Las Vegas – A new laptop carrying case combining slim styling with expandability is available from portable storage maker Mascot Metropolitan.
Called the Lap Pro-Tect, the case looks like an executive briefcase, but can also be used as a backpack, according to the South San Francisco, Calif.-based company’s director of marketing, Jud Yaski, who emphasized the product’s soft-sided features and hard-shell durability at a press briefing here Monday. Mascot Metropolitan initially was a luggage supplier that recently has branched into portable storage for CE accessories.
The computer case, which has a suggested $79 retail and will be available at retail shortly, features a rear port access so that users can plug their cables into the computer while it is still in the case. The slimline case also converts into a uni-strap backpack by adjusting its one-strap system.
Despite its 3.5-inch profile, the Lap Pro-Tect boasts a large carrying capacity with expandable padded front compartments for peripherals, including a portable printer and files. The rear outside pocket has a four-section accordion file that fits legal-sized documents.
Mascot Metropolitan also is making available a new line of carrying cases for PDAs. Called PDA Skins, the units offer what the company’s Yaski called unique one-handed operation and hands-free viewing and accessory compartments, since the leather case covers are hinged and drop down to about an adjustable 90 degree angle to open.
The PDA Pro, at a suggested $29.95 retail, is a slimline case that holds only a PDA. The PDA Pro Phone holds a PDA with an outside pocket for a cellphone. Suggested retail is $34.95. The PDA Plus, at a suggested $39.95 retail, features an additional compartment to carry a stowaway keyboard or phone, modules and spare batteries. Also available is a visor phone/Ipaq case at a $29.95 suggested retail.
All PDA cases offer slots for business cards, credit cards and cash, and attach via a self-adhesive Velcro strip.
