Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag
Product Description
Skooba's patent-pending Checkthrough Bag looks and functions like a high-end business case, but opens and hinges in the middle to separate and isolate the laptop compartment from the rest of the bag. For initial, immediate visual reference, the laptop can be seen by the inspector through a clear window that is exposed when the bag is unfolded. This quick-recognition window is one of several features for which the company has patents pending. With the window facing up, the bag is sent through x-ray screening. The design of the laptop compartment is such that the image presented to the screener is the same as if the laptop were removed and placed in a bin. The Checkthrough bag and all of its contents can be carried securely with or without the hinge zipped shut, so it can be readied in line, prior to screening. Once through, the traveler can simply pick up the bag and go, zipping it back up on the move or at the gate.
Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag
February 2nd, 2010 - 17:46
I got one of these and recently travelled internationally. This laptop bag, unfortunately, is a waste of money. I was asked to remove the laptop from the bag in three different airports, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Maybe HKG and TPE don’t really care about U.S. FAA’s specifications of the bag, but San Francisco?
I could just use this bag as a regular laptop bag. But it is rather bulky for a laptop bag. It’s a waste of money.
Rating: 1 / 5
February 2nd, 2010 - 19:40
I got this when Amazon had it at $[...] several weeks ago. What a bargain! Best [...] bucks I have ever spent. This case has tons of room and is VERY COMFORTABLE to carry. The handle is very nice. Some posts noted the strap was not very good but I found it just fine. I ordered the Skooba strap (~$19) which arrived 2 weeks later but I would have been fine with the standard strap. Lots of storage room, pockets and arranged well. I have used it at several US airports without taking the pc out of the case. In Canada, I have to remove it. Either way is no problem since the pc is very easily removed from its unique section used only by the pc. PC padding is fine. Overall construction is good. The size is about an inch longer than my old case. However, it still fits well under airplane seats. The only suggestion on future designs is to add a couple dividers in the file storage section.
Rating: 5 / 5
February 2nd, 2010 - 21:15
I bought this just before a plane trip to Boston. It made my passing through the security check point a breeze as I did not have to remove my laptop & place it in a bin then have to juggle it back in the case after it went through xray. It also has ample room to carry all the attachments & files that I needed plus I was able to put in my purse so I would have only one personal carry on to the plane..But it is on the heavier side even when empty.
Rating: 4 / 5
February 2nd, 2010 - 23:03
I figure I’m in and out of airports 30+ times a year, so a good laptop bag is a must. I’m pairing this with my lifetime warranty Ricardo Elite carry-on (likes to tip over, but otherwise, like new after all these years).
Highlights:
* Has a strap to slip over carry-on handle. Velcro in the center is okay, but comes undone sometime. Not as snug a fit as my Dell case.
* Checkpoint friendly. Case is a bit large for my 15″ laptop, so it moves a bit. You have to unzip two zippers to open it butterfly style for the scanner. I think a snap would be quicker.
* Enormous. Fits underneath the seat but no more room for your feet. Finally, I can fit all the accessories and electronic stuff I have to lug everywhere. Compartments galore.
* Do not believe people who say airport staff still requires the laptop to come out. There is a sign sewn into the bag that says the laptop can stay inside.
Okay, so it isn’t perfect – single weld on the handles and straps instead of double – but way better than anything else I’ve seen. If you’re still taking out your laptop, consider the time saving and theft risk. I was a bit concerned about its fit with my laptop, but the pros easily outweigh it.
Rating: 4 / 5
February 2nd, 2010 - 23:19
I wanted a bag wide enough to hold books, magazines, and other carry-on material, but this bag is much heavier and bulkier than expected. (Actually, one review warned of this, but I didn’t heed it!) Hard side construction means it is fat even when empty. Checkpoint-friendly feature worked in the US but not in Europe, where the laptop still had to be removed. It’s really easier to remove a top-loaded laptop than to unzip and spread a checkpoint-friendly bag, anyway, so I’d reconsider this feature. The side pockets were very handy for quickly needed items, such as passport and boarding passes, and the handle and shoulder strap were comfortable.
Rating: 3 / 5