As someone who knows exactly what your girlfriend is talking about... I say go with #1.

Yes, the first one's the best, no competition. I'd love that one, but all the others aren't much better than regular laptop bags.

I went through 3 laptop bags before buying the belkin bag. I've had it for over a year and it doesn't show any signs of letting up. Plus I love the interior compartments. I have the soft grey/pink, and its a lot lighter than it looks on their website but not too light that it shows dirt easily.

-Ruth

I'd go with #1 or #2 depending on your budget.

The Minimalist by http://zegari.com/
Best. Bag. Ever.

#1 for sure. Heck I want one now.... This would co nice with that leather iPad case from Saddleback Co.

Its very unisex, either sex sporting it wouldnt look out of place with it.

#1 is great. I found this company today.
http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/87

They apparently make their stuff out of boot leather, it ages very nicely, and it's guaranteed for 100 years. Seriously.

love the bookbook

http://twelvesouth.com/products/bookbook/

and this one wooden one too

http://www.rainerspehl.com/project.php?nr=59

I've been looking for a perfect book/laptop bag for awhile and this is the best relatively affordable one I've found: http://haydenharnett.com/index.cgi?action=detail&style=LNGLKHA&back=http%3A%2F%2Fhaydenharnett.com%2Findex.cgi%3Faction%3Dtote

I have two fantastic options...

Kate Spade - I have a black one similar (older version) to this version on their website... super chic
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3697822&cp=1863844.2180761

Acme Made - The Designer Slim - chic/sturdiest without getting a hard case
http://www.acmemade.com/

(I'm actually selling my AcmeMade bag because I'm moving and I have to condense into 250 sqft so respond if you are interested - I'll make you a deal!)

Is there a reason you don't just get a regular bag and use a laptop insert/sleeve. Limiting yourself to just laptop bags is a exercise in frustration.

#1 has been on my lust list for... months now. if you can make it happen DO IT

Those are all of my criteria for a great bag, too. I've been (not so subtly) hinting to my guy that I would LOVE #1 for awhile now....

All are excellent choices. One note to the boyfriend - if you have time - watch how she carries her purse, briefcase, and gym bag. The options above show a nice collection of handle options. Does she want to carry it over her shoulder (messenger bag style)? Does she want to wrap it and toss into a big purse or tote bag (#2 would be good for that)? Or does she want to carry the handles in her hand? I suspect most of the handle options also have a shoulder strap but make sure you know her preference before buying. Personally, I can't stand handle only bags. If it doesn't fit in my carry all tote (like #2), then I need a shoulder strap.

Love the 1st bag. Go for it :)

I second the person who mentioned Saddleback Leather. I wanted exactly what your gf wants, stylish, kind of masculine (girls is SO not my thing), neutral, and my major sticking point was it had to be DURABLE, as I was tearing through bags every 5-6 months. I have their briefcase version (http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/79-SaddleBack-Leather-Briefcases-Leather-Bags) but they make a number of bags, (the messenger bag is slimmer still than the briefcase and laptop bags).

I've used and abused this thing (I have two now, actually, in Large and Medium so I can use them as carry-ons for travel) for the last 12 months and it doesn't show any signs of wear, so tough!

As a bonus, I've gotten LOADS of compliments on it. They are pricy, but I have never been able to recommend a bag more whole-heartedly. I will never buy another brand again. Actually, odds are, I'll never buy another bag again, period!

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/product.php?productid=20355&cat=248&page=1

Seconded on the Acme bag. The trixie in camo is the one I have. I love it.

I would check out the Filson briefcase.

I'd take a look at these totebags in classic patterns like houndstooth-- they are eco-friendly too!

http://www.plaiddoctrine.com/

Much like #1, but at 235, a bit cheaper, Moore and Giles: http://www.mooreandgilesinc.com/shop/frances-slim-portfolio-titan-toffee/

Your gf sounds like me. I've been on a similar hunt, and unfortunately, most 'fashion' laptop bags for women are over-designed and garishly colored. And men's bags have unnecessary straps/buckles/man things and are uniformly leather. Nothing wrong with leather, but to me, neutral doesn't have to mean old man-ish brown or tan.

http://shop.millscanvas.com/TheOfficeBag.html

These canvas office bags from Wm J Mills are tops. Minimal, cool, durable. Navy and grey colors are solid choices.

Obli is correct with their comment. I carried a Mills Canvas computer tote with me to China last year for a two week trip. It surprised me with how much I could stuff in it. It carried and protected my laptop well, along with an assortment of other papers. The zipper is fantastic, it never jams and the finished inside seams means no hanging threads to jam the zipper. The colors available make it a mens/womens/whatever option.

Let us know which one you end up buying!

Here's another vote for acmemade.

If you're another male stumbling upon this post now, and you are also looking for a stylish laptop case for your other (maybe better half!), take a look at these beautiful timeless styles from Capulet:

http://www.capuletlondon.com/boutique/gb/

There's cases for 10" and 13" laptops, iPads and other popular devices. Hope you like them! All made in Europe from luxurious Italian and French leathers.

Adding a couple of more beautiful laptop bags for women which I haven't seen mentioned in here or perhaps have missed :

- Ogio Manhattan Women's Laptop/Tablet Messenger Bag
- Dakine Women's Olive Messenger Bag with Padded Laptop Sleeve
- Kiken 18-Inch Custom Build Blast Laptop Shoulder Bag
- STM dp-2141-2 Jacket Small Sleeve, Fits Most 13-Inch Screens- Chocolate/Orange

http://urbanlaptopbags.com/