THE ROVING EYE.

LEAVE it to James Bond to shake (or stir) up a trend.

The iconic detective was spied with a Samsonite aluminum attache in his latest movie, "The World Is Not Enough" and now the look is spilling over into computer cases.

These tools for portability now have sleek bodies, fancy buckles and various metallic facings, some even sporting hand-painted leopard-print designs.

Just as consumers embraced the bold-colored iMac (realizing that cyber functionality need not be boring), they are now embracing bold computer cases and shunning those frumpy nylon totes that retailers have thrown in for free with computer purchases.

Locally, La Verne-based T.Z. Case International Corp. and La Puente-based Goodhope Bags Industries Inc. are cashing in on the craze. T.Z.'s Metro Kases feature weather-resistant brushed-aluminum exteriors with chrome key latches, embossed sides and padded interiors. There are also pouches for cell phones and pockets for CD-ROMs.

Year-over-year sales of the metal cases have increased by 50 percent for T.Z.

"There's no question metal is popular now," said Tony Vandenworm, sales manager for T.Z. "The public is demanding it since millennium, futuristic looks are hot."

Utah-based Zero Halliburton - the granddaddy of aluminum luggage products - is even getting in on the act. The company recently unveiled a computer case line, available at luggage stores, and Zero plans to begin distributing the line through computer stores such as Fry's and CompUSA within the next year.

The look, however, comes with heftier price tags than its leather counterparts. Prices range from $200 to $680 for the cases on wheels, about twice as much as the leather versions.