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Categories » ‘help me find…’
September 18th, 2010 by Kolobags Stylist
 sumdex xposure digital slr camera bag With so many folks now with their own blogs and YouTube sites, there are also a ton of folks carrying their digital cameras to have on hand for the next big story. We are not talking about camera phones (although those can be useful). We are talking about the next step up, a high-resolution digital camera, whether that be point-and-shoot, video, or SLR.
The super pros have heavy duty equipment bags for their cameras. But for those who want a solid layer of protection possibly with some organizational features, there are some cool camera cases ready to go with you, for the next story or on your next vacation.
For the minimalist who just wants protection for a point-and-shoot camera, try a bright colored neoprene case from a designer like Tucano. Dual zippers open to a compartment for the camera and an inner pocket holds memory cards. An outside loop becomes a hook to another bag so that the case will not be lost. A choice that is even more fashion oriented is the Pan Am mini stow all. While it’s not exclusively a camera case, the bag is perfect for a point-and-shoot camera and will look kitchy with any outfit. The removable wrist strap is ideal for carrying the case like a wristlet.
For the photographer that is carrying more gear and even wants a portable studio, Ogio camera bags and Sumdex camera cases aren’t your ordinary camera cases. The sumdex xposure II digital camera sling pack is a stylish sling that can be worn over either shoulder. The bag can rest standing up or on its back, and won’t be as much of a target for theft, since it isn’t typical for a camera bag. Dual compartments open easy in either position, and open to an assortment of adjustable dividers. The videographer/blogger will love the Ogio ty video backpack. A street smart looking backpack opens to a compartment full of Velcro partitions to hold a video camera and other goods. A separate pocket is padded for up to a 16” laptop, so you can bring your editing studio with you on the road. Added MacGyvor-like perks include a mini keychain flashlight and a foam knee pad.
August 10th, 2010 by Kolobags Stylist
 Jack Georges crossover ipad bag It’s a little crazy to think that in a few short years since the launch of the Kindle and other eReaders, Amazon already sells more digital books than hard copies. Now schools are promoting the use of iPads and the like as a cost effective way for kids to receive lesson plans and get their textbook materials. Businesses are issuing iPads instead of laptops. With the quick adoption of iPads, Kindles, and other tablets, there has been an immediate market for cases to keep them protected. Given the fact that most of these gadgets have an open screen, it’s even more important to have a protective case to keep the screen from scratching or cracking.
Several styles of cases exist, so that there is little excuse that one cannot find a case that matches his or her lifestyle or fashion sense. A core style of iPad case is a neoprene cover that zips open and closed at one end. For people who like a basic approach, this style is perfect. The neoprene protects the iPad from exterior elements, a lining keeps the screen scratch free, and zipper access makes for easy exit and entry of the iPad. Some brands, like Mobile Edge iPad cases, add a zippered pocket to carry accessories. The same profile is used by KrooUSA, but they have chosen to make the case of a semi-rigid frame that has a ballistic nylon exterior and padded interior. Adding a bright pattern to the exterior, like the Designer Sleeves iPad cases, makes it unlikely to forget your case.
Some people prefer to work with the iPad or reader still in the case. Logiix has developed a streamlined leather iPad case that unfolds to create three uses from the one case. Closed, the case is slim and offers protection. Unfolded flat, one can work with the iPad in the case, or flip the front cover over and stand the case on its side to make for a practical presentation stand that will work in a board room as well as a coffee shop. While basic black works for many, there are those who want to branch out with more color. Brands like Sumdex and Qnkki offer pink iPad cases, red, and even plaid.
Not everyone is a minimalist, so it may be that a bigger bag is the way to go. The crossover look has been a style that has been popular this year, and the crossover iPad or travel bag from Jack Georges, looks stylish, fits an iPad, and will fit a little bit more. Any way one goes mobile, there is a way to carry a Kindle or an iPad safely and in style.
