Gizmodo: Bags

Bowler DSLR Bag: The Jesus Approved

matt buchanan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:10:00 EDT

Not the most practical DSLR bag, but Acme Made's Bowler is definitely the awesomest, if only for the strong odor of The Big Lebowski. You won't be able to cram a million lenses into its satin-lined polyurethane shell, but if The Jesus carried around a DSLR, you know it would be in this bag. And you don't fu—well, you know the rest. If the red's a little too flamboyant for you, there'll be navy and black versions following it in December for $40. [Acme Made via Crave via BBG]

Addy Changes the World One Bag at a Time

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EDT

Remember the video above, with our very own and beloved Addy Dugdale cursing and tearing apart Sharp's IFA 2007 sharp-as-knives gigantic swag bags? Well, I'm happy to report that Addy changed the world that day, once and forever. I witnessed the consequences of her actions at IFA 2008:

This year, Sharp kept the same size, but made their bags inflatable. The result is that you had the same morons colliding with you everywhere, but at least it didn't hurt your legs, arms, or body. And with that, I really mean crotch.

Plus, as a bonus, I was able to use them to lie down, take a siesta, and tan in the Berlin Messe gardens. Thank you Addy, you make the world go 'round. [More IFA 2008 Coverage]

Dealzmodo: Huge Timbuk2 Bag Sale

matt buchanan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EDT

We love Timbuk2's bags—they're smartly designed to hold a ton of gear and tough enough to handle the serious, just-plain-wrong abuse we subject them to—but the price can definitely be off-putting. Luckily, they've got a huge sale going on through Sept. 22, slashing 35-65 percent off a buncha bags. A couple of picks: The Blogger bag is a sweet score for $52, several classic messengers for about $50, and some of the pricier ones are a good $40 cheaper. [Timbuk2]

John Mayer: The Laptop Bag

Mark Wilson — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:15:00 EDT

Hey guys, John Mayer here. I just wanted to let you know about my new laptop messenger bag. Because when I'm not having lights-off sex with women you could only dream about or double-douching it with twin Bluetooth headsets, I always make sure my fans are buying the latest in John Mayer branded gear. Oh, do I carry this bag? No way! I mean, it ~~isn't lined with Gerber baby skin~~ won't fit my Macbook Air. But it'll work just fine with your piece of crap entry-level Dell, I'm sure! [John Mayer via ChipChick]

TSA's "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bag Policy Starts Today

Elaine Chow — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

You know that new TSA policy that kind of sounds like a ploy to sell new generations of laptop bags? The one where, if you have specific types of bags that are deemed “checkpoint friendly” by the TSA, you won't have to take your laptop out while going through security lines at the airport? That goes into effect today. The new policy is supposed to speed things up, but if you can't trust that stupid-ass office schmuck in front of you to take out his (or her) laptop in the last 35 minutes you were all waiting in line god damn it, I don't see how having different categories of X-ray-able bags won't just add to the confusion. [Yahoo! News]

Solo Helps Travelers "FlyThru" Security With Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Cases and Sleeves

Sean Fallon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:40:00 EDT

Bags deemed "checkpoint friendly" by the TSA are starting to roll out fast and furious now—bags with "creative" names like "ScanFast" and the newly announced "FlyThru" from Solo (I'm still waiting for the "CavitySearchFree"). The FlyThru claims to be "the first laptop case company to have fulfilled the design and testing requirements to be Travel Sentry approved," but when it really comes down to it, all of the bags basically have a cut-out area that makes it easy for security to view its contents. After that, its pretty much about what kind of style you prefer.

The FlyThru series consists of a "Tech Collection" with a mesh-covered removable laptop sleeve for 15.4” laptops and a clamshell “Mini Instant Messenger” that holds an 11” netbook (pictured above). There will also be a "Classic Collection" with a "clamshell portfolio for 15.4” laptops that will lay flat across the X-ray belt during screening. Plus, an “AlwaysOn” FlyThru sleeve is in the works that will "securely hug the laptop" and provide a vented opening in the back that makes it possible to use the laptop while it is still in the sleeve. Exact pricing and a release date have not been announced, but Solo notes that all of its products will fall within the $30 to $60 range.

