eBags.com Leads the Way, Offering TSA "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Case

CODi^® Laptop Case Meets New TSA Checkpoint Guidelines

DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - August 13, 2008) - Online retailer eBags.com -- the world's largest online retailer of backpacks, handbags, luggage, and laptop cases -- today announced that the company is one of the first retailers to launch a TSA "checkpoint friendly" laptop case. eBags.com is the first retailer to offer the CODi® Phantom CT3 Checkpoint-Tested™ laptop case for travelers in search of a laptop case specifically designed to speed up the process of efficiently navigating airport security.

In an effort to make the security process smoother and to better protect laptops, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that airports will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards, beginning August 16, 2008. In March, TSA invited manufacturers to design bags that produced a "clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening."

"eBags.com takes pride in offering ways to ease the burden of travel. Being the first retailer to feature the 'checkpoint friendly' CODi laptop bag is another example of achieving our goal of helping travelers find their perfect bag," said Peter Cobb, senior vice president and co-founder of eBags.com.

CODi's Phantom CT3 Checkpoint-Tested™ laptop case has a unique patent pending butterfly design that keeps the laptop separate from any peripherals or accessories, allowing a clear X-ray image without the need to remove the laptop. The innovative design allows travelers to grab the case with only one hand for a speedy departure from the security checkpoint.

eBags.com recently added its latest company-produced video, showing customers how to use CODi's new "checkpoint friendly" laptop case while traveling. This is just one of over 100 videos customers can view in the eBags.com Video category, as well as on product detail pages throughout the site. eBags has produced in-house videos for 65-plus brands, which allows the company to offer its customers unique ways to interact with products, become better educated about consumer purchases and learn how to use the product efficiently when it arrives in their home.

In addition to launching CODi's checkpoint-friendly bag, eBags.com will continue to launch a number of other checkpoint-friendly laptop bags from leading brands such as Skooba, Mobile Edge, Briggs & Riley, Kenneth Cole, Samsonite, Case Logic, Pathfinder, Brenthaven and eBags (the company's own brand). eBags.com features over 36,000 products from 520 brands and has shipped over 7.5 million bags since its 1999 launch.

Made in the USA, the CODi® Phantom CT3 Checkpoint-Tested™ laptop case can be purchased anytime for $199.00 at http://www.ebags.com/ or call eBags at 800-820-6126.

About CODi®

CODi® is the premier brand known throughout the Fortune 500 for the highest quality laptop carrying and tablet cases, mobile security and accessory solutions available to "corporate road warrior." Since 1992, CODi has been a pioneer in the notebook and tablet case industry, using only premium materials for durability and a lifetime of use. CODi's unwavering attention to the "corporate road warrior" ensures unique and attentive service to corporate partners and consumers.

About eBags.com

eBags is the world's leading online retailer of luggage, handbags, business cases, backpacks and accessories for all lifestyles. With over 7.5 million bags sold and 1.5 million unbiased customer reviews, eBags features more than 36,000 products from over 520 brand names such as Vera Bradley, Samsonite, Tumi, The North Face, Dakine, JanSport, Kenneth Cole, Kathy Van Zeeland, kate spade, Fossil, and Nike. eBags also hosts On the Streets, an online boutique that showcases 70-plus emerging handbag designers and allows customers to meet new designers through intimate avenues that include video and personal interview Q & A. eBags is a proud supporter of the fight against breast cancer and donates 10% of the retail price of each Pick Pink product towards breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. eBags.com is a part of eBags, Inc. which includes eBags UK. For more information on eBags, please visit http://www.ebags.com/.

Toshiba Named Overall Notebook Winner of 2008 VARBusiness Annual Report Card

Toshiba Chosen as Company of the Year in Notebooks/Mobile Computers Category and Takes Top Honors for Support and Partnership Categories

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba's Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that it received the honor of being named the overall notebook winner of the 23rd annual VARBusiness Annual Report Card (ARC). As the overall notebook winner, Toshiba was honored as “Company of the Year” in the Notebook/Mobile Computers category and also won first place in the Support and Partnership categories.

The VARBusiness Annual Report Card recognizes outstanding partner programs and superb vendor service in 18 major product categories. Toshiba was selected as the overall notebook winner by VARBusiness based upon the survey results of more than 5,000 systems integrators, IT consulting organizations, value-added resellers (VARs), solution providers and software developers.

