Traveler 2.0

TSA 3-1-1 Rule on Liquids Going Bye-Bye?

Today, an item buried toward the end of The New York Times' On the Road column caught my eye.

Transportation Security Administration director Kip Hawley told columnist Joe Sharkey that "the prohibition against carrying through liquids except those in 3-ounce containers that can fit into one quart-size baggie — would probably be dropped once new technology is in place."

Hawley explained that new checkpoint machines will “have the capacity to differentiate threat liquids from nonthreat liquids” in any size container. The switchover to these machines "should take about a year."

It's a safe guess that any frequent flier would welcome this change. However, I have a confession. During my last four trips through airport security, I haven't completely complied with the TSA 3-1-1 prohibition. 

According to the rule, in order to pass through airport security, your gels and liquids must be in a single quart-sized see-through bag. You're supposed to put that bag into a plastic bucket and feed it through the security scanner.

I followed the first part. But I kept forgetting to remove my quart bag of gels/liquids from my carry-on bag. No TSA official asked me to, either. I'm sure the security screeners could see my bag of gels on their monitors as it passed through the X-ray.

So I'll keep following the tedious 3-1-1 rule. But TSA, I'm not taking the plastic bag of gels out of my carry-on unless you ask me.

Oh, by the way. On my last trip, out of JFK, I used a checkpoint-friendly laptop backpack. The TSA agent asked me to remove my laptop anyhow. I said I didn't need to, it was checkpoint-friendly.

She regarded me with disbelieving eyes. "I've never had somebody going through security and telling me they didn't need to do what I said," she retorted, arms folding across her chest. 

I pointed to the words 'checkpoint friendly' on the bag and politely explained the concept to her. (The security line was thin at the moment, in case you're wondering why I'd hold up the proceedings.)

"Thanks," she said, a touch sarcastically, "for setting me straight on this."

"You're welcome," I answered, and went on my way.

Best Laptop Backpacks: Mobile Edge ScanFast

As part of my never-ending quest for the best laptop backpack, I traveled last week with Mobile Edge's new ScanFast (list price $100).

The backpack is part of Mobile Edge's new line of checkpoint-friendly laptop bags, designed so you don't have to remove your laptop as you pass through an airport security checkpoint.

I prefer to use a backpack for my carry-on bag. I'd rather carry the weight of a laptop and other stuff on my back than on my shoulders or in my hands. The Mobile Edge backpack appears to be one of the few of its kind on the market. 

It's not a thing of beauty, however, lacking the class of a Tumi or Briggs & Riley bag. But it's also less expensive than typical bags from those companies. I wish Mobile Edge had found a way to add an exterior water bottle pocket. A strap for securing the backpack over the telescoping handle of a wheeled bag would be nice, too. But the designers of checkpoint-friendly bags face more constraints than those of traditional laptop bags, so these omissions are understandable.

In its favor, the ScanFast backpack has plenty of pockets. It's affordable. And it eliminated one step--having to remove my laptop--during the security screening process, which I appreciate. Overall, I recommend the backpack for frequent flyers who'd like a new laptop backpack.

Air Travel for Techies: American's Wi-Fi, Virgin America's Power Ports

Just returned from a business/pleasure trip to New York.

From San Francisco to JFK, I flew American Airlines in coach, specifically to try its new wireless network service (available on 767-200 aircraft flying between JFK and SF, LA, and Miami). The service, Aircell's Gogo, cost $13 for the entire flight. Aircell employees were stationed at the departure gate, handing out coupons for 25% off the service. (See picture below.)

The connection speed was not quite as fast as my DSL-based wireless network at home. But it was speedy enough to watch YouTube videos with only occasional lags and skips. A bonus: I had a DC power port at my seat, so with an adapter, I kept my MacBook Air powered throughout the flight.

For my return flight, I traveled on Virgin America. I was a Virgin virgin and was curious what the buzz was all about.

