http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com/ LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com Catalog feed updated daily on a per department basis. Copyright and acceptable usage information for this RSS may feed may be found at: http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com Mon, 13 Apr 2008 06:21:34 GMT LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com RSS Generator http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com/images/logo.gif http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com/ 523 84 Quality Laptop Cases Leather Briefcase Whenever we want to travel and pack our bags, first thing that comes to our mind is a briefcase. Briefcases are commonly used to keep our important documents such as certificates, office papers. Women generally use leather briefcases for keeping articles such as lipstick, comb, and a small purse. A working men and women commonly use these leather briefcases. Leather briefcases have literally become a fashion statement. Briefcases are epitome of professionalism.Briefcases are evergreen and they beautify the personality of businessmen and professional’s briefcases give the styling and luxury that you will fall in love with the briefcase. Leather briefcases can also be given as gifts. It can be used as an employee recognition award.These employee recognition awards are the best way to recognize your employee’s hard work, loyalty, and dedication. Such awards will definitely increase the productivity and morale of employees. All leather bags that are available today have a manufacturer’s warrant and have a great customer serviceGenuine Leather Soft Sided Briefcase-This bag has a handsome look. And is beautifully designed. The bag has a superb style. The bags are made from finest quality leather. This bag will satisfy the needs of female as well as male executives. It has a interior pocket as well as holders to hold your pens. It has two side pockets that can accommodate your morning newspaper.Genuine Leather Cosmopolitan Briefcase-It is uniquely designed and has many exterior pockets. You can use one pocket to keep your cell phone. Exterior pockets are very spacious. There are additional pockets inside the exterior pockets. The bag also has credit card pockets. The interior compartment is so spacious that you can keep a laptop computer in it. The shoulder strap is detachable. The bag has a top handle that helps in carrying the bagGenuine Leather Attaché Case with Organiser-This bag is made in Italy and is rectangular in shape. This bag will definitely give a boost to your confidence while going to the office. Your girlfriend will be impressed, if she sees you with this elegant bagGenuine Leather under arm brief bagIt is an Italian briefcase. It has handles, inside pockets and a large zipper. It also has a lock.The leather quality is excellent .The design is elegant and charming. This bag comes in various colors. mdavis@hotmail.com(Michael Davis) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=55 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=55 Mon, 7 Mar 2007 18:45:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=55 For those who can afford it (and yes, I do realize that many of you are getting ready to spend more money than you ever imagined you could in one short day), luggage forwarding is a pretty dreamy travel indulgence. Here's how it works: You call up one of any number of luggage forwarding services, they come directly to your house, pick up all your crap, and then a few days later its waiting for you (usually all stacked neatly in a pile) wherever you are going. No shlepping any heavy bags...no long lines at those annoying luggage carousels...you just get on the plane, jet off to your honeymoon destination and, voila...your luggage is waiting for you in your room.Since you are basically shipping your luggage, prices vary greatly depending on where you are going, how many bags you have and how much each bag weighs. International destinations are, of course, more than domestic ones.The downside (beyond the cost) is that you need to be packed several days before you leave. However, if you are very organized (or aspire to be), this is also great motivation for getting into gear. For those that are traveling with sports equipment (like golf clubs) or plan to do a lot of shopping while you are away, this service is even more spectacular.For our recent destination wedding, my family and I used Luggage Express and were mostly happy with the results. The one hiccup occurred at our hotel, and I am really still unsure who messed up. After our wedding, my husband and I decided to ship one bag home so that we did not have to carry around anything extra on our honeymoon in Italy. Since my dad and brother's bags were also being picked up from the same hotel (and we all have the same last name), there was some confusion and somehow our bag ended up back at my Dad's house. The situation was quickly remedied (at their expense) and it really didn't matter for us because we were away for two weeks. Even after our mishap, the freedom and convenience of just being able to get on the plane and go, was soooo worth it. I will do it again in a heartbeat. cjones@hotmail.com(Chelsea Jones) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=54 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=54 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:20:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=54 Frequent news items report that wearing backpacks causes back pain in children and adults. Some of the usual theories proposed for why backpacks cause pain is overstuffing them or carrying them too high or low. Complicated and