Developages - Development and Technology Blog

Here’s a fashionable wallet for camera users who want protection that’s also stylish. The LowePro
LowePro Luxe looks like a small woman’s wallet and holds a small point-and-shoot camera. Inside there’s microfiber lining and separate pockets for an extra memory card or a credit card and hotel room key. Outside, there are several leather finishes: black (with pink/raspberry stitching), eggplant, light teal, or pink. Measure your camera carefully as some older or larger point-and-shoots won’t fit. The interior is 2.3-by-3.7-1.0 inches (HWD). Price is about $35 street.

Original post by Bill Howard

Another day, another deal! Here are Gearlog’s grabs for Thursday:

1. The Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 705 is on sale for $35 via DealHack. The AM/FM radio has an AUX in jack that provides playback for MP3, CD, DVD players, and PCs. Other features include a headphone jack and 30-minute sleep-timer. Normally $119, the radio is 71 percent off and is on sale until noon tomorrow.

2. Mr. Burns USB Webcam via ThinkGeek (left). A high-quality webcam shaped like Monty Burns at his desk includes a large clip that allows it to be attached to your flat-panel monitor or laptop screen.On sale from $49.99 to $19.99. Excellent.

3. Tenba Small Messenger Multi-Purpose Case in platinum is on sale through Buy.com for $61.99 with free shipping. The bag usually goes for $140.

Original post by Jennifer Bergen

If you’ve snapped up one of those new rainbow-hued iPod nanos, Speck Products has new cases to match. They sent a couple over to us to try out.

The PixelSkin cases come in all the same colors as the 4th-gen nanos: You can get one to match or a contrasting color, just to be contrary. The rugged rubberized case is pretty but also tough, and I liked the tiled texture.

The case fits the nano snugly, but it’s not too difficult to retrieve your player out of the case when you need to. But while the lock/unlock button is accessible, larger fingers might have trouble reaching it through the case. The other controls are easy to access.

Although the vivid colors do come very close in tone to the nanos, they can’t match the shimmery metallic iridescence; that’s the trade off you make to keep your nano’s finish free from dings and scratches. you can always take the nano out and admire it in the safety of your own home.

The PixelSkin nano 4G cases are available now; they′re $19.95 each.

Original post by Carol Mangis

New airline checked-baggage fees have forced passengers to either carry on or pay up–$15 for the first checked bag, and as much as $50 for the second. With no fee for carry-on bags (yet), the Timbuа Suitcase ($225 list) may be the answer frequent fliers have been looking for. Timbuk2 has been producing laptop bags for years, but the San Francisco-based company is launching a new line of bags in January aimed at the travel market.

At 22 by 12 by 10 inches, the Suitcase is noticeably larger than bags in Timbuk2′s current lineup. Empty, the oversize bag is also heavier than my laptop, tipping the scale at 5 pounds, which would be a deal breaker with most bags. I brought the Suitcase on a recent trip to St. Louis and didn’t run into any issues carrying both the Suitcase and a standard rolling carry-on with me on the plane. And I saved $30 in checked baggage fees for the roundtrip flight. I easily fly eight roundtrips in a year–the number of flights it would take for the Suitcase to pay for itself in avoided fees.

With a notebook compartment that attaches to the rest of the bag with a single zipper, the Suitcase is essentially two bags in one. Like the rest of the bag, however, the notebook compartment is significantly wider than most notebooks; I was able to fit an 18.4-inch HP HDX18T notebook with room to spare.

The Suitcase is a great fit for travelers, especially when it’s paired with a rolling bag for support. Fully loaded, however, the bag can easily weigh over 30 pounds, making it uncomfortable to carry with the shoulder strap. Its width is also an issue when carrying the Suitcase over your shoulder or on your back: I didn’t go a day without accidentally bumping into half a dozen people.

Frequent fliers should consider adding the Suitcase to their luggage collection to avoid fees on trips where a single carry-on won′t cut it. The separable notebook compartment is an added bonus when you don′t have another option, but for most notebooks, it’s simply too large for daily use. If you travel enough to justify spending $225 on a bag you’ll use only while on the road, the Suitcase if a great choice. After all, thanks to the airlines, it’ll pay for itself. The Timbuk2 Suitcase will be available in January, in red, green, or black color schemes.

