They create power-assisted suitcase, security-friendly laptop cases

Luggage designers, who for decades churned out variations of the same basic items, are going through a renaissance of creativity. One new idea is a power-assisted suitcase (33" x 19.5" x 13.5") that makes it more easily transportable than standard luggage. An antigravity, height-adjustable handle distributes a major part of the total weight over the powered wheels. Cases are powered by a rechargeable 12V NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery pack. Power assist doesn’t come cheap, though: Bags are priced at $1,365 at liveluggage.com. Other luggage options include laptop carry-on cases approved for X-ray screening, allowing travelers to keep their computers in their bags while going through checkpoints. The “checkpoint-friendly” cases have either a separate fold-down section in a bigger case or a standalone protective sleeve. Pathfinder Luggage (pathfinderluggage.com) and Targus (targus.com), among others, have a range of cases designed for anyone from mass-market to executive level.