Matthew Olivolo July 8th, 2009

That’s not a mistake in the headline. I checked it twice.

By Christopher Null, Yahoo Tech

1,200 laptops a week go missing at Los Angeles International Airport, and 12,000 laptops are lost or stolen nationally at airports every week. All told, that means that 624,000 laptops go missing in airports each year. You can talk about phishing scams and email viruses until you’re blue in the face, but numbers like that put those digital computer crimes to shame.

Where do the laptops go? Exactly where you think: In their haste, fliers forget to put them back into their carry-on bag after they go through security checkpoint, where the rule for years has been that you have to remove your laptop completely from your luggage when you put it through the x-ray scanner.

Blame it on the harried and fragile mental state of the modern traveler, so rushed to get to his flight on time that key belongings are left behind. TSA often tries to alert passengers that they’ve left something behind — and it’s much more than just a bunch of laptops; wallets, belts, keys, and everything else is often forgotten — but that people rarely make it back once they’ve left the checkpoint.

Notes LA Weekly: “TSA screeners will page travelers by name when their identities are known. Still, [one] employee says, travelers will often later admit they heard their names on the public address system after leaving the security checkpoint — but somehow didn’t make the connection that they were being asked to recover lost items.” The story calls modern travelers universally “spaced-out.”

It’s a sobering statistic that only 33 percent of laptops left behind at security checkpoints are ever recovered, with just about half of those reunited with their owners before their flight takes off.

You aren’t without equipment in your arsenal to help recover a lost laptop. One pro suggests writing your name and phone number inside the battery compartment of your computer, where TSA agents are trained to look for identifying information. (Use a white china pencil for good results.) Another solution for the absent-minded is to try one of the new TSA-approved ScanFast by Mobile Edge, which let you leave your laptop inside your carry-on as it passes through the x-ray machine.

To read the full review click here.

• Industry News , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo June 26th, 2009

In the relentless pursuit to give our customers the tools they need to travel smart, and comfortably while looking good, here are some new travel tips I found posted in the Long Island Daily Newspaper, Newsday.

The Associated Press

You’ve got to stop by the bank, pick up your dry cleaning and put gas in your car. That’s a lot to do and still make it to the airport two hours before your 11 a.m. flight.

But what if you could cut that time in half and not miss your flight? Here’s a cheat sheet to help you navigate more quickly.

1. Take public transportation No car means you don’t have to spend time looking for a space and trekking over to the terminal. It usually costs less to take public transportation than to park.

2. Pack light The fewer bags you have, the quicker you can get past security and on board the plane. Try to avoid checking bags, which will probably save you at least $15. Don’t forget your new Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag which helps get you through security checkpoints faster while leaving your laptop inside your bag.

3. Use self-service Print your boarding pass online the night before your trip. Otherwise, check in at a self-service kiosk at the airport.

4. Breeze through security Have your ID and boarding pass in your hand as you walk through the security line. Separate liquids and remove your laptop from its bag. With your TSA compliant laptop bag, you will fly through security like you own the airport. Choose from Backpacks, Messenger Bags, Briefcases and Totes.

5. Eat later Wait until you get through security or you may miss your flight. On the other side, you can grab some food and take it to the gate.

6. Upgrade to business class It costs more, unless you use reward points or credits, but you’ll be the first to get on and the first to get off.

7. Consider an alternate airport Flying out of secondary airports can save time, since lines can be shorter, the terminals less crowded and parking easier.

8. Know where you are going If you are connecting, map out the location of cross-terminal transportation ahead of time, suggests Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com.

Technorati text: 3dzrfiv2ku

• Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo June 5th, 2009

Traveling is great, but sometimes packing for trips can be a tenacious task. Here are a few helpful tips on how to pack the right way. Keep in mind several airlines now charge for the first checked bag in addition to a second checked bag. When traveling with a friend or spouse, double the charges for everything.

I found this checklist on a terrific website called Hitched.com. They offer great advice on a variety of topics. Here are a few packing tips they recommend.

1. Bring it on board. Unless you are going for an extended vacation, consider traveling with a carry-on and an oversized purse or tote bag (2x if you are traveling together). Put your wallet and personal belongings in the tote, along with any magazines, a pair of comfortable shoes for your trek through the airport and anything else you will need during your flight.

2. Check it off. Make a check list of the basics; pj’s, reading glasses, medications, contact lens case, make up, underwear, band aids, etc. Don’t forget to review the list before leaving the house.

3. Is that regulation? Make sure your carry-on suitcase is FAA regulation size. Regardless if your suitcase is made of leather, aluminum or sturdy cloth, or even a duffel-style carry-on, make sure it has wheels. Throw your tote bag over the handle of the wheeled case and off you go. If you need to bring a laptop make sure you use a Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag. It makes traveling much easier. Click here for more info.

