galactica. It's modern, designed well, and reasonably subtle.
Eco Factor: This one's off the charts: It's the king of green laptop cases. The greenest of the green, some might say. Okay, you get the point—here's why: Not only does this bad boy boast enough solar panels to power your laptop for extended periods of time (and just about any handheld electronic for that matter), but it's made from recycled PET bottles to boot. Its innovative energy storage system—storing up to 15 watts when fully charged—lets you snag power from a cigarette lighter portal or a USB port of a plugged-in computer (if it happens to be gloomy out).
Carrying Capacity: It will hold up to a 17 inch-laptop, nice and snug thanks to the adjustable padded laptop sleeve.
Where to Buy: Voltaic Systems
How Much: And finally some bad news: the $500 price tag. Hey, being revolutionary doesn't come cheap.
Image courtesy of Voltaic Systems
Why We Like It: GreenSmart's Bottles 2 Bags laptop jacket is simple, inexpensive, and green. The bag's look is stark and minimal—but it will certainly get the job done. Functional perks include a zipper system that allows you to keep the laptop in the bag, with easy access to power cords in the back.
Eco Factor: Bottles 2 Bags is made out of polyester from 100 percent recycled PET bottles, which makes it way better than a bag made out of virgin polyester. But we should keep in mind that materials made out of recycled PET bottles aren't an end-all answer: Much oil is still used during the recycling process, rendering the benefit of such products a little less remarkable.
Carrying Capacity: Seven different sizes to choose from means it will fit just about any laptop.
Where: GreenSmart
How Much: $45-$55, depending on size.
Image courtesy of GreenSmart
Why We Like It: Far less expensive than its solar powering counterpart, Eclipse Solar Gear's Fusion is a good way to get some photovoltaic bang for your buck. It kinda looks like it was designed to appear on Star Trek (it's all those compartments and that super-shininess, we think). But, with a little finesse, you can turn the sci-fi motif into an ironic, kitchy aesthetic—and just enjoy wearing a bag that obviously has no qualms about showing off its futuristic solar power capacity.
Eco Factor: The bag's solar cells will store up to 2.5 watts of power, which isn't really adequate to power a laptop. However, it's perfect for fueling your iPod or cell phone—just make sure to get a standard 12-volt plug (the kind that fits into a car's cigarette lighter) for your electronic. You'll never have to worry about running out of juice on your cell again. Unfortunately, the bag itself, made of nylon, isn't inherently green.
Carrying Capacity: Its measurements are 18 inches by 13 inches by 5 inches and it weighs 3 pounds—big enough to fit even a mammoth notebook.
Where: Eclipse Solar Gear
How Much: $160
Image courtesy of Eclipse Solar Gear
Why We Like It: Not strictly a laptop case, there's nonetheless ample room to carry your unit in the innovative and distinctively cool-looking Tree Messenger Bag from Flat Bags. It's offered over at Canada's Eco-Handbags, a cool site altogether that features green bags from a slew of different designers. For laptop-toting bikers, this bag is ideal—it boasts a special strap that fastens around your waist while you ride.
Eco Factor: This bag is handmade from recycled bicycle tubes (is that considered cannibalism by bike messengers?) and discovered fabrics. Which means this is the only vinyl vinyl, or PVC, is seriously un-green you should be slinging over your shoulder. Plus, Flat Bags is a consistently eco-conscious company.
Carrying Capacity: The Tree is not as big as some of the other bags, and comes with no special slot for your laptop, but the two inside pockets should more than do the trick.
Where to Buy: Eco-Handbags. They ship to the U.S. for free on orders over $150.
How Much: $139CAD or about $114USD
Image courtesy of Flat Bags
Why We Like It: The Tartan Fabric Laptop Messenger from Timbuk2 is the only laptop bag on the block made from recycled plaid—paying homage to 70s style or perhaps 90s grunge while you gallivant around town with your notebook. Why must you be gallivanting around, you ask? Because you're swinging this slick, water-proof, easily adjustable, beautifully stitched messenger bag, of course.
Eco Factor: Two Words: Recycled polyester. These laptop bags are evidently made from old leisure suits. Which we find fantastic. What's more, Timbuk2 has a solid reputation for making durable goods—and this bag is no exception. They're made in San Francisco, so if you're a West Coaster, the bags won't have to sail across the country to reach your doorstep.
Carrying Capacity: The small fits a 13-inch laptop, and the medium (which is $20 more) adds an extra inch.
Where to Buy: Timbuk2
How Much: $135 or $155
Image courtesy of Timbuk2
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