Matthew Olivolo August 12th, 2008

Due to the overwhelming response we have had regarding our new ScanFast™ Collection of Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags, we are now taking Pre-Orders. Be the first to get your hands on the new TSA compliant laptop bags by Mobile Edge that will help you fly through airport security lines like never before.

The design team at Mobile Edge created three brilliant designs that meet all TSA requirements. The ScanFast™ Backpack, Briefcase and Messenger Bag have all been tested by TSA officials and provide the screener a clear unobstructed image of the laptop while inside the bag.

Here is part of the press release the TSA sent out last week regarding their plans to allow passengers to use the new Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags.

WASHINGTON – To help streamline the security process and better protect laptops, starting August 16 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new “checkpoint friendly” standards.

This public-private collaboration took just five months to go from concept to reality. TSA reached out to manufacturers in March to design bags that will produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. Designs meeting this objective will enable TSA to allow laptops to remain in bags for screening. More than 60 manufacturers responded and 40 submitted prototypes for testing.

Here are a few examples of what Checkpoint Friendly designs look like. The ScanFast™ Collection exceeds all TSA requirements.

• Industry News , Product Announcement
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo August 1st, 2008

I am a proud owner of the new 16GB iPhone 3G. Yes, I waited in a long line and actually had AT&T rake me over the coals for a new contract, and surprisingly enough I am still a satisfied customer.

The technology built into this phone is amazing. However, what I found out is the iPhone is just as vulnerable to being hacked into as other SmartPhones. Using the Bluetooth functionality, when pairing two Bluetooth devices you are vulnerable to having your phone hacked into with even knowing it.

Paris Hilton had her T-Mobile Side Kick hacked into exposing all of her contacts, photos, and any other personal data she had on the phone. This can happen to anyone including corporate executives.

Hackers can quickly steal all the information loaded on your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or PDA without even being detected. Even worse, a virus called Cabir distributes itself through Bluetooth connections and attacks the Symbian operating system used by several makers of mobile phones, including Nokia.

Editors from The New York Times, PC Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED Magazine and scores of other publications have all written stories regarding these threats. There are four “known” attack methods a predator can make on wireless phones and PDAs. Those methods are Bluesnarfing, the Backdoor attack, Bluebugging, and Bluejacking.

• Bluesnarf attack – hacker connects to the device without alerting the owner, and gains access to their phone book, images, their calendar entries, and any stored data.

• Backdoor attack - connects to the wireless device during the Bluetooth “pairing” stage allowing immediate access to file transfers and Internet access, all undetected by the device owner. The “pairing” stage is where Bluetooth devices authenticate each other.

• Bluebug attack - creates a serial profile connection to the device giving full access to then use the phone to initiate calls to premium rate numbers, send and read text messages, and even monitor phone conversations of the phone owner.

• Bluejacking - hacker sends anonymous text messages in public places abusing the Bluetooth “pairing” protocol. Bluejacking has become so popular there is even a website devoted to hackers boasting about how they hacked a new phone that day (www.bluejackq.com).

Fortunately, Mobile Edge identified this security threat and now provides built in technology to protect against such viruses and Bluetooth hackers alike. Exclusively offered by Mobile Edge, the Wireless Security Shield™ accessories pocket is Zinc lined and blocks out electromagnetic waves and radio frequencies, therefore shielding your wireless device from unwanted wireless access. This technology was originally developed by NASA and is now exclusively offered by Mobile Edge. The Wireless Security Shield™ is built into several new laptop carrying cases providing fundamental security needed in today’s fast paced, unsecured, identity theft environment.

Click here for more information…

• Industry News , Product Announcement
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo July 28th, 2008

The new ScanFast™ collection of laptop bags by Mobile Edge have created quite the buzz. Recently, John Biggs from the New York Times posted a review of the new collection in the Personal Technology Section.

Although competitors are working to release clam shell case designs, our design team actually put some time and effort into our new designs. This new ScanFast™ Collection consists of a backpack, a briefcase and a messenger bag, all designed to conveniently open for airport screeners and help speed travelers through the X-Ray screening process.

Here is a brief overview from the New York Times article:

With frustration mounting at airport security lines, something had to give.

The Transportation Security Administration has decided to give frequent travelers a break. When laptops are placed in certain cases, such as the ScanFast line from Mobile Edge, the agency does not require them to be removed for screening.

While many laptop-case manufacturers, including Targus and Skooba, are planning checkpoint-friendly cases, Mobile Edge will ship briefcases, backpacks and messenger bags next month (Sept).
The ScanFast bags separate the laptops from surrounding pockets, ensuring a clear picture in an X-ray machine.