4. Easy access. Store your larger suitcase in the overhead and keep your tote under the seat in front of you for quick access to magazines, tissue, hand sanitizer or your laptop.

5. Wrinkle-free tip. Recycled dry cleaning bags works miracles for wrapping sweaters, skirts, shirts, trousers and assorted articles of clothing. This tip is the key to your clothes arriving wrinkle free.

6. Bag the footwear and get them in position. Place your shoes in old grocery bags, wrap them in dry cleaning bags or professional shoe bags and line them around the perimeter of the suitcase. This will create a sturdy shell, allowing you to place your garments in the middle and preventing them from shuffling during the flight.

7. Keep ‘em separate. Use small travel bags or zip lock storage bags to separate undergarments, belts, inexpensive jewelry (wear the good stuff or keep it in your tote—never check it), toiletries, medicines, computer and cell phone chargers and all other miscellaneous items that inevitably get lost or sink to the bottom of the suitcase.

8. Wrapped up. In your tote, pack an oversized scarf or pashmina that can be used as a blanket for the frigid plane trip. Nothing is worse than feeling chilled and your only option of warmth is the dirty airplane blanket that is crumpled up next to the earlier passenger’s old newspaper.

9. Keep it identifiable. Label your luggage with a distinct luggage tag and before you zip it up, throw in a couple of empty trash bags for dirty clothes. Bags don’t weigh a lot and you can use them to separate your smelly gym socks from your delicate lingerie.

10. Travel ahead. Finally, consider pre-shipping any gifts that may be fragile or breakable. Better safe than sorry and it will be one less thing to worry about.

• Seasonal , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

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.

• Product Announcement , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

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.

• Industry News , Product Reviews , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo April 27th, 2009

The renowned Mobile Edge Checkpoint Friendly ScanFast Laptop Backpack was featured on Future Looks, a very cool technology Blog Site.  The editor, Michael Kwan pointed out the great features of this TSA compliant Backpack.  Here is a brief clip of the review.

What good are your gadgets if they are constantly holed up inside your home? You need to get outside and do a little traveling, but you need the appropriate bag to get the job done. Getting through airport security can be quite the hassle, so why not ease the process with the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack from Mobile Edge.

The ScanFast Backpack continues on the recent trend toward laptop bags that adhere to the TSA regulations, allowing you to keep your notebook in your backpack or briefcase as it passes through the X-ray scanner. This adds a lot to the convenience factor, but you also want a bag that is functional outside of the airport setting too. Let’s see how this one from Mobile Edge stacks up.

Scanning Quickly Through the Features
This first thing that hit me about the ScanFast Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Backpack was that it’s no small bag. It measures 19″ x 14″ x 7″. If you’re looking for something cute and compact, this is not going to be the backpack for you. That’s because it can accommodate up to 17-inch widescreen notebooks. If you’re rocking a smaller subnotebook and want something smaller, you may be better off considering a different solution.

In terms of main features, this bag is made from durable 1680D Ballistic Nylon, helping to repel damage from the elements while keeping the style factor in check along the way. There is a mild “shiny” texture to this bag, but it’s not at all gawdy. As previously mentioned, this bag also meets the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on luggage.

Stashing All Your Gizmos and Gear
Even though this is largely marketed as a laptop bag, the ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack from Mobile Edge also supplies you with plenty of pockets and interior space for the rest of your gizmos and gear as well.

Pictured above is the lower-front pocket. This is a good place for most of your smaller items, as there are slots dedicated to holding your pens and then there are pouches to hold stuff like notepads and portable hard drives.

These compartments are open-ended and not zippered off though, so you probably want to avoid putting extra small items here. Going from top to bottom, you’ll find no fewer than four separate compartments, not including the compartment dedicated to holding your laptop.

To read th efull review click here to visit the Future Looks website.

• Product Announcement , Product Reviews , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo April 22nd, 2009

I’ve noticed on photo sharing sites like Flickr and TwitPic (Twitter Pictures) that people love to show off what they carry in their laptop bags. In almost every photo they show off the books they are reading, their laptop or Netbook, all the travel gadgets you can imagine, chewing gum and a magazine or two. It’s amazing how much stuff you can actually fit into the right bag.

For instance, Mobile Edge just released their new Netbook Case Collection designed specifically for small ultra portable Netbooks with screens sizes of 8.9, 10 and up to 13 inches. I was able to stuff in this case, an Acer Netbook, power supply, a USB hub and card reader, iPod, iPhone with headphones, a few magazines, a book I am reading PR 2.0, an external hard drive, three pens, a wireless media remote, business cards, Eclipse chewing gum, Cold Eeze and a water bottle. Hard to believe this small case that measures 15” (L) x 4” (W) x 11” (H) can fit all of this gear.

If you have a new Netbook computer, check out the Mobile Edge Netbook Briefcase. Priced at $49.99 and has a Lifetime Warranty, this is a smart case that is the perfect size for you and your new Netbook computer..

