Kids are headed back to school or off to college for the first time, so backpacks are flying off the shelves in anticipation of heavy course loads and spelling tests. There are some pretty cool options out there from Ogio, Under Armour and Herschel, but some times a little more technology is in order.
That’s where the iBackPack comes in. It’s a fully loaded satchel that recently hit Indiegogo and has raised nearly 500% of its $50,000 goal. While the name may not be that original, the specifications on this bad boy will help you get over it.
This backpack is a technology fiend’s dream. It has a four USB-port system with up to 40,000mAh of juice for keeping your devices going all day. It recharges via a retractable cable just above the hidden ports near the bottom of the bag. However, iBackPack has a few standout features that make it more than a traveling power supply. Notably a built-in Bluetooth speaker system and 4G Wi-Fi capabilities will make any library study session more interesting – use your hotspot to get around the school’s firewall and fill the study room with music. According to iBackPack, discounted data plans will be available from Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and more. This is a particularly big deal for an Indiegogo project to have that kind of partnership with big companies ahead of launching a campaign.
A GPS system and Bluetooth proximity locator make note of the last known location of the bag and send a push notification to your device if you were to walk away. iOS and Android apps help manage all the features that are found on the iBackPack. The outside of the bag is made of waterproof materials and has a “durable” design that iBackPack claims will last for multiple school years. There are multiple sleeves and padded storage areas for holding MacBooks, iPads and school supplies. A hard rubberized base adds drop protection as well for an extra level of security.
It’s generally surprising that we haven’t seen more “smart” backpack options like this. While it’s not a new trend to put battery packs into bags, an all-in-one solution like this certainly has a place in the market as shown by the quick funding of this project. Some features may be overkill, but the partnership with cellular companies is a noted piece of the puzzle. Bundling a hotspot into a backpack reduces the need to carry around one more gadget and simplifies the situation further for regular commuters.
The entry-level iBackPack with a 10000mAh battery can be had for a pledge of $99, while the fully loaded Professional model carries a $249 price tag. Delivery is slated for March of 2016, although those dates generally tend to adjust after the campaign concludes. In need of a backpack right now? Be sure to check out Amazon’s back-to-school selection for the latest gear. Another highly-successful Indiegogo project called Bluesmart that featured similar USB power and iOS connectivity is now available for pre-order as well with availability set for the end of the year.
More New Toys of the Day:
- Samsung SmartThings hub comes next month with Amazon Echo-powered voice control support
- Beyerdynamic takes its pro-audio pedigree to the streets with these new custom headphones
- The new AfterShokz headphones bring bone conduction audio to Apple Watch
- Fotokite Phi makes flying a drone as easy as walking your dog
- The “world’s first flexible display product” is set to wrap a screen all the way around your wrist
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