Customer Reviews

Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag (Black)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I agonized over picking this Skooba bag and the Targus Zip-Thru. It wasn't until I bought the Skooba that I found the Targus Zip-Thru video found on YouTube. (Just do a search there for 'Targus Zip-Thru.') After seeing that video, I firmly believe I made the right choice.

Of course, take a look at the Skooba video on this page -- it's also on YouTube.

First, the good: The Skooba bag is extremely convenient, in terms of accessing your things. The outside 'travel pocket' separates passport from boarding pass, which is great (the Targus does not). The boarding pass pocket is 'deep' enough to even carry 5-10 brochures, above and beyond the boarding pass.

The main travel compartment is really great, if you are looking for two features that the Targus does not have. (1) Mesh pockets. In some of my old laptop carry-on's, I have just had a large outside pocket, and then I have to throw everything in there, and root through a ton of stuff to find what I want. In the Skooba, there are 4 PDA-sized pockets in the main compartment (I have small Canon Powershot, a multi-mode memory card reader, pack of tissues, and a big pack of gum in mine: these items all 'poke' out a bit so I can see what they are without opening the pockets), and another 5 (decently large) pockets scattered around. The latter 5 pockets are *all* mesh (see the 2nd picture, the drawings are unfortunately inaccurate in that the pockets don't look like mesh ones). Which is great! Because I can open the main compartment zipper, and in 5 seconds I can scan the insides of the mesh pockets and be sure that everything I packed is still in there. If you watch the Targus video, you'll notice that virtually all the pockets are covered in a non-mesh material. That means that unless your memory can dedicate items to pouches or unless you develop a fixed routine for each pouch, you're gonna be spending a lot of time checking and re-checking that you packed something. I just want to throw a cord into one of the mesh pockets and be able to glance and check later.

(2) 'Solid width' in the main compartment. If you take a look at both the Targus and Skooba videos, you'll notice that the Skooba non-laptop compartment is much larger. More accurately, behind the panel with all the mesh pockets is another space, and the bottom of this space actually has a solid width, versus the bottom (well, both 'bottoms') of the Targus non-laptop compartment which doesn't (e.g. a true 'accordion' style)... This means that if you like to travel with bulky items besides your laptop, the Skooba is far superior. What kind of bulky items am I talking about? For example, the hard carrying case for my noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones (Audio-Technica's). And my rolled-up 'First Class Sleeper', which is about the size and shape of a rolled-up large umbrella. In fact, as a test, I took a 1,500+ page Business Law hardback textbook, and it fit in this part of the non-laptop compartment, with width to spare!... On this note, it's probably feasible to fit a whole change of clothes inside the Skooba. The Targus laptop video seems to suggest that the Targus couldn't.

(3) Stitched loop in the back, that can go over the telescoping handle of your checked bag. Great feature.

The bad: The Skooba is by no means a perfect bag. As others have noted, it doesn't have much cushioning. It does come with a detachable small cushion at the bottom, which probably provides some protection if your strap breaks and the bag falls while upright. But it certainly doesn't have cushioning for the laptop's 'face.' I dunno about you, but I don't exactly drop my laptop bag a lot, so I can see past this design flaw. Besides, it's not difficult to throw some air bubble packaging in there if you really wanted to protect your laptop.

Also, true enough, it is a pretty thick bag. I had kinda been hoping to use this for my everyday work bag, but like others, I will stick with my old bag. But if you like convenience and 'solid width' in your bags, then this is likely far superior to the Targus. (If you somehow anticipate checking your laptop bag, don't get the Skooba!) And if you want an overnight laptop bag, I believe this is about as good as it gets.

Hope this helps!

First, kudos to Amazon that got this to me in ONE day, and I didn't pay for any overnight shipping, or any special handling.

The guidelines for underseat storage is 36 inches total. Unfortunately, I found this out after I bought this bag. The bag is 37.5 inches. I will probably return this bag. Skooba needs to take 1.5 inches out of the middle of this bag!!

I was also dissapointed in the lack of padding around the edges of the laptop. The pictures make it appear like there is thick padding, but there isn't.

