Matthew Olivolo October 15th, 2008

Apple recently announced two new MacBooks that are a little more affordable and just plain cool. Both models offer two versions of their speedy Intel Core 2 Duo chip, upgraded memory and hard drive space.

In today’s fast paced mobile lifestyle, people want protection for their laptop but also the freedom of a lightweight case that is designed for people on the go. The SlipSuit offers that protection and mobility all in one and with the style and functionality only offered by Mobile Edge. It’s the protection your laptop needs and yet small enough to slip into a larger bag or tote.

Given their sleek design Apple is known for, the new MacBooks fit perfectly in Mobile Edge custom laptop sleeves.  The 13.3 inch MacBook fits like a glove in the Mobile Edge 13.3 inch Mac Sleeve.  Given the sleek design of the new 15 inch MacBook Pro, it will fit nicely into the 14.1 inch Mobile Edge SlipSuit.

Suitable for the classroom or the boardroom, the sporty style and edgy lines of the SlipSuit make carrying your notebook easy and comfortable. Made of durable Neoprene wetsuit-like-material, the SlipSuit is backed with a Lifetime Warranty.

“The Mac friendly SlipSuits are the perfect addition to the Mobile Edge collection of stylish notebook cases,” said Chuck Gangi, vice president of sales for Mobile Edge. “Our Mac customers asked for a simple solution to protect their MacBook and MacBook Pros, and Mobile Edge has delivered. By offering an outside zippered pocket, the SlipSuit offers functionality unparalleled to other sleeve manufacturers.”

Good looks and brains go a long way, and in my opinion both new MacBooks will further increase Apple’s market share in the laptop category.

Like Apple, Mobile Edge will continue to build quality laptop bags and offer custom sizes to accommodate new MacBooks as they enter the marketplace.  Make sure your new laptop is secure with Mobile Edge proven laptop protection.  Check out the custom SlipSuit neoprene sleeve page and get yours today!

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Matthew Olivolo September 23rd, 2008

Macworld Editor Dan Frakes, posted an article online about the Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag requirements the Transportation Security Office posted for manufacturers.  Of the 40 manufacturers that responded to the TSA request, Mobile Edge is among the few manufacturers he mentions.  Beating most of our competitors to market with our ScanFast™ Collection of Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags, we now have TSA Compliant laptop cases ready to purchase and have already shipped thousands of orders.

Here is a brief snippet of Dan’s article:

If you’re traveling to the US, it’s worth your while to get acquainted with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s announced new rules covering “checkpoint friendly” laptop bags. The goal of these regulations is to increase the speed and efficiency of airport security checkpoints by allowing passengers to keep their laptop computers in their bags during X-ray screening. However, there’s quite a bit of confusion about what, exactly, constitutes a checkpoint-friendly bag and the specific rules for using one.

What is a “checkpoint friendly” bag? According to the TSA, these are the criteria a laptop bag must meet to be considered checkpoint-friendly:

• It must have a designated laptop-only section.
• The laptop-only section must unfold completely to lie flat on the X-ray belt.
• No metal snaps, zippers or buckles can be located inside, underneath, or on top of the laptop-only section. (In other words, metal elements must be positioned so they do not overlap the body of the laptop in an X-ray image.)
• It cannot have pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section.
• Nothing can be packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself. (This is more of a guideline for packing than for designing a bag, although a laptop compartment that fits a computer perfectly makes it more difficult to fit additional items.)

Not listed in the guidelines, but mentioned on the TSA Web site under the topic of Industry Process and Guidelines, are warnings against thick bag dividers and thick emblems or seals on the laptop-only section. These elements can prevent security-checkpoint X-rays from obtaining a clear image of your laptop.

What kinds of bags meet these guidelines? Vendors are meeting the requirements in a couple ways. One is by designing bags that unfold so that the laptop section presents an unobstructed X-ray view. (There’s no restriction against having zippers, buckles, or other metal parts on the sides of the laptop section, as long as these parts don’t in any way obstruct the X-ray view of the laptop.) Another is by hosting the laptop in a basic sleeve or cover that detaches or can be removed from the main bag.

Apparently so. The TSA notes, in the Procedures article linked above, that over 60 manufacturers of laptop bags responded to the TSA’s announcement with intentions to create checkpoint-friendly bags, and 40 submitted prototypes to the agency for feedback. Since the new policy went into effect, a number of vendors have contacted us specifically to let us know that they have new or existing bags that meet the guidelines; these include Mobile Edge...

To read the full article Dan wrote, click here.

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Matthew Olivolo September 3rd, 2008

In a recent article posted in the Wayne State University Student Newspaper, laptops are now considered the must-have when doing back-to-school shopping.

