1.5 pounds, 9.7 inches - $499 iPad

Watch for a string of followups.

This story suggests some questions to ask when the hype fog lifts:

An Apple tablet will be hampered at the start by “unsatisfying” 3G broadband networks, short battery life, and people’s yen for a flexible device that can be rolled up and stuffed in a pocket, according to Gaines.

“I just don’t think this will be the killer device just yet,” Gaines said of what Apple has in store. “It will certainly point the way. It’s all coming.” - AFP/Breitbart

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Jobs has grown a beard.

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Engadget says it the iPad. Groovy.

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Whoops, already shaved it.

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

“The iPad is optimized for Web browsing, email and multimedia applications, Jobs said, unlike a netbook, which is not optimized for anything in particular.” - Doug Olenick, TWICE

ENGADGET: “It’s a half-inch thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds, with a 9.7-inch capacitive touchscreen IPS LCD display, and it’s running a custom 1GHz Apple “A4” chip developed by the P.A. Semi team, with a 10-hour battery life and a month of standby. It’ll come in 16, 32, and 64GB sizes, and it’s got the expected connectivity: very little. There’s a 30-pin Dock connector, a speaker, a microphone, Bluetooth, and 802.11n WiFi, as well as an accelerometer and a compass. As expected, it can run iPhone apps — either pixel-for-pixel in a window, or pixel-doubled fullscreen — but developers can also target the new screen size using the updated iPhone OS SDK, which is available today.”

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Can’t argue with the battery life. It’s the netbook/reader for Apple geeks. Don’t pass judgement til the book/reader info is out. That may be it’s most important app.

Starting at $499…

The newly unveiled Apple tablet computing device, the iPad, is being released in two versions; one will have WiFi while the other comes with both WiFi and 3G connectivity. - gadgetrepublic.com

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Engadget hands-on reveals: no camera, no multi-tasking, fast processor. “The ebook implementation is about as close as you can get to reading without a stack of bound paper in your hand. The visual stuff really helps flesh out the experience. It may be just for show, but it counts here.”

A Bug in your ear

I saw this pack on CoolTools and thought it would be nice option for cyclists who want a good carry-on backpack that can double as an everyday commuter bag - the Arkel Bug.

Scott(eVest) Jordan's reply

TokBox - Free Video Chat and Video Messaging

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

(The video mentioned in this OBOW Forum thread)

SCOTTEVEST website

Update on January 27, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

And the famous sleeping bag video:

How much does a gecko weigh?

“

“Man Caught at Airport with 44 Lizards in Pants”

Obviously, OBOWers are wondering what these little beasts weighed and whether they’d dry over night if sink laundered. No word on whether the geckos (sewn in to a secret underwear compartment) spoke with that cute Cockney accent.

Tablet or wonder pill?

“Apple’s Tablet: a gizmo to save the world”

Yet if the gossip is to be believed, Apple has found a way to end, or at least mitigate, the onslaught by replacing our heaps of disorderly electronic debris with a single, all-purpose device, to use not only in the home, but at work, school and on the move. It may possess a further, significant virtue. According to a strategic leak in The Wall Street Journal, it offers a particularly hospitable platform for books and newspapers, and, although details remain uncertain, publishers are reported to “be punching the air” - telegraph.co.uk

This is zero week for the AppTab. Get ready for the hype.

Update on January 25, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

‘MICROSOFT PLANS COUNTER STRIKE” - through HP and Acer? Whoopee.

Wee fee, monsieur

Cut-rate Irish carrier Ryanair’s rascally CEO is at it again. According to the Irish Times:

“Ryanair says it will press ahead with plans to charge passengers to use its aircraft’s toilets. Despite admitting its announcement last year that it might install coin-operated facilities was a publicity stunt, chief executive Michael O’Leary is now revisiting the issue, according to the airline.

Ryanair would also like to remove the two toilets at the back of each aircraft, leaving only one on board and creating room for six extra seats.