Most bags still will have to be opened, but the Mobile Edge bags flip back to offer an unobstructed view of the laptop inside.
To read the full review, click here to visit the New York Times Business Section.

• Industry News , Product Announcement , Product Reviews
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo June 22nd, 2008

There is noting better than being able to communicate with customers, friends and colleagues through Web 2.0 channels like Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn and YouTube just to name a few. I’ve found that when customers understand why Mobile Edge laptop bags are superior to others, we have happy loyal customers for life.

After all, anyone can buy a basic laptop bag at your local Office supply or electronics store. However, when you want a laptop bag that has style, offers superior laptop protection with cutting edge designs you need to know about Mobile Edge. As one of the leading manufacturers of stylish laptop bags for both men and women, we offer the full gamut. Messenger bags and briefcases that accommodate large laptops with screens up to 17″, backpacks, portfolios, handbags and totes all designed to be mobile with your gear.

Check out the Mobile Edge website to see what is new, and what will work for you. If you need a recommendation for your new laptop let me know, I’d be more than happy to assist.

• Industry News
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo May 28th, 2008

Mobile Edge submitted three new design concepts to the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) in an effort to help make traveling through airport screening checkpoints easier and quicker. We know how daunting those long lines at the airport can be, and this is a way to help alleviate those long lines.

The TSA sent out an official request (RFI) to leading laptop bag manufacturers to make the “perfect laptop bag” in which the TSA will approve themselves. Of course the design team at Mobile Edge was at the top of their list and jumped all over that request.

Without giving our competition too much information, we submitted three designs that are sure to be approved through the TSA. Anything we can do to help relieve some of the wait when traveling through airport screening checkpoints will help.

One of the guidelines the TSA had was to create a laptop bag that would open all the way up so the user would not have to take their laptop completely out of the bag. This would in turn help make the line move quicker, helping passengers get to their terminals in a timely manner. This would remove one additional step we have to take when traveling.

One thing is for sure, Mobile Edge will have TSA approved laptop bags very soon. Once they are approved from the TSA, we will make sure our customers are aware of these new and innovative laptop cases. Stay tuned for more information . The TSA will announce which designs they approve over the next few months!

• Industry News
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo March 19th, 2008

According to a recent article written by Scott Ferguson of eWeek Magazine, laptop sales will increase 12 percent in 2008 regardless of current economic concern. That means the demand for laptop bags will grow in unison with the market. Mobile Edge is poised to help meet this consumer demand with quality laptop carrying cases and accessories that help the user reflect their own personal sense of style.

Here is a portion of the article from eWeek.

By Scott Ferguson

Even with the slowdown in the U.S. economy, PC shipments look to increase by about 12 percent in 2008, according to new research from IDC.

Despite growing concerns about the overall health of the U.S. economy and IT spending, PC shipments are expected to grow more than 12 percent this year, with laptops driving demand in both the consumer and commercial markets, according to new research for IDC.

In its March 12 report, IDC is predicting that vendors will ship about 302 million laptops and desktops worldwide in 2008, an increase of 12.8 percent from 2007 when OEMs shipped more than 267 million PCs.

The total value of the PC market will increase 7.4 percent this year for a total of $280 billion, according to the report.

The report also found the PC industry will see double-digit growth in shipments through 2009, even with the downturn in the U.S. economy, before hitting only single-digit growth in 2010.

While other reports found that IT spending on hardware could slow in the next several months, notebooks are driving the growth in the PC market as enterprises continue to refresh and replace old hardware. In addition, IDC found that a new class of low-cost laptops that are beginning to hit the market will drive more sales in the coming years, especially with consumers.

In a research note released March 13, Doug Freedman, an analyst with American Technology Research, found that the worldwide semiconductor market, which includes Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, the two biggest chip suppliers to the PC market, is within its normal bounds for this time of year.

The American Technology Research report also found that notebooks are the driving force within the industry at this time of year.

“We believe the PC food chain is acting normal for this time of the year with sell-through generally down,” Freedman wrote. “Notebooks continue to grow as a percentage of total units and strong builds for low-end products likely benefits Intel this quarter in terms of unit share, based on our checks.”

Within the worldwide PC market, notebook shipments are expected to increase more than 26 percent in 2008, according to IDC. This double-digit growth will likely continue through 2012, although IDC does see some slowdown at the end of the four-year period.

Tor read the full article, visit the eWeek website by clicking here.

• Industry News
• Comments(0)