It seems like Memorial Day was just last week, but here we are looking at Labor Day just around the corner. Summer is practically over (and as of this writing, some kids are already back in school). And whether you have to wear a uniform and ride a bus or can just learn virtually while sitting at your desk in boxer shorts, this is a good time of year to review what’s come out lately, and what you may need in the areas of technology and gadgets.

The first thing that comes to my mind for “back to school” is a backpack. Whether you’re in grade school, high school, college or post-grad, a good backpack is indispensable. And since students from junior high and up are all required these days to do computer work, the essential carry-all is a laptop backpack; a school backpack that can carry books and papers, as well as tote your laptop computer to school and back.

In addition to the (obvious) backpack, though, there are many other kinds of laptop bags that are both stylish and extremely useful for anyone going back-to-school. Back to school bags — that also carry and protect your valuable laptop — also include laptop totes, laptop sleeve or a large, comfortable laptop messenger bag.

I recommend checking them out at dedicated niche sites like Kolobags. They carry only the best products and provide the best customer service. It’s a much better experience than shopping at a huge mega-site or a chain store.

Laptops were one of the top purchases this past holiday, which means that you may be one of those folks who is walking around with a laptop that is not protected.  Take care of your laptop, while showing off your style, with a designer laptop bag.

Here are our Top 10 laptop cases choices coming into 2010:

10. Laptop bags for 18-inch laptops: The first question you ask is why would someone buy a laptop 18 inches or larger?  For those folks in graphic design, they know exactly why.  They also know that it has proven virtually impossible to find a sleeve or bag that will fit.  One of our favorites is the Tucano 18.4″ neoprene laptop sleeve.  It’s simple, and yet it does the job.  The neoprene sleeve comes in basic black and will fit laptops up to 17.25″ x 11.25″ in size.  You can carry this solo or slip it into another bag.

9. Kindle cases: Okay, these are not laptops but a ton of Amazon Kindles went out the door for the 2009 holidays.  The Kindle is slim and trim, which definitely means it makes sense to protect, especially given the size of the screen and the fact that the screen has no cover.  Kroo USA’s Amazon Kindle Melrose is a sleek cover that opens like a book, and will hold the Kindle, a writing instrument and a few extra papers, in case you are a note-taker.

8. Laptop backpacks for kids: One of the top selling laptop bag styles for kids is the backpack, and one of the most popular styles this holiday season was the High Sierra stretch laptop backpack.  Featured at less than $50, it comes in fun, bright colors versus only basic black. The laptop compartment will fit a 17-inch laptop, making it work for just about everyone, and then many extras will fit in the second zippered compartment.  No doubt this bag was built to last:  High Sierra is an official supplier to the US Ski and Snowboard teams.

7. Laptop totes for teens: For those of us over 25, we think about backpacks as the mode of transport for laptops and books for the teen or college kid on campus.  However, now the trend, especially for females, is moving toward some other styles, like the laptop tote.  More of a fashion statement than a laptop backpack, a pink laptop tote — like Mango Tango’s faux leather flight bag — gives a girl the look of carrying a handbag.  This definitely is more of a match for her designer jean.

6. Wheeled laptop bags: The frequent traveler knows that there is no faster way to travel through airports.  A unique design is one offered by Rick Steves, the notorious travel guru who is featured on public radio and his own guidebook series.  Rick Steves Avanti rolling laptop tote is perfect for a day commuter trip or one night (for the minimalist).  The wheeled bag fits under the airline seat in front of you, minimizing stress over rushing to board the plane.  There is a padded laptop compartment and then a roomy front section that has dividers that can be used for paperwork or a change of clothes.

5. Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags: Since we are on the topic of frequent travelers, it’s important to mention that checkpoint friendly laptop bags have gained rapidly in popularity.  Rather than taking your laptop out of its case at security, these are permitted to transport through the x-ray in the case.  We recommend the Mobile Edge scan-fast laptop messenger bag.  The laptop compartment opens to TSA specifications, and then there are many added pockets for easy access to everything else that the busy traveler needs to carry.  Plus, it has a sleeve so that it will slide over a wheeled bag handle and sit tight.