SOLO® WILL HELP PASSENGERS FlyThru™ AIRPORT SECURITY WITH NEW LINE OF
CHECKPOINT-FRIENDLY LAPTOP SLEEVES AND CASES

New Assortment of Sleeves and Cases Allow Airport Screeners to
X-Ray Laptops While Still Inside Bags

Hauppauge, N.Y. – SOLO, a leader in lifestyle-focused collections of laptop and business cases, is developing an innovative new assortment of checkpoint-friendly laptop cases called FlyThru™. FlyThru™ bags will allow airline passengers to quickly travel through airport security without removing laptops from their cases. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently given manufacturers guidelines to manufacture and market checkpoint-friendly bags. The new FlyThru™ cases from SOLO have been independently tested at test centers by SOLO. In addition Travel Sentry, a longtime partner with SOLO, has approved the new cases as meeting all current checkpoint security guidelines.

Travel Sentry® has released its standards for laptop-friendly bags. SOLO is the first laptop case company to have fulfilled the design and testing requirements to be Travel Sentry® Approved. Travel Sentry creates and manages standards which improve travel security in cooperation with government security agencies, airlines, airports and the travel goods industry.

By the Fall, SOLO plans to provide consumers with several FlyThru™ options within its various collections to meet the needs of the marketplace:

— A Tech Collection mesh-covered removable laptop sleeve for 15.4” laptops that features cut-out windows for easy identification by airport security.

— A Tech Collection clamshell “Mini Instant Messenger” that holds an 11” netbook.

— A Classic Collection clamshell portfolio for 15.4” laptops that will lay flat across the x-ray belt during screening.

SOLO is also marketing a patent pending “AlwaysOn” FlyThru™ sleeve, which will securely hug the laptop while also featuring vented openings in the back for cord pass-through. This will allow the user to utilize their laptop while it is still in the sleeve. The dual functionality not only protects laptops, but acts as a portable workstation. The “AlwaysOn” sleeve will be available to accommodate various sized laptops among several collection styles.

All of the products will be extremely affordable, priced from $30 to $60 and available at major office and consumer electronics stores.

Leticia Vargas, Director of Marketing at SOLO states, “SOLO has been working to create checkpoint-friendly cases for a number of reasons: to speed up airport security clearance, make traveling more convenient, and also to radically reduce the risk of lost or damaged laptops. The TSA reports that more than 25% of travelers are now traveling with notebooks, and studies show many laptops are damaged or lost due to chaotic removal of items at security checkpoints. Our consumers are road warriors! We are excited to offer additional innovative, consumer-focused solutions that aid in the protection of laptops and makes traveling faster and more convenient.”

[Solo]

Sakku Solar Bags Made From Recycled Sails

Elaine Chow — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Solar bags are a great way to charge all your gadgets while out and about, but Switzerland-based bag maker Sakku one ups the green aspect by making its bags out of recycled sails. Each Sakku Buddy comes stamped with a “story” listing the name of the lake or sea which the boat that used the sail is located. Each bag has a 2.5W solar panel and is big enough to contain a 17” notebook. Currently only available in Europe, the Buddy costs either $275 or $385, depending on whether you get the chargeable battery option. [Sakku US page via Coolest Gadgets]

iMac Thinks It's a Laptop Inside Reinda Leather Transport Bag

John Mahoney — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EDT

When the Feds are at the door and it's time to rip and run, what better way for the style- and safety-conscious hacker to make a protected getaway than with this all-leather handmade iMac Transport Bag (or apfeltaschen, as Reinda says) Then again, if you're that hardcore, why are you using an iMac? Guess this is for the regular folks who need to move their all-in-one, all the time. It's €90 ($140) for the 20" and €96 ($150) for the 24." [Product Page via Cool Hunting]

Question of the Day: What Do You Carry Your Gadgets In?

matt buchanan — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EDT

For a long time, I just threw all of my gear into an Eastpak backpack I'd had since high school. But my laptop got all scuffy and gross like it had been hanging out in the wrong Starbucks or something, so I finally got an actual laptop bag to keep it all protected. (Also, the backpack made me feel like I was still in high school.) Now I have a couple I rotate between depending on the mission—I like Timbuk2's huge Hacker bag for trade show survival, and a smaller one for everyday. But it's messenger all the way (as it is for most of us at Giz). What do you carry all of your gear in? And what are you lugging, anyway?

