This contest is closed.
If you’re like me, you love your tablet. My iPad is great for surfing the web, using apps, and reading. But actual work? Not at all. Typing for long periods of time is too difficult on my iPad, which makes it hard to get any real work done. I’ve often thought about getting an external keyboard, but many of the ones I’ve seen have been so bulky that I might as well use my regular laptop. Then I was sent the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad to review, and all of my feelings have changed.
Belkin recently launched their Ultimate Keyboard Case, and so far the reviews have been excellent. After my own personal experience, I completely agree. It’s meant to stay with your iPad all the time, so it functions as both a case and a keyboard (as one might gather from the name). The back has an aluminum shell, but the connecting pieces are nice and thin. It was very simple to slip my iPad into place, and after the initial charge (I let it charge for about 20 minutes) setup took maybe 30 seconds and was incredibly easy.
The keyboard is great—obviously smaller than a full-size laptop keyboard, but certainly large enough to get the job done. I really like that there are individual, separate keys—it makes typing so much easier. Plus the keys are big enough and in the right place. It also really protected my iPad from the various large things I carry in my purse.
I carried it around with me (everywhere) for a few days, and here are the features I love. First, it is SO thin. 
Hardly thicker than my iPad by itself! Also, it weighs almost nothing, so I barely notice it in my purse, and I was able to fit it into regular purses vs. my normal large work purse. It takes up so much less room than my regular laptop, which makes using it in tight spaces (like conferences and airplanes) a breeze. When I wanted it to be just a tablet, the case folded back nicely and didn’t interfere.
As a travel bonus, since it’s an iPad I didn’t have to take it out at security. Woohoo! (Hey, I’ll take any time saver there.)
Will this replace my laptop for everything? No—I had a hard time adjusting to no mouse, plus I need all of those awesome MS programs (PowerPoint anyone?). But I love the Ultimate Keyboard Case, and will definitely use it with my iPad on all trips from here on out. I recommend it to anyone who travels often or needs a super portable computer. It is compatible with iPad 2 plus Gen 3 and 4, and is available for $129.
So who wants one?? To celebrate the release, I am giving away a Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case!! In order to enter, please leave a comment answering the following question: What is your best tip for getting through security quickly? The contest starts today and goes through Sunday, May 19, at midnight CDT. The winner will be chosen randomly, and as always only one entry per person.
My tip for getting through security quickly (besides TSA Pre-Check of course) is to have everything ready before you get to the bins. Have your liquids bag (if you take it out) easily accessible, have everything out of your pockets, and have your laptop ready to pull out. Or you could take an iPad with the Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case, which doesn’t have to come out!
Good luck!!
Slip-on shoes
Leave the house ready for security. Everything already in carry one, then it’s just belt and shoes.
Wear a comfortable pair of slacks and t-shirt with floaters so that way you can take off floaters if needed. Place all your hand luggage and belongings in a backpack or carry bag. Keep your laptop in a separate compartment so its easy to remove and lastly keep an easy to reach compartment empty in the bag you carry so that you quickly put all your cash, coins, mobiles in there just before you go through security and take them out easily after you have passed security. These tips will not only ensure hassle-free and quick security checks but also a comfortable trip 🙂
Just be prepared in general, have a clue of what is happening.
I’m in a weird mood tonight. So my best tip is Don’t fly. Actually it would be only have a personal item and wear easy on off shoes.
Become a trusted traveler and reap the benefits of tsa pre check.
Do put too many things in hand-carry luggage.
don’t bring hand carry luggage.
No laces! Slip on shoes only.
Just bring a bag with one zipper. So if you are near the security, you just need to open the bag and they can easily see all your things inside. Don’t put any unnecessary object inside your bag especially illegal thing.
Don’t bring any illegal object.
Take a deep breath!
And see if there is another line that will get you to the same place. You might have to walk a but more on the other Side, but for most of us that beats waiting in line.
Slip on shoes & keep belt in carry-on.
tight jeans and no belt
Keep sneezing like your sick. TSA will not want to get near you!
Check TSA guidelines before heading out
Get a routine in place in addition to having everything ready.
Each time you go through, take your shoes off and put everything in bins in the same order.
Finally, put your belongings on the belt in the order you need them on the other side: roller case, briefcase, laptop bin, other items bin. You’ll put yourself back together faster.
Take the scuba regulator out of the carryon bag and put it in a bin. Most security screeners apparently have no idea what a scuba regulator looks like and always search my bag if I leave it in. Really – never seen a scuba regulator?