expensive packs are developed as remedies. Another of the often-repeated theories is that carrying things on your back makes you arch your back. However, none of these are the reason for back pain when carrying packs. It is not the pack that causes the pain or the arching. It is a very simple matter of allowing your back to arch and slouch backward instead of standing straight against the load. Look at the photo, above left, of the backpacker. The upper arrow shows how his upper body is tilting backward instead of being straight from mid-hip to shoulder. The lower arrow shows how the lower body (the hip) is tilting forward in front and sticking out in back, instead of being straight from mid-hip to the top of the leg bone. Between the two arrows, his lower back is overly arched and pinched. The weight of his upper back plus the weight of his pack is pressing down on the joints and soft tissue of the lower back. This is how overarching causes lower back pain. It is not the backpack, but the body position while carrying it. The other hiker without the backpack standing near the sign is also overly arching the lower back. Lower back arching (hyperlordosis) may occur automatically when standing, and may seem natural, but it is not healthy. Wetting your pants is natural too, but you have to learn to control it. To reduce the unhealthy overarching (hyperlordosis), you just use your muscles to stand right. Try this: To feel the problem of overarching, stand up and lift your ribs to allow your upper body to lean backward. Allow your hip to tilt down in front and stick out in back. You may feel a familiar pressure in the lower back. Straighten your lower body by tucking your tailbone under you so that your hip is straight from the top of the upper leg bone to the middle of the crest of the hip bone, not tilted. Straighten your upper body by bringing ribs back down to level. Do not slouch or round forward; just stand straight without lifting your ribs. The motion of tucking the hip and pulling the upper body straight is like doing an abdominal crunch standing up. Your tailbone tucks under you so it is not tilted out in back, and the large inward curve of the lower back becomes a small inward curve. Whenever you are carrying a backpack, standing, walking, running, or exercising, use the same hip tilt to normalize your spine position and prevent overarching. Overarching is not healthy and is poor body ergonomics to walk around or exercise with your behind stuck out in back. The muscles you use to hold your spine from overarching are your abdominal muscles. You get a free built-in abdominal muscle exercise just by standing in healthful position. The next post will cover how to get better exercise and prevent back pain when carrying things in front. mdavis@hotmail.com(Michael Davis) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=53 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=53 Mon, 20 Feb 2007 00:40:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=53 After weeks of conspicuous planning for my long awaited vacation, I got stumped. Four days before my flight, I couldn”t decide on what to bring and in which luggage to get to place them in. I”ve always heard my friends saying that when traveling, packing right and light is essential. That it can make a difference between a splendid and disastrous vacation. All this time, I have thought that my friends are overrating the simple issue of packing - until it was staring at my face. The main issue that daunted me was purchasing a luggage that will appropriately suit my travel needs. Suitcases or Pullmans, Carry-Ons, Duffel Bags, Totes and Casual Bags, Business or Computer Cases, Garment Bags and Carriers - choosing from these is just the first step. I still have to consider the luggage construction, fabric, frames, pull handles, edges, wheels, zippers, and locks. Not only that, there”s also the unavoidable issue of the luggage aesthetics - what”s the organizational structure of the insides, which brand, style, size, and color? In spite of the many things to consider in selecting the right luggage, the rule of thumb is always this - choose substance and practicality over style. Also, buy a luggage that will suit the type of trip you are taking. That is, buy larger luggage for holidays or longer trips and keep small-sized luggage for short trips. Since I will be going away for a one-week escapade, I opted for a hard case Samsonite carry on. This is because they came in highly recommended for long holiday trips, and they are a lot sturdier and are far more reliable. Not only that, Samsonite happens to be one of the world”s largest maker of luggage, and it has been operating since 1910 with a credo of “contemporary styling, luxurious comfort and a design that is unique”. While doing a luggage research, I encountered this article - “Top 8 Carry-On Bags” that you can use on your overseas airline flight. Included in it is the Samsonite Pro-DLX. The Pro-DLX definitely spells out innovative, fashion, and convenience. And although the price is definitely for a pro, keep in mind that whether you travel often or not, buying a luggage is a long-term investment. It is always smarter to put out an extra cash in buying a quality luggage that can withstand all the abuse it takes when it is thrown around by baggage handlers, the than to buy cheap luggage that needs to be replaced frequently. mdavis@hotmail.com(Michael Davis) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=52 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=52 Mon, 18 Feb 2007 13:34:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=52 My back and I recently got into a conversation about bags. During the two years