The A319 aircraft I was on didn't have wireless or wired networking (Virgin's working on adding that). The entertainment system was fun and easy to use, however. And my coach cabin seat had an AC power outlet.

But here's the curious thing. When my MacBook Air was plugged into the outlet, its cursor/pointer became virtually unusable. I would drag my finger across the trackpad to move the cursor to select, say, an icon in the Mac OS dock. But the cursor wouldn't respond at all. Or it would have a delayed response of as much as half a minute.

I thought my MacBook Air was having a meltdown. Then, out of curiosity, I unplugged the laptop from the power port at my seat. The cursor movement immediately returned to normal. When I plugged the computer back in to the power port, the cursor went back into lag mode. 

I was watching Mad Men episodes on my MacBook Air, so the cursor lag wasn't a significant problem. When I needed to use the cursor, I'd just unplug the computer, move the pointer, then plug the computer back in. If I had needed to work, however, the cursor delay would have been intolerable.

High tech amenities in flight are finally arriving, after years of stops and starts. The ability to surf the Web in the sky is a big step forward. But my experience using Virgin America's power port is a reminder that quirky, mysterious technical glitches still follow us, no matter where we go. 

Flip Mino: New Personalization Options are Spot On

Pure Digital, the folks behind the hot-selling Flip Mino pocket camcorder, are now giving consumers countless options for personalizing the camcorder's look.

You can choose from dozens of patterns and styles. Really jonesin' for a leopard-print Flip Mino? No worries; they'll sell you one. 

Want to create your own pattern to put on your Flip Mino? Or add your own photo? Not a problem. A few clicks, and you're done.

Customizing the look of an electronic device isn't something new. For example, HP and Sony have offered consumers options for personalizing the look of laptops, portable media players, and such. But Pure Digital seems to be giving consumers way more personalization options. Despite the tough economy, I'll bet Pure Digital will sell a ton of customized Flip Minos for $180 a pop this holiday season. 

Best Laptop Bags: Watertight Roll-Aboard for Laptop, Other Gear

The Pelican 1510 LOC is one of the more unusual wheeled carry-on bags I've seen. It's fairly rugged, with a hard-shell exterior that claims to be watertight and crush proof.

The interior features two removable pouches. One is clearly designed for accessories--power cords, cables, and such. The other is for a small-medium-sized laptop. Both pouches affix to the bag's inside lid with Velcro.

Because of its hard shell, those who tend to overpack (meaning: me) would probably feel constrained by this bag. At $232, it's a bit pricey, too. However, I could see using the Pelican 1510 LOC to safely transport a variety of gear, such as laptop, projector, portable printer, camera equipment, and accessories.

IPhone E-Mail Solution: Switch to Gmail

In previous posts, I explained the problems I've had sending/receiving e-mail on my iPhone 3G via my AT&T Yahoo e-mail account.

I've finally found a permanent solution. I switched to Gmail.

I'd been considering transitioning to Gmail anyway. The reason: I like the idea of having all my messages available from any computer, rather than locked up in an Outlook file on one computer. You can have your e-mail from AT&T Yahoo or whomever automatically forwarded to Gmail. Or you can have Gmail go and fetch the e-mail from your other accounts. Another benefit: You can tell Gmail to leave copies of any e-mail it fetches on the original server. This means you're automatically creating a backup of every message received. One remains on your ISP's server; another is in your Gmail.

Also, you can send e-mail from Gmail using any of your other e-mail addresses. For example, in Gmail I can send someone an e-mail and the message will appear to have come from my AT&T Yahoo e-mail address. In other words: You can switch to Gmail and the move will be completely transparent to everyone with whom you exchange e-mail. They don't have to update your contact information in their address books.

Anyhow, I've had zero problems sending and receiving Gmail on my iPhone 3G. So if you're still having problems, consider routing your e-mail through Gmail.

