Mobile Computing
* Winner of the Western Publications Association 2004 Maggie Award *
as Best Online Newsletter!
August 26th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/1/0/
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PC World Contributing Editor James A. Martin helps you make the most
of your computing on the go with tools, tips, and product
recommendations about handhelds and notebooks and more.
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August 26th, 2004
In This Issue:
- Feature: It's All in the Bag
- Notebooks & Accessories: Where to Find Notebook Bags for Women;
Notebook Speakers That Really Rock; Superthin Sony
- Gadgets & Services: Archos' Latest Portable Video Player; Easy Way
to Back Up Digital Images; Hotel Offers Free Wi-Fi--to Anyone
* Feature: It's All in the Bag *
Not so long ago, if you needed to travel with a notebook, you bought a
notebook bag. And if you carried a PDA or cell phone, you slipped them
into their own cases.
While bags designed to hold a specific device are still plentiful, a
new breed is emerging. Versatile, multipurpose bags, briefcases, and
backpacks can accommodate a notebook, PDA, mobile phone, MP3 player,
and all of the above. Or they can be used to transport a few articles
of clothing, magazines, wallet, keys, water bottles, peppermint tins,
a turkey sandwich (hold the mayo), and other essentials.
Here's a look at three multipurpose bags that I tested and recommend:
a wheeled carry-on from Tumi, a backpack from Briggs & Riley, and a
messenger bag from WaterField. (For notebook bags designed especially
for women, see this issue's "Notebooks & Accessories" section.)
Tumi's Wheel-A-Way Boarding Tote
* Price: $395
* Returns: 30 days
* Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship, but not damage
from abuse or mishandling.
* Web site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737111/0/
It's difficult to find a good all-purpose bag that can (a) handle your
notebook, PDA, cell phone, a change of clothes, pens, paper, files,
and toiletries; (b) roll down the average airplane aisle easily; and
(c) fit under most airplane seats.
Measuring 14 by 12.75 by 8.5 inches, Tumi's Wheel-A-Way Boarding Tote
(in black ballistic nylon) handles all of the above with style and
aplomb. The bag also has a zippered sleeve on the back, so it can be
slipped over the telescoping handle of another wheeled bag. But the
notebook compartment is smallish, and I'd love to see a water-bottle
compartment--and a smaller price tag.
Bonus points: Tumi's Web site provides a list of notebooks the bag can
accommodate and an image of the bag that you can rotate.
I own several Tumi pieces. So far, I've had nothing but positive
experiences with them. So, if you're a style-conscious business
professional who needs a wheeled, versatile notebook bag, look no
further.
Briggs & Riley Transcend Backpack
* Price: $124
* Returns: Briggs & Riley doesn't sell online, so it depends on the
retailer.
* Warranty: The most generous in the luggage industry. "If your Briggs
& Riley bag is ever broken or damaged, even if it was caused by an
airline, we will repair it free of charge," according to its Web site.
I've used Briggs & Riley's repair service and can vouch for the
accuracy of the company's claims.
* Web site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737112/0/
Along with Tumi, Briggs & Riley is one of my favorite luggage makers.
Both produce stylish, rugged, dependable bags with well-thought-out
designs.
This new water-repellant backpack is one of Briggs & Riley's more
versatile products. You can use it for hiking, going to the beach, or
for carrying your gear on a trip. An unusual and ingenious removable,
zip-out, neoprene sleeve protects your notebook inside. (The sleeve
isn't large enough for bulky desktop replacement models, however.)
Neoprene pockets also hold your CD or MP3 player; there's a CD wallet
pocket; and you can thread your headphone cord (for listening to said
portable music device) through a waterproof eyelet.
The backpack's front pocket includes a fleece-lined slip pocket for
eyewear or a cell phone, and another pocket for keys. On either side
of the backpack are water-bottle pockets. And here's one of my
favorite touches: A rear pocket lets you slide the backpack over a
wheeled bag's telescoping handle, for those times when you'd rather
not carry the bag on your back.
The backpack measures 16 by 12.5 by 8.5 inches and comes in three
colors. I'd prefer a solid black model, which isn't available, but the
midnight blue color is nice. Also, the backpack may be a bit too
casual to take to a business meeting. All that aside, the Transcend
backpack is, well, transcendent.
You can find online retailers that carry Briggs & Riley products at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737113/0/
WaterField Cargo Bag
* Price: $169 to $209, depending on size
* Returns: 30 days
* Warranty: "Limited warranty covers defects encountered in the normal
use of the product and does not apply if the product is damaged due to
physical abuse, mishandling, accident, animal attack, or negligence,
or if the product is altered or modified by the Purchaser in any way.
This warranty does not cover the natural breakdown of materials which
may occur after extended use of the product."
* Web site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/516012/0/
WaterField's messenger-style Cargo Bags stand out for their airplane
seat buckles, a tongue-in-cheek touch sure to appeal to fashionistas.
But I also appreciate the bag's versatility. By itself, a WaterField
Cargo Bag is a convenient, stylish tote for your cell phone, keys,
newspapers, documents, and other stuff.
You can also purchase WaterField notebook sleeves, made of neoprene
wrapped in a ballistic shell; various sized pouches for storing
cables, discs, and other clutter; and even a case for your Apple IPod.
