Mac Bag Review

Getting your Mac bag under

On March 17, 2010, in articles, by brian

With many US airlines now charging fees for checked baggage; more and more people are trying to carry more and more luggage on to flights. American Public Media ’s Marketplace show on National Public Radio had a great story about the problem and one industry groups proposed solution. One thing I never do and never recommend is checking your computer bag with your computer inside. In fact if I am taking a flight that involves travel on a regional carrier or i know I’ll be on a smaller plane I make sure to bring along a good laptop sleeve in the event that I have no choice but to check my bag.

A great reference for airline carry on bag allowances is at the Luggage Online merchant site.

If you travel often and want to place your computer under the seat keep in mind that back packs and briefcases usually open from the top and side so that you can get things back into your bag while it is still under the seat. Messenger bags and those with a flap over the zipper make it that harder to get items in and out while that bag is under the seat. Remember that no matter what you bag is going to be laying with one side down on the floor. Something that I’ve run into several times was a wet floor; and then a wet bag at the end of the flight. I used to place the airline provided blanket under my bag (because you never know where those blankets have been or the last time they were cleaned).

Wearing my iPhone case out

On March 6, 2010, in reviews, by brian

I love my iPhone. For years before I carried a Blackberry and that was a great cell phone. I now carry a 3GS and it is fantastic. It’s so much more than just a cell phone. I’ve had it for about a year now and I’ve only had one harrowing moment when it shut down badly and didn’t immediately restart. As much as I love my iPhone i really like the protective case that I bought for it; a Case-Mate Vroom Case for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Black)
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The Vroom is good protection for the iPhone. It’s thick; easy to grip; and looks like a rubber tire. It has a thick lip around the display that protects my iPhone even when I lay it glass side down. Another reason I like it is that I can get the Vroom case off quickly and instead carry the iPhone in my corporate belt clip type cell phone case. The iPhone inside the Vroom case won’t fit in my belt clip case; it’s too large. Case-Mate is pretty clear about that on their website too. This case was not designed to fit in a holster. Being in a rubber jacket doesn’t make the iPhone very easy to get in and out of pockets.

The other day I noticed that my Vroom case seems to be wearing out. It’s losing it’s black color and starting to turn grey in the corners. Case-Mate warranties all their cases for 30 days but given the price that I paid a year ago (less than $15.00 on Amazon) I’m OK with the protection given the use.

Privacy Screens for Mac

On January 9, 2010, in reviews, by brian

Sometimes when you are working diligently on your computer you’ll look up and swear that someone near by suddenly looks away. To combat all those that don’t look away; the people who insist on looking over your shoulder and trying to see what you’re doing or looking at on your computer; several manufacturers make privacy screens.

Some employers eitehr supply or require that their employees using computer laptops use privacy screens. To understand the business case for computer privacy screens see to Johnny long’s No-Tech Hacking presentation (look at timestamp starting at 15:00) at 2007 ShmooCon. He makes the case for laptop privacy screens by interpreting information from screens he was able to take photos of.

A number of manufacturers make privacy screens for Macs including: 3M, Elago, and Targus. Also look at ShaggyMac.

I’ve used a 3M privacy screen for years. It fits over the screen on my Mac Book Pro and is held in place by small plastic tabs that I attach around the display. I’ve arranged the tabs so that I have two longs tabs on either side of the display and one smaller tab off center at the bottom of the display (to the left of the “MacBook pro” label. This arrangement works for me in that I can easily slide the privacy screen on or off. I keep the screen in my bag and use it all the time when traveling. I always have a supply of eye glass cleaner wipes around to keep the screen (and my glasses) clean.

The privacy screen does work. Unless you are directly in front of the display you see nothing. When a co-worker took a cell phone picture of me working at my computer the screen was dark as if my computer wasn’t on. The screen also keeps on MBP display clean. The only downside is that the display is a noticeably darker with the privacy screen installed. With the screen installed I’ll edit text but i won’t change any colors since everything appears darker.

Brenthaven Duo 15

On January 8, 2010, in reviews, by brian

The Brenthaven Duo 15 is a black backpack style laptop bag. The Duo’s dimensions are 18” H x 14” W x 8” D (40” around). This bag is constructed out of heavyweight ballistic Nylon outside and satin-like nylon inside. Exterior is black and the interior is black or gun metal grey and this bag comes in that one color scheme. The fabric doesn’t show dirt or dust and wears very well. Overall the bag is very well constructed. All seams are tight. An insert section in the laptop compartment can be removed for cleaning. Otherwise clean up is hand wash with mild soap and hang dry.

The Duo features five pockets: a large lockable, top load laptop pocket; a large top load document pocket with divider; a wide and thin pencil or ID pocket at the top of the front; a good sized front pocket with additional pockets inside; and a wide equipment pocket near base.

As a backpack the Duo features very well padded mesh back and non-removable, well-padded, adjustable shoulder straps. There is a large comfortable handle on the top of the bag. The zippers are all large and clear of any fabric overhang or coverage. The Duo also features a fabric loop on the side of the bag for luggage tag or carabineer. There is a small Brenthaven tag on the side of the laptop pockets and a small Brenthaven fabric tag on the shoulder strap. The front pocket has another Brenthaven fabric tab with the manufacturers phone number and cleaning instructions on the back. Also the gunmetal colored satin-like fabric on the insides of the pockets bears the manufacturers names and logo.

Impressions

The Duo is available everywhere. Brenthaven sells it’s products through many stores and channels. Amazon and eBags pricing are probably the lowest priced stores as they buy in large quantities.

This is a big looking bag that is easy to wear. Given the construction and protection offered when loaded this bag is not light. The backpack straps and mesh back make this bag very comfortable to wear. While not waterproof; nothing inside got wet after walking with this loaded backpack for several blocks in the rain.

The patent pending “Core Protect” system is a great feature. The foam inserts around the laptop compartment can be adjusted to accommodate different sized laptops. That compartment was large enough to carry the computer in a sleeve (for a lighter carry while on travel) or to fit 2-3 magazines. Our Mac Book Pro 15” was very well protected in this bag. The laptop compartment features a lockable zipper.

This bag can stand when being loaded. Laptop is easy to get in and out. The bag was hard to overload. When that document section and the front pocket is too full the zippers won’t close.

The Duo fits well on or behind the seat in the car. Laying it back side down this bag didn’t roll around the trunk of the car. This bag fits easily in airline overhead storage and likely fit well under the seat in front of you. The top loading compartments are handy for getting items in and out when under the seat.

Upside

Upside is that this is probably the best man’s backpack style computer bag on the market today. It offers great construction and protection for a very reasonable price.

Downside

There were a couple of downside points here. First off is that this bag only comes in one color scheme. One color scheme seems to be the Brenthaven way. Another issue is that this bag is very popular. I have attended meetings where three or four people in the room have this same bag. I had a NY Yankees patch sewn to the bag to tell mine apart. Lesson learned is that it would be difficult if not impossible to get this bag embroidered unless it came from the manufacturer during construction.

InCase Combo USB Charger

On December 5, 2009, in news, by brian

http://goincase.com/products/detail/combo-charger-ec20010/1

Incase Combo Charger

When I saw this on the web I knew it would be an “auto-buy”. Incase has released a new Combo USB charger that you can plug in in the car or in an outlet at home or in the office to charge your iPod or iPhone. As of this writing you can purchase this from Incase Online Web Store or at the Apple Store.