Google Phone vs. iPhone

The first Google Android phone, made by HTC and available in the U.S. and Europe only to T-Mobile subscribers, officially debuted yesterday. Inevitable comparisons to Apple's iPhone were made. Here's a quick roundup of some first impressions thus far:

* The New York Times' Saul Hansell: "After playing with the G1 for 20 minutes, my initial take is that the G1 is the PC to the iPhone’s Macintosh...

"Physically, it is a little narrower than the iPhone, but thicker. That means the screen is a little smaller. I also found that the plastic case feels a little cheap. The biggest differentiator is the G1’s slide-out keyboard, some might find easier to type on than the iPhone’s virtual keyboard...

"For now, it seems like a very interesting phone for people who really want to type on a little keyboard. But until the value of Android’s slightly clunky flexibility proves out, I suspect many people will prefer the polished simplicity of the iPhone."

* Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg: "Google’s new G1 phone...is the first real competitor to the iPhone. Like Apple’s product, it’s a serious handheld computer with a powerful new operating system (called Android) and a clever touch-based user interface. Like the iPhone, it’s likely to be a major new platform for third-party software. But it’s also very different, and may appeal to different buyers...

"The web browser is based on the same open-source technology as the iPhone’s, but works differently. You can view a portion of a page, and use a zoom control and finger-dragging to see the rest, or you can view the whole page in miniature, as on the iPhone. In the latter mode, however, you can’t simply use Apple’s technique of tapping or “pinching” to zoom in on a portion of a page. You must move around a virtual lens to pick out a part of the page on which to focus...

"In sum, the G1 is a powerful, versatile device which will offer users a real alternative in the new handheld computing category the iPhone has occupied alone."

* PC World's Tom Spring: "In contrast to Apple that built its own phone, operating system, and content ecosystem, the G1 is based on an open platform. That means any software publisher can design programs that run on the G1 and its Android operating system. The potential universe of T-Mobile G1 applications is huge. Yet, it's too early to know whether mobile application developers will flock to the Android platform.

"At least for now Apple has the upper hand when it comes to the device. The number of iPhone mobile applications (accessible via Apple's App Store) is growing every day. However, Apple's total control over the iPhone can also be bad because Apple can choose to exert too much control over what applications run on the iPhone and bar those that it doesn't like, upsetting users...

"The overall two-year cost of owning a $200 iPhone is $2360 (unlimited texting). The cost of owning a G1 with an identical texting plan is between $1620 and $2460."

The early impressions are far from conclusive. But the opinions suggest the Google phone could be the first 'real' competition for the iPhone. And that the Google phone may appeal to users more interested in the Web and typing on a physical keyboard and less interested in multimedia.None of this is terribly surprising, but the competition between the two phones should become much more interesting in the future.

Kodak Z16 High-Def Pocket Camcorder vs. Flip Mino

I've had the opportunity to test the Kodak Z16 pocket camcorder, which takes high-def (720p at 60fps, 16:9 aspect ratio) as well as VGA-quality video. It's a compelling alternative to the Flip Mino, which doesn't record high-def but costs the same as the Kodak camera. (Both list for $180.)

Things I like about the Kodak vs. the Flip: The high-def camcorder can store videos and still images on SD cards; the Flip Mino only has internal memory and can't capture stills. The Kodak camcorder uses rechargeable or regular AA batteries; the Flip Mino's internal battery must be recharged and isn't replaceable.

However, here's something I really don't like about the Kodak camcorder. In bright sunlight, you can barely make out what's displayed on its 2.4 LCD screen. Shooting video at the beach on a beautiful day requires a fair amount of guesswork and squinting. This is one of the things that baffles and angers me about portable electronics. Why would you make a compact digital camera or camcorder whose screen washes out in bright sunlight? Don't manufacturers take into account that people like to shoot video and pictures outdoors? Hello? Is anyone home?

By comparison, the Flip Mino's screen is extremely bright and easy to view outdoors on a sunny day. The same is true with the Flip Ultra, the Mino's still-available predecessor. (It sells for $150.)

