News

Skooba Design has again expanded its original Checkthrough “checkpoint-friendly” laptop bag collection, with the addition of an ultralight backpack and a rolling laptop/business case. Checkthrough bags are specially designed and tested to pass through airport security x-ray screening without having to remove the computer. According to the company, its Checkthrough bags—developed in close coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—are the best-selling items in Skooba’s 10-year history, and the new styles are in response to significant customer demand for more and different versions of the product. The company has multiple patents pending on both current and future Checkthrough products, and also offers a broad range of checkpoint-friendly laptop skins.

At first glance, the Checkthrough Backpack looks like a standard, high-end business or travel backpack. But unlike traditional laptop packs, it 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. 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.

The new Checkthrough Roller works the same way as the backpack, with a hinged laptop compartment and preview window. It glides on urethane skate wheels mounted to aluminum wheel guard brackets, pulled along by a heavy-duty retractable handle. Skooba says that the roller is among the lightest rolling cases in its category, capacity and feature-set, and that it fits in all major airline storage spaces. Yet the case has room for a large stack of files and papers, or even an overnight’s worth of clothing and travel necessities.

Both the backpack and roller feature durable, weather-repellant ballistic exterior fabric, nickel-finished hardware, Doc Pocket™ organizers for airline tickets and passport, clear zippered pouches for allowable liquids, and many other travel-friendly features. Plenty of pockets—20 in the backpack and 18 in the Roller—organize gadgets, accessories and other small items.

The new Checkthrough Backpack and Roller are in stock now and available for immediate delivery, at suggested retail prices of $129.95 and $189.95, respectively. For more information, visit www.Tenba.com.

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Nik Software announced Viveza 2, an upgraded plug-in for selective color and light control. Available in December, Viveza 2 now offers users robust global adjustments and precise selective controls that utilize Nik Software’s award-winning U Point technology. Viveza 2 eliminates the need to create complicated selections or layer masks and provides a powerful solution for users looking to save time and effort when editing images.   

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For this year's auction we have succeeded in being able to offer a selection of around 600 lots of the highest quality in our Vienna auction house. As with our previous auction numerous unique cameras and classics of photographic history that will appeal equally to institutional collections, dealers and private collectors with a feeling for something special are to be auctioned.

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Mountainsmith continues a tradition of innovation with their new 2010 camera/optical bag collection. The line is defined by its use of Mountainsmith’s ReDura 100% recycled PET fabric. Designed with input from a team of professionals, the bags are more technical and performance-oriented than that found in most camera bags and are differentiated by its distinct and proven technical outdoor function. Each model has been designed for worry-free protection, easy accessibility, and versatile organization for capturing the whole gamut of outdoor adventures. 

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Leica Camera AG, Solms presents the LEICA M9, the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a full-format 24 x 36mm sensor. As the world’s most compact full-format system camera, the M9 extends the legendary heritage of the Leica rangefinder M System and unites over 50 years of continuous technical improvements to the system with the best in cutting-edge digital technology.

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Actor and photographer Aaron Eckhart, will join Julia Dean, founder of the Julia Dean Photo Workshops, for an exhibit and silent auction of more than 100 iconic images taken by leading photographers from around the world at the Stephen Cohen Gallery in Los Angeles on February 20, 2010.

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