There's no denying that there has been a lack of innovation in the suitcase industry over the past several decades. I'd argue that's largely because there wasn't much of a need for it. 😉 Bluesmart disagrees, as they're creating "the world's first smart, connected carry-on." And they're crowd sourcing to get it funded. They started…
Continue reading: Bluesmart Unveils World’s First “Smart” Carry-On
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
As you say, most of these features would be better suited for checked bags than carry-on.
I always carry portable battery chargers in my personal item.
Dimensions: 21.5” x 14” x 9” [54×35.5×23 [cm] 540×355×230 [mm]
Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.8 Kg).
Volume: 34L
I'm pretty shocked that it only weighs a pound more than my Tumi Vapor Continental (and is basically the same size).
Agree with most of your criticisms/concerns, but will take them further: avoiding unnecessary excess weight is everything when it comes to travel bags. This one appears to have been designed by someone who either rarely travels, or has simply not learned the lesson about eliminating unnecessary excess weight.
The thing is 8.5 pounds empty? OMG.
Wheels. Sorry, I know everyone loves wheelie bags, but that's a non-starter - the wheels, rigid frame, handles and all just waste so much weight and space. See onebag.com for all the many reasons why wheeled bags = FAIL.
So now people will be camping out next to airport outlets to charge their suitcases?
This idea is not new. They claim it's the world's first. Total BS!
They copied it from bags2go. see link:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2106420/deutsche-telekom-and-rimowas-smart-suitcases-have-integrated-tracking.html
They copied the idea!!
One feature they don't mention is that it might be gate check proof. If all that tech uses lithium ion batteries it would have to remain in the cabin.
@ Jason -- Hmmm, that's interesting. Wouldn't it potentially be banned as a carry-on, though? You have to be willing to gate check your bag in the event you're the last to board and there's no carry-on space anymore, so taking a bag that can't be gate checked seems like an issue...
@giovanni - that idea has been around FOREVER. And it's one feature. To say that they copied it? Eh, may be true, but I'm sure Rimowa were not the first to have the idea, either.
@Jason/lucky - I would think that the battery(ies?) would be more akin to Mophie or Energizer battery packs. It's really just pallets or large shipments of lithium batteries that are restricted. Taking a couple extra Mophie-type battery packs is fine. I traveled with an extra laptop battery for a long time after the so-called ban.
This Charging concept already exists in luggage. Check TOKYOTO suitcases at www.tokyoto-luggage.com
The truth is it's concept is very striking, but the suitcase is uglier than hitting your daddy with a sweated sock.
That suitcase is full of drawbacks: eg charger suitcase is not portable. Or for example make tracking your trip involves travel always with the same size suitcase (and you go for a weekend or 10 days). Not to mention the weight of the case or that will not fit into such Ryanir or Easyjet.
It is much more useful the idea of airlines, creating identification cards or GPS tracking.
I hope it conforms with known standards in different parts of the world. Being a smart carry-on luggage with several functions,
it’s a welcome development towards waning or solving the hassle confronting travelers.