that I lived in Chicago I would carry a messenger bag to work. I loaded it full of papers, pens, my sack lunch, mp3 player, the occasional laptop, a scarf during the winter, etc. I’m right-handed so I typically placed the bag’s strap across my right shoulder. It felt good and my bag had a pad for enhanced comfort. After walking the mile or so to the L Train, I would attempt to switch the bag to my other shoulder. It never felt very good so I would keep it on my right side. Two years of wearing a heavy messenger bag on my right side made my back ache. I used a backpack during my undergrad. However, a messenger bag seemed more professional. My thoughts were validated by the multitudes of messenger bag wearing Chicagoans. Plus, there seemed to be a culture amongst Student Affairs folks that students use backpacks and administrators used satchels or messenger bags. When I came out to Oregon for graduate school, I decided that since I was going to be a student that a backpack was in order. After lugging around scores of textbooks, notepads, the occasional laptop, pens, pencils, water bottles, etc. my back and I were thankful that I had purchased a backpack. I even noticed that at least two senior administrators used backpacks! I recently purchased a new laptop, and while my grad school bag was still in good shape, it didn’t have a padded laptop compartment nor was it large enough for the new lappie. The new bag is a Timbuk2 DataDump DayPack. The laptop compart is padded with corduroy and it is large enough for a 15 inch MacBook Pro. It is very comfortable. My back and I love the fact that the weight is balanced as well as the fact that the waste strap fits my frame. I realize that a lot of folks would probably label a backpack as unprofessional. I don’t get it. Why is a messenger bag / satchel deemed more professional than a backpack? I love distributing my consulting gear across both shoulders versus victimizing one of my shoulders. Backpacks are the new messenger bag. Backpacks are professional. chelseaj@hotmail.com(Chelsea Jones) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=51 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=51 Mon, 15 Feb 2007 12:31:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=51 Yesterday I purchased a Bumbakpak, and the first thing I noticed was how comfortable it was to carry.  The straps on the Bumbakpak are configured just like a golf bag, and makes carrying it just as easy.   The Bumbakpak is made from the same type of high quality 1680 ballistic nylon like most high end suitcases.  At $85, I think its priced excellent. There are similar bags being sold for over $100 that aren’t half the quality. As to style, mine is the Biz-black, and it looks very slick b/c the orange PVC lining that peeks out a little bit. It kind of reminded me of a Jack Spade bag. Bumbakpaks are much better looking than regular backpacks. I could see a ton of young professionals, college students, or older people with bad backs using them. (Louis Restivo) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=50 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=50 Mon, 20 Dec 2006 22:52:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=50 new messenger bags / backpacks that were worth posting... Bumbakpaks hybrid messenger/backpack laptop bags were created by a consultant who suffered from three herniated discs as a result of carrying around heavy laptops. Combining dual shoulder straps with a rectangle shape, the Urbanomic (i.e. urban+ergonomic) bags reduce strain on your back and hang low on your bum. Designed around the laptop, their revolutionary bak2Pak carrying system also evenly distributes weight to promote good posture and conveniently converts from dual strap (to be worn low on your back) to single strap (for slinging over the shoulder) or the strap can be removed entirely for briefcase-style transport. A top-loading pocket features a weatherproof zipper and adjustable padded inserts to keep your computer snug. The bags also have lots of well thought out details like newspaper/umbrella holder, mesh padded straps to keep you comfortable and dry, a pass-through for the handle on your wheelie luggage and plenty of pockets. The bags come in four sizes and various colors; the new pink design pictured is due out in October. Well-made and well-priced ($85-$95), they're available online from Bumbakpaks. (Jason Lowstuter) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=49 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=49 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:28:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=49 Timbuk2 Commute XL laptop bag Timbuk2 Timbuk2 Commute XL laptop bag My new favorite laptop bag is the Timbuk2 Commute XL. It's a messenger bag — designed to be worn over one shoulder — that straps across the user's chest. Timbuk2 (www.timbuk2.com) has added extra features, such as a padded sleeve and carrying handle. The $120 Commute XL is large enough for a 17-inch laptop and has enough room inside for all the necessary accessories. My letter-size notepads and files also have plenty of room. There is a $100 Commute for 15-inch laptops. There are pockets for my iPod and cellphone and several zippered compartments and a key ring tether. The back of the bag is nicely padded with D-rings for an included waist strap to keep the bag close to your body in transit. The exterior is ballistic nylon and the bottom is double-padded and rubberized. The bag is held closed with ample hook-and-loop material and plastic side-release buckles. My only gripe is that the shoulder strap is not padded. A removable pad is optional. Pros: Easy to carry, holds everything. Cons: Shoulder