Original post by Zach Honig

Belkin today announced the FlyThru laptop case, a Checkpoint-friendly case that lets you speed through airport security without having to remove your laptop from the bag. Just unzip the case and lay it flat on the screening belt. There’s a nifty zipper so that you can grab your bag right off the belt, too.

The FlyThru accommodates most standard and widescreen laptops up to 15.4 inches and has several compartments to house your laptop accessories. Look for it this December for $59.99, but you can preorder it now at CircuitCity.com.

For even more Checkpoint-friendly laptop bag/case choices, head over to PCMag.com.

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Looking to dress up your laptop, phone, or Ṃ player for Halloween?

Speck is offering a 50 percent discount off its orange, black, and red protective cases this week only. So head on over to Speck.com for some Halloween-inspired accessories.

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Forgot about finding a bag to match your shoes. For women, it’s challenge enough finding any camera or laptop bag that isn’t black, ugly, or both. Here’s a photo bag that looks great but, unlike the lenses you’ve got inside, won’t break the bank. Check out the Jill-e Small Red Leather Camera Bag. No too-cute names here. This 14-inch bag costs $170 direct and holds a digital SLR camera body, two lenses, and a flash. As you might expect from the name, there are medium and large versions, too, and different colors. Jill-e also makes rolling photo-laptop bags that would be great alternatives to my favorite black and ugly (but most useful) rolling combo bags. (See The Best Bags for Trade-Show Bloggers.) Founded by a pair of Eastman Kodak alumni (Kodak currently has way more alums than anything else), Jill-e also has a new line of bags for men called, appropriately, Jack.

Original post by Bill Howard

Made of repurposed rice-paper shopping bags and recycled rubber from old tires, the Keen Cornell messenger bag saves you money while doing the environment a big favor, too. Keen is known primarily for its footwear–laptop bags are a new venture. But though the Cornell may appeal most to a somewhat niche audience, it hits the right markers in this category.

Individualistic laptop owners will embrace the bag’s uniqueness. While all Cornell bags share a common design and layout, each laptop bag includes unique components: No two bags look exactly alike. The Cornell is reborn from used materials collected from within China, with sections of reusable shopping bags bearing Chinese writing. The inside flap of my Cornell bag, for example, includes a step-by-step recipe for cooking rice, with illustrations and instructions in Chinese.

The messenger bag is comfortable, though the rough recycled material feels a bit stiff and awkward at first. Since its made from the same material, the Cornell tends to make the same crinkly sound as reusable shopping bags.

As a laptop bag, however, the Cornell gets high marks. It offers pockets in all the right places and a padded laptop compartment. When I tried it out with a 15.4-inch MacBook Pro inside, the snug fit kept the notebook secure, even though it extended slightly beyond the top of the compartment. Pouches and zippered compartments can hold everything from calculators to pens to laptop cables. There’s also plenty of storage in the main compartment for textbooks and other papers, in addition to your laptop.

The bag’s no-frills design may appeal to a younger crowd–I can’t imagine anyone carrying the Cornell to work or around town while wearing a business suit. But for college students, teens, and green fashionistas, the messenger bag is an inexpensive, environment-conscious alternative to more traditional laptop bags. The Keen Cornell is listed on eBags.com for $56, though only available in brown/white/black at the moment (my review sample is a bit more colorful).

Original post by Zach Honig

There are a lot of iPod cases available, but few are quite as useful as the iStik. Equipped with eight Neodymium magnets and a hard, clear Lexan plastic case, the iStik pulls double-duty, protecting your iPod nano from minor injury while offering a hands-free method of music enjoyment.

Meant for active iPod users, the iStik’s magnetic fastening system allows you to attach your iPod to your clothing, bag or other thin material–or even your iron chestplate. (Ah, the joys of magnets.) The thinner the fabric, the closer the magnets are and the more secure the iStik is, so it’s not recommended for use on heavy fabrics.

I began by attaching the iStik to my t-shirt while I did household chores. The iStik held on superbly. The case itself is designed to allow access to the click wheel as well as hold switch, earphone plug and power outlet. This handy video explains exactly how to assemble the case.

Confident that the iStik could survive light use, I moved onto its intended purpose: the gym. The iStik stuck with me through a standard workout, including stretching, weight machines, and the treadmill.

