Matthew Olivolo May 16th, 2008

Once you fly first class you may never want to go back. The benefits of flying first class outweigh savings of flying coach. At Mobile Edge we ensure our products are always made with the highest quality materials making our products first class. Once you use a Mobile Edge laptop bag, you will never want to go back. Between the Lifetime Warranty, innovative styling and exclusive features there is no comparison.

I found this article about flying first class that was quite interesting. I only clipped a small percentage of the story. If you want to read the full story, click on the link in the last paragraph.

By James Hutchinson

Flying on commercial airlines can be a frustrating, annoying experience. Flying first class is a way to enjoy superior comfort and service. The price can be high, but the benefits are considerable.

The first class experience begins even before you board the plane. Many airports have separate lines for security that can be used by first class passengers, as well as frequent flyers.

On boarding, airlines will board first class passengers first, giving them time to relax before the crush of coach passengers board. On some planes, coach passengers walk through the first class cabin, and can observe that drinks are already being served before the flight takes off.

Boarding first enables passengers to stow baggage in the empty overhead compartments. The ample storage area in front area is reserved for first class passengers.

Seating in First Class

The seats are wide, with extra padding for comfort. The general rule is that two first class seats are as wide as three coach seats. There is an area to place items next to the seat, as well as a tray that unfolds from the side.

Flight attendants will usually take coats and jackets and hang them nicely in a closet, keeping them neat and out of the way, in contrast to coach, where they stay on the lap or are jammed into the overhead storage.

More flight attendants are assigned to first class. A flight with 200 coach passengers may have four attendants, with one primarily dedicated to the 16 first class passengers.

To read the full story click here.

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Matthew Olivolo May 9th, 2008

Traveling is not always a pleasurable experience. At Mobile Edge we understand this and want to make every effort to help you travel smart. That is why we offer laptop bags, cases, messenger bags, briefcases, totes, backpacks, Passport Wallets and more to make Business Travel easier. Here are some very helpful travel tips which may help you on your next trip. I found these travel hints on a cool website called Silicon.com.

• Pre-book your seats, print and keep the confirmation as online booking systems can fail, leaving you in the enviable position to prove you are on the flight and in the right seat. — Phil Young, head of IT operations, Amtrak Express Parcels
• Ask for a specific seat when checking in. Make a note from past travels on a route or, if you’re travelling to or from the US and know the plane/airline, use seatguru.com - even the best business or first class seats can vary by being close to or far from galleys, toilets or even other seats. — Tony Hallett, editor, silicon.com
• Check the rules for bringing in telecoms equipment such as a personal VPN device as some countries place restrictions on their ‘import’. — David Supple, head of IT and creative services, Ecotec
• Never put your laptop in your hold luggage, even if you’re not using it during your flight. The tender ministrations of the baggage handlers have dispatched more than one of my laptops to the great repair shop in the sky. — Jo Best, senior reporter, silicon.com
• Get a big wallet that takes passport, tickets and receipts all together in one place. — David Supple, head of IT and creative services, Ecotec
• Buy a light travel bag that holds a change of clothes, laptop, charger, phone, pen, paper and has a handle, shoulder and backpack straps. — Rob Bamforth, analyst, Quocirca
• Take your own Ethernet cable with you - plenty of hotels now have ports for broadband but either run out of cables or other guests have broken them. — Tony Hallett, editor, silicon.com
• Carry a couple of USB memory sticks because half the time you won’t be able to connect your laptop to whatever projection system you’re using and the only way to show off that vital presentation will be to stick the USB stick into the system’s USB port. — Steve Ranger, business editor, silicon.com
• Pack paper and pen - they have a longer battery life than your laptop and are more multi-functional. — Rob Bamforth, analyst, Quocirca
• Always carry some cash - sterling or US dollars. — Chris Broad, head of IS and technology, UK Atomic Energy Authority
• Don’t carry more than you need (spares, extra clothes etc), buy replacement/extra items at an airport. — Bob Tarzey, analyst, Quocirca
• I usually carry a variety of metal things in my jacket pockets - pens, keys, coins, phone, memory stick, spectacles/cases, calculator (in wallet), business card case, etc - and I have found that, when going through airport security, it is easier and much quicker for me to take my jacket off and put in on the conveyor belt of the X-ray machine, than it is for me to try and remember to take everything out of all the jacket pockets into a silly little plastic tray, and then put them all back again. — Ted Woodhouse, director of IT strategy, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Stay healthy. Would you really eat peanuts and crisps, drink wine, have chocolate and drink coffee all day at the office? OK - so maybe you would. But on a plane, you need to keep hydrated to avoid getting tired. Take water and perhaps some fruit - and avoid coffee and alcohol. — Simon Briskman, lawyer, Field Fisher Waterhouse
• Take your own bottle of water on the plane. Even in business class they never come round with the drinks enough and it’s too easy to get dehydrated. — Steve Ranger, business editor, silicon.com

These are just a few helpful tips that can be found on the Silicon.com website. To read the full list of 30 helpful tips click here.

