Chris Pirillo » luggage http://chris.pirillo.com News and Reviews! Geek, Internet Entrepreneur, Hardware Addict, Software Junkie, Book Author, Once TV Show Host, Technology Enthusiast, Shameless Self-Promoter, Tech Conference Coordinator, Early Adopter, Idea Evangelist, Tech Support Blogger, Bootstrapper, Media Personality, Technology Consultant, Thicker Quicker Picker Upper. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:35:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 © chris@pirillo.com () chris@pirillo.com() Geek, Internet Entrepreneur, Hardware Addict, Software Junkie, Book Author, Once TV Show Host, Technology Enthusiast, Shameless Self-Promoter, Tech Conference Coordinator, Early Adopter, Idea Evangelist, Tech Support Blogger, Bootstrapper, Media Personality, Technology Consultant, Thicker Quicker Picker Upper. chris@pirillo.com No no http://chris.pirillo.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpgChris Pirillohttp://chris.pirillo.com 144 144 What Luggage Do Geeks Use?http://chris.pirillo.com/what-luggage-do-geeks-use/ http://chris.pirillo.com/what-luggage-do-geeks-use/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 19:13:36 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=13325 What Luggage Do Geeks Use? is a post from Chris Pirillo


Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Every so often you may need to leave the comfort of your own home and travel somewhere. When you do, you want to try to travel light, to be more convenient. Up until the other day, I had a satchel that I slung over my shoulder for my laptop and other things. It ended up being really heavy. When given an opportunity to check out the Travelon Checkpoint Friendly Wheeled Computer Brief Computer Case, I was all for it! A computer case with wheels? I’m down with that!

Yes, it has a handle that extends quite far. If you don’t want to wheel it around, you can carry it with the handles. It also has a water-bottle pouch built in! It slides onto a suitcase, to double up how you’re wheeling your luggage around!

The thing that makes this particular case wonderful beyond the wheels is the fact that it is compliant with the way the TSA expects you to have your notebook when you travel. It slides out easily from a pouch, instead of having to take it all the way out! That makes it so much easier when you are trying to get through the airport.

There’s an accordion pouch in the middle that zips all the way down both sides. You can get into any of the four sections quickly to find whatever it is you need. There’s a lot of room to store all of your gear. Since it’s on wheels… it’s not going to get too heavy to carry!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> What Luggage Do Geeks Use? is a post from Chris Pirillo


Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Every so often you may need to leave the comfort of your own home and travel somewhere. When you do, you want to try to travel light, to be more convenient. Up until the other day, I had a satchel that I slung over my shoulder for my laptop and other things. It ended up being really heavy. When given an opportunity to check out the Travelon Checkpoint Friendly Wheeled Computer Brief Computer Case, I was all for it! A computer case with wheels? I’m down with that!

Yes, it has a handle that extends quite far. If you don’t want to wheel it around, you can carry it with the handles. It also has a water-bottle pouch built in! It slides onto a suitcase, to double up how you’re wheeling your luggage around!

The thing that makes this particular case wonderful beyond the wheels is the fact that it is compliant with the way the TSA expects you to have your notebook when you travel. It slides out easily from a pouch, instead of having to take it all the way out! That makes it so much easier when you are trying to get through the airport.

There’s an accordion pouch in the middle that zips all the way down both sides. You can get into any of the four sections quickly to find whatever it is you need. There’s a lot of room to store all of your gear. Since it’s on wheels… it’s not going to get too heavy to carry!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/what-luggage-do-geeks-use/feed/ 0 What’s the Problem with American Airlines?http://chris.pirillo.com/whats-the-problem-with-american-airlines/ http://chris.pirillo.com/whats-the-problem-with-american-airlines/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:04:33 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=12782 What’s the Problem with American Airlines? is a post from Chris Pirillo

This post was written by my mom, who was more than a bit peeved when American Airlines lost her luggage – only to find out that they mishandled it. If you’ve also had a problem with American Airlines, be grateful to know that you’re not alone.

When a person visits another country, they will likely purchase items from that country as souvenirs. As tourists in Jamaica, my girlfriend and I purchased 3 bottles each of Jamaican Rum to bring home (one of which is unavailable for purchase in the States). These were wrapped and packed in a heavy cardboard box with cardboard placed in between the bottles. Before going through customs in Miami, we opened our luggage to make sure the bottles were still intact. They were. My girlfriend’s luggage made it to the Dallas / Ft. Worth airport with all the bottles unscathed.

