friendly

Friendly Flip Phone
$9.99
This is a greta phone for the entertainment value and the dexterity it promotes. The negative side is it no match my real cordless phones. My almost 9 month old is obsessed with the real phone and will go to grab it after it rings. He will drop this toy real fast in favor of the real one.

That being said, it's still a great toy that doesn't take up a lot of space and can be packed along for a trip to grandma's.

Case Logic 16-Inch Security-Friendly Laptop Backpack (CLBS-116)
$109.99
I regularly travel by airplane and I'm a student, so I decided to try the Case Logic security friendly laptop backpack. According to Case Logic, this backpack will get a person through security checkpoints quickly while fully protecting the laptop and sensitive documents. When approaching an X-ray machine, just unzip and lay flat on the conveyer belt. At the other end, just lift the handle and go.

On my most recent trip, I packed the bag with a 15.4" Dell Latitude D800, a couple school books, some papers, the usual laptop stuff, and some other junk; all together the bag weighed about 20 pounds. I also travel with a Tamrac Expedition 5 backpack containing a digital SLR, several lenses, filters and more resulting with a bag weighing about 20 pounds as well. Considering these two bags weigh the same, the camera bag with its waist strap and shoulder strap connector over the chest feels much lighter on the shoulders. The additional straps distribute the weight better, but would slow down the removal process. However Case Logic's luggage strap allows for carrying the backpack on your suitcase while strapped to the handle.

A lot of thought went into the construction and organizational properties of this laptop backpack Even though Case Logic indicates the plush laptop compartment will hold a 16" laptop, I was able to pack a 17" HP G70-246US comfortably without any zipper closure fuss; although the top corners could be identified. For screening purposes, nothing but the laptop should be stored in this section. The main storage area has a couple pockets to stash the cord and other accessories while allowing plenty of room for books and papers. The front compartment provides many pockets for organizing and includes a clip to hold a key ring. Plus a hidden passport storage compartment is placed between the two zippered halves.

The pre-screening security officer busily warned people to pull out their laptops, but I ignored him. I took the bag off my back, unzipped the two center zippers and laid the properly packed bag out flat on the conveyor belt. The bag passed inspection without any issues. On the other end, I grabbed the main handle and the bag went naturally back together for zipping even though I chose to do so later. Keep in mind, Case Logic warns "It is up to the discretion of the US Transportation Security Officer whether a laptop sleeve can pass without further screening." This by far was the easiest experience passing a laptop through security I can recall.

If you're looking for a laptop bag for traveling which can get you through security check points quickly and hassle free, strongly consider the Case Logic security friendly laptop backpack. The executive on the go would benefit the most, but even the occasional traveler could make use of this sturdy and effective laptop bag. Plus this bag is backed by a 25 year warranty.

PROS:
Sturdy and well constructed
Ample back padding
Manufactured for organization
Luggage strap

CONS:
Feels heavy on the shoulders

Friendly Fires
$9.98
I have itunes to thank for introducing me to Friendly Fires. Just in case you didn't know, itunes offers free music every Tuesday. Every now and again....it's really good. Several months ago they were promoting the video to the Friendly Fires song "Skeleton Boy" which is as interesting as the song itself. And, after the relentless streaming of the "Kiss of Life" video on MTV[...] that my wife played every morning as she put on her make-up and her other less subtle hints, I was left with no option but to purchase the CD.

As I began playing the album, I was initially disappointed to find that the version of Skeleton Boy on this particular version of the album was quite a bit different to the single I had heard. Also, Kiss of Life was nowhere to be found. Make sure you get Friendly Fires (Deluxe Edition). It has the aforementioned bonus tracks and more.

Nevertheless, as I continued with the obligatory 5 uninterrupted spins, I found myself really getting into the bands debut release. Simply put, these guys are a rock band playing dance songs. Nowadays, it seems like all the dance music I hear is centered around electronic drum and bass sounds. Some of it is great. But it's really refreshing to hear a band create a bounce just like the old days, with a thumping kick drum and a string bass playing octaves on the eighth notes. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of electronic sounds on this album. But the core groove comes from a really tight drummer and a bassist that knows how to keep it simple. Well done. These songs are going to make you want to dance. But, at the same time, you'll still feel like your listening to a band rather than a computer.

I really dig Photobooth which immediately made me check my calendar for an open Friday night for a dance party. Just drums, overdriven bass, falsetto and a smackling of guitar and other sounds to keep it interesting. Jump in the Pool is another excellent cut. The lyrics are unencumbered and fun: "Someday we're gonna live in Paris. I promise I'm on it." and "Climbing, I'm climbing aboard. Givin' it a little bit more"

I agree with my wife who said, "I need a break." The album never stops to catch it's breath. But all in all they present a very real sounding up-beat collection of tunes. I think the band's soul desire was for me to move my hiney. And in that they have definitely succeeded.[...]

Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag (Black)
$139.95
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.