Now that the TSA has doled out the
official verbiage about what it considers a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag, expect to see the usual players toss in an option or two for frequent fliers. Thus far, all we've seen are
cases that get the job done while throwing style
to the wind in the nearest dumpster; now, however, we've a better option to choose from. Tom Bihn's stylish Checkpoint Flyer meets all of the TSA's requirements while still looking like a briefcase we wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with. The 2.6-pound bag is crafted from US 1050 denier ballistic nylon and 500 denier Cordura and includes a trio of pouches on the outside, splash-proof zippers and ten smaller pockets for stashing those increasingly rare bags of peanuts / pretzels. It's available now in three colors for $220 (yeah, we know, but it's made in the US of A).
[Via
Electronista]
posted Aug 19th 2008 2:54AM
220 bucks?
I'll take the inconvenience.
Especially when it's tax deductible (or reimbursable)!
I have owned several Tom Binh bags and they are worth every penny. If you need a bag that is going to last a long time and protect your stuff they are worth the cost.
Also the Absolute shoulder strap costs extra, but it is the most comfortable should strap ever invented.
Pretty nice looking.
USA!!!! USA!!! USA!!!!
Wait...we're home of the TSA....hmm....who to cheer for now??
Michael Phelps!!! Michael Phelps!!! Michael Phelps!!!
(I'm pretending that he's sorta the new chuck norris figure in my life, not associated with any country that houses the TSA)
what the deuce?
The TSA doesn't ever approve or endorse any bag. Even if a bag meets all the news TSA guidelines, they can reject it for any reason they deem appropriate.
Yeah, the headline is somewhat inaccurate. It's TSA-compliant, if anything.
Plus, it's anybody's game if you carry in a Dell laptop with one of those faulty exploding batteries in it...
Binh bag? lol
I suppose "(yeah, we know, but it's made in the US of A)" means "in real money, not so over-priced".
What's next, Engadget fashion?
I don't know.. it looks like of puffy, like it's full of shrapnel or something. Must be designed to hold explosives, I reckon.
it's made with "ballistic nylon" after all.
it's bomb proof~ or at the very least, battery proof.
These TSA bags are stupid.
Especially when it's tax deductible (or reimbursable)!
funny, my existing swissgear backpack goes through the scanner (sans laptop) just fine as is. i imagine it would go through smoothly with the laptop.
and just how many TSA folk are going to be knowledgeable enough to let you put this through with your laptop in it anyway? seems most of them are generally clueless.
Call me crazy but...this looks bulky and ugly to me.
220 bucks?
Looks like a nylon trilobite.
Dont fall into the hype of buying a "TSA Approved" bag. As long as it opens all the way and you dont pack cords behind your laptop you are good. I did this with my Wenger and had no issues.
If it was made in US it can't costs so cheaply...All bags made in China.
2.6lbs wow? My laptop itself weighs 2.7lbs. Can we have something lighter please?
I've gone through many bags and backpacks in my life, and I'm not easy on them. Most fall apart within a year. Normally it's the zippers that give, but occasionally the straps fall off or the stitching comes apart.
I have two bags from Tom Bihn: the Empire Builder briefcase and the Brain Bag backpack along with some accessories (2 brain cell laptop cases). I used the backpack almost daily on the back of a motorcycle for 2.5 years and carted it around Europe and Asia. The briefcase is my daily carry for work, but I also use it for weekend trips when I don't need the backpack.
I admit to worrying that I was falling for a designer label price premium (think Ferrari laptop) when I first bought the backpack, but after using it for just a month I bought the briefcase without hesitation. My back complains about the weight I'm carrying around before the bags do.
If you like to change bags pretty often, this is definitely not the company for you... they're too expensive. For me, they'll end up being cheap over the long run because I anticipate at least 5-10 more years of use. I'll probably get bored of them before they break.
It's not any different than comparing a commodity computer against a MacBook Pro or ThinkPad. If your primary criteria is price and you aren't mean to your gear, the cheaper item will certainly be functional and adequate for your needs. If build quality or extra features are more important to you, the more expensive item is normally worth the price.
3 words- Jansport: lifetime guarantee
plus, they are a reasonable price
Id stick something in that.
they have to be kidding - a 2.6-pound bag? why would any traveler want to add almost 3-pounds to what they already have to lug around. pass please.
To be fair, my backpack weights 5 lbs empty. Unfortunately if you want quality goods, they come with a weight penalty.