The "TSA friendly" laptop bags have been approved, and it is not limited to only specific bags. My understanding of it is that any bag, sleeve or cover that does not obscure the view of the laptop is OK. If the bag has no zippers, buckles or latches, and the bag only contains the computer (no cords, extra hard drives,etc) it is *supposed* to be OK to keep your laptop in the bag.
here's a link from the tsa website but in my "old age", i'm just a tad confused.....
some of the designs which "have potential"........the first image looks very similar to goalie-mom's 5 year old targus
zippered bag. so in theory from that image, if it "passes muster", all she would have to do is unzip the bag and leave it open so the laptop is visible and unobstructed. i see lots of problems with the "consistent inconsistencies" from airport to airport and screener to screener...."all laptops out"-->"that's the wrong type of bag, take your laptop out"--->"that's fine, just unzip the bag and leave it open"