Surprisingly, I didn't get too many out and out snickers from passers-by at the airport. In fact, only one snicker that I know of. I didn't even reap any discernable laughter while wearing my e-Holster around painters at a manufacturers' open house. So, despite what you might think, few people will laugh when you suit up in your own e-Holster. If you're an e-Holster exhibitionist, however, be prepared for some squinting, staring, and whispering. You'll have to get used to it, as I did. Of course, if you already sport multiple body piercings, orange hair, and Doc Martens, you should expect no incremental change.

Who will use this thing?
I think the e-Holster is the answer to many guys' prayers. I doubt it'll be successful as a crossover fashion accessory for women, despite the fact that the e-Holster Web site features a 360 degree view of a lovely young woman modeling it. On the other hand, salesmen, senior executives, and bounty hunters will find it a particularly great solution.

Personally, I'm not important enough to be wearing a suit to work, allowing the e-Holster to hide under a jacket, I'm not Silicon Valley enough to wear it over my button-down Nautica and Polo togs, and I'm not vigilante enough to throw it on over shorts and a t-shirt. It'd be great, though, for hikers, bikers, and skiers.

Oh, and I do think the e-Holster would be really handy when you need the confidence that comes from "packing heat." For example, an exit interview with your employer, or your annual review with your boss. Just think--as you get into a heated discussion about substantiating the value you added to the company, just reach slowly into your jacket… and whip out your Palm device to read off all those notes you've stored!

Additional e-Pouches available
A great option is the capability to add additional device modules to the e-Holster. You can hang up to two devices on each side without them getting unduly in your way. If you're still carrying two cell phones like some e-warriors I know, this'll be invaluable. Figure C shows how one pouch can be hung below another.

FIGURE C

Additional e-Pouches can be added.

At the company's Web site, you'll find e-Pouches sized for larger handheld devices or portable CD players available. If you crave convention, you can even get an e-BeltSnap kit, pictured in Figure D, to let you wear up to two e-Pouch cases on your belt.

FIGURE D

The e-BeltSnap is available for more conventional tastes. Click picture for a larger image.

Pricing on the e-Holster varies by model, material choice, and pouches. The e-Holster Leather Professional runs $99.95, the e-Holster Basic Professional runs $79.95, and the e-Holster Neoprene Professional runs $59.95. To add another of the very well-constructed pouches will run you from $30 to $85 depending on which one you need.

Information is power, time is money, image is nothing
There is no question that, much like undergarments, this is a fashion accessory that begs to be kept under wraps. A favorite suit or sport coat will help you avoid those lingering stares which must have compelled Madonna to put her brassieres back under her clothes back in the early 90's. Though the inventor, Tom Traeger, tells me it's ideal to wear while conducting business at the beach, I think I'd rather not risk the unconventional tan lines. I'm still fiddling with the straps so Bailey can wear it for me when we go out to the park. "Bailey, sit! Bailey, dial!"

John Kuo is a product designer for Autodesk. He can be reached via email at jkuo@mindspring.com.