Matthew Olivolo April 29th, 2008

I ran across some very helpful travel tips on a travel site called Trifter.com. I thought these tips would be very useful for our Mobile Edge customers. With the constant changes in air travel rules and regulations it is important to stay up to date. Mobile Edge laptop bags are TSA compliant and can be easily store in any overhead storage or underneath airlines seating. Check back frequently for Travel Tips for business travelers with useful tips from industry experts from around the world.

Tips from an insider. With high fuel prices, airlines are changing and customers will be faced with new challenges. This guide will give you an idea of what to expect to ensure the smoothest experience possible!

Arrive to the airport at LEAST an hour early.
As airlines cut their staffing to cope with the rising fuel costs, the first place to cut is in the lobby where you check in. Per the contract you enter when you purchase a ticket, you agree to be in the boarding area within 20 minutes of departure, or your seat will be given away. By cutting lobby staff instead of gate staff, the flight does not face an increased risk of a delay and any passengers who miss their flight are not offered any compensation and are likely going to be put on standby for flights throughout the day.

Check-in online as soon as possible.
Most of the time, this is within 24 hours of departure. People who check in earlier can choose better seats and are more likely to get a seat assignment. If you check in and aren’t given a seat assignment, this probably means the flight is oversold and the agents will be relying on mis-connects and no-shows to get you on-board.
Sign up for mileage programs.
Even if you don’t travel often and aren’t particularly loyal to any airline. Membership will give you status above those without it. Additionally, some programs let you store seat and meal preferences in your account so you’re much more likely to get the seat you want (aisle or window) without even having to ask for it.

Remove batteries before flight.
Gillette razors and electronic toothbrushes can turn on during the baggage sorting and loading process and cannot be loaded onto an aircraft. If your bag is unlocked, an agent will probably open your bag to remove the batteries. If you lock it – even if you use a TSA approved lock – the agents cannot turn off the device and your bag will remain at the airport until it stops vibrating so it can be loaded.

NEVER loose your cool with an airline employee.
It’ll never be in your interest. Agents actually have a lot of control over your experience and are willing to go the extra mile for those who they really feel sorry for. Nobody feels sorry for somebody who is being loud, rude, or threatening. That’s the best way to get the middle seat in a row where the televisions and audio doesn’t work… or to be put on standby instead of receiving a confirmed seat on the next flight… or being charged fees… or not receiving compensation for whatever issue you encountered. Seriously, be nice and you are much nicer to get what you want.

Watch your alcohol consumption at the airport.
Too many people miss their flights because they’re too drunk to go – especially those who are stuck at the airport for a while and think they have nothing better to do. Airline employees must stop passengers who seem to be intoxicated from flying, so limit consumption on the ground. Have your drinks in the air.

Don’t take stuff you don’t really need.
Okay, so you have heard this tip before, but I have to emphasize this because you will be heavily fined for having too many bags or bags that are over 50 lbs. We’re talking $25 for a second bag, and $100 for a third and fourth on most airlines. Or $100 for an overweight bag – and the fines will be cumulative. So if your second bag is 55 lbs, it will cost you $125.

Don’t even try to carry on more than one roller-board and 1 personal item (purse, laptop, etc).
The airlines are anticipating a surge in carry on luggage to avoid the new baggage fees, so countermeasures are being implemented. If you try to board with more than 1 suitcase and personal item, you may be sent back to the lobby to check the other items. Yes, you will miss your flight and will be put on standby if the next flight is full. Or you could be charged at the gate. And if you’re one of the last people to board, you could be denied boarding for not following regulations and the terms of your contract of carriage.

To see the full list of travel tips, visit the Trifter website by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 28th, 2008

Check out the recent review on the new Mobile Edge 17″ MacBook Pro SlipSuits on a popular blog site called the after Mac located in Manila, Philippines. These custom laptop sleeves fit MacBook Pros like a glove. Check out the post.

By Juan Magdaraog

I got an email from Mobile Edge through this blog. I must admit I haven’t heard of the brand until they sent me an email. I checked out the their web site and was pleasantly surprised with their products. It looks stylish and the price is reasonable. My particular interest is the SlipSuit for the 17? MacBook Pro.

What I like about this is that it has pockets outside for accessories. It’s perfect if I want to bring my MacBook Pro around but don’t really want to bring a big bulky bag. If I want to just go to the next building or meet someone in a nearby coffee shop, I don’t really want to bring my computer bag. This works well.

Here are some specs from the web site.

* Soft, durable and water-resistant Neoprene protects and cushions your laptop
* Small enough to fit inside your regular carrying case, but tough enough to use by itself
* Stylish design combines form and function to create a unique laptop carrying solution
* Heavy-duty nylon strap
* Full-size external pocket for AC adapter, files, CDs and other accessories
* Lifetime Warranty

Although on “paper” it does look well, I haven’t seen one in person so I want to reserve judgment till I do so. But so far it looks good. Go check out the Mobile Edge web site.

