Accessories

Pacsafe Instasafe backpack tote review: My all around carry-on

Looks good and keeps all your stuff safe!

Published

September 30, 2018

Isa Rodriguez

What’s the big deal about Pacsafe bags? My father is a Pacsafe user. He has, on numerous occasions, showed off his travel-safe bag to me. When we interviewed our Her GadgetMatch September guest, TV Host Lyn Ching, she pledged her undying love to Pacsafe.

I, on the other hand, have never used a Pacsafe bag. To be completely honest about it, I’d never traveled with an anti-theft bag… until now.

This is Pacsafe’s Instasafe backpack tote. I road tested it on a recent trip and what follows are my thoughts on what has become a travel cult favorite.

Of course, I’ll start with my favorite feature: It’s convertible! It has enough straps and handles to be used as either a backpack or a tote. It’s understated look is just formal enough, but not too dressy. I love how it can match my outfits whether it be super casual for exploring new places (like pictured below), or a little dressed up for workday meetings and such.

You see, picking a bag is hard. I’ve always had trouble finding the right one; usually, backpacks are too big or too informal and tote bags, on the other hand, are hard to carry for long periods of time. Not to mention, I need something that will fit everything from my laptop to my makeup kit, without being too bulky.

This bag hits the best middle ground. The Instasafe can fit my laptop but is still compact enough for me to carry around on a daily basis.

And believe me, I totally have. On my last trip, this was a staple. I had everything I needed to work remotely — laptop, external hard drive, camera, gorilla pod, makeup kit — in one backpack. The same bag was also my carry on as I rode a total of eight planes and moved through three time zones in a span of two weeks.

Yep, that’s everything in my bag!

Aside from a laptop pocket that fits a 13-inch laptop, this bag has pockets and different compartments for all your other junk, which is great since your bag won’t turn into a bottomless pit of random things.

That’s not all that’s great about this bag, though.

Pacsafe’s main selling point is the anti-theft capabilities. Although this bag is lightweight, it has mesh inside so that it’s slash-proof. That means no one is getting to your stuff, even if they try with a knife.

Even the tote handles are slash-proof so no one will be able to take it from you, they’d have to pry it from your cold, dead, well-manicured fingers.

There are also zipper stoppers that ensure that your bag won’t be zipped open just by anyone else when you’re busy exploring the world.

Another cool feature is something I’ve always needed but just never knew about.

You can unlock this bag strap and wrap it around a secure spot so that you’re 100 percent sure no one just grabs it when you’re not looking.

This is a great thing for people like me who camp out and work in coffee shops. When I’m in the zone writing, I’m not very attentive to my surroundings. Locking this to a table base of a chair means my bag isn’t going anywhere.

There’s also an RFID blocking pocket which ensures that no one can scan your credit cards or passport and steal your information. (This is something I’ve been freaking out about lately!)

Of course, I wasn’t able to definitively test out the anti-theft features (thank heavens 🙄) but knowing there’s an added layer of security is always a welcome thought when you’re out and about.

The best thing about the Instasafe bag, I think, is the fact that its use isn’t just limited to when you’re traveling and hopping from plane to plane. This thing proved to be a great day-to-day work bag and it didn’t destroy my #OOTDs. I honestly didn’t think I’d appreciate Pacsafe’s travel bags this much, but I am now a believer.

It’s been a week since my trip ended but I’m still using the Instasafe. That is a good sign.

Related Topics:Pacsafe Pacsafe Instasafe

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

Published

September 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

Accessories

New AGON gaming monitor features up to 1000Hz refresh rate

New level of speed, flexibility for competitive gaming

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

AGON by AOC has released the new AGON Pro AGP277QK dual-mode gaming monitor for the competitive segment.

This new offering features up to 1000Hz refresh rate at HD and 540Hz at QHD so gamers have the flexibility to prioritize either clarity or speed.

The 27-inch IPS gaming monitor comes with NVIDIA G-SYNC, synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU to help minimize screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag.

This is combined with 0.3ms MPRT and 1ms GtG response times for fast-moving action that is sharp and responsive, giving competitive players a clear visual advantage.

Moreover, the AGON Pro AGP277QK features VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for enhanced contrast and more vivid, lifelike visuals.

Delta E < 1 color accuracy also provides precise color reproduction not just for gaming but even other scenarios like content creation.

For even smoother high frame-rate gameplay, MBR Sync combines motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. This helps maintain clarity during rapid movements.

The monitor also includes Low Input Lag, customizable Light FX ambient RGB lighting, Gaming Mode presets, and Shadow Control.

The display comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, along with a height-adjustable stand and G-Menu support.

Accessories

CASETiFY upgrades iPhone 18 cases, teases iPhone Duo lineup

Duo case waitlist is live.

Published

September 10, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

CASETiFY is launching a new collection of cases and accessories for the iPhone 18 series, updating some of its most popular designs with refined finishes, new protection features, and expanded customization options.

Impact Case

The collection is led by the Impact Case, CASETiFY’s best-selling case with more than 19 million units sold worldwide. It uses an internal EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock by CASETiFY™ bonding for impact absorption and dispersion. The case is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. It also features a scratch-resistant Glaze finish, raised bezel, precision-engineered camera control button, and MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility.

The Ultra Impact Case builds on the same family with redesigned, more rounded corners and reinforced structures with internal air cells. It is tested for drops of up to 11.5 feet and 6x Military Standard 810G. It also has a slimmer profile, multiple design options, and MagSafe compatibility.

Both cases are available in Ring Stand variants. These feature a built-in metal camera ring stand that adjusts up to 150 degrees, with a screwless hinge designed for durability and stable hands-free viewing. Select models are also available with Glitter and Mirror finishes.

Ripple Case

CASETiFY is also bringing its Ripple Case to the iPhone 18 lineup. The soft-touch silicone case features rippled edges and puffed corners, with protection tested for drops of up to 6.6 feet and 3x Military Standard 810G. New colorways include Banana, Dusty Blue, Blush Pink, and Fig, alongside Black and White.

For users who want more protection, the Bounce Case offers CASETiFY’s highest level of drop protection in the collection. Its Expanded Bounce Corners, TesseLock™ design, and enhanced Duo-Lock bonding support drop protection of up to 21.3 feet and 7x Military Standard 810G.

Alloy Ripple Case

The lineup also includes the Alloy Ripple Case, which reworks the Ripple’s sculptural design in aluminum with an EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock bonding. It is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. The Cloud Case uses a quilted soft-touch design with pillowy bumpers and up to 6.6 feet of drop protection.

Beyond cases, CASETiFY is expanding its accessories with the Ripple Wallet, Grip Stands, Loop Grips, Jelly Wristlets, Bow Charm Wristlets, and other charm-compatible straps. The iPhone 18 cases range from USD 50 to USD 90 , while accessories range from USD 25 to $USD 45.

The collection is available beginning September 10 through CASETiFY. The company is also preparing a case lineup for the upcoming iPhone Duo, with its waitlist already live.