Taking notes on a laptop when in class is essential to modern day college life.  Colleges across the country have put in new WiFi access points to allow students free access to the Internet.  Typically, colleges will post where their WiFi locations are throughout the campus helping students connect to the Internet when they need to.

Of course when spending upwards of $1,400 for a new laptop, it must be protected.  An interesting point made in the University’s newspaper article, was that toting around a bag with a DELL logo on it means you are broadcasting to everyone that you are carrying a laptop.

“It’s best to use one of those non-descript cases, maybe a backpack where you can also put your papers or other stuff, and no one will think twice that you have a laptop in there,” stated Chris Demos, Lead Systems Administrator, Wayne State University.

Demos then went on to say, “When using a laptop at a public place, he advised to use  steelwire security cable, which he said acts as an excellent deterrent because it can take as long as 20 minutes to remove the cable and to do so inconspicuously would be impossible.”

Mobile Edge offers a solution for all of these concerns with one of the largest selections of laptop backpacks on the market.  We have backpacks that accommodate laptops up to 15.4″ and other ergonomic backpacks for larger 17″ laptops.  We have backpacks specifically designed for women and others for men.

Mobile Edge also offers one of the strongest laptop security cables on the market called the SecuriCable.  This cable screws into the computer’s serial or VGA port giving metal to metal contact for a secure fit.

Colleges students across the country purchase laptops and laptop accessories in their college computer book stores.  Mobile Edge products are offerd at hundreds of colleges across the country.  Rest assured, if you are a college student or the parent of a college student, Mobile Edge has the solution you need for mobile computing.

For more information, visit the company website by clicking here.

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Matthew Olivolo July 29th, 2008

At 11:42 a.m. (PST) there was a 5.4 magnitude earthquake that shook all of Southern California, including the Mobile Edge Corporate Office located in Anahiem.  The epicenter was located in Chino Hills, Calif., approximately 10 miles from our office.  Although the staff and products were jolted around a bit, everyone and all products are fine.  All orders will ship on time without a hitch.

The shock waves felt more like waves traveling through the building rather than sharp jolts.  From several news organizations, rolling shock waves actually cause less damage than the sharp snaps as felt in the Northridge Earthquake back in 1994.

Below is a copy of a map of the Epicenter.

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Matthew Olivolo July 3rd, 2008

The staff here at Mobile Edge would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy 4th of July. We live in a great country and enjoy our freedom celebrating 232 years of Independence this year.  It is an important American tradition and is meant to be with family and friends and loved ones.

Enjoy this holiday with pride and be proud to live in a great country where we all have the freedom to live life as we choose. I hope you will get to see an impressive fireworks show as I will in Las Vegas.

Happy 4th of July!

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Matthew Olivolo June 3rd, 2008

Shawn Rapier joins Sales Team at Mobile Edge

Mobile Edge, the industry leader in innovative and stylish laptop computer carrying cases and accessories is pleased to announce the addition of Shawn Rapier as its Director of Sales. Shawn will head up the Mobile Edge High-Ed sales efforts utilizing his ten plus years experience in this channel.

Most recently, Rapier was the Vice President of Channel Sales for the Michigan based cable company GoldX. Prior to GoldX, Shawn was the founder of Offspring Technologies and has worked in the computer accessory industry for more than a decade.

Specializing in distribution and higher education sales, Shawn will complement the strong Mobile Edge sales team pursuing new accounts. In addition to his sales expertise, he has been a Keynote Speaker at several industry events and has been published in various industry publications.

“I am excited for this opportunity. I have enjoyed a great relationship with the people at Mobile Edge for a number of years,” explained Shawn Rapier, Director of Sales, Mobile Edge. “When the chance to work with them came up, I jumped at it. Great products and great people made this decision an easy one. I see a bright future for this company and look forward to being a part of it.”

“I am delighted to have Shawn join our sales team and welcome his contribution to our continued growth” said G. David Cartwright, President & CEO, Mobile Edge. “Shawn brings a unique understanding of the High-Ed market and is very well respected throughout the channel.”

Rapier will work from his office in Utah and can be reached at the following numbers:

Office: 801-785-9798

Cell: 801-636-0524

E-mail: sr@mobileedge.com

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Matthew Olivolo May 5th, 2008

ABC News Technology Reporter Andrea Smith featured three Mobile Edge laptop bags in a Mother’s Day Gift Idea segment on the local ABC affiliate in New York City. She showcased the Komen Milano, the BEF Signature Tote and the Monaco Notebook Case.

She talked about some of the functionality of the laptop bags while her co-anchor modeled the Komen Milano. She made sure to mention that Mobile Edge donates 10 percent of the sales price back to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation for research and awareness. Her personal favorite of the three designer laptop cases was the BEF Signature Tote. Click the video below to see the review.

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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 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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