My luggage was lost between Miami and Dallas, apparently taking another plane ride.

The first time I called to check on the status of my luggage, around 12:30am, I was told it had arrived at Midnight and that I would be called before it was delivered to my son’s house. The implication was that it would be delivered that night. The next morning, I called again to check on it and was told that it would be four to six hours before the truck would deliver anything. When the luggage finally arrived (WITHOUT me receiving a phone call), I found broken bottles of Jamaican Rum which had spilled all over my suitcase and the contents inside. Luckily, I always pack many of my clothes in plastic bags; however, my suitcase and some items didn’t escape the sticky mess.

Since we are understandably required to put any liquids over 3 ounces in checked baggage, this eliminates “hand” carrying and protecting fragile liquid items. However, my girlfriend’s checked luggage made it through with everything intact – bottles and all. This tells me that the EXTRA plane ride, EXTRA baggage handling and the (four to six hour) truck ride took a toll on my bottles and broke them.

When I called the American Airlines customer service line for recompense, I was told that American Airlines wasn’t responsible for broken bottles and alcohol. I asked the representative for her manager’s name and phone number and was given the name – but was told the manager had only a FAX number to reach her!

I didn’t ask American Airlines for an arm or a leg – I only asked for the cost of my Jamaican Rum. This amounts to about $36. I didn’t even ask for anything for my possibly-ruined luggage or the contents! (I’m rethinking that though!). I was told unequivocally “NO” even though my luggage traveled extra miles, received extra handling, and likely a long, bouncy truck ride. I find this type of customer service incomprehensible. I worked in customer service for over 15 years and always tried to work out problems to benefit both the customers and the company. I am very upset with American Airlines’ policy, with the lack of ability to talk directly to a higher authority, with the loss of my luggage (which I truly feel caused the breakage), and with my ruined items.

Would I think twice about flying American Airlines again? You bet – and you might think twice as well.

KermitRocks: @jboeckman has a beef with American Airlines too. Don't get him started. I'm sure he'd be happy to help your mom.
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:54:33 +0000 2009
nathangilder: Looking forward to your mom's blog post :-)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:55:12 +0000 2009
nerdseyeview: more for that AA guest blog? 4 hour delay IN SEATAC? http://is.gd/nX8W or ANOTHER guest blogger #AASUX ? i'm in.
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:56:05 +0000 2009
phuzion: I don't know the details of the situation, but maybe you should have her contact Consumerist?
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:56:30 +0000 2009
hpduong: i've been flying American Airlines on and off for the past year and half and it has always been TERRIBLE
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:57:42 +0000 2009
CA20K1: Try Singapore Airlines. It's a great way to fly ;)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:59:57 +0000 2009
UncleJohn97420: She must not watched the A&E show.lol I would never fly with them. (Airlines was a show on A&E bout America Airlines.)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:03:16 +0000 2009
KyleVanKooten: that's right.. Better stick with Southwest!
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:08:30 +0000 2009
pcasey44: – I am still angry at AMR. They lost my passport and my mother's at a checkpoint on the way back to US from Virgin Islands.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:12:08 +0000 2009
caseygotcher: @ianmcnaughton is twittering on his unhappiness with them too
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:12:58 +0000 2009
ZenTigerpaw: Ouch. That I gotta read.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:16:11 +0000 2009
pcasey44: – AMR lost my mother's passport at checkpoint on return from cruise. That was her final cruise, she died shortly after that.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:20:58 +0000 2009
DC616: yelling at your chest? LOL!
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:40:25 +0000 2009
MorningMist: AA has alot of not so happy customers they are what I call a cheap hotel of airlines. Low amenities with low service.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 03:10:18 +0000 2009
donsmith: American is on my bad list too.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 03:15:55 +0000 2009
jboeckman: Don't get me started on AA, I had a very bad experience when I went to a conference in Chicago.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 12:25:17 +0000 2009
limelight: Who really enjoys flying? Seriously! If it wasn't so convenient I'd elect to take my car cross country in my underwear.
about a day ago
Sun Mar 22 02:02:23 +0000 2009
]]> What’s the Problem with American Airlines? is a post from Chris Pirillo

This post was written by my mom, who was more than a bit peeved when American Airlines lost her luggage – only to find out that they mishandled it. If you’ve also had a problem with American Airlines, be grateful to know that you’re not alone.

