The Increasingly Mobile Office

With ever more powerful notebook computers, and the now-ubiquitous nature of cell phones, text-messaging and WiFi email access, mobility is the new business buzzword. And that’s changed the nature of that most essential business item, the briefcase.

The briefcase of old was called on to carry a few file folders, an address book, and maybe a small tape recorder for the high-productivity workaholic. Today’s business tote might contain a laptop computer, PDA, cell phone, Blackberry and business documents — and that’s the everyday load. For business travel add in the almost-mandatory iPod or DVD player, a paperback, and all the headsets and power adapters needed to fuel this electronic load.

The dedicated computer case and briefcase have merged, becoming more of a personal office-on-the-go. Computer cases on wheels and contoured computer slings with no-slip shoulder straps are just some of the innovations available to business travelers. Some laptop carriers don’t even require you to remove the laptop to use it — there are dedicated zip-open compartments that grant access to keyboard, screen and USB ports.

Whatever the function may be, today's business cases and computer bags feature both trendy and traditional styles. Business cases can range from the classic leather business attaché to the office-to-go on wheels, complete with a fold-out desk. They can take the form of soft, unstructured backpacks to hardshell cases. Of most importance, they are designed to keep the needs of the diverse and demanding business traveler in mind.

“Technology has not only created the opportunity to do business anywhere, but it’s given us an assortment of new materials and designs — at every price range — that make business travel easier and more convenient,” noted TGA president Michele Marini Pittenger.

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association, Garrett Lai at garrett@travel-goods.org.