Matthew Olivolo May 26th, 2009

Have you visited Twitter today? If not you are missing out. It’s one of the largest online social media websites on the planet and seems to be growing by the second.

Like Mobile Edge, companies now are jumping on board the Web 2.0 revolution highlighting their companies in a new interactive approach. For instance, I frequently offer Mobile Edge Twitter followers exclusive discounts only they know about. I also like to post interesting notes about our new products such as our new Eco-Friendly Messenger Bags or our new Netbook Cases and Sleeves. I also post interesting photos on TwitPic, an online photo sharing program similar to Flickr. Why I like TwitPic is it’s integrated with Twitter so all posts automatically are posted to your Twitter Page. I recently discovered TweetDeck, which allows you to follow multiple categories on your Twitter Page including Facebook.

Another great aspect about having a Twitter account is the interaction with people who may never have known about your company and its products. This online forum gives them insider information about your products or services and they have the opportunity to ask you any questions they may have. It’s a fast way to post virtually anything you like while at the office, at home or even your iPhone or mobile device.

There are a lot of editors I follow in order to stay in touch with content they are writing about or looking to write about. One of my favorite editors from the Wall Street Journal is Katherine Boehret. She has a Twitter account and always seems to post interesting topics. I often find it easier to connect to writers via Twitter than regular e-mail.

If you have a Twitter account, follow Mobile Edge updates by clicking here. I promise to reciprocate and follow you too.

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Matthew Olivolo May 21st, 2009

The all new ScanFast Element Briefcase is one of the first Checkpoint Friendly laptop bags designed specifically for women.  Technology editor, Sue Burns from Just Another Mobile Monday (JAMM) took the feminine TSA compliant laptop bag out for a test drive flying to Phoenix from John Wayne Airport.  Read her review below to see how well the test drive went.

A few weeks ago, I came across an interesting article in my local newspaper regarding a “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag from a company called Mobile Edge. “Oooooh”, thought my good self, “this could be good to review”.  After finding out that their headquarters are just down the street from me, I was promptly dispatched to meet with them and see if there was anything they would like us to review.

They have hundreds of laptop bags available in different sizes, shapes and colors, but a couple of things impressed me very much. First of all, they were the first company to specifically design laptop bags that would appeal to women instead of us girls having to carry around a bag that’s obviously designed for and looks like it’s designed for a man!

The other great thing about them is that they do a line of bags called The Caring Case Collection, whereby 10% of all proceeds go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation.

I opted to review a delightful looking pink ScanFast(TM) “Element” Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Briefcase. Hit the jump for the review!

The briefcase is made out of pink poly-suede and brown faux-leather with white stitching. The interior is a fetching striped pattern in varying shades of pink, black and white.

One of the things I really like is that the briefcase has a handle that allows you to put it over the handle on your luggage cart, instead of having to precariously balance it on the top of your luggage.  There is also an zippered compartment on the outside that comes in handy for things like boarding passes and passports – thing you need quick access to.

Checkpoint Friendliness!

So, let’s start with the Checkpoint Friendly bit! First of all, the TSA have not approved any laptop bags for “checkpoint friendliness,” however, they did write guidelines on what would be required in order to get your laptop bag through security checkpoints without having to take the laptop out.

There must be nothing obstructing the screeners view of the laptop, and so Mobile Edge developed their ScanFast™ “Element” Checkpoint Friendly bags with no external zipper or other compartments on one side. The bag opens up to reveal a plastic see through compartment that doesn’t obstruct the view of the laptop. So, while going through the security screening, you just open up the bag and lay it flat as in the picture below.

This last weekend, I flew to Arizona to see my partner’s son graduate ASU (a fine young man whom I’m super proud of, if I may say so!), and figured it would be an awesome opportunity to test the checkpoint friendliness of the bag. Just in case you haven’t flown recently, the TSA now have signs up at the security gates giving hints on what is checkpoint friendly and what isn’t – for instance, a laptop sleeve is fine.

After standing in line at John Wayne Airport for what seemed like forever, it was finally my turn to take off my shoes (travel hint: always wear flip flops if possible!), dump my purse in the tray and deal with the laptop. Instead of struggling to take the thing out of the bag, I just unzipped it and put it on the conveyor belt……meanwhile the girl in line behind me commented on the cool pink color. As it went through the screening, the TSA agent looked at me, said “cool, we don’t get many of those” and the guy in front of me asked where I got it from – he is a frequent business traveler and gets irritated at having to take his laptop out all the time.

The briefcase itself has 3 main compartments – one for your laptop and then 2 others which are more than adequate for carrying books, magazines, folders, notebooks etc. It reminds me of the Tardis (calling all Dr. Who fans!)!

There is also a small, removable clutch type purse – which is impressive forethought on Mobile Edge’s part. This allows us ladies to carry makeup, if we so choose, but it’s also big enough for a PDA or cellphone.

In the first compartment, there is a pocket for magazines or a folder, along with lots of handy little pockets for pens, pencils etc and another zippered compartment. There is also a pocket for a PDA or cellphone which is protected by a Wireless Security Shield™ – this protects your Bluetooth phone or PDA from hackers, viruses & spam. Again, geared towards the girls is a little “pen holder” that’s actually sewn at the bottom so you can put a lipstick or mascara in there without it falling out.

To read th efull review click here.

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Matthew Olivolo May 15th, 2009

Mobile Edge Laptop Backpacks have become quite popular, especially right around Back to School season. Mobile Edge now offers an array of Backpacks for large 17 inch laptops, to the small Ultra Portable Netbook computers with screens as small as 8.9 inches. Choose from rugged styles for men or stylish backpacks for women.

