Jul
13
Today I’m reviewing the Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 anti-theft secure shoulder bag with Exomesh. A bag with several interesting features that sets it apart from other shoulder bags. Pacsafe has put a lot of energy into making their bags very difficult to steal or otherwise compromise.
In many parts of the world crimes against tourists are a sad reality that every traveler should consider. Bag snatchers are a major problem in some areas. What could be easier, a scooter passes near you on the street, a passenger on that scooter grabs your shoulder bag, cuts the strap and takes off. In a matter of seconds they are gone!
Another reliable tactic is cutting the bottom of your bag. While you stand waiting for a street light, or pause to watch a performer on the street, several criminal surround you. They may distract you, ask you a question or bump into you. As they continue the interaction their buddies come in close slice the bottom of your bag with a knife and steal your valuables as they fall to the ground or into a shopping bag they have strategically placed.
On the outside the Pacsafe bag looks pretty much like any other shoulder bag. But don’t be fooled, inside it has been upgraded with several features to keep your belongings safe and secure.
The bags design has two minor and two major anti-theft features. First two are pretty simple. First, the shoulder strap is permanently attached to the bag at one end and attaches with a clip at the other end. This allows the user to easily secure the Pacsafe bag to an object. For example you could attach it to a stationary object in a rail car if your going to take a nap. A thief would have to come in close and unsnap the strap to snatch your bag. Many shoulder bags have shoulder straps that are sewn in at both ends making looping it around fixed object impossible.
The second feature is that zip pullers that open and close the front storage compartment can be clipped together making opening the bag a time consuming two handed task. A hassle that I think most bag owners will avoid. Especially since the fabric flap that covers this area is held closed with velcro and opening the flap creates that unmistakable velcro sound.
The two major Pacsafe anti-theft features are a steel “Exomesh” mesh in the bottom of the bag and two steel cables in the strap.
Below you can see photos of two bags straps being cut. First a standard bag then a Pacsafe bag.
Here you see a standard shoulder tote bag. Watch how easily the strap can be cut.
Once cut “our thief” and your bag are gone in seconds.
Here is the Pacsafe bag as a thief tries to cut the strap with a box cutter.
No way is this guy going to cut the steel cable that reinforces this strap.
Below we see the same two bags again, this time the bad guy is cutting open the bottom of the bags.
Here is a standard shoulder tote bag. Slicing open the bottom of the bag is simple.
Items fall out and are gone in a flash.
Same guy as above with same box cutter tries to slice open the Pacsafe shoulder bag.
Knife cuts cover but stops at the white fabric with the woven steel cable mesh.
UPDATE: Sep 14, 2009 – See additional photos of the internal Pacsafe Bag security mesh.
I’m very impressed with this bag and so is my Sister and her husband. Before I cut it up I loaned her the Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 shoulder bag for a recent bird watching trip. See Photo. She liked the fact that she could easily and securely stow her very expensive Swarovski birding binoculars inside. Her only comment was that one of the zippered pockets on the back of the bag wasn’t deep enough to hold a standard bird watching guide. My wife likes the pocket layout and design of the bag but thinks it is heavy. Well…I guess she is right, the security features do add some weight to the bag, but I think it is well worth it.
Pacsafe makes a complete line of anti-theft travel gear. Much of which is available for sale at Magellan’s online store. CLICK HERE.
Jun
8
The plane headed for the crash landing and the passengers braced for their lives. Pilot “Skully” Sullenberger skillfully landed the US Airways aircraft and all 150 passengers and 5 crew safely departed. Minutes after the “miracle” landing, one passenger wanted to get his briefcase off the plane before it sunk. All his documents, personal and business, were on the laptop and he hadn’t backed up.
It shouldn’t take surviving a plane crash to motivate you to back up your data. However, so many us of put it off until something catastrophic happens, like our laptop crashing, or getting lost or stolen. The passenger who hadn’t backed up was out of luck, but another passenger using an on-line back up service had his laptop completely restored within four days.
The “out of luck” passenger lost both computers he had on board, about 250 gigabytes of data from his employer Computer Associates. He had been good about backing up his data from sharing the contents of one hard drive to another. This trip was unusually because he was traveling with both machines due to a business assignment. He lost everything.
