Eagle Creek Switchback Max ES22-One of the Best Carry Ons
For airline travel, portabletraveller thinks carry on luggage are the only way to go. No waiting around for that giant popcorn popper like luggage shute to spit out your bags, no worries about lost bags and extra initial check in time, just walk straight to the transportation area and you’re outta there.
Since portabletraveller is more gadget concious travel sight, what about carry ons useful for the laptop lugging traveller?
Travelling with laptops leads to additional travel considerations. You can get a notebook sleeve and slide it inside your carry on or you can get something like this Eagle Creek Switchback Max ES 22 carry on. The two piece design contains a zip off daypack.
The Eagle Creek Switchback Max ES 22 has a few features that make it worth the rather pricy $280.00 US suggest retail.
* Enhanced Comfort Zone Carry System distributes weight evenly and comfortably for the long haul
* Touch-Point® Handle System—Ergonomic handle and durable straight tubes maximize packing space
* Unique Sole Patch corner guards protect critical wear points with TPU (thermo plastic urethane)
* Durable kick plate and wheel housing protects the bag from urban obstacles such as stairs, curbs and taxi trunks
* Oversized ORV (Off Road Vacation) wheels provides a smooth reliable ride over all terrains
* Full sized integrated zip off backpack with signature organization pockets
* Suspension system easily tucks and zips away for easy check-in or while in “wheeling” mode
* Panel loading for easy packing and unpacking
* Pockets designed specifically to fit the new Eagle Creek Pack-It ES System
* Meets most airlines’ carry–on requirements (with daypack removed)
The daypack is ideal for a small laptop and other electronic gear like power supplies and MP3 players.
Most airlines allow you to bring a small bag along with the carry on. When you get to the plane zip off the backpack portion and put it under the seat in front of you. At your destination you’ve got a combo daypack/laptop bag.
If you need to lug a laptop and sundry items around during the day this may be the solution you’re looking for.
Also check out some of the small, foldable daypacks carried by Eagle Creek. A note of caution; while useful for most items, these packable daypacks don’t provide enough padding for delicate electronics like laptops and digital cameras.
Buffalo USB 2 Portable Laptop Speakers
Most small portable laptop speakers like the ones from Creative require a stack of AA batteries. Rarely is the portable speaker set made for travelling that does not require an internal power source.
Buffalo has introduced a slim pair of speakers that are powered by the USB ports on your laptop. The sound specs seem rather dubious but if your laptop speakers are truly atrocious this may be a step up without taking too much bulk in the carry on.
If you are staying in a vacation spot for a long time without a stereo this may be your only option.
US Transportation Security Loosens Ban on Liquids on Airplanes
The US Transportation Security Administration has finally loosened requirements for liquids on airplanes.
They now state small quantities of liquids are allowed and other toiletries must be purchased from authorized airport shops. The ban had been in effect since August 10th when bomb suspects allegedly planning on using liquid explosives were arrested.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols effective Tuesday, September 26. There are two significant changes: Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft.”
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2006/press_release_09252006.shtm