July 17th, 2010 by Kolobags Stylist
 Britto by Heys laptop case There may be many modern ways that make getting from point A to point B easier. However, the necessary travel restrictions that have come since security and airline budgets have tightened makes efficient packing even more important. Staying within the bag size limit for carry-ons is critical for the business traveler or the budget traveler who does not want to pay to check bags in. But, those are not the only concerns. Add to the list getting through security quickly, carrying gear for kids, keeping your tech gadgets safe from destruction, not exceeding the carry-on limit, and finding your luggage quickly at the carousel. It’s not an easy task. There are luggage and laptop bag choices that make travel easier.
- Wheeled luggage- Probably the oldest trick in the book, a wheeled luggage piece or laptop case makes running through airports easy and it gives a huge break to your back. For checked luggage, Rimowa rolling luggage is a favorite of international travelers. The polycarbonate is not only slick looking, it is lightweight and virtually indestructible. There is the added bonus of TSA compliant locks, which keep your belongings safe in transport. If a soft side is more your style, check out the Mandarina Duck luggage collection, that offers several shapes and colors.
- Easy to stow – Restrictions on the number of carry-ons has tightened to one plus one personal item, so you better make your bag count. For the ladies, we really like a laptop bag that has dual purpose as a handbag, such as the Gina B bella laptop bag. This will fit under the seat in front of you and leave you allowance for one more bag in the overhead (translation – don’t check a bag if you do not have to). Another bag that saves on storage space but packs a punch with what it fits is the Urban Junket eco-friendly laptop tote and backpack. Offered in two sizes and multiple colors, a ton fits in this fashionable tote bag.
- Easy to see - When it’s your turn to pull your bag from the luggage carousel, you want to know that it is yours. Since an overwhelming percentage of bags are black, an easy solution is to switch up the color. You won’t miss a Britto by Heys luggage piece, since the shell is covered in the renowned artwork of artist Romero Britto. If that is a little too far from black for you, try the Work collection from Mandarina Duck, which is offered in a mellow blue and a deep burgundy, both colorful but sophisticated.
- Fun for kids – Anyone who has traveled with kids knows that they have a short attention span. Anything that you can do to make travel fun and also recruit their labor to help you carry everything through the airport will help. The Disney by Heys kids luggage collection features a fun look with all of a kid’s favorite Disney characters. The bags are small enough that children can pull them themselves, and the bright patterns make it easy to spot the bag (or the child) from afar. Like Luggage has brightly patterned duffels and wheeled luggage that was designed by a teenager, so it has a younger appeal without being too juvenile.
- TSA compliant – The most frequent of business travelers have getting through security at airports down to a science. One of the secrets is choosing a TSA compliant laptop bag, which means the laptop can stay in the bag while it goes through the x-ray machine. Since security requires most every article of clothing come off, each little step that one can save helps with timing. This makes bags like the brenthaven stylus checkpoint friendly laptop case ideal. They open flat with the laptop isolated in one compartment and everything else in the others.
- Gadget storage – Laptops are not the only gadgets that have to go through the x-ray. Rather than pulling everything out separately or having different storage bags for each, we recommend a bag that has enough pockets to store everything. The mcklein armitage laptop backpack with removable sleeve has pockets for a phone, iPad, and as the name implies, a removable laptop sleeve. The headphone port allows headphones to stay in the bag and then for them to attach to a iPod without any extra effort.
February 5th, 2010 by Kolobags Stylist
 It’s always a struggle to figure out what to give on Valentine’s Day. Like, love, friend or soul mate, there is something that will capture her heart or just put a smile on her face, depending on what it is you want to do. For sure, you can’t go wrong with technology fashion, and here are a few suggestions.
Newly dating is a tough category. You want to be thoughtful and yet not too personal. If she is a working gal, something like a brightly colored business card case is a good start. You could also give her a laptop sleeve with a cool design, which can show you get her style but not be too costly.
What to do when you’ve been together for a little longer? Pick a laptop bag that she can remember you by every time she carries it. Designer Chloe Dao has struck a chord with unique styles in a playful yet sophisticated pattern of abstract floral (pictured is the satchel).
Not yet time for the big “ring” but getting close? You probably need to at least step up with something that is lush. We suggest a laptop tote by Urban Junket, as the style can double as a handbag plus it is made of fine leather.
January 1st, 2010 by Kolobags Stylist
 Our view of the trend in laptop cases continues.