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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 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 February 1st, 2008

New law requires all border crossers including U.S. citizens to have a Passport when entering the country, which includes Canada and Mexico borders. With that requirement, new scanning technology has been integrated into new passports including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Now more than ever it is essential to protect your personal data from unauthorized access.

Fortunately there is a solution. Mobile Edge released two new ID Sentry wallets that block out unauthorized RFID access. Reports have emerged of new ways thieves are attacking unsuspecting credit card and Passport holders stealing their confidential information and credit card numbers without being detected due to the misuse of RFID technology.

As recently reported in the New York Times, there is a growing concern about the potential security and privacy holes in the new generation of credit cards using RFID technology. With tens of millions of cards already issued, “equipment for their use is showing up at a growing number of locations,” the article revealed. Additionally, U.S. passports now contain the new RFID chip. Would be thieves are able to scan a user’s social security number and other personal information completely undetected.

As reported from the Associated Press on January 31, 2008.

TUCSON, Ariz. — New rules for the types of identification U.S. or Canadian citizens must present to cross into the country shouldn’t cause significant delays and won’t be strictly enforced at first, a senior federal official said.
Under the rules going into effect Thursday, people will no longer be allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens, Jayson Ahern, deputy commissioner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Tuesday. Instead, those 19 and older will have to show proof of citizenship — a passport, trusted traveler card or a birth certificate and government-issued ID such as a driver’s license.

Protect your identity with an ID Sentry Wallet from Mobile Edge. There are two sizes available, the ID Sentry Passport Wallet, $29.99, and the ID Sentry Credit Card Wallet, for $19.99.

To read the full Associated Press report click here.

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Jason Gerdon October 23rd, 2007

I’m back in the office now after spending a few days out in Florida. It was a great trip and the weather was awesome, even with the daily thunderstorms. Nice change of pace though for someone from So Cal where we aren’t used to having that kind of weather. The flight was great too. I’ll definitely be flying Continental Airlines again after this trip.

What I was really stoked about was the new Mobile Edge Premium V-Load I had with me on this trip. Typically I am more of a backpack kind of guy, but the Premium V-Load went a long way in changing that. The biggest thing I was concerned about was how comfortable the bag would be after I stuffed it out with my 15.4″ widescreen laptop, 8″ personal DVD player, a couple of books, DVD’s, i-Pod and a bunch of other stuff.

Well, I am happy to say the exclusive Bungee Comfort System delivered as advertised. Combined with the padded shoulder strap, I never felt like was carrying too much for my poor shoulder to handle. And in case you couldn’t tell, the Premium V-Load can hold more than enough goodies. In fact, I was packing more than I needed purposely just to see if I could test the limits of the bag. I never did find where that was. This bag is awesome!

The Wireless Security Shield was great to have as well. Knowing my information was safe from hackers while in busy airports kept me at ease. It also came in handy during my daily meeting, because I was able to drop my smartphone in there and know I wouldn’t be interrupted by unwanted calls. I put this bag through the ringer over five days and whether it was in the airport, on the plane, in the car, or being carried around town, the Premium V-Load handled it all like a champ.

Check out more on the full line of V-Load bags on MobileEdge.com.

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Jason Gerdon September 6th, 2007

When traveling with your laptop there are a few important things to keep in mind. One important element is security. Far too often people have their laptops stolen at airports by setting their laptop down for a minute. I’ve actually even seen PDAs disappear when they are sent through airport screening check points. Keep a close watch when sending your laptop through airport security checkpoints.

A durable laptop bag is fundamental when traveling with your laptop. Make sure it has a dedicated computer section with plenty of padding. Mobile Edge has many laptop bags that offer superior protection for your laptop, and many don’t even look like laptop bags at all. Most importantly, keep your bag with you at all times to ensure it doesn’t mysteriously walk away without you noticing.

Here are a few useful tips on traveling with your laptop from The Traveler’s Journal.

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Jason Gerdon August 20th, 2007

So I am finally back in the office after a much needed escape from civilization last week. The trip was great, but it was a great opportunity for me to put my new Premium Backpack to the test on the road, literally. I was flew out to Missouri one way on Express Jet, I tell you some more about them in a bit. The return trip was packed into a van with 5 friends and a golden retriever named Sancho; very interesting to say the least.