strap is not padded. Bottom line: Great mix of functionality and good looks. (lisa ryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=48 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=48 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:26:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=48 another interesting article on why messenger bags are better for kid's health... It's a pain in the back Too much weight in backpacks can harm students' healthBy Jenny Welp It's a pain in the back Too much weight in backpacks can harm students' healthAlmost from the moment she gets up in the morning until she gets home at night, Mallory Trudell is carrying around her messenger bag.A messenger bag looks like a soft brief case with a strap, and it can be worn across the body like a purse as an alternative to a backpack.As a student at Morningside College, Trudell carries in her messenger bag all the books she needs for the day, a laptop computer, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a wallet with a coin purse, a checkbook and any other items she needs, such as pens, makeup or a hairbrush.Trudell said all of last spring, she thought she had a really bad mattress, and that was why her neck was sore and her back hurt.But Trudell said when summer came and she wasn't carrying the messenger bag, she found her back hurt a lot less. She said when she got her messenger bag back out this fall, sure enough the soreness started to return.Now I actually notice how uncomfortable it is to carry and how much it actually hurts, she said.Some Siouxland health care professionals report that backpacks, bags or even purses can cause people a lot of pain, though sufferers aren't always aware of what's causing them problems.Statistics show that more than half of all students carry more weight in their backpacks than they should and this can lead to problems with posture, said Dr. Brandee Koedam, a physical therapist with the Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine.You have to arch the back so you don't lose your balance and fall, or lean too much to the side, she said.Koedam said posture has to do with the position of the spine, and the spine is the foundation for the body. She said if the foundation isn't in place, it leads to other problems right down the line.The physical therapist said children should not be carrying more than 10 percent of their body weight, and should never carry more than 25 pounds. She said adults should only carry as heavy a load as they can support while maintaining good posture.Dr. Jon Saunders, a chiropractor with the BAC Clinic of Chiropractic in Sioux City, is a parent himself. He said he sees middle school as an especially crucial time to keep children's backpack weight to a minimum. He said kids are growing rapidly at that age and their homework load is increasing, so prolonged stress on the shoulders and spine could lead to developmental problems.Saunders said some experts believe improper use of backpacks during childhood could lead to chronic back problems in adulthood. And he said lower back pain in adults is a leading cause for missed work -- second only to colds and flus.Saunders said he understands that kids sometimes have to bring big art projects or bulky show-and-tell items to school. He suggested putting such items in a separate bag to limit the stress on the back, or even having an older sibling or parent help carry the load.When placing items in a backpack, arrange them so the heaviest items sit closest to the back, said Erik Nieuwenhuis, a physical therapist for St. Luke's Regional Medical Center.That keeps the center of gravity closer to you, he said.Saunders said the bottom of the backpack should be at the waistline and no lower than the upper buttock. To maintain that position, Saunders said backpack straps need to be adjusted depending on the bulkiness of clothes worn at that time of year.Cindy Lewin, an advanced registered nurse practitioner with Siouxland Internal Medicine, said a girl came into her office with sores under her arms, and it turned out that her backpack straps had caused the irritation.Lewin recommended looking for a backpack with a thicker strap and one that's got some cushion or padding.Some experts noted that it's important to distribute the weight evenly when lugging a bag around, so they aren't big fans of backpacks and bags carried on only one shoulder instead of two.Lori Bogenreif, a Sioux City parent and manager of the My Nurse statewide health information hotline, said messenger bags have gotten popular recently, and both her son and daughter have one.She said she started wondering about the messenger bags after the hotline got a call from a college student in Ames asking to be referred to a chiropractor.Bogenreif said the college student had noticed since the school year started that her back was sore on just one side, and after talking with the nurse, she decided it could be her messenger bag that was causing the problem.But messenger bags aren't a problem for everyone.Sarah Williamson lugs her lunch, water, books, notebooks, pens, pencils, chapstick, sticky notes and keys around Briar Cliff University in a messenger bag, and she said she's never experienced any back or shoulder pain.Carol Garvey, director of student health services at Morningside College, said for adults, the variable is probably how strong they are.After about a week of classes at Morningside, a couple of girls had already come into Garvey's office complaining of back pain. And overall, Garvey said more girls than guys seem to have problems related to heavy backpacks.My hunch is that it's the upper body strength, she said. (Lisa Ryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=47 