In its in-flight magazine the airline described the coin-operated toilets as a “cost saving proposal” that would help reduce fares by at least 5 per cent.” (Headline for this story: Cross your legs)

This scheme was represented as a stunt earlier; it may have just been portrayed that way after the idea was universally urinated upon. Who knows this time? Go easy on the Guinness, I guess, unless you have a pocket full of change of the right type.

Canada lifts carry-on ban

The Canadian ban is over:

(Canada Air Transport News Release) OTTAWA — Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird today announced that airline passengers who are travelling to the United States are now permitted to bring one carry-on bag with some small exceptions. This new measure replaces the temporary restriction on carry-on bags introduced as a result of the December 25, 2009 security incident on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit.

Following the incident, Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) accelerated its actions to protect air travellers. In addition to introducing carry-on bag restrictions, Transport Canada quickly took action to issue security notices, invest in full body scanners and announce our intention to implement a screening method known as behaviour pattern recognition.

The new one carry-on bag rule takes effect on January 20, 2010 in all Canadian airports. Details are provided in the attached fact sheet.

“The Government of Canada is strongly committed to ensuring that air travel is safe and secure, but also to ensure passengers have a reasonable level of comfort and convenience during their trips,” said Baird. “The public has been extremely patient and cooperative with the measures mandated by the United States. Effective today, there is a new and practical carry-on rule for passengers travelling to the United States, which upholds important security considerations.”

The new rule modifies restrictions in place for flights to the United States only and does not have an impact on passengers travelling within Canada or to an international destination. 

As a general rule, passengers are reminded to check with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (www.catsa.gc.ca) or their airline for items that are permitted in carry-on luggage.

Fact sheet:

Transport Canada now permits one small carry-on bag for airline passengers who are travelling to the United States. This carry-on bag must not exceed a size of 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 16 in x 22 in), which is equivalent to the size of a small gym bag. The carry-on bag must fit into an airport’s carry-on baggage sizer.

Items such as reading material, personal electronics, and medications must be stored in the passenger’s carry-on bag, and packed prior to the security check.

As always, the Government of Canada is ensuring that exceptions are made to accommodate travellers with medical conditions or travelling with small children:

• A cane, walker, crutches or other life-sustaining items may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.
• Medical equipment (oxygen tank, doctor’s bag) may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.
• Diaper bags and other essential items for those carrying infants may be carried in addition to the carry-on bag.

Exemptions Include:

One of the following will be permitted in addition to the carry-on bag:

• a purse or laptop or briefcase or camera bag;
• a musical instrument;
• pets;
• all duty free items purchased after the security check.

Update on January 22, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Purse-cution?

But, what about a purse? The short answer: Yes, but CATSA is still having purse-cution issues. The latest regulations state a purse must be “small,” which CATSA spokeman Mathieu Larocque says is “a little smaller than a laptop,” about the size of a football.

Now, set aside the fact women are prevented from carrying on purses as big as laptop bags. Purses are often soft – the size and volume changes depending on how they’re handled. So, will your almost-empty bigger bag be allowed, if it can be folded to football size?

That will be up to the individual CATSA agents who should be seen as the rough equivalents of border guards. What they say goes – simple as that. - Globe and Mail

iPhone = flashlight AND med kit

“Usually, when someone says their iPhone is a life saver, they are talking about the phone helping them find a good takeout spot or an emergency bathroom.

When Dan Woolley says it, he really means it. He used a medical app saved on his phone to treat a leg injury after the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince collapsed around him.” - read/watch @NBC Miami

ExOfficio Haiti Relief

Loading Pallets for Haiti from ExOfficio on Vimeo.

Update on January 20, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Most OBOWers hate bureaucracy (like the TSA), right? Here’s a message from a mission my church will be supporting which underscores the point that the big dogs are gumming up the works in Haiti:

Please contact your Senators. Tell them about PMH. Tell them about the hundreds of other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) like Quisqueya Christian School and Hopital Lumiere that are all over Haiti that are serving the Haitian people with food and medical care. The UN and the US Army should be re-supplying these NGOs instead of pushing bags of stuff out of helicopters to mobs of Haitians. Why isn’t this happening? They all need food, fuel, medical supplies and security. It is one of the most effective and efficient ways that the UN and the USA could help Haiti. It is an opportunity tha is being squandered.