Fellow passenger Paul Jorgensen had a better story to tell. He had used a service called Mozy that his employer, Epocrates, provides to back up the night before. The software runs in the background and automatically backs up data while on the internet. He is grateful for the on-line service that helped him retrieve all his data simply and quickly.
The two key players in online back up services are Mozy and Carbonite and, offering peace of mind through online automated back up services for personal and business users. The basic principle behind backing up is to protect data from disasters and the best security is to have multiple versions of the data stored in an alternate location. Most businesses have systems in place; however, vulnerabilities in the processes still exist. Remote backup or off-site data backup allows users to back up data to a remote, off-site location using existing internet bandwidth. Additionally, this less cumbersome approach allows for quicker restoration of data.
The service that booth Mozy and Carbonite offer is software that back ups your files to their servers in the background when you are connected to the internet. Mozy offers unlimited back up for $4.95 per month for home users. For commercial use, see their web site, Mozy Pro. 2 GB of free online back is the promotion they are featuring. The process is like insurance for your data—stored, secured and encrypted in a remote location for safe keeping.
Carbonite Online Backup offers one year unlimited backup for $54.95 for unlimited backup and boasts important files can be recovered anytime, anywhere. The software runs in the background, backing up files as you work. The encryption service protects your data and their web site offers a 15 day free trial.
Passenger Paul Jorgensen’s positive experience with Mozy was exceptional because he had all his data back on his new machine within four days. He had no excuse not to get back to work; even after a surviving a plane crash on the Hudson River. In addition to catastrophic plane crashes that destroy your machine, less dramatic incidents like accidental deletions, drive failure, theft and breakage could set you back. Therefore, an on line back up service like Mozy or Carbonite may be a good choice.
Apr
28
Two Travel Power Multi-Outlet Reviews
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Cruise ships are the worst! Today’s travelers need more power outlets than ever, and most cruise ship cabins offer the least number of plug-in receptacles. Usually two plugs near the desk and two plugs in the bathroom. Rechargeable batteries power my digital camera, flash, video camera, cell phone, laptop, digital audio recorder. And that’s just me…. Ad my Wife to the mix and that increases the demand by another laptop, cell phone, and camera.
Hotels are trying hard but still come up short. It isn’t unusual to find desk lamps with several power outlets in the base. But I often find myself with chargers plugged into every available outlet at the desk and in the bathroom!
Solution is a power strip, but lugging a large standard power strip with a 4-5 foot cord like the one under my desk is out of the question. Appears that manufacturers have caught on and created power strips specifically for travelers and road warriors. I took two units on assignment last weekend to see if they would help me with my power outlet needs. One unit is from Monster and another from Belkin. The units offer distinctly different features and at the end of the weekend one couldn’t be considered a winner over the other….
If you are traveling to a remote Alaskan fishing lodge with power supplied for only a few hours per day from a diesel generator the surge suppression and power filtration capabilities of the Belkin Mini Surge / USB Charger would be best. But if you are in a hotel room with several brick styled chargers the Monster Outlets To Go 3 would be a better choice. If you have several USB charged devices the Belkin is a better choice. (note: Monster website indicates they also make a USB charger version.)
MONSTER POWER – OUTLETS TO GO 3 / Buy It NOW at Amazon.com
PROs – Lighter 4.4oz and smaller. The short cord gives you some added flexibility and wraps around plugs for storage/packing. Outlets are well spaced allowing for multiple power bricks. Plug glows blue when power is on allowing you to confirm the plug is hot. Helpful if some of the power outlets in the room are controlled by a light switch. Also available in 4 and 6 outlet versions.
CONs – Manufactured by Monster Cable who tends to have overzealous lawyers. Read More. (NOTE: “Monster Cable” is a registered trademark of Monster Cable Products, Inc.) Plug doesn’t rotate which may limit it’s usage locations. No surge protection.
BELKIN – MINI SURGE/USB CHARGER / Buy It NOW at Amazon.com
PROS – Surge suppression and noise filtration. Two USB charging outlets. Included USB charging cable. Grounded LED Indicator shows power is online. Plug rotates for more installation options.