The iStik did everything the manufacturer said it will. As long as it’s properly attached, it’s a great option for keeping your iPod nano with you through vigorous activities. It’s a good alternative to those iPod armbands and is also a handy option for non-gym use around the house or if your outfit doesn’t have pockets in which to keep an iPod.

The one drawback of the iStik is that it’s currently only available for 2nd- and 3rd-generation iPod nanos. According to the iStik Web site, iStiks for the 4th generation nano, iPod Touch, and iPhone are in the works, though it seems as though the iPod Classic is going to get the shaft.

The iStik is available for the $19.95 (2nd-gen nano) and $26.95 (3rd-gen nano) with free shipping directly from the iStik Web site. Replacement fasteners are also available for $9.99 from the Website.

Original post by Brittany Petersen

Brenthaven markets the Sling II to the “urban mobile professional,” but the 15.4-inch laptop case’s metallic silver and black color scheme seems more fitting for college students than businessmen.

Brenthaven claims that the bag can accommodate notebooks up to 15.4-inches, though the three 15.4-inch Windows-based notebooks I tried were too thick to fit. I also tested the bag with a brand new MacBook Pro, but fitting the Apple notebook into the Sling II took way too much effort.

If you’re lucky enough to own a notebook that fits (14.1 and 15.0-inch computers will work just fine), you can depend on foam padding to keep your goods safe on all four sides. The bag can accommodate laptops with displays as small as 14-inches, though smaller computers won’t be as secure.

If you’re a gadget freak like me, you’ll find a home for all your goodies among the bag’s eight zippered pockets. There’s also a handy pouch towards the top of the sling strap, providing easy access to your MP3 player, cell phone, or pocket-sized digital camera.

Students will find storage for pens and pencils, calculators, and even a set of gym clothes and sneakers. Professionals can use the bag for overnight trips as well, with enough storage for small clothing items and toiletries in the main compartment. A dedicated water bottle holder zips closed when not in use.

Rotating the bag to access the main compartment without removing the Sling II from your back may require a bit of effort when holding a laptop and a variety of other items, though it’s certainly possible to do so. You can hide away the sling strap when not in use, with a top handle making it easy to carry the bag for short distances.

Commuters will find the bag to be comfortable, even when carrying a heavy load. With padding in all the right places, the Sling II won’t wear you down on long walks on campus or through the city. My only design complaint relates to the lower half of the sling strap: without a restraining sleeve, the adjustable strap seems to flop around, but only becomes a problem when there’s a lot of slack.

If you typically find sling bags to be convenient and comfortable, and have a laptop that fits, this bag won′t disappoint. The Brenthaven Sling II is available in metallic silver for about $78 shipped on Amazon.com.

Original post by Zach Honig

The ultra-slim Brenthaven Edge II laptop case is designed for Apple MacBook Pro computers, but can also accommodate 15.4-inch laptops with a similar profile. We got a sample in recently, and I took it for a test drive.

You can carry the bag using its retractable handle or over your shoulder or across the chest using the removable shoulder strap. The Zero Impact series bag is ideal for daily use by commuters that keep a spare power adapter at work, as the shoulder bag leaves little room for cables and other sizable accessories. An AC adapter pocket is available an as optional accessory.

15.4-inch laptops are secured by Brenthaven’s CORE Protection System, which includes padded protection for all four sides. I packed the Edge II with a 1.5-inch thick Gateway notebook–you’ll likely have trouble zipping the bag with thicker lappies. I wouldn’t suggest the bag for notebooks with smaller displays, however, as the included padding is not adjustable. A front zipper pocket can accommodate discs and instruction manuals, and the bag’s rear pocket provides storage for magazines, booklets, and papers, and is secured with a 2-inch strip of Velcro.

The Edge II doubles as a portable workstation, with four rubber patches holding the notebook in place while also keeping your lap cool. The bag is also TSA compliant, so airport screeners will be able to view contents in a single x-ray image without requiring you to remove your laptop.

As I mentioned, the Edge II is an appropriate choice for road warriors who like to travel extremely light, but users who prefer to carry more than just a laptop and a couple magazines should look for something roomier. The $59.95 bag is available in Jet Black and Steel Blue, and includes Brenthaven’s lifetime warranty.

Original post by Zach Honig

The ultra-slim Brenthaven Edge II laptop case is designed for Apple MacBook Pro computers, but can also accommodate 15.4-inch laptops with a similar profile. We got a sample in recently, and I took it for a test drive.