“We are honored that our Preferred Partners have selected us for such a distinction in two categories,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “This honor validates Toshiba's commitment to serving our Preferred Partners' needs, proving that efforts such as the reintroduction of the Satellite Pro laptop brand and increased reseller rebates are making the impact we've hoped for.

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Everything Channel's VARBusiness hosted the ARC ceremony Aug. 18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas.

“Toshiba was selected as the overall notebook winner of the 23rd annual VARBusiness annual report card for their dedication to its Preferred Partner program,” said Robert C. DeMarzo, senior vice president and editorial director of Everything Channel editorial. “In the past year Toshiba focused on improving its partners' profitability by providing innovative and highly reliable solutions for the Preferred Partner Program.”

To support its Preferred Partners, Toshiba has made the following channel enhancements:

Program Stability and Ease of Use: Toshiba's Preferred Partner Program has remained stable in terms of program structure, participation requirements and executive leadership. This consistency has resulted in an easy-to-use, channel friendly program.

Reintroduction of Satellite Pro: This economically priced line of business laptops was developed with channel partner input to deliver above and beyond the essential features users need for productivity at competitively low price points.

Increased Reseller Rebates: Recognizing that reseller rebates are an effective way to drive sales and increase margins, Toshiba has increased back-end rebates and reduced the time it takes Preferred Partners to receive rebates, improving their cash flow and making it easier for channel partners to conduct business.

Trade-in and Recycling Program: Through this program, reseller customers can trade in their current Toshiba or non-Toshiba laptops and projectors, and apply that value toward new Toshiba products. All Toshiba computers qualify for free recycling, while non-Toshiba computers and other consumer electronic products can be recycled for a small fee.

Increased Field Coverage: By adding additional account executives to the channel, Toshiba has broadened its support for Preferred Partners.

Special Bid Program: This program allows Toshiba's Preferred Partners to get instant discounts on orders as small as two units through Toshiba's authorized distributors. While for larger orders, resellers can get special pricing in a fashion that ensures sales opportunities can be closed.

New Business Opportunities: Toshiba's sales-engagement team reaches out to its preferred partners to drive SMB channel business through the company's distribution network. This group is an arm of the overall Toshiba sales team and brings additional support to resellers.

Additional information about Toshiba's Preferred Partner Program is available at www.sell.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry leading portable computers; projectors; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.

TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is a global leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems, as well as major infrastructure systems. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 198,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $76 billion. For more information on Toshiba's leading innovations, visit the company's Web site at www.toshiba.com.

About VARBusiness (www.varbusiness.com)

For the past 20 years, VARBusiness' strategic resources have been the gateway to the commercial and public sector (or government) Solution Provider community. The VARBusiness integrated platform of media opportunities provides strategic insight for technology integrators through industry-defining research, in-depth editorial, channel events and innovative Web services, enabling these IT professionals to make educated decisions for their businesses, partnerships and customers. VARBusiness offerings lead vendors and distributors to unprecedented access to the most powerful strategic Solution Providers in the market. VARBusiness has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for both editorial content and design.

Everything Channel (www.everythingchannel.com, www.channelweb.com)

Everything Channel, formerly CMP Channel, is the one-stop-shop for accessing, enabling and accelerating technology sales channels. From branding and recruiting to marketing and sales, Everything Channel offers technology marketers the unmatched breadth and depth of global brands and market intelligence combined with an unparallel audience loyalty and credibility serving all technology sales channels. Through innovative sales and marketing solutions, Everything Channel arms the sellers of technology with the resources they need to achieve measurable and significant results. Everything Channel is a subsidiary of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.

© 2008 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice.

Release Summary:

Toshiba's Digital Products Division today announced that it received the honor of being named the overall notebook winner of the 23rd annual VARBusiness Annual Report Card (ARC).

Gaming, Entertainment for Back-to-School and Beyond with Affordable Gateway P-7811FX Notebook

Gateway Continues to Extend Incredible Value to its P-Series FX Edition Line with New Model Boasting Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gateway, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., today debuts the Gateway P-7811FX® notebook PC, the latest in its P-Series FX Edition line for gaming, entertainment and digital media hobbies such as photography and video editing.

