No you are right. Laptop cases are taking over. But I personally carry my briefcase as I always put my laptop in it. It is safe as no one breaks window of my car as they do not expect any thing more than a cheese sandwich in briefcase now a days.
Well you need a license to caryy one now mate, even if you have advertising on the side. In fact you need a licence even if you just have one at home and never use it.