The pouches and cases resemble the Cargo Bag's look and are designed
to fit inside easily. The end result: Your Cargo Bag can serve as an
urban messenger bag one day and a notebook bag full of gear the next.
Truth be told, though, I wouldn't buy a Cargo Bag or any other
messenger bag for carrying a notebook. In my experience, hauling
equipment around in a shoulder bag is simply too hard on your body. A
wheeled bag is my preference and, if that's not possible or desirable,
a backpack. Also, the airplane seat buckle, while a fun touch, also
adds some weight to the bag. Still, if you're looking for a stylish
messenger bag that can also hold your notebook, check out WaterField's
collection.
Your Favorite Multipurpose Bag
Does your notebook bag do double duty as a suitcase, backpack, or
briefcase? If so, tell me about your bag, with make and model
information if possible:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
* Notebooks & Accessories *
Tip: Where to Find Notebook Bags for Women
Bag and luggage makers are finally realizing that women carry
notebooks and gadgets, too. Maybe they were tipped off by the fact
that women account for about half of the $120 billion annual market in
consumer electronics, according to the Consumer Electronics
Association. At any rate, here are a few places to find stylish
notebook bags for women.
Case Closed Bags Inc.:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737114/0/
EBags has a section devoted to women's notebook bags:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737115/0/
Levenger offers "PJs" ($124) for laptops in pink, orchid, dandelion,
lavender, red, and other colors:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737116/0/
News: Notebook Speakers That Really Rock
With an LCD screen that doubles as a set of stereo speakers, NEC's
LaVie isn't your average notebook. Instead of conventional speakers,
NEC put drivers behind each side of the notebook's screen to reproduce
stereophonic audio; the screen itself vibrates the air. The sound is
better than what most conventional notebook speakers offer, says Agam
Shah of the IDG News Service. LaVie's screen also gives images a 3D
effect. Currently, the notebook is available only in Japan, but the
LaVie audio technology is expected to arrive soon in U.S. notebooks.
More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737117/0/
Review: Superthin Sony
The name of Sony's latest notebook, the VAIO VGN-X505ZP, is bigger
than the computer itself. Less than an inch thick and just under 2
pounds, this ultraportable is gorgeous but expensive ($3000), says PC
World reviewer Kalpana Ettenson. To keep the small form factor, Sony
didn't add a modem, an ethernet jack, built-in wireless, an optical
drive, or a parallel or serial port. Read the review at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737118/0/
* Gadgets & Services *
Hands-On: Archos' Latest Portable Video Player
This fall, a new batch of portable video players is expected to
quicken the pulses of TV addicts and gadget freaks everywhere.
First out of the gate is the Archos AV400 series, an update to the
company's earlier AV300 models. The AV400 is easy to use and captures
good-quality video and audio from a variety of sources (including a
cable/satellite box or TV set). Unlike most other PVPs, the AV400
series can also record commercial encrypted DVDs, though for copyright
protection you can't transfer files made from those DVDs onto your PC
or display them when the AV400 is connected to your TV. The PVP is
available in two models: the AV420, with a 20GB hard drive ($550), and
the AV480, with an 80GB drive ($800). Check them out at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737119/0/
And now, some shameless self-promotion. My first "Gear To Go" column,
appearing in the debut of PC World's affiliated publication Digital
World, provides more details about PVPs in general and the AV400
series in particular. Digital World's first issue hits newsstands in
September.
Reader Review: Easy Way to Back Up Digital Images
MicroSolutions' RoadStor, a portable device that lets you back up
digital camera images onto a CD, is an essential part of Lew Phillips'
portable gear. Lew, of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, writes: "Normally
when I go on vacation, I take my PC along to offload pictures from my
digital camera." Since Lew has the notebook with him, it's
all-too-tempting to check e-mail.
Now, he carries the RoadStor instead of a PC. "It allows me to easily
copy my images to CD. Not only was the small device easier to take
along than a PC, but I didn't have to worry about my notebook's
security." And he no longer has the ability to check e-mail on
vacation, which is a good thing. The RoadStor also plays DVDs and
digital image slide shows on a TV, reads most flash memory format
cards, and lists for $260. More details:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737120/0/
News: Hotel Offers Free Wi-Fi--to Anyone
Red Lion and WestCoast Hotels, both operated by WestCoast Hospitality
Corporation, recently announced free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests.
You don't even have to be spending the night at a hotel to use its
free wireless network, the company says. But you must be a member of
WestCoast's GuestAwards frequent traveler program (your membership
info is required to log in). The hotels will also rent a kit that
includes the necessary Wi-Fi PC Card and software to those with
notebooks lacking the necessary equipment. For more information, go
to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737121/0/
* Pass It On *
Know someone who needs to stay current on the latest mobile computing
news, reviews, and tips? They can sign up for this newsletter at the
PC World newsletter subscriptions page:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/99/0/
* Suggestion Box *
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've
missed? Contact me at:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
* See James Martin's previous Mobile Computing Features at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/237304/0/
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Top News From PC World
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A 7-megapixel model is among the four additions to the Optio line.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737107/0/
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Fuji joins the fray of makers of 16X DVD media with scheduled fall
release.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/203973/21421680/737108/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
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