TOM BIHN Prototype "Checkpoint Friendly" Bag: Success!
Recently, Tom and Darcy flew to a select U.S. airport to consult with
TSA staff, testing Tom's prototype of a new checkpoint friendly
briefcase.
Quoting the TSA:
"One project we're currently working on that has been widely discussed on the Internet and several blogs is a "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag. This bag would allow our officers a clear, unobstructed view of the laptop and allow passengers to keep the laptop in the bag during screening." At the airport, we were given exclusive access to an x-ray machine and conveyor for the testing process. We tested Tom's prototype briefcase in every way we could, from the best to the worst case scenerio. We also tested the Archetype case (with Darcy's 15" MacBook Pro inside) -- an existing bag that already meets the "checkpoint friendly" requirements. (See below for more. Note that, until the TSA launches the "checkpoint friendly" program, you still must take your laptop out of your bag when going through security.) The results? The prototype briefcase is a success: in multiple configurations, it provided x-ray images that met the TSA screening standards. Tom continues to refine the design of the as-yet unnamed prototype checkpoint-friendly briefcase. We expect the briefcase to be available for pre-order within weeks. Tom also has designs in process for a "checkpoint friendly" backpack and messenger bag. These bags aren't and won't be just checkpoint friendly: they will offer the same tough materials and handsome, cleverly engineered design that you've come to expect from a TOM BIHN bag. We think that you will also appreciate that your TOM BIHN checkpoint friendly bag, specifically designed to go through U.S. airport security, was also designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. under the watchful eyes of our Seattle factory crew. Two current TOM BIHN laptop cases -- the Archetype molded laptop case and the Soft Cell laptop sleeve -- are already "checkpoint friendly." That means that sometime in August/September -- when the TSA officially initiates the "checkpoint friendly" program -- you can leave your laptop in your Archetype or Soft Cell while it goes through the x-ray machine, protecting your laptop from scratches and bumps. (Note: these bags will meet the new TSA requirement as long as you put *only* your laptop in the case, no accessories.) Our experiences testing Tom's prototype "checkpoint friendly" briefcase revealed the potential this program offers that will save you, the traveler, both time and hassle as well as protect your laptop.
"One project we're currently working on that has been widely discussed on the Internet and several blogs is a "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag. This bag would allow our officers a clear, unobstructed view of the laptop and allow passengers to keep the laptop in the bag during screening." At the airport, we were given exclusive access to an x-ray machine and conveyor for the testing process. We tested Tom's prototype briefcase in every way we could, from the best to the worst case scenerio. We also tested the Archetype case (with Darcy's 15" MacBook Pro inside) -- an existing bag that already meets the "checkpoint friendly" requirements. (See below for more. Note that, until the TSA launches the "checkpoint friendly" program, you still must take your laptop out of your bag when going through security.) The results? The prototype briefcase is a success: in multiple configurations, it provided x-ray images that met the TSA screening standards. Tom continues to refine the design of the as-yet unnamed prototype checkpoint-friendly briefcase. We expect the briefcase to be available for pre-order within weeks. Tom also has designs in process for a "checkpoint friendly" backpack and messenger bag. These bags aren't and won't be just checkpoint friendly: they will offer the same tough materials and handsome, cleverly engineered design that you've come to expect from a TOM BIHN bag. We think that you will also appreciate that your TOM BIHN checkpoint friendly bag, specifically designed to go through U.S. airport security, was also designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. under the watchful eyes of our Seattle factory crew. Two current TOM BIHN laptop cases -- the Archetype molded laptop case and the Soft Cell laptop sleeve -- are already "checkpoint friendly." That means that sometime in August/September -- when the TSA officially initiates the "checkpoint friendly" program -- you can leave your laptop in your Archetype or Soft Cell while it goes through the x-ray machine, protecting your laptop from scratches and bumps. (Note: these bags will meet the new TSA requirement as long as you put *only* your laptop in the case, no accessories.) Our experiences testing Tom's prototype "checkpoint friendly" briefcase revealed the potential this program offers that will save you, the traveler, both time and hassle as well as protect your laptop.
darcy | 22 July 2008 10:59 am | New products |