The Gateway P-7811FX is designed to meet the needs of consumers who want a solid mobile enthusiast platform without the price premium typically associated with such PCs. It is the company’s first notebook powered by Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, which delivers breakthrough performance, smooth multitasking, and improved energy efficiency.

“The Gateway P-7811FX is a great choice for customers such as students and professionals who want a notebook that can handle all of their computing needs – from creating videos and playing games to tackling work, school and home projects,” said Todd Titera, senior manager, notebook product management. “And while the new notebook is ideal for demanding gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest technology, its affordable price also makes it perfect for digital media hobbyists and casual PC game players.”

The Gateway P-7811FX uses the latest NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS graphics solution with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory to deliver outstanding graphics performance and real-time 3D visuals. Combined with the Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor (2.26GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz), the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M graphics card results in first-class mobile performance and vibrant, realistic video displayed on the 17-inch widescreen (1920x1200 resolution).

Further enhancing the consumer’s entertainment experience, the Gateway P-7811FX is loaded with extras. The HDMI v1.3 media connection lets consumers connect their notebook to a display device (TV, monitor) to enjoy high-definition video and audio through a single connection. The illuminated multimedia keys are integrated into the keyboard surround to allow access to frequently-used audio and video functions, while the touch-control volume slide provides convenient control.

Staying in touch is easy with the P-7811FX thanks to its 1.3 megapixel webcam that lets consumers enjoy video conferencing, video emails, voice over IP and still photos. The notebook also features 802.11 Draft-N with expanded wireless features, so consumers can communicate more effectively on the go. Plus, consumers have ample ways to connect to electronics, peripherals and digital media with the notebook’s 5-in-1 media card reader, three USB 2.0 ports and an IEEE 1394 port.

Ready to take on the latest applications, the Gateway P-7811FX comes with leading-edge technology including 4GB of memory, a huge 200GB⁽¹⁾ hard drive, an available second drive bay, and a Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW w/ DVD-RAM with LabelFlash⁽²⁾. Also, the eSATA port delivers an industry-leading fast connection to external storage devices.

The Gateway P-7811FX comes with Microsoft Windows Home Premium 64-bit Edition.

Availability and Price

The new Gateway P-7811FX is available for sale now from Best Buy. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,399.99.

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support

The Gateway P-7811FX is backed by a one year limited warranty.⁽⁴⁾ Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs.⁽³⁾ In addition to the company's standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.

About Gateway

Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world's third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by retail location. Applicable taxes extra. ©2008 Gateway, Inc. Gateway Terms & Conditions of Sale apply. Trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

(1) Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes.

(2) Labelflash^TM is a trademark of Yamaha Corporation

(3) Service methods subject to change without notice or obligation.

(4) Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued and performed by third parties. May not be available in all locations. On-site service technician will be sent if necessary, following phone-based troubleshooting. Availability varies. Other conditions apply.

Intel Shifts Future Core® Processors into Turbo Mode

Latest Processors, Mobile Platforms and Technologies Showcased at IDF

IDF San Francisco 2008

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In his Intel Developer Forum keynote today, Pat Gelsinger detailed the roadmap for Intel’s continued march toward pervasive, higher performance and power efficient computing. The senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group discussed new features of the company’s next-generation processor family including a new turbo mode that shifts the processor into a higher gear for mind-blowing performance without a heat penalty.

The company’s first desktop PC chips branded Intel® Core™ i7 processors and initial energy-efficient, high-performance server products (codenamed “Nehalem-EP”) will be first to production. Intel is also planning to manufacture a second server derivative designed for the expandable sever market (“Nehalem-EX”), and desktop (“Havendale” and “Lynnfield”) and mobile (“Auburndale” and “Clarksfield”) client versions in the second half of 2009.

“Our engineers have put together an incredible processing family here that will include a tremendous amount of new processor features all centered on delivering faster computer performance and terrific energy efficiency,” Gelsinger said.

The next-generation Core microarchitecture also features Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology* delivering up to 8-threaded performance capability on 4 cores in the initial versions and best-in-class memory bandwidth thanks to the new QuickPath Interconnect. QuickPath is a technology that connects processors, chipsets and memory together, and delivers up to three times the memory bandwidth of previous generation Core microarchitecture solutions.