When a person visits another country, they will likely purchase items from that country as souvenirs. As tourists in Jamaica, my girlfriend and I purchased 3 bottles each of Jamaican Rum to bring home (one of which is unavailable for purchase in the States). These were wrapped and packed in a heavy cardboard box with cardboard placed in between the bottles. Before going through customs in Miami, we opened our luggage to make sure the bottles were still intact. They were. My girlfriend’s luggage made it to the Dallas / Ft. Worth airport with all the bottles unscathed.

My luggage was lost between Miami and Dallas, apparently taking another plane ride.

The first time I called to check on the status of my luggage, around 12:30am, I was told it had arrived at Midnight and that I would be called before it was delivered to my son’s house. The implication was that it would be delivered that night. The next morning, I called again to check on it and was told that it would be four to six hours before the truck would deliver anything. When the luggage finally arrived (WITHOUT me receiving a phone call), I found broken bottles of Jamaican Rum which had spilled all over my suitcase and the contents inside. Luckily, I always pack many of my clothes in plastic bags; however, my suitcase and some items didn’t escape the sticky mess.

Since we are understandably required to put any liquids over 3 ounces in checked baggage, this eliminates “hand” carrying and protecting fragile liquid items. However, my girlfriend’s checked luggage made it through with everything intact – bottles and all. This tells me that the EXTRA plane ride, EXTRA baggage handling and the (four to six hour) truck ride took a toll on my bottles and broke them.

When I called the American Airlines customer service line for recompense, I was told that American Airlines wasn’t responsible for broken bottles and alcohol. I asked the representative for her manager’s name and phone number and was given the name – but was told the manager had only a FAX number to reach her!

I didn’t ask American Airlines for an arm or a leg – I only asked for the cost of my Jamaican Rum. This amounts to about $36. I didn’t even ask for anything for my possibly-ruined luggage or the contents! (I’m rethinking that though!). I was told unequivocally “NO” even though my luggage traveled extra miles, received extra handling, and likely a long, bouncy truck ride. I find this type of customer service incomprehensible. I worked in customer service for over 15 years and always tried to work out problems to benefit both the customers and the company. I am very upset with American Airlines’ policy, with the lack of ability to talk directly to a higher authority, with the loss of my luggage (which I truly feel caused the breakage), and with my ruined items.

Would I think twice about flying American Airlines again? You bet – and you might think twice as well.

KermitRocks: @jboeckman has a beef with American Airlines too. Don't get him started. I'm sure he'd be happy to help your mom.
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:54:33 +0000 2009
nathangilder: Looking forward to your mom's blog post :-)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:55:12 +0000 2009
nerdseyeview: more for that AA guest blog? 4 hour delay IN SEATAC? http://is.gd/nX8W or ANOTHER guest blogger #AASUX ? i'm in.
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:56:05 +0000 2009
phuzion: I don't know the details of the situation, but maybe you should have her contact Consumerist?
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:56:30 +0000 2009
hpduong: i've been flying American Airlines on and off for the past year and half and it has always been TERRIBLE
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:57:42 +0000 2009
CA20K1: Try Singapore Airlines. It's a great way to fly ;)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 01:59:57 +0000 2009
UncleJohn97420: She must not watched the A&E show.lol I would never fly with them. (Airlines was a show on A&E bout America Airlines.)
about 4 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:03:16 +0000 2009
KyleVanKooten: that's right.. Better stick with Southwest!
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:08:30 +0000 2009
pcasey44: – I am still angry at AMR. They lost my passport and my mother's at a checkpoint on the way back to US from Virgin Islands.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:12:08 +0000 2009
caseygotcher: @ianmcnaughton is twittering on his unhappiness with them too
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:12:58 +0000 2009
ZenTigerpaw: Ouch. That I gotta read.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:16:11 +0000 2009
pcasey44: – AMR lost my mother's passport at checkpoint on return from cruise. That was her final cruise, she died shortly after that.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:20:58 +0000 2009
DC616: yelling at your chest? LOL!
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 02:40:25 +0000 2009
MorningMist: AA has alot of not so happy customers they are what I call a cheap hotel of airlines. Low amenities with low service.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 03:10:18 +0000 2009
donsmith: American is on my bad list too.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 03:15:55 +0000 2009
jboeckman: Don't get me started on AA, I had a very bad experience when I went to a conference in Chicago.
about 3 days ago
Thu Mar 19 12:25:17 +0000 2009
limelight: Who really enjoys flying? Seriously! If it wasn't so convenient I'd elect to take my car cross country in my underwear.
about a day ago
Sun Mar 22 02:02:23 +0000 2009
]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/whats-the-problem-with-american-airlines/feed/ 15 Packing Tipshttp://chris.pirillo.com/packing-tips/ http://chris.pirillo.com/packing-tips/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:06:31 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/01/18/packing-tips/ Packing Tips is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