Of course, I have a dear friend - a Navy chaplain - who works for the biggest of all bureaucracies. His ship just arrived at the Haitian coast.

Reader Review: LL Bean Quickload

A great review from OBOW reader Holly:

As promised, a short review of the LL Bean Quickload based on two weeks in Switzerland and Germany at Christmas time.

Two adults, two kids, two weeks in Europe during winter, 4 “luggage” bags and 4 small, personal bags. The 4 “luggage” bags included an eBags Weekender, the LL Bean Quickload, an ancient Eastpack convertible bag and a 24 inch wheelie.

The LL Bean Quickload had very good capacity. I was able to easily fit in: 2 pairs long pants, 4 pair underwear, wool base layer top and bottom, five shirts (one short sleeve, the rest long sleeve), wool sweater, 2 pair wool socks, laundry kit (included clothes line, microfiber towel and some detergent), the toiletry kit for the ENTIRE family, a bathing suit (for the hot tub at ski resort), two paperback books to read and leave along the trip, cache of spare zip lock bags, gloves, hat, a pair of pajamas (a luxury I allowed myself when I found I had plenty of room) and, here’s the kicker—one pair of insulated ski pants.

I know I had a few more items in there, but I just can’t remember what they were right now.

All of this fit, with room to spare! At the Swiss check in, the bag weighed 7.5 kg.

In fact, none of the convertible bags weighed over 7.5 kg. (I recognize this is easier to pull off when you have a 24 inch wheelie that the heavier items can go into. But honestly, we weren’t taking anything too heavy anyway.)

The empty LL Bean bag was definitely lighter than the empty eBags Weekender, which meant we could put more in it and not worry we were going to go over the limit.

The inside of the bag is fine and the compression straps are the garden variety ones, but work well. The compartment in the inside “lid” is mesh, but has a zipper only on one end. I prefer the Weekender’s design of having the zipper go around three sides of the same compartment. Also, I like the Weekender’s feature of a small, flat, zippered compartment on the inside on the “hinge” part of the bag. We used it for stashing our drivers’ licenses, which we didn’t figure we would need but brought along anyway just in case we decided to rent a car spur of the moment.

The straps on the Quickload are curved and a bit wider than the Weekender. I am narrow shouldered and have a slight preference for the narrower Weekender straps as a result. If the Quickload had included a sternum strap, which it does not, I think I would have found it more comfortable. It was fine, so this is not such a great issue.

The smaller outside pocket on the Quickload is a disappointment. It has some organizer features, but the zipper is just straight across the pocket and does not extend down the sides. As a result, it’s difficult to efficiently use the organizer features. This is a bad design flaw. However, as a practical matter, I used the organizer panel in my small messenger bag so I didn’t really get too hung up on this. I ended up simply using it to stash receipts and used maps, etc.—essentially stuff I wasn’t going to need to access every day.

The smalller outside pocket did include a little lanyard clip that was on an elastic cord. That elastic cord feature is an improvement over a standard key clip. I ended up attaching a little “squeeze” flashlight to it, which we used multiple times. The ability to pull it out a bit with the stretchy elastic was very useful.

It does have a larger outside pocket, which does zip down on the sides. It was spacious and this is where I easily stuffed those ski pants.

All in all, it’s a good bag. If you need your one bag to include a highly usable organizer pocket, don’t buy the Quickload. On all other fronts, it’s a solid bag. And the weight difference between it and the Weekender is nice. Also, the lifetime, satisfaction guarantee from LL Bean is worth quite a lot. (I have NO affiliation with LL Bean.)

In short, it held all my stuff with room to spare. As a result, I had no trouble fitting in my purchases from the trip on the way back.

One side note: The person at the Swiss check-in counter simply could not believe that 4 people going to Europe in winter (and skiing—at that) could travel with so little luggage.

(From LL Bean site: Made of rugged 420-denier nylon.

2,961 cu. in. 21¾”H x 14”W x 9”D. 2 lb. 2 oz. Imported.)