The new Intel Xeon processor X7460 with 6 cores and 16MB L3 cache for expandable servers launching in September has already broken multiple performance world records¹. An 8-socket IBM System x* 3950 M2 server became the first platform to break the 1 million tpmC barrier on the TPC*-C benchmark. New 4-Socket performance records include TPC*-C on HP Proliant* DL580 G5, TPC*-E on Dell PowerEdge* R900, SPECjbb*2005 on Sun Fire* X4450 and SPECint*_rate2006 on Fujitsu-Siemens PRIMERGY* RX600 S4.

Gelsinger also discussed the industry’s first many-core Intel Architecture (IA) based design, codenamed “Larrabee.” Expected in 2009 or 2010, the first product based on Larrabee will target the personal computer graphics market, support DirectX and OpenGL, and run today’s games and programs. Larrabee is expected to kick start an industry-wide effort to create and optimize software for the dozens, hundreds and thousands of cores expected to power future computers.

The Intel executive also outlined Intel’s vision for the next wave of the Internet, called the Embedded Internet. Emerging markets in the embedded computing space such as IP networking and security, video intelligence, medical, in-vehicle infotainment and home automation can greatly benefit from the always-on Internet connectivity. Gelsinger said that this area is another growth opportunity for Intel and the high-tech industry, and predicted that there will be 15 billion devices connected to the Internet as a result of the rapid rise of the embedded internet.

Where Will Mobile Computing’s “On-the-Go, Go?”

Showing the breadth and health of Intel’s next-generation processors, David (Dadi) Perlmutter, executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s Mobility Group today demonstrated the first working laptop platform codenamed “Calpella.”

“Calpella will redefine how we compute on-the-go by giving users a stunning new computing visual experience, better manageability and security, enhanced turbo mode features and evolutionary power management for notebooks,” said Perlmutter. “It is all about dramatic mobile performance without compromise.”

New Mobile Processors Unveiled

Building on the recent Intel Centrino® 2 launch for notebook PCs in July, Perlmutter unveiled Intel’s first-ever mobile-focused quad-core laptop workstation – the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor. While the products include four cores, they only use 45 watts of power.

Perlmutter also introduced the company’s second-generation dual-core mobile processors for increasingly popular ultra thin and light notebook PCs.

He also outlined upcoming mobile platform enhancements including the Intel High-Performance SATA Solid-State Drive product line for faster system responsiveness, lower power consumption and rugged, reliable operation and available later this year, Intel Anti-Theft Technology, which features intelligent hardware-based detection and response mechanisms that enable IT managers or service providers to disable the platform and/or access to data in case of loss or theft.

WiMAX Connecting Soon

Emerging WiMAX 4G networks around the world will be connecting the plethora of mobile platforms and devices, and specifically within the United States where Sprint XOHM* plans to turn on its first citywide network in Baltimore in September. Globally, more than 400 WiMAX trials and networks² extend the richness of the mobility experience. Perlmutter also announced that Dell has now joined other computer-makers such as Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Toshiba as publicly committing to include the Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5050 Series module to future laptop product lines.

Barrett: “Get involved”

During the conference’s opening keynote, Intel Chairman Craig Barrett applauded the developer community for technology innovations that contributed to unimagined advances in entertainment and business productivity during the past 40 years. He said the impact of their work is borderless and challenged them to collaborate and use their technology expertise to inspire and empower the billions of people who have recently joined the world’s free economic system.

“Technology is a tool to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to health care, education, economic development and the environment,” said Barrett, who also chairs a United Nations initiative on technology in the developing world. “No nations or individuals are untouched by these issues. Get involved. Be part of the solution.”

Barrett also announced that Intel will award four $100,000 prizes to the most innovative ideas for applying technology to meet unmet needs related to education, health care, economic development and the environment. Ideas will be evaluated for sustainability and innovativeness of the solution. More details on the INSPIRE•EMPOWER Challenge are available at www.intelchallenge.com.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. SPEC, SPECint, SPECfp, SPECrate, SPECweb, SPECjbb are trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. See: http://www.spec.org for more information on the benchmarks.

Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, visit www.intel.com/performance/resources/limits.htm or call (U.S.) 800-628-8686 or 916-356-3104.

¹ World record claims based on comparison using published results as of August 19, 2008 on x86 architecture based 4-socket or 8-socket systems as appropriate. Configuration Details: Details of performance results and configuration information posted at http://www.intel.com/performance/server/xeon_mp/summary.htm.

² Source: www.wimaxcounts.com Maravedis, 2008.