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=47 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:23:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=47 Overloaded school backpack can become a health hazard     By Diana Rossetti Four-year-old Brianna Weisend was far from dithering over the full wall of backpack options at Target. She already had zeroed in on a blue Tinkerbell, a nylon and vinyl bantamweight version of the others meant to carry a full load of schoolbooks. And, though she's enrolled in the North Canton (Ohio) YMCA's prekindergarten, her mother said her first backpack is a kiddie necessity. It's small and really just a way to carry her papers home, said Stacy Weisend, who recalled her daughter's initial backpack style choices included those emblazoned with Cinderella and princess themes. Dr. Julie Kerr, a sports medicine physician at Akron Children's Hospital, applauds the tiny backpack that simply transports papers home to mom and dad. It is the high-school students complaining of back strain and even diagnosed with stress fractures of the spine resulting from shouldering 50- to 60-pound backpacks that gnaw at her and her colleagues. The heavier the backpack, the more the child is placed in a more extended position. Repeated use can lead to stress fracture in the lower levels of the spine, she explained between patient visits. It is a hyperextended position and that repetitive position leads to a lot of stress. In a growing child, there is a higher risk for a stress fracture. Despite the plethora of traditional backpacks with design fillips that claim to ease back strain, Kerr says the weight of the pack is what causes injuries. Even the advent of this year's popular messenger bags with straps worn across the chest has done nothing to lessen physician concerns. Even with the strap across the body, she explained, if it's real heavy, then the child is unbalanced to one side. Spreading the load is one small way to reduce the possibility of injury, she acknowledged. If you decrease the weight to less than 10 pounds in the backpack and carry some of the books in the front of you, it will keep the spine more stabilized, more straight, Kerr said. While progressive back strain can limit a youngster's leisure-time activities, the injury could progress to the point where a lumbar-type support brace is necessary to reduce back extension. Then, Kerr continued, once the pain is relieved, a six- to eight-week progressive therapy program to strengthen the trunk and abdominal muscles is required. If she had her druthers, Kerr would have all students choosing book bags on wheels. Unless and until that happens, she advises parents to inquire at their children's schools about keeping a duplicate set of textbooks at home. Some school systems, she said, will comply. Even an early dismissal from class would be a chance for students to drop off books at their lockers so they're not carrying them all day, she said. Finally, if a young patient displays the need, she will write a prescription like request to the school administrator to allow the student to visit his locker between classes. And there have been no problems in complying, she observed. ONE ALTERNATIVE With more than 20,000 backpack-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms last year, a backpack with built-in protection is an option. One such device is The LiftPack, available at retail stores and online at www.liftpack.com, which claims to alleviate back stress with a built-in air bladder technology. The user puts on the backpack, then inflates a bladder with air until the bottom of the back virtually sits on the top of the buttocks, using the body as a shelf. The bladder also cushions the back from the pack's impact with each step. (Lisa Ryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=46 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=46 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:18:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=46 I found this article on messenger bags... pretty interesting. Messenger bags shoulder the load for hip teenagers By Charles Passy Wall Street Journal Most parents probably wouldn’t wish a career of delivering packages by bicycle on their kids. But urban messengers are exerting a strong influence on back-to-school fashions – at least when it comes to book bags. As over-the-shoulder messenger bags replace backpacks in school hallways, retailers are expanding their selections. Online store eBags offers about 800 messenger styles, factoring in all of the color choices; that’s an eight-fold increase since 2001. The site is about to expand its selection with a “build-your-own” line that allows buyers to customize straps, flaps and other features. They might be cool, but are they functional? We purchased five models online and recruited three high-school students to test them out. Style ranked high on their list of priorities, but so did capacity – so the students stuffed the bags with books and binders to gauge volume. Then the panelists carried the loaded bags, which are generally worn across the body, to judge their comfort. (Messenger bags have been criticized for not being as ergonomic as backpacks because they put all of the weight on one shoulder – but try telling that to a teenager. Some experts advise rotating the bag from shoulder to shoulder periodically to ease the burden.) The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, for $80, was so cartoonishly big and unwieldy the panelists rejected it almost outright. “It’s humongous!” said 14-year-old Molly. They were also bothered by the none-too-attractive large strips of Velcro for attaching the main