[Image via geishabot]

Mobile Edge TSA Compliant Laptop Bags For Speedy Trips Through Security

Sean Fallon — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:40:00 EDT

We have known for quite some time that the TSA would allow companies to develop "checkpoint friendly" laptop cases—and now the first products are beginning to roll out to the masses. The ScanFast collection from Mobile Edge is among these new releases, and their lineup features a backpack, briefcase, and a messenger bag that can allow security personnel to easily view its contents so you never have to remove your laptop. The products are expected to be released "in late summer" but pricing info has not been made public. [Mobile Edge]

TSA Says X-Rayable Laptop Bags are Go

Kit Eaton — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:09:00 EDT

The director of the TSA, Kip Hawley, has spoken to the New York Times and confirmed that X-ray-friendly laptop cases will be accepted by the agency as soon as they hit the shelves, potentially bringing an end to the panic that your laptop will go astray in all the fuss at airport checkpoints. We brought you first hints of this back in May, but it looks like the process of getting the bags approved is well underway. And both Targus and Pathfinder Luggage are hoping to have products on sale as soon as September or October.

Pathfinder is currently developing two "checkpoint friendly" models: one wheeled trolley with a removable laptop case, one a briefcase that reveals the laptop when it's unzipped. These new foam and nylon cases will set you back between $100 and $200. Targus's X-rayable cases vary from a $39 backpack and a $100 business traveler version. And there are at least four or five other manufacturers also submitting prototypes to the agency for checking.

But there's still a catch, of sorts: the TSA is not certifying these bags, and asks that manufacturers use terms like "checkpoint friendly" instead, and avoid buckles pockets or zips in the design. Does that mean your impractical bag won't seal securely and some officious security guard may still make you fish out your laptop anyway, as he doesn't believe it to be "friendly" to the X-ray machine? Time will tell. [NYTimes]

[Image: Nick Veasey]

Laptop Bags Soon Welcome in Airports

Mark Wilson — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:20:00 EDT

While most of us have become fine-oiled machines in working our way through airport security without shoes, belts (and thereby sometimes pants), ripping one's laptop from its safehaven in your bag and placing it, cluckily, in an X-ray tray is never a pleasant experience. Luckily, the TSA has finally decided that laptop bags that meet certain provisions will be considered X-ray friendly.

But there had to be a catch...

The TSA is only releasing guidelines to manufacturers. The organization is specifically not approving individual bags for use in their X-ray machines. In other words, many who buy "security-friendly" laptop bags may find themselves among the dirty looks of fellow travelers and TSA agents alike.

Then again, the luggage market has certainly played well with airports when it comes to carry-on baggage. But that's just a question of dimensions that can be easily simulated in any warehouse condition, not X-ray interference.

Current prototypes resemble a clamshell that can be opened and laid flat for inspection. Such a design allows the laptop to be stored in one compartment completely isolated from papers, cords or any other objects that might complicate the scan. In other words, it closely mimics the way laptops are inspected now, save for a small bit of fabric.

We'll be interested to see just how practical (i.e. padded) these cases are. Hopefully travel really will get a little bit easier. [USAToday via Consumerist][Image: Nick Veasey]

Pitfall Bag Celebrates Man's Two Passions: Adventure and Needlepoint

Mark Wilson — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:10:00 EDT

Pitfall fans with 13-inch laptops, this is your day! Over at Etsy, one artist is selling handmade needlepoint Pitfall laptop cases. Diehard Apple fanboys will notice that the featured Pitfall screen is actually from the Apple IIC version of the game. But don't worry PC-users, anyone who noticed that piece of trivia would be a fairly intolerable companion anyway. At $150 it's a doable purchase, but we're not so sure about that choice of lining. [Etsy via technabob]

BUILT Laptop Bag: Water-Resistant, But Not Bulletproof

Kit Eaton — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:23:19 EDT

When it comes to laptop bags and cases, there are traditional-style ones, modern ones and downright unusual ones... we can't decide which to put the new BUILT Laptop Backpack into. It's almost a traditional rucksack, made out of fancy water- and stain-resistant neoprene, but it's shaped to hug your back like a half a bulletproof vest. An image helped by the fact that it's available in Police black or Army green. It does look kinda comfy, and it's got three pockets: for 12-inch to 17-inch laptops, accessories, and whatever fits in the shoulder one. Available now, in two sizes, for $80. [BUILT via Be Sportier]