CONs – Larger and heavier 6.7oz. Outlets are very closely spaced, using a power brick will block another outlet.
Nov
10
Headed to a part of the world that has questionable water sources? Going hiking into the back country? Maybe a portable water filter would be a handy item to take along with you…
Seychelle Water Filtration makes a line of products that are designed to filter the water you drink. Making any water taste, fresh, and clean regardless of the source. I could be from a water source, a lake or river, or even out of the tap.
They make water bottles of various types along with an interesting, easily carried, Pure Water Straw. All containing a Ionic-absorption Micro-filtration system that removes up to 99.99% of contaminants found in fresh water including Guardia, Cryptosporidium, E-Coli Bacteria. Proven effective against bacteria and virus.
I”ve ordered several of their items. I’ll let you know what I think after they arrive.
NOTE: These filters are not designed to deal with salt water.
Oct
20
Red Eye Flights Made Easy? The Zami Pillow
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Most of us know from previous experience that the idea of sleeping on a overnight flight can be a bit daunting. That is where the Zami Travel Pillow comes in. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, I’ve asked the makers to send me a sample, but it looks like it might have promise. www.TheZami.com
The picture pretty much tells the story. The inflatable pillow is made up of three different blow up cells. You inflate each cell until you have the height you want.
My two concerns would be: Does the weight on your legs become uncomfortable during a long sleep? I’ve found in the past that sleeping on plastic can be very uncomfortable.
I’ll update the posting if the makers send me a sample.
Oct
6
Is the ASUS Eee PC Right for Travelers?
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The Eee PC may be the perfect match for some casual PC users, but if your hard core computer geek you may be disappointed.
If you can live with the limits they make great traveling companions. They have small screens 9-11 inches. Small keyboards that are hard for big fisted guys like me.
They also have limited storage space. They don’t have hard disk drives, but use solid-state memory for storage. The models with memory card ports allow you to expand storage. And with the rapid increases in flash memory densities the port is nice and will allow the unit to grow with you for awhile.
Previous models of the Eee PC have only offered the Linux operating system. A software that is growing in popularity. But now you can get the latest the model 900 with Windows XP Home installed.
Many travelers just want to have a browser to deal with email while on the road along with a simple word processing. This Eee PC should be usable for them, but for road-warriors who want to edit video or photos while on the road this laptop/miniPC/netbook might not make the grade.
Sep
23
Pocket Express in your Pocket
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Pocket Express is a software application that runs on smart phones like the iPhone, Blackberry, and the Treo. The services give you fast access to flight times, news, sports, weather and other information. Some of the services are offered for free, but the majority of the services require subscriptions. A discounted bundle of subscriptions is available for 6.95 per month or $70 per year.
Try out the FREE options, click here. The thing I like about this service is that it is customized to your device so it displays data that websites may not render well on a mobile web browser. NOTE: It can also run on other WiFi connected devices like some of the HP iPAQ units.
Sep
17
Traveling With 8 Chargers, Finding 2 Outlets!
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I guess I fall into the category of “road warrior” when it comes to traveling with lots of electronic gear. One item that has become a real problem for me are charging units. While on the now defunct NCL Pride Of Aloha cruise ship I had only two plugs and a hand full of chargers. It became a project in itself just managing the charging of various devices.
I can carry as many as 8 different chargers with me. Starting with a AA battery charger for flash units, digital audio recorder, and comm radios. I also carry individual chargers for my cell phone, laptop, video camera, a Nikon DSLR, and my Canon point and shoot. And if my Wife travels with me it means adding her camera and phone charger. Luckily we both carry IBM Thinkpads so we only need one laptop charger.
Today’s gadget doesn’t solve the problem of multiple chargers, but it does help with plugging them in. Sometimes it’s a real problem with maybe only one conviently located outlet. Or if mutiple plugins are available you’ll end up with chargers plugged in all over. One next to the bed, one under the desk, and another in the bathroom. You’ll find the problem of limited AC outlets especially on cruise ships.
Belkin makes a possible solution. This companct and lightweight Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger allows three devices to use just one plug. It features three AC outlets and two powered USB outlets designed for charging MP3 players and mobile phones.
