Week of 9 March, 2008 - 01:00 to 15 March, 2008 - 23:59

The Smart(er) Alec: now available for pre-order (ships mid-May). $130.

Tom recently redesigned the Smart Alec. Here's what's new in the latest version of the backpack:

New shoulder straps that are more comfortable for everyone from Tom (6'0") to Darcy (5'5").

Interior organizer pocket zips shut; two pockets replace two pen slots and a wallet/PDA pocket which have been moved to side pocket opposite the water bottle pocket.

Dyneema/nylon lining replaces 500 denier Cordura lining.

Removable bungee cord on front allows one to easily stow a yoga mat, jacket/windbreaker. Bungee cord is reflective.

One of the side pockets features an expanding water bottle pocket that fits water bottles small to large (up to 1-1/2 liters). The water bottle side pocket has a eyelet at the bottom just in case water leaks in the pocket.

New style of removable waist strap leaves no hardware behind when you remove it.

The ID messenger bag is now in-stock in all colors: Black/Steel/Cayenne, Black/Steel/Wasabi, Black/Black/Sapphire, and Black/Black/Steel.

The Zephyr briefcase is now in-stock and ready to ship in all colors: Black/Black/Cayenne, Black/Black/Sapphire, Black/Black/Steel, Black/Steel/Wasabi, Black/Steel/Steel, and Black/Crimson/Steel.

Our Seattle factory is currently working on the first batch of Ristretto bags. The Ristretto, a vertical messenger bag with a built-in padded laptop pocket sized for the MacBook Air or 13" MacBook, is available for pre-order in the following colors: Olive/Cayenne, Black/Olive, Plum/Wasabi, Steel/Sapphire, and Black/Steel.

Those of you who have already placed pre-orders for the Ristretto will have your orders shipped by the end of March (as scheduled.) New orders for the Ristretto (those placed from today on until the bag is in-stock) will ship by mid-April.

We've added new pictures of the Ristretto to the Ristretto page. See them here. And we've created a new forum thread -- The Ristretto: Q&A -- where you are welcome to post your questions about the bag (and have them answered.)

Sure my mom taught me a million things when I was a kid, among them how to appreciate Dr. Seuss and how to sew. As an adult, she reminds me how important it is to keep up the good work by volunteering. She's worked at Hospice in Santa Cruz, California since 1984, making a positive impact on people's lives. I'm very proud of you, Mom! -- Tom Bihn

Bobbie Bihn was featured in a recent hospice publication. Click the above picture to be taken to a full-size image of the article describing Bobbie's volunteer work for hospice. For more information on the Santa Cruz Hospice Caring Project, click here.

Join Dick DeBartolo and co-host Leo Laporte for The Daily Giz Wiz podcast, featuring a review/discussion of our Western Flyer travel briefcase, Brain Cell laptop case, and accessories. Click here to listen to Daily Giz Wiz 522: Tom Bihn’s Western Flyer.

A description of the Daily Giz Wiz podcast: Mad's maddest writer and The Giz Wiz, Dick DeBartolo, digs into his massive gadget collection for the gadget of the day. Released every weekday. This program is co-hosted by Leo Laporte.

Discuss the Daily Giz Wiz review in the TOM BIHN Forums.

More links:
Daily Giz Wiz 522: Tom Bihn's Western Flyer
Dick DeBartolo / The Daily Giz Wiz
Leo Laporte
The Western Flyer
Various TOM BIHN cable/cord organizers, pouches, and accessories.
The Absolute Shoulder Strap
The Brain Cell

The Medium Cafe Bag in colors Plum/Wasabi, Cocoa/Wasabi, Black/Steel Black/Wasabi, Olive/Wasabi, and Olive/Cayenne is now in-stock and ready to ship.

The Large Cafe Bag in colors Olive/Wasabi, Olive/Cayenne, Plum/Wasabi, and Cocoa/Wasabi is now in-stock and ready to ship.