The TSA announced earlier this week that it’s set Aug. 16, 2008 as the date when the new checkpoint-friendly laptop bags will be allowed through airport security.

Several manufacturers are making the bags, including Targus, Mobile Edge, Skooba and Pathfinder Luggage.

Good news for anyone who’s wanted to join the Registered Traveler program: more participating airports and lower fees are on the horizon. Today the TSA announced that it has decided to lift a cap on the number of airports offering programs like Clear and Preferred Traveler. Before today, that cap kept the number of airports with registered traveler programs like Clear to a meager 20 spread around the nation.

What’s more, the TSA has decided to eliminate its $28 fee for the program. Travelers will still have to pay fees levied by the private sector service providers offering the programs, but the costs will now be significantly less. With the Clear program, for example, that brings the cost of a first-year membership down to $100 from $128 per person.

The good news: there are more TSA-friendly laptop bags in the works. The semi-bad news? They aren’t going to win any style awards. But then, there are plenty of travelers who would gladly carry a plain Jane bag as long it allows them to avoid the laptop shuffle at security checkpoints.

Here’s an image Pathfinder Luggage sent me today of the prototype checkpoint-friendly laptop bag they are developing after talks with the TSA. We blogged earlier this week (see post An End to the Laptop Shuffle?) about the TSA’s decision to allow travelers to leave laptops in certain approved bags while they go through airport security. Right now, the bags are in production - and this is just one of several types from several different companies that are making them. They are expected to hit the market in the fall.