Kevin Luong and Vyrio Ngo are seasoned business travellers. The sales directors of the California-based Everki line of high-quality laptop backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, camera bags and laptop travel solutions, are familiar with the frustrations that come with frequent travel.
Delays at security checkpoints, bulky and uncomfortable-to-carry hand luggage and damaged gadgets were a few of the annoyances they set out to address when designing the Everki products, which have the mobile business person in mind. The entrepreneurs noticed a gap in the market for laptop bags that offered device protection, checkpoint convenience, style and function – essentially, everything they were looking for in a laptop backpack.
The premium line of Everki laptop backpacks, including the ‘Concept’ and ‘Versa’ bags, offer a host of features designed to make travelling hassle-free.
These include:
* Checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment – allows for quick and easy security pass-through at airport security checkpoints, as users do not have to remove their laptops from the backpacks when passing them through x-ray scanners. These bags open 180 degrees and can be laid out flat on conveyor belts. As the bag passes through, users simply grab the handles on each side of the bag, and can zip it up while walking away, eliminating checkpoint delays and frustrations.
* Hard-shell sunglasses/gadget case – positioned at the top of the backpack, the hard-shell case protects sunglasses from getting scratched or damaged – or forgotten on the plane. “This came about as part of a personal frustration,” says Ngo. “I’ve lost three pairs of sunglasses on planes; $900 later and I realised we needed a solution for this.”
* Corner-guard protection system – damaged laptop corners, as a result of sudden impact, is a concern for many notebook manufacturers. In response, Everki developed removable EVA foam covers to protect laptop corners, for example, if a bag were dropped. “In 30 years of people making bags, no one had addressed this very important thing,” says Luong.
* Felt-lined tablet/e-reader pocket – most laptop bags do not cater for tablet PCs and, often, an additional bag is required. Everki realises that, today, people carry multiple devices for different purposes. “We’re thinking long-term use,” says Luong. “People are a lot more mobile; I don’t know one business person who does not have a tablet as well as a laptop. And so we created the felt-lined pocket, which protects tablets or e-readers against scratches.
* Five-point balance strap system – heavy laptop bags can put pressure on the back, neck and shoulders. Everki’s five-point balance strap system takes the load off by evenly distributing the weight of the backpack via a chest strap and adjustable shoulder straps.
“We value ergonomics and design,” says Luong. “We spend a lot of time and research thinking through the features and details of every bag – once we figure out something that works, we keep it across the line, so many of the premium features will carry over to our other products.” Everki values customer feedback and keeps this in mind when developing new products or upgrading existing ones.
“We listen to customers,” says Ngo. “We monitor forums to find out why customers love certain bags, and what they’re looking for in a bag, and we apply that going forward.”
The Everki line of products is available in South Africa through exclusive distributor, Rectron, and can be purchased on e-commerce sites including Kalahari.com, Takealot.com and Loot.co.za. The premium range retails for between R800 and R2 000, and all products are backed up by Everki’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and world-class customer service.
