This is a large backpack for large laptops or notebooks. It is quite wide and taller than many similar backpacks. Having said that it is not so wide that it looks silly. It is however not very deep. Compared with many Swiss bags this is pretty slim and that accounts for its relatively modest 20 litre capacity. My everyday laptop is somewhat lost in the special compartment and you might only think about this for larger 17" or 18" machines. That would be a mistake. Because this bag is shallow it keeps the weight near your back- which is optimum. It has a hip belt and a chest strap which make for much easier carrying of heavy loads. Laden with an identical load to my old Swiss model this one seems half the burden for example. On the other hand many people will not bother with the hip belt and in which case it does just become a liability. You are best taking some effort making sure it is out of the way (like clip it together on its shortest adjustment) or it will get stuck and especially in car doors.
If you don't use the belt but do use the chest strap then the bag is still really comfortable. So don't not buy just because you don't need the belt. The built-in rain cover is easy to put on and works well. I hope it's mounting system will prove robust. There are quite a few pockets but less than the Swiss. I have never used all of them anyway. There are no mesh pockets for bottles but as long as they are the smaller size then they fit in the side pockets (with the pocket left partly open) anyway. Probably the last point to make is that this does not stand up on its own. I am OK with that because I like it being slim and back-hugging because it makes for a so much better load carrier. The colour is uninspiring but at least the rain cover is sober (not bright orange or something).
Don't but...
if you want lots and lots of pockets
if you are of very slim build and self-conscious
if you carry things that are football-sized (wide, tall and deep at the same time)
Do buy...
if you want to minimise the strain on your back
if you don't mind it being a bit wider and taller than most
if you need a rain cover
if you want to carry a larger laptop
| Brand | Targus |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 20.9 x 36.2 x 50.2 cm; 544.31 Grams |
| Item model number | 433Z144 |
| Manufacturer | Targus |
| Series | Tcb001eu |
| Color | Black |
| Standing screen display size | 17 Inches |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Voltage | 1.5 Volts |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Item Weight | 544 g |