You can carry the bag using its retractable handle or over your shoulder or across the chest using the removable shoulder strap. The Zero Impact series bag is ideal for daily use by commuters that keep a spare power adapter at work, as the shoulder bag leaves little room for cables and other sizable accessories. An AC adapter pocket is available an as optional accessory.

15.4-inch laptops are secured by Brenthaven’s CORE Protection System, which includes padded protection for all four sides. I packed the Edge II with a 1.5-inch thick Gateway notebook–you’ll likely have trouble zipping the bag with thicker lappies. I wouldn’t suggest the bag for notebooks with smaller displays, however, as the included padding is not adjustable. A front zipper pocket can accommodate discs and instruction manuals, and the bag’s rear pocket provides storage for magazines, booklets, and papers, and is secured with a 2-inch strip of Velcro.

The Edge II doubles as a portable workstation, with four rubber patches holding the notebook in place while also keeping your lap cool. The bag is also TSA compliant, so airport screeners will be able to view contents in a single x-ray image without requiring you to remove your laptop.

As I mentioned, the Edge II is an appropriate choice for road warriors who like to travel extremely light, but users who prefer to carry more than just a laptop and a couple magazines should look for something roomier. The $59.95 bag is available in Jet Black and Steel Blue, and includes Brenthaven’s lifetime warranty.

Original post by Zach Honig

Riding the wave of checkpoint-friendly laptop bags and cases (which eliminate the need for removing laptops at airport security), Samsonite has designed its own version: the Samsonite Checkmate Laptop Bag. It measures 16.5 by 13.0 by 4.7 inches and accommodates laptops up to 15.4 inches.

With the Checkmate, travelers can zip open and unfold the bag so that it lays flat while going through x-ray screening. After it passes through, it can be folded upright and zipped within seconds.

Samsonite will launch the Checkmate bag in November 2008 for $79.99. For even more checkpoint-friendly bag choices, check out my PCMag.com feature story.

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Bay Area-based Timbuk2, which has made some of my favorite laptop bags over the years, has a new line of messenger-style bags covered in a nubby, upholstery-like fabric, in very cool retro-modern designs. The company sent me a couple to try out. First, note that you won’t mind carrying these fine-looking bags for any reason, even if you don’t have a laptop to tote. The bags are light and easy to carry; my one quibble with messenger-style bags (of any make) is that the large flap can make it awkward to get into the bag quickly.

The one pictured above is covered in a fabric called “Night Bird,” which has a dark-blue background with multicolored concentric rings. Open it to find, in the waterproof interior, a multitude of open and zippered compartments for phones, pens, and so on, as well as a large corduroy-lined slot for the laptop.

Timbuk2 also includes an extra “cross strap” to help stabilize the bag’s weight across your body; I haven’t seen this before with messenger-style bags. The shoulder strap is easily adjustable and has a padded center. The bag comes in two sizes: 13 inches ($150 list) and 15 inches ($175). Shop around for deals.

After the jump is a picture of the red-with-curvy-shapes “Sanguin″ bag, which comes in the smaller size only (also $150).

Original post by Carol Mangis

PC accessory maker Belkin Corp. is getting more fashionista by the minute. The company sent me a couple of its new laptop sleeves to try out: One is made of mod-looking patterned neoprene, and the quilted sleeve is sized for for UMPCs (specifically the ASUS eee). I’m liking the idea of sleeves these days; since women’s handbags are coming in huge sizes now, there’s no reason to have to lug an extra laptop bag. Just slip your PC in a sleeve that fits into your purse.

The Flora Sleeve, above, comes in an interesting fractal-ish khaki-and-pink design (to me the “Khaki” looks more like gray). It’s pretty straightforward otherwise. One well-thought-out feature is its asymmetrical zipper, which makes it easy to pull your laptop out no matter how it may be packed into another bag.

The 7” Laptop Quilted Carrying Case (picture after the jump) comes in great colors: Techno Blue, Plum Berry, and basic black. (One guy in my office thought it was a potholder, but all the women liked the look.) The zipper opens up on the short end of the sleeve; inside is a matching lining.

Both sleeves are durable, light, and stylish; each will list for $29.99. The Flora sleeve will be available at the end of October, and the UMPC cases will be in Target within a few weeks.

Original post by Carol Mangis