Product: Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack

Design: 4.5 / 5
Build Quality: 4.5 / 5
Functionality: 3.5 / 5
Ergonomics: 5 / 5
Durability: 5 / 5

MSRP: $120.00 (CAD)
Overall: 4 / 5

After many years of searching for backpacks, I've found that the criteria for the perfect commuter backpack is different than the criteria for a travel backpack. While a good large backpack could absolutely play the part of a commuter backpack, it's kind of like saying that you can wear your hospital scrubs to the symphony. You can absolutely do it. Your important bits are covered, and if it's not TOO cold out, you'd be relatively warm. 

That being said, when I look for a commuter backpack, I have a separate "want list", as follows:
- Durable
- Anti-Theft features
- Water proof/resistant
- Fits all my electronics required for most day-to-day activities
- Multiple pockets for easy organisation
- Full Day carry comfort
- Security Pocket
- With enough space still to fit an extra layer (ie., jacket, sweater)
- Easy access water bottle / umbrella pocket
- Slim for packed public transit

The Bobby checks off most of the important criteria, but not all. Because they tried to make the backpack as anti-theft as possible, there are no outside pockets whatsoever, so if I wanted to carry a bottle of water around, there really isn't an accessible place to put it. They do make up for it slightly with the bonus feature of having  charge port if you've got an external battery to place inside the backpack.

The video does give you all the features of the backpack, so I'm not going to sing its virtues by telling you the wonderful features of the backpack, instead, just a couple of things that I think needs a bit of improvement.
There are a couple of sleeves in the shoulder straps. These are great for putting in your Presto Card / Metropass. That being said, unless you remember to tuck it in snugly into the sleeve (there is a little divot so that it stays a bit more securely), it can very easily fall out. If they included a small magnet, or a slim velcro strip, that would make that sleeve SO much better.

There is only one compartment inside the backpack. And while there are pockets to put stuff, it's not ideal for organisation. If you're bringing along some files, folders along with your laptop, there isn't much for organised space so that your paperwork doesn't get dog-eared or crumpled.

While I love that the backpack itself is cut resistant (i wouldn't go as far as saying it's cut PROOF, I'm sure if someone put some elbow grease in, they could cut through), the straps are not. That is something I do love about Pacsafe. 

Bottom line, this backpack is sleek, it's sexy, and it's great peace of mind for your daily commute, and it's got some great nifty features to boot. It's not perfect, but that COULD just be me being overly critical.

Cheers.

Critique: The D-BOX Experience

Sorry everyone that I'm a bit late to the game on this, my hiatus ended up being a bit longer than I'd anticipated. While there are a few reviews out there talking about D-BOX, ain't no one giving you the truth the way I deliver it (cue evil, maniacal laughter).



D-BOX isn't new anymore. And I'm sure that most cinema enthusiasts/aficionados have already gone ahead and tried it. But for those of you who haven't tried it yet and are considering it, here are some things to consider.

The Price (Cineplex Prices before taxes)

Let's talk about what's important to all of us. In Toronto, here is the range of tickets (I'm not including Cineplex VIP into this post).

Regular Movie Ticket: $13.50
3D Non-AVX Movie Ticket: $16.50
3D AVX Movie Ticket: $18.50
3D D-BOX Movie Ticket: $24.50

It's almost double the price of a regular ticket! Outrageous right? I suppose it depends on who you ask, and what their priorities are. But if you're budget conscious, $24.50 is pretty painful.

The Experience

So the powers that be have decided that D-BOX should take, pretty much the best seats in the house. They're positioned in the centre section of the theatre, and just a few rows down from the back. Down to just above the middle of the room. Why are these seats optimal? The first one is obvious, it's in the middle of the room width-wise. But, they're also the most optimal in terms of viewing angle also. You're not looking down, you're not looking up; you are looking straight from your seat to the screen.

So the video above already shows you the motion sensitive chair and how it rumbles and sways. If you're not prone to motion sickness, it's actually quite fun. For certain films ("Star Trek" and "The Perfect Storm" come to mind), it does enhance the experience of the film. I mean, let's be real here. You probably don't need your seat to rumble around for a movie like "Black Swan".

While I did/do enjoy the D-BOX experience for certain movies, I actually also find the seats to be pretty uncomfortable. It could be because I'm somewhat vertically challenged, but the seats are angled a bit higher at the edge than regular seats and so your feet (well, mine at least) do dangle off a bit. After about 30min into a movie, I find that my legs get fairly uncomfortable. So I spend the rest of the movie shifting my weight from one side to the other, trying to sit one way, then another.

The Options

D-BOX seats are generally found in AVX rooms. So if you don't absolutely need to rattle and roll with what's happening on screen, and still want excellent seats in the house? I say the best bang for buck AVX seats are in the row just in front of the D-BOX seats. You're still in the middle of the room width-wise, and you're still up high enough that your line of sight is still comfortable. There are a couple of added benefits (not including price) to this row also. The arm rests in AVX rooms are adjustable, so you can push it up for a better huggle with your S.O (Significant Other). D-BOX seats , because they move independently, there is some space in between. And because the D-BOX seats also go to and fro, they also provide plenty of leg room. This means that there's almost no chance of some seat kicking douche bag sitting behind you trying to get you to take a whiff of their toe jam.

The Verdict

I tend to choose the alternative that I just mentioned for MOST movies. But, there are certain movies that I don't mind paying the extra bucks for to maximise the viewing experience (the upcoming "Star Wars" movie comes to mind). There is however, actually one more situation where I'll choose a D-BOX seat. AVX tickets for opening weekend for a big blockbuster tends to sell quickly, especially in that centre cluster of seats. D-BOX seats tend to sell a touch slower than the other seats in the house. So when the S.O isn't available and I want to get a good seat close to the show time, there's a chance that there's a D-BOX seat that someone hasn't taken yet.

Bottom line, it's a good choice if you want/need a bit extra to get you immersed into the movie, but it's not entirely necessary.

If y'all are interested in the more detailed technical aspects behind D-BOX, here's a video of their "Motion Code"

Cheers.