Fi-Hi Speaker Bags: Boombox Backpack Made Real

Kit Eaton — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:45:04 EDT

Remember we laughed at the concept Reppo2 boombox backpack, and its ability to aurally assault those you walk past with your choice of tunes? Well, yes: something similar is now real, courtesy of these Fi-Hi novelty bags with built-in speakers and amp. What's there to say? Well, we don't know how powerful the audio system is, we don't know if they're weatherproof (though we'd hope so.) But we do know you can connect up your MP3 player, that they're in a wide range of different sizes and styles, some looking very much like the Reppo2, and that they're fascinatingly nasty. No word on pricing or availability, but expect to hear one soon. [Aving]

Coax Japanese People to Play Golf With Star Wars Golf Gear

Jason Chen — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EDT

When's the last time you saw a Japanese person play golf? Perhaps with these Star Wars themed golf bags and cozies, they'll be more inclined to put down their Wii Golf and do some Real Golf. Or perhaps not, since golf is the most boring sport we can imagine. You know what would spice up golf? Golf with katanas. Or lightsabers. [Star Wars]

Lightning Review: Timbuk2 Messenger with Specialty Fabrics

Mark Wilson — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:00:03 EST

The Product: Timbuk 2 is famous for their trendy, customizable messenger bags with rock solid construction. You can pick different colors for each of the three panels of your bag to create a personalized product. Now Timbuk2 has added specialty (premium) fabrics to their designs.

The Price: A custom medium sized laptop messenger runs $140, plus $23 per specialty fabric panel.

The Verdict:

As you can see, my test subject (aka wife) stuffed the bag to the brim with lady-themed folders, various tiny containers and her Macbook. The Timbuk2s expand a ton and their shape holds up pretty well considering the load.

And while the new premium fabrics look and feel nice enough, it's Timbuk2's staple internal corduroy laptop liner that sells the bag. It simply feels safe to when your laptop slips in, and a Velcro strap wraps over the top to make sure that your computer can't come loose.

The only real downside to the new fabrics are their price—$23 is a pretty steep upsell if multiplied out to three panels—and a fairly limited pattern selection with only eight choices. Sure, you can still mix and match your standard colors for no additional fee, but we really like the idea of these specialty patterns and wish there were more styles.

Either way, the new fabrics are only adding more options to the Timbuk2 line. It seems like a good thing just got a little bit better. [Timbuk2]

Jeromeolivet 32 is a Bag for Your iPod, Not an STI for Your Fun Parts

Haroon Malik — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:39:00 EDT

If you like pictures of stuff that look way more awesome than they are actually are, feast your eyes on Jerome Olivet's new iPod shoulder bag, with the narcissistic title of Jeromeolivet 32. You could probably take iPod out of the product description and have a fully-fledged, regular shoulder bag, but as Olivet has included the ubiquitous noun and has a kick-ass, porn star esque nomenclature for his person, we'll give his new wonder, constructed from fabric and PVC, some well-deserved attention.

The sack for your iPod promises to "merge with your body" and has a double use of being able to hold your mobile phone, too. All this functionality is making us queasy, take our 54€ ($76.58) and be gone with you, Mr. Talented Designer Man. [Product Page via Dezeen]

Multi-Purpose Charger Bag Holds Only Chargers

Jason Chen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:40:24 EDT

This multi-purpose charger bag seems like a solution in search of a problem. Never in our experience have we had to carry around only chargers in a bag. In addition, we haven't had any trouble keeping chargers separate with just a little bit of cord wrapping beforehand, making the six separate compartments a little iffy as well. But if you're doing a bit of traveling and want to carry around a semi-fashionable charger bag, well, here ya go. Honestly, we recommend the Chargepod if you're going to charge six things at once. [BuiltNY via Shiny Shiny]

Ghetto Blaster Bag

Jason Chen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:40:00 EDT

Got an anniversary coming up? Get your lady this Ghetto Blaster bag and watch as her nostrils flare, her eyes get really really big, and then beady—then duck as she makes a swing at you, and dodge as that knee comes flying up.

After the festivities are over, you can explain to her that this bag isn't actually a ghetto blaster, it's an actual bag with a picture of a ghetto blaster on the outside. Then get ready to dodge and duck again.