Send in your pictures of what you carry in your Mobile Edge laptop bag. For your time and effort I will send you a Free Gift and a special discount code on your next purchase.  E-mail me at mo@mobileedge.com.

• Industry News , Product Reviews , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo April 14th, 2009

Since September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented several security checkpoint procedures.  One new procedure is allowing travelers to leave their laptop inside their Mobile Edge Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag when passing through airport security checkpoints.  This new collection exceeds TSA guidelines to be 100 percent TSA compliant.

By using the approved Mobile Edge laptop cases you will  save time going through security checkpoints, you will help the security lines moving quicker and will help protect your laptop from being forgotten or stolen.  In fact, it has been reported that more than 12,000 laptops are lost or stolen at airport security checkpoints weekly nationwide.  If more people used Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags this would help everyone move through the line quicker and possibly alleviate extended delays.

Also new for checked luggage is a fully automated screening machine.  In several major airports across the nation, there are new explosive screening machines that screen all bags that go through the system without a TSA agent having to touch the luggage.  If there is a suspicious looking bag, the screeners will flag the specific piece of luggage and give it a further inspection by an actual agent.  Click on the video to see exactly what I am describing. Stay tuned for more travel tips.

• Customer Photos , Industry News , Komen , Product Videos , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo April 2nd, 2009

Gadgets: Checkpoint Friendly laptop bags by Mobile Edge

KUSA – NBC Denver, Colorado - For our latest Gadgets edition, we’ve got what may be a quicker way to get that laptop through airport security.  As regular road warriors know, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) eased up its rules last summer allowing notebook computers to pass through x-ray screening while still in a bag as long as the bag meets agency guidelines

A company called Mobile Edge makes a line of TSA-approved laptop bags that meet all security requirements. They’re packed with pockets, and rugged too. Learn more at www.mobileedge.com

• Industry News , Product Reviews , Product Videos , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)

Matthew Olivolo March 31st, 2009

Traveling this day and age requires some knowledge of current rules and regulations posted by Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Making your travel experience more convenient and enjoyable is our number one Mission at Mobile Edge.  I’m writing a two part “Must Have Travel Accessories for 2009,” article to shed some light on new regulations, and some new travel accessories that will make your life easier when traveling.

As you may know, the airline industry has made several changes to travel policies and guidelines. Keep this blog site book marked for future travel related tips and Part 2 of this article.

Must have travel accessories for 2009 are geared to make your traveling experience  easier by offering devises to help maximize your luggage by assisting you in getting the most for your dollar.

The policies that have been recently implemented by the major airlines in regards to luggage restrictions pertain to two factors; weight and size of the luggage itself. Must have travel accessories for 2009 are items that tailor to these factors. For that reason alone, here are a few must have travel accessories for 2009.

Packing cubes and organizers: Packing cubes and organizers are a must have travel accessory for 2009 as they aid in creating more space in luggage. Major airlines require that carry-on luggage be less than 45 inches in combined length allowing them to fit in the overhead compartment of the aircraft. These items are easy to find and are a great travel accessory to add for this reason. Packing cubes and organizers can also help to minimize the need for an additional checked bag for longer travel periods.

Airline approved bottles and quart sized plastic bags: With the implementation of 3-1-1 by TSA in 2006, these items are still considered a must have travel accessory for 2009. Liquids larger than 3oz can only be brought along in your checked baggage, so for liquid items to be packed in a carry on it must be 3oz or less. Many travel size health and beauty products are now manufactured in accordance with the 3-1-1 policy in mind and are clearly labeled as “airline friendly” for this reason.

Laptop bags: Everyone knows accidents can happen, and with many of us being reliant on our technological devises for working on the road (or plane) a padded laptop bag is a must have travel accessory for 2009. Padded laptop bags help to minimize the possibility of damage to your laptop from an accidental drop. Click here to start your search for the perfect laptop case designed just for you.

Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags: The TSA approved specific designs to be considered Checkpoint Friendly, meaning travelers no longer need to remove their laptops from their bags when passing through airport security checkpoints.  Mobile Edge has one of the largest selections of Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags on the market, with a TSA Approved Briefcase, Messenger Bag and Backpack for men.  Just for women, the ScanFast Onyx Briefcase, Backpack and Element Briefcases (in three color options) are all TSA compliant.

USB 2.0 Card Reader and 3-Port Hub: There is nothing worse when traveling than not being able to download images you take while on the road.  Plus, most new laptops and Netbooks come with only a few USB Ports.  The All in one Card Reader and 3-Port Hub is the perfect travel companion allows you to download information from multiple memory cards and give you three additional USB 2.0 Ports.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Must Have Travel Accessories for 2009 article.

• Industry News , Travel Tips
• Comments(0)