Women Travelers - Tote alternatives?

It's official -- my bag is starting to irreversibly separate my collarbone. Time for something new! I recognize that some of the problem is the weight of the contents (mostly the laptop) and I'm working with my employer to help resolve that. However, I also need advice on a bag that will meet the following requirements:

-- more interesting than just another plain old black business bag but still looks professional
-- looks like it belongs to a girl
-- can take a bit of a beating -- I travel a lot
-- can carry: 15" laptop; Bose noise cancelling headphones; Kindle; iGo Green charger and tips; pashmina; wallet; notebook; water bottle; misc. personal items (lipstick, vitamins, pens, keys, ID, etc)
-- can securely ride on my rollerboard
-- fits beneath my airplane seat, naturally.

Any suggestions? I already need neuromuscular therapy so I need to solve this quickly! :eek:

While I was never injured by a tote, I found them very uncomfortable so nowadays I use a backpack.

Mine is a Booq (http://www.amazon.com/Booq-Boa-squeeze-Notebook-carrying/dp/B002MQAPTG/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1295889682&sr=8-15)and while it may not meet the girly criteria, I love it anyway.

The BEST part is that I can slide it under any coach seat, even those seats that have the inflight entertainment crap under them. Love, love, love my Booq.

I am also looking for a new tote and wondered if anyone had any experience with this one. It helps that it is on sale!

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10960713&prodFindSrc=cart

would you consider a backpack that doesn't look like a middle-school-child backpack?

mobile edge has a professeional-looking women's backpack...
http://www.coolcomputerbags.com/mobile-edge-tps-slimline-paris-backpack.html

this one is a touch pricey but looks awesome! I want... except I just bought a new laptop tote :(
http://www.coolcomputerbags.com/moonsus-signature-computer-backpack.html

another pricey-but-professional-and-a-touch-stylish choice
http://www.coolcomputerbags.com/ledonne-leather-convertible-backpack-laptop-brief.html

I recently broke down and bought a rolling tote due to shoulder issues - it just HURTS to carry a heavy laptop bag now.

I have one of these (http://www.ebags.com/product/mcklein-usa/w-series-glen-ellyn-leather-detachable-wheeled-womens-154-laptop-case/71890) in orange, and I love it. I have the 17" version and it fits my 17" macbook pro, my 15" work laptop, both power cords, and my ipad without being overstuffed. It also unzips from the handle so you can carry it without the wheels. It does fit on top of my rollaboard as well, and under the seat, so that's useful. I think with just one laptop, the rest of your items would fit nicely inside.

It's not huge, but it's nicely organized and has definitely saved my shoulder from more wear and tear.

This was my treat to myself 2 weeks ago - I found it for €90 in our local TK Maxx which was an absolute steal!

http://www.kolobags.com/15-inch-pilot-detachable-laptop-case-p-3699

It holds absolutely EVERYTHING!

Last year I switched from the usual tote/briefcase/softcase to a computer backpack.

I tried on a lot and ultimately bought this one at REI and love it:

http://www.rei.com/product/805020

It is very comfortable - both the straps and the location of padding on the back. I feel I can zip in/out of airports quicker, not dealing with a case either on my shoulder or lashed to my roll-aboard. It fits under the seat in a rather lower profile.

It is designed for a computer and all those things you'd carry in a tote, and I love the slide-out-TSA-compliant computer sleeve - no need to put your computer into a tray. Once quick zip and the laptop in sleeve slides out and lies flat on the belt, still attached to the backpack.

Hi!
Personally, I think Crumpler backpack laptop bags would fit all of your traveling necessities. They come in many sizes, shapes as well as colours.

http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Laptop-Bags/Laptop-Backpacks.html

I have been using Crumpler bags for about 9 years. I own about 5 different Crumpler bags. No complaints at all! Good sling which doesn't hurt your collarbone and even distribution of weight between the two straps if you're using the backpack and very comfortable paddings. It is also water resistant, tear resistant and age resistant (my 9 year old Crumpler is still alive ^).

Lastly, I love the red Crumpler bags. They definitely belong to a girl! hehehe. Hope you find this thread useful. :)))