FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Staples Inc., (NASDAQ: SPLS) the world’s largest office products company, will debut four new airport security checkpoint-friendly laptop bags in November 2008 to help travelers minimize the risk of losing or damaging laptops at security checkpoints. Just in time for the holiday travel season, these sleek designs are perfect gifts for the busy traveler and come in a range of styles and price points to meet any traveler’s needs. Staples customers will find checkpoint-friendly laptop designs from leading manufacturers like Samsonite, Pathfinder and Targus at retail stores nationwide and on staples.com. Staples has been named the only office supply superstore to carry the new, top models from Samsonite, including the Samsonite Checkmate Business Laptop Bag and Samsonite Checkmate Casual Laptop Bag.

Staples is introducing a new assortment of airport checkpoint-friendly laptop bags to make it easy for travelers to pass through security without having to remove their laptops from their bags. Available at Staples stores nationwide in November, the Samsonite Checkmate Business and Casual Laptop Bags (shown above), along with designs from Targus and Paragon, help travelers minimize the risk of losing or damaging laptops at security checkpoints. (Photo: Business Wire)

“At Staples, we’re continually seeking ways to offer our customers new innovations and solutions that make their lives easier,” said Mark Mettler, senior vice president of merchandising for Staples. “With thousands of laptops lost – and never reclaimed – every week at airport security, these cases help meet the needs of today’s busy traveler, and they’re a perfect gift for that on-the-go friend, colleague or family member.”

All bags sold at Staples meet TSA^® specifications for the new checkpoint-friendly initiative for travelers. Now, travelers using these bags should no longer need to remove their laptop when passing through security. The laptop bags have a designated laptop-only section that completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt. The special baggage designs allow for clear imaging of the devices when moving through the X-ray machine and the rest of the bag’s contents can be put in adjacent compartments. After the laptop bag passes through the X-ray screening, it can quickly be folded upright and zipped within seconds to allow the traveler to promptly move on to their destination without leaving a laptop behind.

Staples will carry the following laptop bags:

Samsonite Checkmate Business and Casual Laptop Bags ($79.99)

• Isolates the laptop in one compartment allowing the bag to open in a ‘butterfly’ position which creates a clear image on the X-ray screen
• Offers two unique styles in business and casual designs
• Business design features a single top carrying handle, a shoulder strap and traditional laptop pouch with an elastic strap to hold laptop in place
• Casual design features bail handles, a shoulder strap, perforated vinyl detailing on front panel and a fully zippered compartment with translucent material to hold laptop in place
• Designed to accommodate a 15.4” laptop
• Available on staples.com and in Staples retail locations beginning November 2008

Pathfinder Wheeled Checkpoint Friendly™ CompuBrief® ($149.99)

• Features a front compartment with an un-removable laptop sleeve which offers easy storage for the laptop
• Only bag currently on the market with wheels and extendable handle for quick transport
• Delivers multi-pocket functional design
• Available at Staples retail locations beginning November 2008

Targus Zip-Thru^™ Air Traveler ($79.99)

• For comfortable carrying, the Zip-Thru™ Air Traveler is lightweight and has premium features including:
  • Removable ergonomic, non-slip shoulder strap
  • Leather-wrapped handles
  • Trolley pass-through attaches case to rolling luggage
• The case includes a dedicated file section, zip-down workstation with business card holder, pen loops, key clip and multiple accessory compartments to keep items organized
• Available at Staples retail locations beginning November 2008

About Staples

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With $27 billion in sales, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world’s leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.