Wow! That's a lot of replies awful quickly, thanks!
druidcent,
I haven't actually worn mine while biking yet but I will give it a try, I'm sure it would work well. I've really never worn a backpack except for camping. I was always the kid with the briefcase at school.
The system is built to be modular and while we do have a assumed left and right side
currently the function isn't changed dramatically if you swap them and the nature of the galluses we're using to connect the sides to the harness means that the webbing can stay flat no matter what. All that is to say you could accommodate different "load outs" if you had more than two sides. I'm definitely planning on a pocket large enough for a 11.6" Ultrabook - from a comfort perspective that may be as large of a thing as I would want tucked on my side. I'm not sure about the 3rd space on the small of your back, it could be difficult to make comfortable. As it is the weight distribution is something its very good at, you hit the nail on the head, keeping the weight the same on both sides is key to making you forget you have it on. I have mine balanced to within 30 grams on each side but you certainly don't need to be that precise. Since the sides are under your arms the load doesn't leverage you around, its very vertical. There's no padding per-say because it is intended to be very streamlined, the strap connecting the two sides is elastic though, otherwise it is such little weight hanging from such a large surface area that we haven't found padding necessary. There was a lot of attention put into choosing the webbing though, its very soft and flexible even across its width. Regarding TSA, I flew with mine for the first time this week, its was sweet, I never had anything in my pockets so I just slipped the whole thing into the bin and put it back on when it came out, no problems. Quiet a few people testing them internally have flown more than me, also without issue. For me the sides were above the armrests when I was on the plane and as a whole it was far more comfortable than having my phone, wallet and keys in my pockets.
cjcerny,
Thanks for that.
Its actually very easy to hide, especially if you are wearing a suit or jacket (which of course is very intentional). We're still sorting out what materials to use for different styles. But yes, there is definitely an "are you nerd enough?" factor for early adopters...
SpartanCaptain ,
That's exactly something I've been thinking about. If it was easy to take something with you everywhere and it wasn't dependent on the number of pockets that season's clothing dictated, what would you take? I went for multi-tool and solar charger, maybe keep my wallet in my pocket like normal. Obviously there are messenger\laptop bags and other options out there but I personally find this more streamlined and practical for just a couple extras that might be handy.
ludi,
You've got the idea just right too. Regarding the retention from the back, I can tell you that while you're walking they don't swing around at all. We could add a strap but the focus was on freedom of movement and anything low like that can feel restricting. Also, you can't see it in the first pictures but in the one below you can see how we have the harness connect to the sides from the top in the front and the back in the back, that helps a lot. It will swing forward a little if you use a drinking fountain for example but not much and not if you are wearing something over it, again, its so little weight that friction does a lot of the work to keep it in place (although we've intentionally not tried to make the underside of the harness grippy, freedom of movement has won over staying in exactly the right place so far).
moresmarterthanspock,
Lol, that is one of the fist things I noticed when I put one on, no more hulk smashing doors open, you can't argue with that.
TDIdriver,
Yep. I didn't get to that part of ludi's response but that's one place, there are actually more and more professional occupations that make use of an iPad or other tablet daily.
BTW, I should mention that the side is designed to be large enough to hold a tablet while it is in its own case. That way whatever your job, if you take it out for use it doesn't instantly become vulnerable.ryko,
Of course its not for everyone. I didn't start wearing one regularly until I started putting my Kindle in it since I don't personally need an iPad on me all the time. I might however be more inclined to use a larger one if just the right Ultrabook or AMD equivalent comes out. In my mind the convenience of a TechSling comes from its "forget about it" nature. It leaves your hands free, you can barely feel you have it on, and it disappears under just an unbuttoned shirt if you want it to. Depending on the chair sitting is generally not a problem, its tucked against your sides pretty closely, sometimes I put my thumbs in the d-rings at the bottom of each side and "rock" it forward if its hitting the back of the chair.
Actually getting the harness adjusted just right for you is really important and can take a few tries to settle on. After you have though movement is easy and it stays in place pretty well.The other thing to consider is that its not really about concealment as convenience. The concealment aspect is secondary to its function. As you say either you are using a tablet or not but if you are not you may want to again soon, especially depending on your occupation, location, or whatever activity you might be doing. There may not be a table to set it on or you may not want to carry a separate bag around to put it in and you might not have a free hand all the time - those are some scenarios we think it would be useful in.
For the record while I haven't use a TechSling for anything nefarious I have snuck plenty of snacks into movie theaters without one just fine.
Also, you're right about the security aspect of it, as someone who has always kept my wallet in my front pocket just for that reason I feel extra safe with it secured behind a zipper in a pocket under my arm. Since its not slung from just one side its not a simple thing to just run by and snatch either (although it is very easy to take off and put on yourself).
TheEmrys,
You could certainly fit a phone as well as other items in the bottom pocket if you needed two phones. I am trying to think of some creative divider concepts as well. I'll definitely put some thought into a back sleeve since its been mentioned twice now but exactly how to implement it alludes me. I should mention that this contraption is made in the USA and I have to be very careful about how much labor goes into it until I can get some automation in place to manufacture it. You'll see the features, options, and product line in general grow over time as with any other new product. It is over-sized enough to work with many different covers, I've tested a few large ones. The d-rings at the bottom are intended for a number of uses, one of them being the retractable key-chain things for keys, ID badges, or whatever. You could also use them to clip to your belt if you wished but the plan is not to supply the connection to do that with the product.
Without trying to sound too trendy we want to leave options open to the user to customize\hack their TechSling to a degree. Things like look what you can do with a paper-clip here, or if you staple this there, or if you make this little shape out of Sugru or 3D print this clip or insert. One that I did but forgot to mention was to add a extra loop of elastic to the Kindle side so I could hold my laser pointer above it. One stitch line on any random sewing machine and you've got a new feature.
Thanks for the input so far everyone!