Disturbing news...35% favor ban

A new TripAdvisor survey reveals some disturbing findings:

“Seventy-seven percent of travelers said they would rather have enhanced airport screenings, even if it meant longer lines at the airport. Thirty-five percent of travelers said they would favor a ban on carry-on luggage if it would make flights more secure.” - full text of press release

The survey also says 82% favor some form of profiling.

And, from the TripAdvisor blog, on scanners:

We polled more than 2,200 people last week, asking  if they would be comfortable with U.S. airports using full body scanners that can see through clothing.  A resounding 78% said yes, scanners would enhance security.  The remaining 22% felt it was too much of an invasion of privacy.  Looks like the majority will feel more secure, as we’re likely to see 500 or so machines in play at U.S. airports by the end of this year, and many European countries — including the U.K., the Netherlands, France, and Germany — move closer to implementing mandatory scans. - read post 

Cool, but you can't have it...yet

By Italian design students, the world’s coolest luggage scale:

BUNGEE, BABY

Pack of REI discounts

You know I’m all about high-quality US-made stuff, but the REI outlet has two nice less-than-max-sized packs at great discounts at the moment:

1216 cu. in. TIMBUK 2 PATROL

1220 cu.in. PACSAFE TREKSAFE 100

Update on January 13, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

And, an intriguing ultralight (14 oz.) minimalist pact/tote from Patagonia - on sale at eBags.

End of 3-1-1? Not!

I’ve seen posts like this one before touting new scanners that would obviate the need for 3-1-1 carry-on liquid restrictions. I’ll believe it when I see it. Deployment of the miracle scanners would take years (and how would the broke USA pay for it?). Also, security measures are like taxes: easy to implement, almost impossible to repeal. Nevertheless, here’s what the Fox blog post says about the liquid-sensitive x-ray scanner:

ScanTech’s “Sentinel” system goes beyond detecting visual threats. As bags go through the scanner, a computer analyzes how their various contents react to the X-rays and compares those reactions to a database of hazardous materials (including PETN, the explosive suspected in the failed Christmas Day bombing attempt against a Detroit-bound jetliner).

When the scanner detects a dangerous substance, it sends a warning to the operator’s screen — indicating the type of item in question and its location in the bag.

We watched one Sentinel device correctly discern between identical bottles — one filled with a popular soft drink, the others filled with flammable fluids. That particular unit is about to be shipped to Abu Dhabi, UAE. ScanTech officials say they also hope to begin testing with the TSA for possible deployment of Sentinel units at U.S. airports. - FOX

Mind-reading at the airport

(IMAGE PREVIOUSLY SEEN HERE WAS FAKE - SEE STORY IN GERMAN - CONTAINS NUDITY)

Our bodies are visible though we’re clothed. Your thoughts are the next thing to go public:

“Mind-reading systems could change air security”

I actually prefer the behavior-based systems to the invasive technical ones. And behavior-based strikes me as the hardest for the baddies to beat.

Update on January 8, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Le Scan and Le Alien:

Paris airport to try scanners on US-bound flights

And registered, actual space alien James Carville has something lewd to say about scanners:

“Airport scanners can measure my p*#%”

Update on January 11, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

A privacy group says the Transportation Security Administration is misleading the public with claims that full-body scanners at airports cannot store or send their graphic images.

The TSA specified in 2008 documents that the machines must have image storage and sending abilities, the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) said. - read more at CNN.com

Guardian bag light - snow test

THE MORNING AFTERLike most of the northern hemisphere my little Appalachian village is cold (teens Fahrenheit) and treacherous for wheeled travel. On a foolhardy trek to check on a relative last night I met a hill that neither I or anyone else could scale. So I parked the car in a safe place and headed home on foot. This little hike was made much safer by the Tom Bihn Guardian dual-function bag light. This lanyard/clip LED light usually lives in my car or bag. Last night it was on the kitchen table and it was the light I grabbed when I headed out. Good thing. The roads were so slick that even walking was dangerous unless you could find the powdery parts not already polished by vehicles. The little light was bright enough for this. I used it in flashing mode when I had to stay on the road and in continuous when I took to the shoulder, yards, or ditches. I used it clipped on my jacket pocket and in my hand.