flap, the lack of a pad on the shoulder strap and the glaring lack of exterior side pockets for storing such modern-day essentials as cell phones and MP3 players. One parental thought: The sheer size of the bag, in a nylon fabric, guaranteed it could hold a decent amount of study materials. The $130 Diesel Canvas Messenger, from Urban Outfitters, had the opposite problem. The judges called the design very hip – it’s described in the catalog as “futuristic military” – but it wasn’t very practical. It couldn’t fit much more than three textbooks, three spiral notebooks and a small binder, which is barely a full load for school these days. And 14-year-old Jacob called the strap uncomfortably “bulky.” With the $65 Manhattan Portage Europa Deluxe Bag from Luggage.com, everyone liked the bag’s durability (it’s made of a rugged fabric called Cordura) and expandability (you unzip the bottom to increase volume). But it lacked a pad on the shoulder strap, and the teens weren’t too excited about its utilitarian look. “It reminds me I have to go to school,” Molly said. The eBags Thunder bag, made from nylon, didn’t win many points for styling, either. “Kind of blah,” said 15-year-old Maresa. But it was comfortable to carry and highly practical, with numerous compartments and side pockets, including ones tailor-made for a water bottle and an MP3 player. It also eschewed the usual Velcro or clips in favor of a magnetic closure for the front flap, which our panelists called “neat.” Its capacity fell in the middle range, fitting about four notebooks, three textbooks and one binder, with room for many other items in its smaller compartments. And its low price tag, a parent-pleasing $40, was a real draw. It’s Best Value. For Best Overall, the Kipling Madhouse Expandable Bag, for $60 from WorldTraveler, took the prize. Everyone found it sturdy and easy to carry, with plenty of storage – when fully expanded, it managed to fit 10 spiral notebooks, three textbooks and two binders. It had an adjustable, padded shoulder strap, plus a hidden compartment inside for personal items. The bag, in a crinkly nylon fabric, looked up-to-date and playful, and the panelists took special note of the attached key chain, featuring a thumb-sucking primate. “Love the monkey,” Molly said. (Lisa Ryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=45 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=45 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:15:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=45 Travel Packing Tips for Airport Security From Sharon O'Brien, Smart travel packing can reduce airport security delays The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers the following travel packing tips and airport security information for airline travelers: Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take on the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case. Airport security personnel will screen any carry-on baggage that will fit through the X-ray machine, but it is up to each airline to determine whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. As part of your travel packing preparation, check with your airline to make sure your carry-on bag meets the airline’s size requirements—before you proceed through the airport security checkpoints. Label your laptop computer. Tape a business card or other identifying information on the bottom of your laptop to avoid loss or accidental exchange by travelers. Checked baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter or at curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight. TSA advises travelers not to lock checked baggage, but if you must lock it be sure to use a TSA Accepted and Recognized lock. If your baggage sets off an alarm and TSA cannot gain access to your checked bag, an unrecognized lock may be broken. These travel packing tips for checked baggage will help to simplify your trip and ensure that your checked bags get on the flight with you: Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it. Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage. This will make it easier for security to check your footwear. Avoid over-packing your travel luggage; the airport security screener should be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread the contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations. Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage. Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage. The following general travel packing tips apply to both carry-on and checked baggage, and will help you to move through the airport security screening process more quickly: Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. View the list Put all undeveloped film, and cameras with film, in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5 times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage. Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's travel baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations. Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (1+1). Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1. Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well. Avoid overpacking so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection. When doing your travel packing, think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents. Consider packing personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them. Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage. (Bryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=44 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=44 Mon, 17 Sep 2006 22:54:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=44 10 Tips for Women Traveling Alone From Sharon O'Brien, These basic tips will improve safety for women travelers Each year, more and more Americans travel abroad, but according to the U.S. State Department the sharpest increase is among women traveling alone. Whether they are on a business trip or a vacation, women traveling alone are more likely than men to encounter problems in certain cultures. When in Rome...Every country and culture has its own views of what is appropriate behavior for women, and the reaction to violations of those standards can range from quiet disapproval to criminal charges and punishment. For example, in Laos it is illegal to invite a Lao citizen of the opposite sex to your hotel room, and in Saudi Arabia foreign travelers have been arrested for “improper dress.” While few Americans would agree with these views or the double standard for women, it is obviously in the best interest of women traveling alone to become familiar with the laws and customs of countries you plan to visit, and to abide by them once you arrive. It’s also a good idea to check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Bulletins to see whether there are any travel warnings for countries you intend to visit. Tips for Solo TravelFollowing a few simple tips can help make your trip safe and rewarding. Passports and Visas: Make sure your passport is still valid, and if it’s not apply for a new one 3-4 months before you plan to travel. Make sure you have any other necessary travel documents or visas for the countries you plan to visit. What to Leave Behind: Leave the following at home with a friend or relative or relative at home: Your detailed itinerary. Include names, addresses and telephone numbers of every place you will be staying. Photocopies of your passport identification page Your flight and ticket information Don’t Carry Valuables: Leave all valuables, such as extra credit cards and jewelry, at home. Even costume jewelry poses an unnecessary risk to your safety, because thieves are not likely to know it’s not the real thing until after they steal it. Health Insurance: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your trip abroad and that your coverage includes medical evacuations. If your policy does not cover you overseas, you may need to purchase supplemental traveler's insurance. Medications: If you take prescription drugs, make sure you have enough to last the length of your trip, including enough extra medication to keep you supplied in case of delays, and bring along your prescription information and the names of the generic equivalents in case you need them. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, because many countries have strict laws against drug trafficking and may be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. Safety and Security: Stay alert, use common sense, and be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, step into a store or another safe place and wait to see whether the person passes by. Don’t be embarrassed to ask someone to make sure everything is safe before you venture out again. If you are still unsure, call your hotel for assistance. Be Confident: Look, act and move as though you know where you're going and what you’re doing. This will prevent you from looking like an easy target and may help you avoid potential danger. Ask for Directions: Before you set out from your hotel, ask the concierge or other hotel staff for directions to the places you plan to visit each day. This will help you avoid unsafe areas and also prevent you from looking confused and potentially vulnerable. If you get lost, ask directions from a family or a woman with children. Hotel Safety: Choose a hotel where security is good and public transportation or taxis are readily available and close by. Once in your room, check to make sure that all of the doors and windows have working locks. If you feel uncomfortable, ask hotel security to escort you to and from parking lots or your room at night. Always use your peephole before opening your door. Clothing: It’s always best to dress conservatively and inconspicuously when traveling. Whenever possible, take your fashion cues from local women. In some cultures, what you consider attractive casual clothing may be seen as provocative or inappropriate, even offensive, which could spark harassment. In addition, your style of dress, or the amount of makeup and jewelry you wear, could make you a more likely target for thieves.   (Josh) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=43 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=43 Mon, 15 Sep 2006 21:04:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=43   What You Can Do to Stay Safe on Business Trips From Gary Chisholm In the current world climate, it is more important than ever to stay safe while traveling on business. Whether you're traveling abroad or simply to another state, it is essential to do your homework in order to maintain safety. There is nothing more de-motivating than to get mugged before a big presentation or to get held up on your way to close a big deal. Here are some tips for traveling safe while away on business: Do Your Homework: Before you travel to a particular city, do a little online research and check out what are the good areas. Talk to people who have traveled there before you and ask their assessment of the place. Getting a little idea of what you can expect and what you should avoid will go a long way. Walk Like You Own the Place: Keeping your head up and avoiding eye contact can make you appear more native and more assured of your surroundings. Thieves and scam artists tend to look for easy targets. Make it hard for them by looking confident. No Free Rides: Don't