Product Page [Kitschulike via Nerd Approved]

Juice Bag Now Available for Us Chicks

Addy Dugdale — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:08:09 EDT

Unless, of course, you are a chick that likes backpacks, which I think are too manly by half, then you might be interested in this, a Juice Bag for Lay-deez. It's a large tote which, apart from being capacious enough for your towel, three bikinis, bonkbuster book and SPF lotion, can recharge your phone, iPod or camera thanks to its solar panels. It's pricey though, as it will burn a $249 hole in your lady-purse. – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Reware Store via Techie Diva]

Everglide - For Holding Stuff, Not Sex

Mark Wilson — Sat, 19 May 2007 14:45:59 EDT

No, the Everglide is not a new product from your friends at KY. It's a bag that is mobile for all circumstances. In one setup, it's a wheeled bag. In another, it's a backpack. And in the third, ultimate setup, the Everglide becomes a bag with a bike attached (or vice versa).

Put a little more clearly:

Everglide identifies a missing link in people's movement habits, and is consequently designed for the 'last-mile' - the short distance; between home public transport and the end destination - integrating transport and carrying-ability.

A finalist in the Dyson Design Awards, we really enjoy the idea of a James Bondesque rideable bag. I mean, we'd honestly never hop on a bike that looked so stupid, but two thumbs up for the plans. More pictures after the jump.

– Mark Wilson

Everglide [dyson]

Crumpler's Beer For Bags Swap Starts June 9

Noah Robischon — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:00:09 EDT

Every year Crumpler barters its laptop, photo and messenger bags in exchange for beer. The tradition started five years ago in Australia, and this is the second time the event is being held in NYC. Bring in a case of Coopers and four Fosters Oil Cans and walk out with a Barney Rustle Messenger bag. Two cases of Asahi and a packet of ramen noodles fetches a Moderate Embarrassment laptop satchel. To figure out the exchange rate you'll need to stop by a store to pick up the handy-dandy Beer for Bags Wheel (larger version after the jump) or just order one from the website. All of the combinations come out to a discount of around 30 percent. At the end of the week everyone heads back to the store to drink the assorted brews—belch!—there were over 1,000 cases of beer on hand last year. –Noah Robischon

Crumpler's Beer For Bags, June 9th - 17th

RollerTops Give Businessmen a Portable Laptop Tray, Ensure Trip is Only Business not Pleasure

Jason Chen — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:30:06 EDT

If you travel at least a little bit for work, you'll be interested in this RollerTop tray for your carry-on bag. It's a stand that hooks to the top of the handle on your roller bag, which folds out to give you a "stable" platform to put your laptop on. This way you can be checking email or surfing the net even when you're waiting in line to board.

Of course, you could do that with a smartphone, but what smartphone has a 13-inch screen? Best of all, when your bag tips over and your laptop gets smashed to bits, you'll still have a nice platform to put your elbows on while you're sobbing. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Roller Tops]

Hands-On: Lifepop Mini '80s Boombox

Brian Lam — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:52:07 EDT

This little vinyl boombox gets pretty loud considering the 9v powerpack and the quarter-sized speakers. Another gem found in the WTF section of CTIA. The kit comes with a minijack adapter, a keychain, and the pouch itself can hold a cellphone or Shuffle, but controlling the device while inside would prove to be challenging. $25.

If only I had a matching G.I. Joe-sized LL Cool J action figure.–Brian Lam

Boombox [Lifepop]

Golla Bags Really Are for the Ladies

Jason Chen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:45:14 EDT

After figuring out (through our super scientific poll) that the Philips 598 isn't really for ladies, we've found something that is. These Golla Bags. Yes ladies, you can stick your cellphone, camera, or PDA inside and strut around anywhere like there's music playing and you own the place. We think men would like this as well, but maybe we're just distracted by something. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Golla via Geek Sugar via Slashgear]

Camera Stabilizing Bag Stabilizes, Transports

Travis Hudson — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:15:27 EST

In another convenient tale of convergence, this camera bag can also serve as a stabilizer for DSLR cameras. Yank out the camera, fill up the bag with rocks/sand/etc to keep it weighed down and plop the camera on it. Okay, it is a bit pointless besides keeping your camera from touching the dirty ground, but you suckers will buy anything. $48. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via CG]

Microsoft Lets You Share Your Wife's Baggage

Jason Chen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:54:13 EST

Need a messenger bag? Well, Microsoft's updated their Samsill line of notebook bags and made them unisex, which means you don't need to get two separate bags for you and your wife if just one of you needs to travel.

The bags are actually quite stylish—if you're into the grey nylon look—and go for a reasonable price. The Laptop Messenger Bag is only $49 and fits up to 15-inch laptops, and the Diplomat, a rolling laptop case for airplanes is $129. We just wish these had Vista Sideshow built in. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Amazin via Electronista]

What's in Jack Bauer's Gear Closet?