Visit the after Mac website by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 22nd, 2008

Happy Earth Day! I am so pleased that more and more people/businesses are paying attention to the environment and discovering ways we can help decrease consumption with simple adjustments to our everyday lives. I ran across a great article today on one of my favorite Blog sites, Lifehacker.com. This article gives some helpful hints on ways to save power consumption from your home or office computer. To read the full article, click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Easy ways to go Green with your Computer

By Adam Pash
Senior Editor, Life Hacker

Not everyone can afford to install solar panels or get a new Prius this Earth Day, but there is one place you can go green without spending an arm and a leg or radically changing your lifestyle: your computer. Chances are you spend the majority of your day sitting in front of the keyboard, and a few small changes can go a long way toward reducing its negative impact on the environment. As an added bonus, doing your part for the environment will save you money, too. This Earth Day, we’ve rounded up a few simple ways you can go green with your computer.

Shutdown Your Computer Without Losing the Perks of an Always-On PC

Obviously, computers require electricity to run, so shutting down, sleeping, or hibernating your computer when you’re not using it conserves energy. Every modern operating system has its own settings for conserving power, so the first thing you should do—if you haven’t already—is open the power settings of your computer and set them for optimal energy use. Set your computer to put your monitor to sleep, spin down your hard drives, and put your computer to sleep when you’re not using it. Even better, since your computer uses less power when hibernating than when sleeping, set up your computer to hibernate rather than just go to sleep.

One of the biggest turn-offs (no pun intended) about shutting down or sleeping your computer is that you miss out on some of the finer things your computer provides even when you’re away. For example, if you’re downloading a large file, you may want the download to continue even when you’re away. Likewise, we’ve covered tons of ways to remotely access your computer, all of which no longer work if your computer’s turned off. Luckily you can continue using your computer during these times but still conserve power the rest of the time.

For example, Windows users should check out previously mentioned WinOFF, which shuts down, restarts, and hibernates your computer (among other things) after a certain amount of time, at a specific time, or when your CPU goes idle so that your computer automatically shuts off at times you don’t need it.
If a download is what you’re waiting for, many peer-to-peer clients, like the popular BitTorrent client uTorrent, can shutdown your computer when a download completes so you can get your file and save energy, too.

Between WinOFF and built-in shutdown features common to many apps, we’ve taken care of the download problem—but what about when you want to access your computer remotely? If it’s shut down, you can’t very well get to it, can you? Actually, you can, assuming you set up Wake-on-LAN on your computer. Once Wake-on-LAN’s enabled, you can turn your computer on over the internet from anywhere—so there’s no reason not to shut down your computer when you leave the house.

Finally, if you’re on a Mac laptop, check out previously mentioned SmartSleep to enhance your power-saving options.

To read the full article, click here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 21st, 2008

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and what better time for us to announce our new Eco-Friendly laptop totes by Mobile Edge. Scheduled to be delivered in June, these new Casual Laptop Totes are made with natural cotton canvas. We understand that it is our responsibility to do our part to better the environment, and with this new line of stylish laptop totes we are working towards that goal.

This new Collection of Eco-Friendly laptop bags come in three luminous color combinations. Our design team has outdone themselves with these environmentally friendly women’s totes. Your choices are Sky Blue, Forest Green or a Tan/Brown combination. All three computer totes accommodate laptops with screens up to 15.4”. The removable computer protection compartment makes this tote convertible. The removable sleeve gives you more room for your belongings.

The interior is made of a soft satin liner with contrasting colors that match each tote. This makes it easier for you to find your gear inside each tote. Using natural cotton is just one of many choices Mobile Edge plans to use in their new laptop bags. Being socially conscious about the environment is the responsibility of everyone, and we applaud those companies that have made a difference.

In addition to caring about the environment, we also care about the health and well being of our customers. As a corporate partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Boomer Esiason Foundation, we donate 10% of sales of each Caring Case back to the respective Foundation. Being socially conscious is part of our ethos here at Mobile Edge.

Check back soon for updates on this new Eco-Friendly line of laptop totes.

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Matthew Olivolo April 18th, 2008

Check out the new lens listed on Squidoo.com/MobileEdge. This lens has featured products that can be purchased through Amazon.com as well as some new products photos listed on Flickr.

There is even a special section that has some helpful hints when purchasing a laptop bag. Here are a few of those helpful tips.
What to look for when buying a laptop bag

1. Size – The screen size of your laptop will determine what type of laptop bag is right for you. Most laptop bags are designed to carry a 15.4″ laptop computer or smaller. With larger sized laptops such as 17″ screens and larger are often hard to find laptop bags that will accommodate them. Mobile Edge offers several 17″ laptop bag solutions available on their website.

2. Protection – Your laptop must be protected, ensure there is a dedicated computer protection area with plenty of padding. This is fundamentally the most important aspect of a laptop carrying case.

3. Quality - Ensure the laptop bag you choose is backed with a warranty. All Mobile Edge notebook bags come with a Lifetime Warranty. If a company does not stand behind their products they will not offer a Lifetime Warranty.

4. Style - Don’t compromise your style with a stale boring black case. Choose one that helps you reflect your own personal sense of style.