Recently, our Select Backpack was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) during a Back to School segment. Click below to see the segment.

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Matthew Olivolo May 12th, 2009

Netbooks seem to be all the rage today. Due to their lightweight portability and ease of use, they are perfect for taking to your favorite wireless hotspot or for the traveling business person who is always on the road.  Of course the price tag is nice too with most Netbooks selling for under $400.  If your main uses are in office suite, internet connectivity, checking out your favorite blog or simply watching new videos posted on YouTube, a Netbook may be just the ticket.  Netbooks are actual computers only much smaller and need to be protected just like a traditional laptop.  Don’t let their small stature fool you, at 8.9” a Netbook can run most software applications.

Once you purchase a Netbook, you will definitely need a case to protect your investment.  Some Netbook cases are made specifically for a particular brand or model.  Whatever you choose, make sure your particular Netbook fits comfortably in the case. Very few manufacturers offer full fledged Netbook Cases, however Mobile Edge offers three traditional styled cases to suit your needs.

In fact, Mobile Edge offers the widest range of stylish cases for your Netbook. From our signature SlipSuit style, to our sporty Netbook Sleeve, to our new Sumo Collection of stylish Netbook sleeves to our Edge Ultra Portable Collection there is something for everyone.  The Edge Ultra Portable Collection consists of a Netbook Briefcase, Backpack and Messenger Bag.  Each case has an adjustable computer compartment suited perfectly for 8.9”, 10.1” Netbooks and up to 13” screens for tablet PCs.

Get your Netbook case today and use coupon code MEBLOG and receive free ground shipping just for ready my blog post.

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Matthew Olivolo May 8th, 2009

The ever so popular ScanFast Backpack was reviewed on a technology website called E-zine.  The Editor owns a Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack and absolutely loves it.  His review is listed below.

In 2008 The Transportation Security Administration scaled back it’s security screening regulations for laptop carrying cases and allowed notebooks to be screened while still in their bag, assuming the bags met a certain standard. Currently there are multiple manufacturers producing approved laptop backpacks. Mobile Edge is one of the companies that currently has checkpoint friendly bags in production. One of these checkpoint friendly bags is the Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack.

As of 2009, Mobile Edge is one of many companies now making laptop carrying cases that are security screening friendly. Airport security now allows you to keep your notebook in your bag while passing through security screening. This in turn allows you to save time and quickly make it through the security scanning area and onto your gate.

The Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack is mainly advertised as a laptop bag, however, the ScanFast is actually a backpack. The ScanFast Backpack is made with 840D Ballistic Nylon and is designed for you to be able to quickly pass through all airport security airport checkpoints with no hassle. The ScanFast backpack provides the user with ample pockets and plenty of room for any other accessories you throw at it. The ScanFast backpack is designed to fit laptops up to 17 inches in size and has been approved by the TSA as carry-on luggage.

Currently there is a wide range of checkpoint friendly bags available for you to choose compared to when they were first released in 2008. Now you have more of a choice between functionality, style and price. Some things to consider when purchasing a laptop carrying case is protection, style, price, comfort and personal/business needs.

From my experience with the Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack, it has everything you need in a quality laptop carrying case. I was able to carry my 17 inch laptop and additional gadgets with ease and comfort. This back pack had so many pockets I had no idea what to do with them. I had no issues passing through airport security using this backpack. If you are in the market for a new notebook backpack The Mobile Edge ScanFast backpack is a quality product with a reasonable price tag and deserves your attention.

To read the rest of the article click here.

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Matthew Olivolo May 5th, 2009

We understand modern day Moms are constantly on the go. That’s why we created Mobile Edge for Her, a collection of stylish laptop bags designed for women by women. The thoughtful features keep her organized while looking good at the same time. The Lifetime Warranty gives her peace of mind at an affordable price.

Now through May 10, our entire line of Women’s laptop cases are 10% off and we will ship your order ground for free *! Simply enter coupon code “MOTHERS09” at checkout.

PAMPER THE SPECIAL WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE TODAY! Click here for more details.

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Matthew Olivolo May 1st, 2009

New to the Mobile Edge/Sumo Netbook Case Collection is the Sumo Netbook Sleeve which comes in three fresh new colors of Green, Black and Red.  Sumo known for its edgy designs created the Camo Sleeve Collection which uses fun little Sumo shaped icons in multiple colors and randomly scattered around giving a cool camouflage look similar to the new U.S Marines MARPAT Digital Woodland Uniform.

T.J. Fink, Editor from Laptop Magazine featured the new Sumo Netbook Sleeve in a round of stylish Netbook sleeves and was graded favorably. He liked the extra padding the Sumo Netbook Sleeve offered when compared to others.  He agrees that young hipsters and colleges students will really like the uber cool design.  Perfect for traveling light and going to the coffee shop down the street.

Mobile Edge now offers multiple styles of Netbook Sleeves and even a Netbook Case Collection of a Briefcase, Messenger Bag and Backpack. Laptop sleeves are great for protecting your laptop from bumps and scratches, and small enough to fit into a larger laptop backpack or messenger bag.  Whatever your style, Mobile Edge truly offers something for everyone. With laptop carrying cases ranging in size of 8.9, 10, 13 and 15 inch sizes.

Sumo also offers other Mac Friendly laptop sleeves and cases.  The Sumo Nylon Sleeve Collection accommodates MacBooks with screens from 13 to MacBook Pro sizes of 15 and 17 inches.

If you own a Netbook, you have to check out the Netbook Case assortment Mobile Edge now offers.  Click here to get more information on your new Netbook case.

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