Matias Adds Sudden Motion Sensor Tech to Laptop Bags -- Laptop bag designer Edgar Matias announced today that his company has licensed Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor technology for use in a new line of bags for PowerBook and iBook portable computers. First announced in the 31-Jan-05 revision of Apple's PowerBook G4 line, Sudden Motion Sensor technology automatically detects changes in axis position and accelerated motion, then instantly parks the heads of your hard drive to reduce the chance of data loss. The new models in Matias's Laptop Armor/Inflatable line of bags includes a similar sensor chip. When the sensor detects that the wearer is toppling (backward, forward, or to either side) due to the weight of the bag's contents, self-inflating balloons deploy around the bag to add further protection to the laptop and the person; balloons in the forward-facing backpack straps provide protection in the event of a forward topple. A vital catalyst to speed the inflation of the balloons is a secret ingredient derived from domesticated foliage grown widely in British Columbia, Canada. The company refused to elaborate further. Once deployed, the bag must be returned Matias so that the bags can be refolded and the internal air canisters replaced. For an extra $50 up-front fee, Matias will perform this service up to five times. People with exaggerated balance issues can also opt to purchase a $35 self-refill kit that includes the replacement canisters and detailed folding instructions. The Laptop Armor/Inflatable bags, ranging in size to accommodate all Apple laptop sizes, are available as of 01-Apr-05 for $200. [JLC]

<http://www.laptoparmor.com/>