As you know by now, Ponzi and I are on our cruise through Hawaii this week. Since we’ve taken so many trips and cruises together, we have become pros at packing. We thought we’d share some tips with you all.

  • Make a list It sounds simple, but in the weeks leading up to your departure date you should write up a list. This way you don’t forget things on the fly… and can make sure you pack everything to take home at the end of the vacation. Also, if your luggage gets lost, you’ll have a list of everything you had packed.
  • Ziplock baggies If you have anything that could possibly leak, such as shampoo or soap, place them into a Ziplock baggie. This will help keep any liquids from spilling out all over your other items.
  • Tape your toiletries Anything with a lid or cap on it, tape the lids shut to prevent leakage. Don’t forget to tape the hairspray lid, as well.
  • Tags inside the bag, not just outside If you place a luggage tag on the inside also, you’ll have that extra identification if your outside tag falls off.
  • Put something unique on your bag Everyone is using ribbons on the handle now. Try putting a unique sticker on it, buying a unique color, or even adding some paint to the luggage. This will keep yours easily identifiable from everyone else’s!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> Packing Tips is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

As you know by now, Ponzi and I are on our cruise through Hawaii this week. Since we’ve taken so many trips and cruises together, we have become pros at packing. We thought we’d share some tips with you all.

  • Make a list It sounds simple, but in the weeks leading up to your departure date you should write up a list. This way you don’t forget things on the fly… and can make sure you pack everything to take home at the end of the vacation. Also, if your luggage gets lost, you’ll have a list of everything you had packed.
  • Ziplock baggies If you have anything that could possibly leak, such as shampoo or soap, place them into a Ziplock baggie. This will help keep any liquids from spilling out all over your other items.
  • Tape your toiletries Anything with a lid or cap on it, tape the lids shut to prevent leakage. Don’t forget to tape the hairspray lid, as well.
  • Tags inside the bag, not just outside If you place a luggage tag on the inside also, you’ll have that extra identification if your outside tag falls off.
  • Put something unique on your bag Everyone is using ribbons on the handle now. Try putting a unique sticker on it, buying a unique color, or even adding some paint to the luggage. This will keep yours easily identifiable from everyone else’s!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/packing-tips/feed/ 26 How to Handle Remote Tech Support <em>Using <a href="http://www.gotoassist.com/chris">GoToAssist</a> is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party. </em> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMThttp://gotoassist.com/chris/ http://gotoassist.com/chris/ Network Tools for Windows You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. <a href="http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome">SolarWinds ipMonitor</a>: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. <a href="http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome">Download your free trial today</a>. Or, try their <a href="http://www.solarwinds.com/products/freetools/">totally free tools</a>! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase <a href="http://store.solarwinds.com/s.nl/sc.16/.f">ipMonitor 9.0</a>. chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome Get Your Own Web Site Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp2">GoDaddy</a> includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp2">code CP2</a> at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order. <p>Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=chris7">CHRIS7</a>, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=chris7">GoDaddy.com</a>.</p> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp1 http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp1 VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/13766/rn_a32755/">Parallels</a> or <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/17081/rn_a32755/">VMware</a> (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/17081/rn_a32755/">VMware</a> and/or <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/13766/rn_a32755/">Parallels</a>. chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/19/parallels-or-vmware/ http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/19/parallels-or-vmware/ Coupons for Online Shopping <p style="color: red">This feed is fueled by Lockergnome <a href="http://www.lockergnome.com/buy/">Online Shopping and Coupon Codes</a></p> <p> Before you shop next time, see if we have <a href="http://coupons.lockergnome.com/">a coupon</a> first. </p> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMThttp://coupons.lockergnome.com/ http://coupons.lockergnome.com/