The Guardian is meant as a convenience for illuminating bag interiors and as a compact emergency light that can always be with you. Its second function, I found, is as valuable as its first.

CLIPPED ON POCKET, HANDS-FREEFrom the TB website: Made in Canada to military/law enforcement specifications (not to be confused with the made-in-China consumer version). The replaceable battery is said to be good for 250 hours. Also available with red lens.

New Kindle DX - "Global wireless"

‘Amazon.com has introduced Kindle DX with Global Wireless – a new version of the 9.7-inch wireless reading device now with the convenience of wireless content delivery in over 100 countries. In addition to the features that have made the 6-inch Kindle the bestselling product across all of Amazon, the new Kindle DX with Global Wireless has a large 9.7-inch electronic paper display, auto-rotate capability and storage for up to 3,500 books. Kindle DX with Global Wireless is available for pre-order starting today for $489 at www.amazon.com and ships January 19.”

Size (in inches): 10.4” x 7.2” x 0.38”.

Weight: 18.9 ounces (half of most netbooks).

Claims to have one week of battery life with wireless; two weeks w/o.

Sign the SAVE THE CARRY-ON petition

The hysteria caused by the Christmas Day incident as preciptiated a real crisis for the carry-on traveler. Register your opposition to the banning of carry-on luggage by signing the OBOW petition here. Please forward to friends and post on other message boards you visit (like FlyerTalk or Rick Steves). Our goal is 10,000 signatures. The petition text:

We, the undersigned, do petition and urge US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to allow no policy that bans airline passengers from traveling with at least one reasonably-sized item of carry-on luggage and a personal item. Banning carry-on luggage would impose an unjust, undue, and unnecessary burden on a traveling public already under great stress. - sign here

Tom's ultralight is nearer

From the January newsletter from Tom Bihn:

The Compass:
The Compass is a small carry-on travel bag that Tom has been working on over the course of the last year. We’ve seen the latest prototype, and it’s perfect. Well, we think so: Tom has a little bit more tweaking to do. It’s a great size (probably smaller than you’re thinking) with great organization.

More action in the lightweight, smaller-than-max carry-on segment. No luggage maker has been more responsive to changes in the travel climate in the last few years than Tom Bihn.

Update on January 8, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

More TB news from the blog: 

Field Journal Notebook:
Tom continues to refine the final details of the Field Journal Notebook as he uses the only existing prototype. By Tom’s best guesstimate, 105% of people who see it want it.

Camera Insert:

The Camera Insert is still in progress, not to worry. Tom has some exciting new leads on materials. What’s taking so long? We’re in search of the perfect fabric to laminate to the foam components that make up the Camera Insert. We’ve narrowed it down to two contenders - two high-tech fabrics. Both will need to be custom made for us, so don’t be making sandwiches and waiting by the phone.

 Two more bags debuting in February: 

 A travel bag designed by Tom in Summer ‘09 specifically for an event at the Kennedy Center. Perfect for those who don’t need or want hide-away backpack straps.

 And: something that will allow you to take your iPhone river rafting, or read your Kindle in the bathtub.

AppTab?

WSJ says the Apple Tablet - presumably netbook-sized - is for real.

from GIZMODO

Gizmodo - “I’m Afraid an Apple Tablet Would Be Stupid”

Or it could be the subcompact all-in-one many light travelers have been waiting on…

Update on January 6, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

NYT - A Savior in the Form of a Tablet:

“There hasn’t been this much hype about a tablet since Moses came down from the mountain … 

The tablet, properly executed, will be an iPhone on steroids, and anybody who has spent any time with that device knows that much of its magic lies in replicating that intimate offline navigation. It is a very human, almost innate, urge — readers want to touch what they are seeking to learn.

There are many practical problems to be solved, including making the device lightweight enough to hold while still packing enough battery to feed a power-sucking screen. And the cost is a significant issue. Although a well-executed tablet will play videos and do other magic an e-reader can’t, will it be worth three times as much? It will to me, and perhaps a mass-niche of readers.”