hitchhike. It's never a good idea. Also, do not accept rides from unlicensed taxi drivers. Look for a taxi stand and wait for the airport personnel to call you a cab. Alternatively, check out the designated stops for hotel shuttles that will take you to your destination. Turn Off the Flash: Anything you do to draw attention to yourself is a bad thing. Flashing expensive accessories or wads of cash draws the eye of thieves. Save the flash for your presentation and keep a low profile on the street. Avoid Trouble Spots: Ignorance is not bliss. Avoid the areas of town where rough elements are known to proliferate. Ask your hotel concierge for suggestions on where to eat and what areas of town to visit. Following these few suggestions can help make your next trip a safe one. By staying safe, you can focus on closing the deal and add value to your next business trip.   (Bryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=42 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=42 Mon, 15 Sep 2006 21:02:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=42 Suggestions for Relaxing During Your Flight for Work From Gary Chisholm On a recent business trip, I and my colleagues sat next to a nine-year old boy who had not learned the concept of the inside voice. For the entire two hour flight, we listened to the boy laugh at the top of his lungs, announce that he was nauseous, and vocalize his every inner thought. It made for a very long, arduous, non-relaxing flight. I figured it might be a good time to suggest some ways in which to relax on your next business trip. Drown the Distractions: It is important to create your own personal relaxation zone. If you are going to be productive when your flight touches down, you will want to relax beforehand. Bring a headset to drown out any ambient noise from other passengers or the plane. The headsets that the airlines give out are not really conducive to creating a zone, so bring your own. If you have an iPod, use it. Bring Your Own Food: I am going to pass on making any comments about airline food, but we all know what it tastes like. Bringing your own food onboard can help you relax a bit more, and hopefully get some endorphins flowing (depending on what type of treat suits your fancy; I usually bring a little chocolate). A healthy treat or something sweet will go a long way to helping you relax. Focus Outside of Yourself: Bring a book or a CD on the plane. It is important to find some focus outside of yourself so that you can relax. Books and music are good ways to shift your mental focus. Meditation is also a good option. By redirecting your mental energy, you can achieve a more relaxed mental state and be more prepared for your business trip. These are just some suggestions to help you relax on that next flight for work. The most important key to productivity is being able to create a mental zone of relaxation for yourself. A relaxed professional is a consummate professional. (Bryan) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=41 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=41 Mon, 15 Sep 2006 20:59:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=41 The perfect luggage is a critical component of a successful trip. The main considerations when choosing luggage should be durability and space. Steps: 1.  Consider which is the best style for your type of travel. Decide between a travel backpack, duffel bag, wheeled suitcase or traditional suitcase.   2.  Shop around. Discount outlets often offer the same quality luggage as high-end luggage stores at a fraction of the cost.   3.  Open each suitcase you're thinking about buying. Count the number of inside compartments to be sure it will afford plenty of room.   4.  Check the frame material. Fiberglass, aluminum or durable plastic are the best choices for sturdy, lightweight frames.   5.  Choose bags with taped seams; look for a strip of cloth that reinforces the zipper and provides added durability.   6.  Check all zippers and locks to insure that they function properly.   7.  Pick the bag up and carry it to test the handle for weight balance and comfort.   8.  Ask the salesperson whether the bag is weatherproofed. If possible, purchase Cordura or ballistic nylon fabrics.   Tips: Purchase your own small locks for luggage to increase security.     Tips from eHow Users: They all look the same by eHow FriendIf you travel frequently, you see all those lookalike black suitcases on the luggage carousel at baggage claim!Consider buying a different color suitcase or even using bright paint to artistically mark all 6 sides of your beloved black roller bag (they never seem to come out with the same side showing).These differences can help you more quickly distinguish your bag from the dozens or hundreds of others as you're trying to get out of the airport after your journey. Clever strapping or bright luggage tags are frequent victims of today's automated baggage handling systems, so they shouldn't be your only means of locating your luggage. Be sure to put a large paper with your destination address and phone numbers inside your luggage, just in case the outside tags do come off or your bags take a detour! Remember to change this info page when you're returning. info@ehow.com(eHow) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=40 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=40 Mon, 5 Sep 2006 19:13:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=40 Enter content here info@luggagepoint.com(Josh) http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=27 http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=27 Mon, 16 Aug 2006 21:35:00 GMT http://LaptopCases.Luggagepoint.com//blogger.asp?journalID=27