Travel Goods Industry Makes a Case for the Newest Notebooks

PRINCETON, NJ — With recent technological advances leading to the development of smaller, yet faster notebook computers with wireless capability, many businesses and travelers have become more dependent on laptops than ever before. The laptop has not only evolved into an important tool for the boardroom, but it also allows travelers to remain accessible to the office while away on business or on vacation. Wireless networks, in fact, are becoming much more mainstream and will ultimately allow people to use their notebooks everywhere. Some of today's most innovative business and computer cases, which are currently being featured in the September/October issue of Travel Goods Showcase, not only offer consumers a functional item with room for holding many accessories, but also allow travelers to move more effortlessly through airports.

The latest trend to affect many of today's offices is the movement away from traditional desktops to laptops. "The increasing popularity of laptops creates a bigger demand for laptop cases — and this is good news for the travel goods industry," says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association. "Laptops have become either smaller and lighter — or bigger and heavier — than the ones that were available just one year ago. Because of this, manufacturers are resizing computer cases to meet a variety of laptop formats, ranging from a portable 12.1" screen to high graphic 17" displays, and retailers are increasing the number of styles they offer to accommodate their customers."

Computer cases are available in a wide variety of styles, ranging from backpacks and messenger bags to briefcases and business cases on wheels. A number of manufacturers offer wheeled laptop cases for overnight trips that hold multiple digital devices and clothing. One markets a version with a detachable wheel system, which enables users to detract the handle into the shell, unzip the bag from the shell, and carry the bag by its handles, shoulder strap or backpack strap.

Many of today's wheeled business cases or "mobile offices" are now lighter in construction, making it easier for travelers to take more from the office. Some retailers have been challenged by their customers to sell laptop cases that accommodate oversized notebook computers. Fortunately, some of the newer laptop cases on the market can accommodate screens up to 17" and still have additional organizational space for a PDA, MP3, memory stick, and power cords. However, some computer manufacturers, such as Sony and Apple, are offering laptops in smaller and slimmer sizes. To help meet varying standards, travel goods retailers are carrying slim neoprene sleeves or modular designs that can be inserted into laptop cases as protective sleeves or separately as a stand-alone case.

Despite the growing popularity of laptop cases, briefcases in traditional and casual styles continue to do well at the point-of-sale. While black Nappa leather and Ballistic nylon business cases have been big sellers in the past, other materials, such as rucksack, cowhide, and polyester are also garnering a major portion of the market share. "As far as color is concerned, pink, yellow, and prints have been outperforming black in many parts of the country," says Pittenger. "Our retailers tell us that their female customers would rather purchase a new business case each year rather than buy one that their male counterpart would keep for 10 or 15 years."

The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags, and other products for people who travel.

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association at 609-720-1200, ext. 205, John Misiano at john@travel-goods.org, or visit the organization's website at www.travel-goods.org, or request a copy of the July/August issue of Travel Goods Showcase for a closer look at the newest accessories and trends.