I don’t even know if kids today will get the “Matrix” joke in the subject line, but, seriously, the Ballistix PTAC Matrix Laptop Shoulder Bag has got just about everything you’d possibly need in a bag. Let’s run through the bullet points, shall we?

It’s made of water and tear-resistant nylon, so your computer’s safe if you get stuck in the rain again; it has a quilted inner lining with what’s described as “super-cush laptop padding,” so it can handle some bumps and bruises without doing any damage to the machinery inside; it fits both 15.4″ and 17″ notebooks (which is a little unfortunate in my case, since my lowly little 14″ baby doesn’t need nearly as much space as has been provided for it); most importantly, though, it’s loaded with compartments, though the nicest is clearly the one for your electrical cord, which is located at the top of the bag rather than on the sides. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been poked by the cord…but no more, my friend! The mirror-plated alloy clasps may feel like a bit much for those of us who don’t need their bag to look all shiny, but the adjustable shoulder strap is certainly more than comfortable enough.

As a writer who finds himself traveling around the country for business on occasion, the best bit about this particular model is the amount of space that’s available for you to carry items other than your laptop. I’m a TV critic, and I can’t begin to tell you how many press kits and DVD screeners will fit in this thing, but, y’know, whatever your line of work, if you you travel often and regularly find yourself picking up new materials along the way, this model may well keep you from having to carry a second bag on your next trip.