Travis Hudson — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:30:38 EST

Jack Bauer is definitely a badass. No getting around that fact, but he actually uses a lot of gadgets and gear that can be purchased by any average joe. Everything from a Brunton Echo Pocket Scope Monocular, Motorola i880, military-style messenger bag and special ops watch can all be owned so you can attempt to emulate the greatness of Jack Bauer. Hit the link to get details on everything, including information where to buy it all. –Travis Hudson

Jack Bauer Gear [uncrate]

G-Tech Annoys the World With Audio-Enabled Messenger Bag

Travis Hudson — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:09:41 EDT

Now every hipster-doofus roaming the streets around your town will loudly and boldly profess their love for Radiohead because it will be blaring out of a messenger bag. G-Tech has released this messenger bag that comes audio-ready with an integrated external speaker and controls built into the strap. It has a standard 3.5mm jack that can plug into virtually any audio device. The device volume can be controlled from the Elektex smart fabric controls on the strap of the bag. This bag will be available in November for $130. Seriously, can't you kids just listen to your rock'n'roll through the headphones for once?

More images after the jump.– Travis Hudson

The iPod-enabled Messenger Bag [gizmag]

Eclipse Solar-Powered Camera Bag

Travis Hudson — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:21:28 EDT

This bag falls into the category of: "Why didn't I think of that?" The Eclipse Nova Solar was made with the DSLR user in mind. It can charge AA and camera batteries by harnessing the power of the sun. I don't think the cave photographers would get much use out of this, but it could be great for nature photographers. $150 from Eclipse—kind of ironic the name of the company is Eclipse, and they make solar gear. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Gearlog]

Bag of Holding: +20 to Geekiness

Travis Hudson — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:33:24 EDT

Don't be fooled by this four or five slot bag, it can hold much more than four potions or your epic fire-resis gear. This bag will conveniently hold all of your goods but disappear on your body while wandering throughout the barren lands killing Wild Boars. This Bag of Holding will set you back 27.99 gold pieces at the nearest vendor or at the auction house.

Now go forth, artisan. Roll 1D0 for your chance of getting a girlfriend with this Bag of Holding. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [ThinkGeek]

BumBakPak Reviewed (Verdict: Looks Odd, Feels Great)

Travis Hudson — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:48:22 EDT

So, I covered the CEDIA show last week. I tried out this BumBakPak, or BBP, while roaming the show floor and I am surprisingly impressed with the bag overall.

The BBP is a "Urbanomic" (urban and ergonomic) backpack that can wear like a traditional messenger bag over a shoulder or it can easily convert to a more backpack-style bag. Hit the jump to get some more impressions.

So I had to carry around my laptop, batteries, chargers, gear, digital camera and pounds upon pounds of press releases while roaming these shows. They can put some mighty strain on my shoulders and back, depending on what bag I'm using, but the BBP reduced the pain quite a bit, but not completely. Then again I was carrying around 20 pounds of gear for eight hours per day.

I'm not going to lie, when carrying this around in the "backpack mode" it felt really nice—not very much strain on my back—but I knew it looked kind of odd. I could tell I was getting some looks, but after the first day I got accustomed to the unique look.

It is called BBP because when in backpack mode the bag is designed to hang low on your back, therefore reducing strain. The carrying-strap is padded nicely, but there is a large plastic connector on the strap that clips to the bag, converting it to backpack style. So, when using the BBP as a traditional shoulder messenger bag the big clips just sat there near my face being awkward.

For storage there are a kajillion and a half compartments including a laptop storage pocket that is extra padded. Depending on which model of BBP you purchase will determine how many pockets are available. The BBP is available in four different sizes to accompany all sizes of laptops. The BBP ranges from $85 to $95 depending on the model.

Overall, it is a good bag, as long as you don't mind the unique look. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with back problems that want a stylish and ergonomic bag.

Product Page

Burton Liquid Lounger Backpack Holds Playing Cards, Tunes, Chair, and Malt Liquor

Brian Lam — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:00:27 EDT

This bag is technically snowboarding gear, but I think it has definite "animal house" applications. It fits a 12-inch laptop in a dedicated sleeve. But has built-in speakers, cd wallet, an amp, and an aux input jack. The frame folds out into a chair, so you can sit down after you're all shitfaced from sipping on the beer in the cooler compartment. The compartment even has a "champagne chimney" that holds 40 oz of malt liquor. (Hence our 'shop job above.) Lastly, it comes with deck of playing cards, and a bottle opener on its zipper. Did I mention it'll hold a snowboard, too?–Brian Lam

Jump to see the Liquid Lounger in action.

