For those of you who know me, I don't get too excited about "things". Maybe it's because I don't actually do any shopping? I mention to my wife, "My iPod stopped working." In a few days, I have a shiny new iPod Classic. I mention to my wife, "My cell phone battery is dead." A new BlackBerry appears. It's like magic and I don't give it much thought.
So it's significant that I just have to share my latest new "thing" that I LOVE -- a Targus Zip-Thru Backpack. For those who have no idea what it is, the backpack is an amazing creation that allows you to keep your laptop in the bag while going through the security x-ray screener. This was made for guys like me!
Last week, as I was getting ready for a business trip to LA, my wife mentioned that my new backpack would arrive while I was gone and I would get to use it on my next trip. To be honest, I wasn't paying attention until she said I would be able to keep my laptop in my new backpack and just send the whole thing through the airport security x-ray screener. "What?!?" Yup - I didn't believe her. At the airport, I quizzed the TSA guy. I asked him, "So my wife bought me a backpack that I can supposedly keep my laptop in for the x-ray screener. What are the chances you guys know about this thing?" The TSA guy assured me that they knew about the special backpacks and cases. He said I wouldn't have any problems using it - but I had to read the instructions/tips and store only the laptop in the designated side. The truth is -- I still didn't believe him. Imagine that? ;)
I got the backpack and even read the instructions/tips that came with it. When I got to the airport, I was still convinced that I was going to be held up by the TSA sceeners and forced to pull out my laptop. I unzipped the center section and put the backpack on the conveyor belt, then went through my usual routine with my shoes, belt, etc. I zipped through security at lightspeed -- and was excited as a little kid in a candy store!
PRO:
* Convenient experience with airport security x-ray screener. What a time saver! Plus - you won't have to risk dropping laptop or leaving it behind by accident.
* Lots of pockets. A business person who travels a lot needs pockets for wallet, keys, sunglasses, glasses, BlackBerry, chargers, gum, etc.
* Excellent padding for your back.
CON:
* My old backpack had a great insulated pocket for my water bottle. I miss that.
Now here's the exciting part for all my readers and fans -- you have a chance to win your own Targus Zip-Thru Backpack! There will be one winner chosen at random. You can enter up to two times by posting a comment on this blog and/or Twitter. The contest ends Sunday, April 4 @ 3:00PM Pacific Time.
HOW TO ENTERThe Travel Brain likes to keep things simple. Here is how to enter to my awesome contest:
1. Post a comment below sharing your worst TSA or airport story.and/or
2. Post to Twitter: I entered @TheTravelBrain contest to win a @Targus_Inc zip-thru backpack: http://bit.ly/d4xW7N
That's it! Good luck!
Be sure to stay up-to-date -- follow my blog, follow
@TheTravelBrain on Twitter, and follow
@Targus_Inc on Twitter.
Thanks to
Targus, the industry leader for notebook carrying cases and accessories, for sponsoring this contest.
Happy travels,
The Travel Brain
Full Disclosure: For the benefit of the FTC, I did not receive any compensation directly for this blog post. All opinions expressed are strictly those of The Travel Brain.
