Get a Powerbag messenger bag for $41.97

I haven't been in school for a looong time, but I still like to carry a backpack. To my thinking there's no better man-bag for traveling. And the pack I've carried for the last couple years is my all-time favorite: a Powerbag.

Though it looks like a regular backpack, the Powerbag (video) has places to stow a rechargeable battery and connectors for all my mobile gear. That not only saves me from having to pack a bunch of chargers and cables, but also lets me juice up on the run.

Today only, and while supplies last, Yugster has the backpack's kissing cousin, the Powerbag Messenger 16-inch travel bag, for $41.97, plus $7 for shipping. Although it's a discontinued member of the Powerbag series, it originally sold for $129.99 -- and still runs $65 to $85 from most outlets. (Its successor costs $179.99, FYI.)

True to its name, the Messenger is a shoulder-slung messenger bag that's large enough to hold most laptops. It includes a dedicated tablet compartment along with smaller, zippered pockets for other stuff.

But the real prize here is the 3,000mAh rechargeable battery, which is cleverly engineered into the bag (but also removable should it need replacing). There's an external port for charging it via the included AC adapter. And there are three plugs for charging your gear: Apple 30-pin, Mini-USB, and Micro-USB. If those don't do the trick, there's even a generic USB port for use with virtually any charging cable.

Alas, you can't recharge your laptop, but at least you'll be able to top off your phone, e-reader, or smaller tablet.

According to Yugster's product listing, the Messenger includes a "30-day Yugster warranty," despite it being new. Powerbag offers a full year, so I'm not sure why this wouldn't be similarly covered. Might be worth pinging Yugster if you're concerned about it.

That said, if you're in the market for a new travel bag, I'd definitely give this one a try. Although it's not physically the same as my backpack, functionally it is -- and I really love my backpack.

Bonus deal: Remember that $24.99 MagicJack I wrote about on Friday? Yeah, um, forget about that. This is way better: DealFisher has the NetTalk Duo VoIP phone adapter for $24.99 shipped. It's new, not refurbished, and unlike the MagicJack, it can plug directly into your router -- no PC required. (Though it can work with your PC if you want to travel with it.) The Duo comes with a year of unlimited local- and long-distance service.

Bonus deal No. 2: Remember that $600 Windows 8 laptop I wrote about yesterday? Yeah, um... Best Buy has the refurbished Asus Q200ERF-BHI3T45 11.6-inch touch-screen laptop for $299.99 shipped. Obviously it's smaller and a bit less powerful than yesterday's, but, man, what a deal. Specs include an Intel Core i3 processor, a 500GB hard drive, and a 2.9-pound travel weight.

Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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