Burton Liquid Lounger Backpack [Burton]

Naneu Pro u120 Bag Reviewed (Verdict: Baggy, But In A Good Way)

Jason Chen — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 19:00:22 EDT

Crunchgear needed a bag that holds all their junk and was padded enough so that said junk wouldn't break. The solution came as in the form of a Naneu Pro u120, which they named the "finest bag in its class".

The main compartment acts like a regular backpack, or can be used to fit the removable camera-case to hold your camera and a multitude of lenses. There's a laptop compartment to hold one up to 15-inches. If you've got a 17-inch porker, you can always go up to the Naneu Pro u220.

Other than notebooks and cameras, the bag also holds pens, notepads, headphones, and various other survival utilities. The reviewer also took the bag around the streets of New Orleans while putting it through its paces. If it can stand up to New Orleans, it should do fine for your daily commute. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Naneu]

Naneu Pro u120 Bag Hands-On [Crunchgear]

Booq Bianco Reviewed (Verdict: Ummm.. White hot)

johnb — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 12:08:16 EDT

Booq sent Spungle a Python XM Bianco laptop bag, resulting in multiple puns and much nonsense word spouting. The Bianco is a limited edition bag with lots of pockets and gimcrackery. The laptop compartment is even lined with felt so your wee PowerBook won't get scratchy-watchied.

Best of all? They're offering a 10% coupon to anyone who enters the coupon code "SPUNGLE" on check-out. Felt? Bags? Laptops? Discounts? What could be better? – John Biggs

Booq Binaco (Verdict: WHITE HOT!) [Spungle]

Naneu Camera Bags: Not Just for Cameras Anymore

johnb — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 14:12:39 EDT

Naneu is a pretty well-known maker of camera bags but they've come out with a few updated pieces including the Military Ops Tango and Sierra. These are actually laptop bags with space for your DSLR. The Tango holds 15" laptop and the Sierra holds a 12" model and there are padded inserts to ensure you don't crack your lens in transit.

The Tango is $119 and the Sierra is $89 and they're available now although I can't find them online. Go ahead and yell at them for us. – John Biggs

Product Page[Naneu]
Review[DingbatMag

Targus Notebook Cases For Him And Her

Jason Chen — Wed, 24 May 2006 17:20:04 EDT

For the girls who want to carry around their laptops but don't want to look like they are, there's the Prism Messenger. There's a pocket for a cellphone, a PDA, business cards, and of course, a laptop. Available for $69.

And for guys and girls, there's the Leather Messenger that can hold laptops with up to 15" screens. Faux suede on the inside and faux leather on the outside cushion your MacBooks and Helio phones. There's even a retractable airline ticket holder for the traveling blogger. This one goes for $119.

New Trendy Notebook Cases By Targus [Mobilewhack]

Crumpler Beer for Bags Program

johnb — Thu, 18 May 2006 10:23:41 EDT

Mad regimes like Crumpler only know one thing—coercion. To that end, they are holding a Beer for Bags event at their New York store where they will offer some of their messenger and laptop bags in exchange for cans of sweet, amber lager and ale.

A selection of the company's finest products, including the Barney Rustle Blanket messenger bag, the McBain's Lovechild laptop sleeve and The Bundle photo bag will be offered in exchange for particular varieties and quantities of beer. For example, one case of Leffe & 1 Bottle of Chimay can be exchanged for the company's most popular messenger bag, the Complete Seed, representing a saving of over $30 for punters.

While this won't help you folks in the hinterlands, the Gizmodo New York contingent can easily schlep on down to 45 Spring Street on June 3-11.

Product Page [Crumpler]

Timbag: Carry Your iMac Like an iBaby

johnb — Fri, 12 May 2006 13:05:42 EDT

The usefulness of this iMac bag seems pretty limited, but it's a great idea and a cool design, so whatevs. Made by some French guys, the timbags are big enough to hold a 17-, 20-, or 23-inch iMac and they cost $200 to $500, give or take. They are specially reinforced to ensure things don't bugger up in transit. Why you would need this, I'm not sure, but it sure is pretty.

Product Page [Timbag]