5) checkpoint friendly laptop bags – Since we’re on the topic of frequent travelers, it’s important to mention that checkpoint friendly laptop bags have gained rapidly in popularity. Rather than taking your laptop out of its case at security, these are permitted to transport through the x-ray in the case. We recommend the mobile edge scan-fast laptop messenger. The laptop compartment opens to TSA specifications, and then there are many added pockets for easy access to everything else that the busy travelers needs to carry. Plus, it has a sleeve so that it will slide over a wheeled bag handle and sit tight.
4) designer laptop tote – With the last year’s economic challenges, some folks have held back from buying new accessories. However, we are seeing ladies begin to update their wardrobe with a practical choice, like a laptop tote. It’s pretty hard to choose just one. The Moonsus cosmopolitan satchel is true to its name. Made of supple leather, this laptop tote looks more like a stylish handbag but the three-quarter zipper opens to several handy compartments, including one specific for a laptop. This author travels with a similar by Moonsus, and the bag does wonders going from day meetings to a just a handbag when I’m on the road and don’t want to carry multiple bags.
3) eco-friendly laptop sleeves – Is it fashion that influences culture or vice versa? Regardless, we have seen an increased interest in laptop cases that take concern for the environment by using recycled items. Greensmart has built its brand around this concept, and has multiple sleeves and jackets made from recycled plastic bottles.
2) netbook case – The whole point of a netbook is small and compact. If that is the point, then why would you choose a big laptop bag? We’re partial to the Higher Ground mini shuttle 10”. One of the best features is the cool deck workstation – the case opens up into a full work station that your netbook never needs to leave. The cool deck dissipates heat to keep your laptop from overheating while in use. This mini-notebook case is so versatile it comes in multiple color choices and has a removable shoulder strap.
1) Designer Laptop Sleeves – By far, these sleeves were the top seller this holiday. They are economical (most less than $50), versatile (can fit in numerous other bags), and expressive (try a few and use the one that fits your mood). There are an assortment of designs ranging from flowers or hearts (pictured) to skulls or camouflage. The neoprene is imprinted with a patent-pending process that makes for a design that is truly permanent and won’t peel off.
December 21st, 2009 by Kolobags Stylist
 Laptops were one of the top purchases this past holiday, which means that you may be one of those folks who is walking around with a laptop that is not protected. Take care of your laptop while showing off your style. Here are the Top 10 laptop cases choices coming into 2010. (Actually, this is Part A with 5 of the Top 10. Part B will have the remaining top 5.)
10) sleeves for 18″ laptops – The first question you ask is why would someone buy an 18″+ laptop? For those folks in graphic design, they know exactly why. They also know that it has proven virtually impossible to find a sleeve or bag that will fit. One of our favorites is tucano neoprene laptop sleeve 18.4″. It’s simple, and yet it does the job. The neoprene sleeve comes in basic black and will fit laptops up to 17.25″ x 11.25″ in size. You can carry this solo or slip it into another bag.
9) kindle cases – Okay, these are not laptops but a ton of Amazon Kindles went out the door for the 2009 holidays. The Kindle is slim and trim, which definitely means it makes sense to protect, especially given the size of the screen and the fact that the screen has no cover. Kroo USA’s amazon kindle melrose case is a sleek cover that opens like a book, and will hold the Kindle, a writing instrument and a few extra papers, in case you are a note-taker.
8) laptop backpacks for kids – One of the top selling laptop bag styles for kids is the backpack, and one of the most popular styles this holiday season was the high sierra stretch laptop backpack. Featured at less than $50, it comes in fun, bright colors versus only basic black. The laptop compartment will fit a 17″ laptop, making it work for just about everyone, and then many extras will fit in the second zippered compartment. No doubt this bag was built to last: High Sierra is an official supplier to the US Ski and Snowboard teams.
7) laptop totes for teens – For those of us over 25, we think about backpacks as the mode of transport for laptops and books for the teen or college kid on campus. However, now the trend, especially for females, is moving toward some other styles, like the laptop tote. More of a fashion statement, pink laptop totes like mango tango’s faux leather flight bag, give a girl the look of carrying a handbag. This definitely is more of a match for her designer jeans.