The trip out was a little different for me; I was flying out of an airport I hadn’t used in quite some time and on an airline I had never used. For you Southern California business travelers, I am sure you already know how great Ontario International Airport is. What you might not know is that there is this great regional carrier called Express Jet that flies out of there. Check them out; cheap flights and very friendly service. We not only left on time we actually arrived in Kansas City, Missouri about 15 minutes early! Ok enough about the trip, now about the bag.

Usually I am pretty cramped for space in my bags on trips so I have to pack my carry-on luggage light. Not the case with the Premium Backpack, I packed as much as I wanted and the bag still had more room for me. I have travelers A.D.D. so by the time I had packed enough stuff to keep me occupied in the airport and on the plane I had packed my HP 15.4 widescreen laptop including my travel mouse and power cord, 4 DVD’s, my ipod, 2 books, and the 3 most recent issues of TIME.

I also had thrown in there my ipod charger, cell phone charger and some small random items like gum and Advil. The Premium Backpack carried it all like a champ. I was a bit worried that I was going to be rocking a giant weight on my back once I had it packed, but the ample back padding and ultra comfortable shoulder straps helped me to carry it all in comfort without even noticing the weight.

I packed the Premium Backpack out even more for the trip home. Same as for the trip out, but I added a sweatshirt, a t-shirt and my toiletry bag for my 25 hour drive back to California.

Once again the bag shined. One would think with all my junk packed into one backpack that I would have to unpack it just to get something out, but the Premium Backpack is so roomy I was able to access my goods easily. I’m super stoked to see how the bag performs on future excursions, but after this one, I am sure I can expect the same results.

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Matthew Olivolo August 16th, 2007

There are a few important things to remember when traveling especially for students, and this is the travel season right before school is in session. Since most students travel with their laptops, and other electronic gear we feel it is important to pass along useful tips to our customers.

Here is a recent story posted by Kathleen Crislip of About.com regarding travel tips for students.

Before you travel, do some student travel planning — life on the road will be easier if you know what you need and at least a little about where you’re going, what you’re doing, how you’ll get there and where you can stay. Read a complete student travel planning roundup — this is Student Travel 101.

Get documents you need for student travel

Before you start your student travel, you’ll probably need a passport, and you may need a tourist visa, an international work visa, immunizations records and an international health certificate, an international driver’s license and more. Learn what travel documents you will and may need for student travel, how and where to get them before you travel, what to do with travel document copies and how much they will cost.

Learn about student travel safety and health

Student travel is as safe as you make it; in the words of one veteran traveler, “Stay safe but don’t stay home!” And, with a few precautions, you’ll be as healthy when you travel as you are at home. Learn about student travel safety and staying healthy on the road, and get a few health and safety tips just for women travelers.

Learn how to pack

Hopping continents while hauling mounds of luggage is a gigantic drag. Want to breeze through countries? Pack light, pack smart: read a short packing tutorial. Read tons of travel gear reviews from your Student Travel Guide (that would be me, and I’ve used or worn everything I review and/or recommend), too.

Decide where you’re going

You’ve got the whole world on your map. Europe has been student travel central forever, and for good reason. London, Paris and Rome remain the Big Three student travel cities-to-see, but consider less crowded student travel destinations, like Russia, as well. Mexico is moving on to student travelers’ radar screens, and the US presents great student travel opportunities — think Austin or New York, for example. Get off the beaten path, too — just veer off the main road and you’re there.

Decide if you’re working, studying, volunteering or just traveling

Learn about the pluses of getting a job or volunteering as part of your student travel, or learn the downlow on educational travel — semester at sea programs, student travel tour groups (like Explorica), TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language), exchange student travel programs or just plain study abroad (where, how and with whom). You may want to think about how you’ll pay for your student travel, too - scholarships, grants, a job overseas?

Learn about how to get there

You can hop a plane, take the train or ride a bus — and you can get student discounts while you’re traveling with Amtrak, Greyhound, RailEurope, major airlines — you name it. Drill down (below or in destinations) to in-country buses globally and tiny budget airlines — even learn about taxis in specific countries. And besides the links below, learn about student travel with Driving and Car Travel and Board a Boat — student road trip tips and all about ferries and student-oriented cruises, and read Getting Ready for Air Travel.

Think about where you’re staying

You have roughly a zillion accommodations choices for your student travel. Youth hostels, of course, are great places to stay — you’ll meet other student travelers and hostels are just for you. Consider camping, too, or compare prices on pods, b and b’s and budget hotels. And don’t worry too much about lodging — just use your accommodations as a place to hang your pack while you find adventure.

Communicate while you travel

Phones, snail mail and the internet will help you make the most of your student travel — you need a way to communicate with parents or teachers while you travel, and you may need emergency in-country contacts. Find the best student travel communication options: global cell phones, SIM cards, GSM and satellite phones, wifi, internet cafes and email. And remember: for the most part, put your phone away and resist email — you’re on the adventure of a lifetime.

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