If the second-generation Z16 has a better screen and slims down a bit (it's bulkier and heavier than the slim Mino), it could be an extremely compelling product. As it stands, I wouldn't recommend it unless you rarely plan to shoot in bright sunlight.

Speaking of which, I snapped the image below with the Z16 at the South Yuba river near Nevada City. It was a bright, sunshiny day, so I just aimed the camera and hoped for the best.

P.S. Pictured below is Monarch, a former show dog who reigns at Harmony Ridge Lodge, just north of Nevada City. A former private residence beautifully transformed by its new owners, the lodge combines rustic charm with guest room appointments that look like something you'd find at a Four Seasons. The rates are reasonable, too, and the lodge is becoming a popular wedding spot, which should tell you something. At night you can sit out in the gardens and gaze up at the stars and the Milky Way. The inn has a secured Wi-Fi network, though it's not accessible from all rooms. My partner and I have been here five or six times already (the lodge just opened a year ago) and are already planning our next stay.

Lingering E-Mail Problem with iPhone 3G; New Treo Pro

Though my earlier e-mail problems with the iPhone 3G have been resolved, there's a mysterious glitch that still lingers. (Read my post from July 28 for details on my previous iPhone 3G e-mail woes, and the solution Apple suggested that solved the problem.)

My main e-mail account is through AT&T Yahoo. For some reason, after an unpredictable period of time, the iPhone stops recognizing my stored password for this e-mail account. So I re-enter my six-character password in the iPhone's Mail, Contacts, and Calendars settings. After I do that, the iPhone authenticates the password, and all's well again--until the iPhone once again stops recognizing the password.

I've updated to the iPhone 2.0.2 software but the problem persists. I've found no references to this glitch online. I haven't called Apple tech support, because life is hectic and this is a minor irritation.

No doubt Apple will resolve this and other issues, such as sluggish keyboard response, dropped calls when switching from 3G to 2G networks, etc. I have other complaints, too, such as the iPhone 3G's surprisingly brief battery life. Despite these problems, the iPhone is so much more pleasurable to use than the tired Treo 755p I had been suffering with. 

Speaking of Treos, Palm announced the new Treo Pro today. I like its look (see below). But at first glance, it doesn't appear to offer anything truly new or interesting. 

Sailing Through Security with a Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag

Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags--are they an essential accessory for travelers or a gimmick?

A little of both, perhaps. Checkpoint-friendly bags are designed to allow travelers to pass through airport security checkpoints without having to remove their laptops from their bags. The bags are designed in such a way that keeps the laptop in its own compartment or sleeve, with nothing (such as buckles or pockets) to prevent the security X-ray scanner from getting a clear image of the laptop. The Transportation Security Administration announced it would allow the use of such bags at airports beginning Aug. 16.

Pushing the envelope a bit, I passed through a security checkpoint at San Francisco International on Aug. 12 with Aerovation's Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag ($130). The two-person company claims their bag is the first of its kind on the market, and I've seen no evidence to the contrary.

The bag worked as promised. I placed it flat on the X-ray scanner conveyor belt, as shown in the company's online video (see below). I was not questioned, wanded, frisked, folded, spindled, or mutilated by any security personnel as a result. No eyebrows were raised. In fact, the TSA officials were far more interested in two travelers in line before me, with bulging, matching Abercrombie & Fitch bags in which a young man was pictured exposing a hairy armpit. "You'll have to check those bags," a TSA official told the travelers. Whether this was because the travelers had exceeded their carry-on limit, or their bags had exceeded the boundaries of taste and decency, was not clear. 

At any rate, the Aerovation bag spared me from having to remove my MacBook Air and place it in one of those gray plastic buckets. Given that I already had to remove my jacket, shoes, and belt buckle while simultaneously holding onto my driver's license and boarding pass, I welcomed the relief. So if you're a frequent traveler looking to minimize the steps required to pass through airport security, this bag is worth the cost. If you travel only occasionally and have a laptop bag you love, a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag might not be worth your money.