5. Innovation - Choose a bag that has innovative features like the Mobile Edge Wireless Security Shield which blocks out cell phone signals, perfect when popping into a meeting as you won’t be embarrassed with your phone ringing. Or features like the Bungee Comfort System shock absorbing shoulder strap system. As an end-user, you should demand that all companies offer these type of options at a great price.

6. Durability - The material used on your laptop case is important. Check the seams, zippers and lining to determine durability and craftsmanship.
Check out the Mobile Edge Squidoo lens by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 16th, 2008

Security is always a threat, and Mobile Edge created a backpack that helps keep pick-pockets and would be thieves away. Because the SecurePack has no exterior pockets there is no way for anyone to grab your electronics while wearing the backpack. The only way to access your gear is to take the backpack off your shoulder where there is a hidden zipper. Excellent design I must say.

Motorcycle riders love this aerodynamic design too, as the waist strap keeps the backpack positioned on your back correctly. The reflective trim helps when riding at night. The fact it accommodates a large screen 17″ laptop is a great option too.

Check out the review posted on Lintcoat.

Ideal for computers with screens up to 17”. Exclusive security system, prevents access to interior while backpack is being worn. Roomy interior with pen holder and pockets for CDs, iPod™, PDA, keys and accessories. Water-resistant material, waist belt with adjustable straps at the top of the bag for snug fit, reflective stitching and aerodynamic shape make it a great laptop backpack for motorcyclists.

Best of all a dedicated exterior media pocket for MP3 or CD player with pass-through port for headphone cable. So, if you’re looking for a great bag grab, this is one for school, hiking or everyday on the go use. Yeah it’s that cool.

Check out their site by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 16th, 2008

Traveling these days post 9-11 can be a daunting task. We all understand that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners have a tough job. We are used to waiting in long lines at the airport and recognize the need for their thoroughness.

At Mobile Edge we understand what travelers go through, as we travel too. Our goal is to help make your traveling experience as comfortable as possible. From our vast collection of laptop briefcases to our line of messenger bags or backpacks, we offer something for everyone. Our women’s Collection of designer laptop bags designed by women for women is one of the largest collections on the market today. From our tote collection to our portfolios, briefcases or handbags, all designed to carry your laptop helping make your traveling experience easy.

With that in mind, here are some useful tips the TSA posted on their website.

TSA would like to help you get through the security checkpoint quickly and have a safe flight to your destination. We’re asking you to become an active partner in your security experience by knowing the rules and carefully packing your carry-on bags.

Pack smart to get through faster. Keep luggage organized by layering items; this will increase visibility for the security officers. When approaching the checkpoint, be prepared. Boarding pass and ID should be ready for inspection, outer garments and shoes must come off, any loose metal items should be placed in your carry-on, and all liquids must come out of bags. All liquids must be kept in the 3-1-1 format unless needed for special medical purposes.

Here’s how to SimpliFLY your overall security experience:

• Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help security officers see what’s in your bag.

• Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection when you get to the checkpoint.

• Remove your coat and shoes and place them in a bin.

• Place any oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in a separate bin. iPods and other smaller electronics can stay in your carry-on bag.

• Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and put your one quart baggie separately in the bin.

• When in doubt, leave it out. If you’re not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Pack Simply to Fly Through Security

The images below show a group of items packed two ways: the items on the left are packed neatly and the items on the right are loose and cluttered. In these images, you can clearly see what all the items are, but our Transportation Security Officers don’t see your bag like this – they see an X-ray image on a screen. And they have to quickly determine if your bag contains a potential threat. You know you’re not a threat, but our TSOs don’t know you, and seemingly innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they’re packed.

For more information, vist the TSA website by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 8th, 2008

Always looking for new ways to meet our customers needs, our design team came up with a new collection of laptop backpacks called the Academic Backpack Collection. Not only are they sporty, but they are ergonomically designed with padded shoulder straps and padded back panel for added comfort. All three colors will accommodate laptops with wide screens up to 15.4″ and have a list price of only $59.99.

The padded computer protection compartment ensures your laptop is secure. When wearing the backpack, your laptop rests up against your back therefore minimizing the weight. There is also a special pocket for your iPod or MP3 player with a head phones pass-through port. Perfect for listening to tunes on the go.

This Collection is brand new and will be offered very soon. Check back for updates. This Collection should be available to order by June 08′. Check out our site by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo April 4th, 2008

The vintage themed laptop bags sporting football images on the new Mobile Edge DIG Messenger and Stadium bag have a striking resemblance to the character George Clooney plays in the new movie Leatherheads in theaters now. Our designer wanted to incorporate the retro themed sports icon images with modern day laptop messenger and vertical messenger bags blending style with innovation and technology.

The Messenger bag’s exterior icon image is that of a sports pulp magazine from the 40’s and 50’s while the actual vintage magazine cover is printed on the inside lining.

The DIG Stadium Laptop Bag is just right for you when all you need is your laptop and a few files for the day. For the fashion conscious male who enjoys the nostalgic sports of yesteryear. Either laptop case is the perfect choice for anyone on the go!

As for the movie, well I haven’t seen it yet. However, if you own a laptop and enjoy vintage themed sports images or know someone who does, you should take a closer look at this new Collection.

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