I always wear the same thing to the airport to ease me through security: jeans or work-appropriate pants, a light tissue tee, no jewelry, no belt, slip on shoes with those socks that are meant to be disguised under your shoes (who wants to step on the airport floor in bare feet?), a light jacket and scarf (for napping on the plane). My only bag contents are my iPad, wallet, phone, keys and book. I figure that if this gets me through security very quickly, I can have time to sip a latte! Love your blog!
TSA precheck and have my cpap which must come out of the case organized
Take as little as possible and get in a good line.
Smile and be patient and you’re in/out before you know it.
Priority boarding lines + TSA Pre-check make passing through security a breeze. Two minutes or less, total.
But for folks who don’t have that luxury, or when you are traveling with others who do not have TSA pre-check, here is my advice:
1. PREPARE. Have slip on shoes or flip flops/sandals & have all of your liquids ready in that 3-1-1 ziplock bag.
2. SCOUT. Look for the line that appears to be the quickest. Business persons and those traveling light tend to be the fastest. Avoid lines with children, elderly, and groups of more than 2 traveling together.
3. BIN-IT. Once in line, start preparing yourself for the bins (if you are still waiting to put items into the bins). Take off your belt, watch, wallet, shoes, heavy coat, and any other metals off your persons and into the bin. Toss your 3-1-1 bag in there as well. Grab another bin and take out your laptop and put it in a bin. Your personal bag and carry on do not have to go into a bin.
I think if everyone did #3, lines would go a lot quicker. Preparing and knowing the process is key.
Get there early as possible
Always go alone
Be prepared to wait and smile, smile
Avoid long lines and don’t bring hand carry luggage
Look like you are about to pass out
Wear slip on shoes is my #1 tip
strip down when almost at checkpoint
1. wear slippahs (OK mainlanders call them flip-flops) and carry sneakers/socks in your carry-on.
2. While in line, take everything out of your pockets and transfer them to your coat/jacket with zippered pockets.
Wear slip on shoes and get in the line that looks to have the most business travelers, not families.
Look for line without families. Have ziploc for liquids in side pocket for easy access.
Take all your metal stuff you wear: belt, watch, wallet, etc. and put it in your bag as you are waiting in line so you can breeze through the inspection. Then just grab your bag on the other side and keep walking. Don’t put it all back on until you are waiting at the gate (doing nothing anyway).
Following things have helped me in the past:
-Don’t bring so much to begin with. If you can check it, great!
-Remove things that TSA requires to be removed beforehand and have it in your carryon or backpack. Once you’re through, then put it back on. Best to have it removed before lining up for security.
-Watch the pace of the lines and go where it is quickest. Usually the outer lines are the fastest
-And if possible, enroll in the TSA program which allows you to move quickly through security by being a frequent flier
-And most importantly, give yourself enough time in the event things go south.
Pack jacket/coat in a carry on bag before getting in line.
I put my keys, loose change and other pocket contents in my backpack (carry-on). Saves scooping it all out later.
To get through I usually plan what Im wearing ahead of time: sandals, no belt, no sweatshirts/jacket, have your laptop in a very accessible place to quickly separate it and put it away when the time comes. As far as liquids I don’t bring any and rely on the hotel to supply me with my necessities. One big thing that I learned is print the actual ticket out, too many times ive been screwed by my cellphone bar code not working.
Alternatively, I saw an older lady with incontinence who was moved right to the front.
Limit the amount of technology that you carry wiith you. A smartphone and an iPad is usually plenty for any trip.
Big fan of TSA pre-check (first time this weekend! – it was like going back in time to 15 years ago). Other than that, I recommend being strategic about the checkpoint and specific line you use – e.g., avoid a line with families or (yes, a little stereotyping here) people who look like inexperienced travelers.
Precheck – best thing ever
A few tips, where comfortable trousers which dont require a belt (thank the lord for elastic)… people standing up undoing an elaborate belt before yanking it through the belt loops is never going to endear the line behind.
No nasty surprises!
Some airports are relaxed on ipads, some are not so I generally use the time waiting in the line to take out the ipad and put my keys, wallet mobile and everything else from my pockets into my bag. This stops any nasty surprises if you get scanned because you forgot something in the rush to put your bags down as people scrunch up behind you.
Empty all pockets while still at home, wear slip on shoes and as little metal as possible.
Have your ID and boarding pass in hand before you approach the security line.
Also, always keep extra quart size bags in your carry on as a Just in case.
And if you can, get Global Entry and apply for precheck!