Not only does it turn one outlet into 3 it adds surge suppression protection. The 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking positions makes the unit even more flexible. But the close spacing of the three outlets may make it difficult for attaching multiple “brick” style chargers. It also comes with Lifetime Product and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranties.
Aug
11
If you find yourself stranded overnight at an airport or train station you may be much more comfortable if you had tossed a new Mini Motel into your carry-on bag. The Mini Motel is a combination tent and sleeping bag that has been designed for comfort and easy set up.
The Mini Motel website says it is made of durable, high quality materials and includes many accessories to provide you with many of the “comforts of home.” It includes the following: Air Mattress / Pillow / Bed Sheet / Alarm Clock / Reading Light / Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste / Ear Plugs / Eye Shades.
The interesting thing is that at $50 this unit will easily pay for itself the first time you use it. You may even be able to make it a profitable venture. You might consider being a volunteer for denied boarding, get the cash or credit offered by the airline, and catch the early morning flight. If you stay in your Mini Motel in the terminal no cab fares or secuirty screenings. You can probably get an extra 2-3 hours sleep before that morning flight.
It also has other uses. Add one or more to your emergency preparedness kit, it would be great to have a little privacy if your sacking out in a shelter. Having family over for an overnight stay? Put the kids in the living room and give them each their own Mini Motel tent. I think kids would love it.
It weighs 4.7lbs, when folded up it is 17″ x 12″ x 3″, when set up it is 80″L x 25″W x 35″H.
For more details and purchasing information visit the Mini Motel website.
Jul
2
Some of us like the big city experience while other would rather be as faraway as possible from any signs of civilization. Preferring the wilderness. It could be steep mountains of Colorado, the dry deserts of Arizona, or the sailing the deep blue sea.
The magic of many of these trips is that you are alone, very alone. But some of you may not realize that distance from civilization comes at a price. And that price could be your life.
You could say it will never happen to me. I’ll never need help, I’m tough. But the reality is that we don’t have any control over our environment. Proper planning can limit your exposure to dangerous conditions, but you never really know what you will find. Remember the story about Aron Ralston, the trapped climber who was forced to cut off his own arm using a dull knife? Read about Aron.
If you run into trouble in the wilderness a new device is available to help you contact help. The new SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker. This cool unit not only helps you when your lost or in trouble, but allows you to create a record of your travels, and let friends and loved ones know your status.
The SPOT unit contains a GPS tracking receiver and a satellite transmitter. The GPS supplies the SPOT with your location and the transmitter sends that info up to a listening satellite above. Pretty straight forward, but the SPOT unit offers some options.
The orange SPOT unit has four option buttons.
- ON/OFF
- OK/Check - This sends your position and a predetermined ”I’m OK” message to a friend or family member. Hold this button down for five seconds and the unit will send this message every 10 minutes for 24 hrs. This repeat feature can allow tracking on a Google Map.
- HELP – This sends your location and a different “I could use some help” like message you have preset to a designated individual.
- 911 – This sends your location and a “send help NOW” message to the GEOS International Emergency Response Center. They then direct emergency responders to your location, and notify your emergency contact.
I think this unit is pretty handy, and an important safety and security item. It is not unlike technology that has been available to boaters for years (EPRB). It also is similar to the location device that is automatically activated in an airplane when it crashes (ELT). I think hikers would enjoy having such a unit, even for a day hike in populated areas. With the GPS tracking feature you could have a mapped record of your hike for later reference.
Having a SPOT unit with me would make me feel more comfortable heading off into any remote location. A location with no land lines or cell phone service.
The unit will need a view of the sky to work, and it doesn’t work everywhere. Southern Africa and some ocean area are not covered. The manufactures website offers a coverage map.
The unit costs around $170. 911, Help and Check-in services are $100 a year, the tracking feature costs and additional 50 per year. The unit is 4.4 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches and weighs 7.4 oz. For more details visit the official www.FindMeSpot.com website.
UPDATE: The Wallstreet Journal on 9/29/2008 has given the SPOT as their Consumer Electronics 2008 Technology Inovation award.