6) wheeled laptop bags – The frequent traveler knows that there is no faster way to travel through airports. A unique design is one offered by Rick Steves, the notorious travel guru who is featured on public radio and his own guidebook series. Rick Steves avanti rolling laptop tote is perfect for a day commuter trip or one night (for the minimalist). The wheeled bag (pictured) fits under the airline seat in front of you, minimizing stress over rushing to board the plane. There is a padded laptop compartment and then a roomy front section that has dividers that can be used for paperwork or a change of clothes.
To be continued…
August 6th, 2009 by Kolobags Stylist
Once again, what happened to summer? Here we are in August and it’s definitely time to get ready for school, if you haven’t already. This year, laptop backpacks, such as ogio’s flux laptop backpack, continue to be popular with the high school and college crowds. With so many people carrying their laptops to class, it only makes sense to have a backpack that is padded specifically for laptops. Many models have a special pocket for your iPod, including rubberized hole for headphones to poke through without letting the elements in. Those features make sense when you have to wander campus all day long.
This year laptop sleeves are one of our top sellers. Part of the reason is that you can find sleeves for prices under $50, and part of it is the fact that someone can switch bags as necessary using a sleeve for his or her laptop. Sleeves allow someone to do both, make a statement and maintain a budget.
January 24th, 2009 by Kolobags Stylist
 We vanished for a bit – sorry about that: the holiday rush kept us busy. But, here we are again with some thoughts for your Valentines gifts. Maybe you don’t want something cliche or too romantic, but you still want a Valentine gift that is thoughtful. Red always makes a statement, and certainly a
red laptop bag or a stylish red fashion case will show thought.
Early in a relationship you may not want to spend much on a Valentine. Try Alicia Klein’s business card envelope: sophisticated, thoughtful, and yet less than $50.
 If you’re at the next level and maybe you’re intimate to know what laptop size she has, try the acme made trixy laptop tote. It has a removable sleeve, so the bag really has three uses in one: laptop sleeve, laptop bag, and then just a tote. This style works for just about anyone, as it is professional but still looks more like a fashion bag.
And, if she’s really special, moonsus’ red gallery laptop tote is stunning in supple red leather. She’ll know that you’re smitten when you give her this gift.
August 9th, 2008 by Kolobags Stylist
Back-to-school is always about finding a cool look. When your laptop needs to go in tow for school, it needs a cool laptop case to go with it. And this year with folks trying to stretch their budgets even further, laptop bag prices need to be cool, too.
Laptop backpacks can have style and a reasonable price. High Sierra’s swerve laptop backpack will fit a 15.4″ laptop and comes in stylish colors like pink, leaf green, and amethyst purple. If you have a smaller frame and a laptop weighs down your posture (translation: tweens or petite co-eds), check out the rolling laptop backpacks from J Sport World. Patterns with flowers and targets come in a variety of colors, and then, of course, there is basic black. One more for the gals: the Ogio shifter laptop backpack. It has rounded edges, satin accents, and tons of pockets. All of these styles are $60 or less.
Not everyone wants a backpack, so don’t ignore the laptop messengers. High Sierra’s chip laptop messenger features bright colors, plenty of pockets, and a price that is less than $45. If you have a little more to spend and like a European flair, the Tucano motion messengeris worth a look and is still less than $80. Our favorite features include the ultra-padded shoulder strap and the interior drawstring top, that keeps everything safe from the weather as you trek around campus.
July 6th, 2008 by Kolobags Stylist
Gone are the days when a guy has to carry a briefcase to work. In this day of business casual, it’s completely acceptable to carry a laptop messenger. While the classic bike delivery guy may come to mind when you think messenger bag, you’d be surprised that there are laptop messengers that work for a whole slew of occasions.
Professional enough, but without screaming boring, the oxio freedomer messenger laptop bag is lightweight and offers just a tad of flair with the retro striping. The classic messenger design has a foldover flap which opens to the laptop compartment and other pockets. (Did you know that the whole point of the foldover flap in a messenger is to keep the thieves out during urban travel?)
And for the guy who does have to dress up to go to the office, we really like Aaron Irvin’s leather messenger laptop bag. It has a very clean lined design and comes in a gorgeous, hand-finished leather.
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