4. Designer laptop totes: With the last year’s economic challenges, some folks have held back from buying new accessories.  However, we are seeing ladies begin to update their wardrobe with a practical choice, like a laptop tote.  It is pretty hard to choose just one.  The Moonsus cosmopolitan satchel is true to its name.  Made of supple leather, this laptop tote looks more like a stylish handbag but the three-quarter zipper opens to several handy compartments, including one specific for a laptop.  This author frequently travels with a similar Moonsus laptop bag, and these bags do wonders going from day meetings to a just a handbag when on the road and you don’t want to carry multiple bags.

3. Eco-friendly laptop bags: Is it fashion that influences culture or vice versa?  Regardless, we have seen an increased interest in laptop cases that take concern for the environment by using recycled items. Greensmart has built its brand around this concept, and has Greensmart laptop bags include multiple sleeves and jackets made from recycled plastic bottles.

2. Netbook cases: The whole point of a netbook is small and compact.  If that is the point, then why would you choose a big laptop bag?  We are partial to the Higher Ground mini shuttle 10″ netbook case. One of the best features is the cool deck workstation… the case opens up into a full work station that your netbook never needs to leave.  The cool deck dissipates heat to keep your laptop from overheating while in use.  This mini-notebook case is so versatile it comes in multiple color choices and has a removable shoulder strap.

1. Designer Laptop Sleeves: By far, these sleeves were the top seller this holiday.  They are economical (most are less than $50), versatile (they can fit in numerous other bags), and expressive (try a few and use the one that fits your mood).   There are an assortment  of designs ranging from flowers or hearts to skulls or camouflage.  The neoprene is imprinted with a patent-pending process that makes for a design that is truly permanent and won’t peel off.

Another category that may be right around the corner is waterproof, floating laptop cases. Last summer Jamie Hince of the Kills and Kate Moss got into a fight, and the model’s tantrum led to Jamie’s laptop being thrown into the swimming pool. The act destroyed the only copy of six newly-recorded songs. There are two lessons which can be learned from this:

1. Always back up your data
2. Never date a supermodel

The fast pace of our high-tech lifestyles sometimes make us ache for simpler times, when living closer to nature and respecting her gifts was not only under the domain of the environmentalists. One company named Shoreline, finally, has figured out how to merge “eco-friendly” with “high-tech,” by creating a line of laptop bags — GreenSmart sleeves and jackets — out of recycle PET plastic. Surprisingly light and durable, these stylish bags, which are great for both men and women, allow you to express your fashion-sense while helping the environment.

The Shoreline Greensmart laptop jacket is so skinny you can insert in into another bag or backpack for extra protective padding. Alternatively, you can pull out the handles and use it as a laptop bag by itself. It comes with a zippered exterior pocket and port pockets, which means you don’t even have to remove your laptop to start using it; simply unzip the main compartment for access to the screen and keyboard, and run your cables out the back of the port pockets. It comes in several colors: Toasted almond, black, and powder blue, and in two different sizes: The smaller bag fits laptops with 15.4-inch screens and the larger bag will accomodate a 17-inch screen laptop.

If you don’t care for the full jacket, then the Shoreline Greensmart laptop sleeve may be for you. It’s super-lightweight, weighing in at around 8 ounces, and is manufactured from the same post-consumer PET plastic. The laptop sleeve provides an extra layer of protection when you tote your laptop around inside of a backpack, purse, or briefcase that does not furnish adequate padding on its own. As with the jacket, the zipper allows for quick and easy access. The GreenSmart laptop sleeve is also available in toasted almond, black, and powder blue in two sizes: For 13.3-inch laptop screens and 15.4-inch screens.