I bought this because it's TSA friendly, on that score it succeeds. I've just taken it on a trip to Chicago and I had no trouble taking it though the checkpoints, you just unzip it and run it through the X-RAY.

I don't like it as a computer case. My biggest complaint is that it's twice as thick as it ought to be. When one of my colleagues saw it he asked if I'd gotten a job selling Fuller brushes. Even though the bag is the size of a suitcase it has very little padding to protect the computer, this might be a compromise to make it TSA friendly or it might be bad design. I also don't like the handle, it's uncomfortably thick.

I bought the bag for my Husband, who travels by air 46+ weeks a year. He likes the convenience of the bag for the x-ray screening, but the welting on the bottom of the bag has worn through. When I checked the warranty section on the Skooba website I found that the warranty doesn't cover the fabric. So, it appears I bought a bag with a very short life span. As it stands now, he can't carry a bag that looks worn out and frayed and I can't find him a leather bag that opens the way the Skooba bag does. So, I'll spend a couple of hundred dollars and but a high quality leather bag that can handle the travel and he'll have to pull the computer out of the bag. Nice try Skooba, but I won't be buying another one.

I bought this bag for my husband, who flies frequently, for Christmas after researching several "airport security-friendly" bags. The design combined with cost of this one made it the best choice in my opinion.

My husband really likes the bag--and especially the separately purchased superbungee strap. (The bag's description makes it hard to tell whether it comes with a strap at all. It does, but it is a basic one and not as comfortable as the superbungee.) He has yet to take a trip, so we can't say how TSA will handle it.

The only drawback is the aesthetic. It's a pretty run-of-the-mill looking bag. It will be nice when some more stylish ones come out.

I bought this bag sight unseen, and had high hopes due to a favorable review on CNET. First off, it's big. I know it needs to be a certain size to contain a laptop, but I also use it as a primary 'manbag' to bring to work each day, and it's a bit of overkill for that.

But the most troubling aspect so far is a tear on one of the front small pockets. The material is reipping from the stitching, and this is after 6 weeks of use.

As far as the airport screening factor, so far so good, but keep in mind you still have to unzip this thing and lay the laptop down on the conveyor belt. I see that as only 15% less work than taking it out of a bag. I also was surprised at the amount of padding for the computer compartment, thinking there should be more.

As far as positives: It looks good, there's plenty of pockets, a nice padded handle and shoulder strap, and it should make for an easier airport commute.

For $100 or so, and now with a tear, it's tough to endorse.... but I'm rooting for it!

I admit that I was skeptical as to whether this bag would actually make it through security without being stopped. However, I've made 6 trips through airport security with this bag and have not had any problems. In fact, a few of the TSA agents thanked me for getting the bag!

Overall, the bag quality is very good. Plenty of space for your computer and all other travel supplies. The handle is very comfortable and so is the shoulder strap. I definitely recommend this product for anyone who travels frequently.

I've bought this bag to use with me 15" mac pro, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The size is perfect for holding your computer snugly, plus if has rooms for plenty of papers, cables etc, without being cumbersome to carry around. I'm sure it could fit up to a 17" laptop, or a 13", however u might need to have some stuffing or something in there if you don't want it jiggling around (a 13", that is. for other sizes it will fit nicely)

It is pretty light-weight for a bag this size. I used to carry around a standard dell bag, and this one feels pounds and pounds lighter on my shoulder and hands!!! It has several pockets and compartments, so I can quickly find my boarding passes, chargers, stuff my watch and cell phone before going through TSC... all handy!

The fact that is TSA approved is a gift from heavens (ok, maybe not that much, but it is GREAT). When in line for security, I just unzip the bag and carry on normally. It has a transparent side, so they can see there's only ur laptop in the compartment (a TSA requirement), and no one ever told me to take it out of there. After I'm done with the X-ray, I'll just get the bag and my stuff and go somewhere to zip it up again!!! It's surprisingly handy!!!

I have had the bag for about six months. I wanted to give it a workout before reviewing it.

What's great:

* Mesh pockets. I can put my cord, mouse, and mobile chargers where they are secure but readily available.

* Elastic pockets. There are small elastic pockets that I can use for my pen, mp3 player, pill bottles. They've come in handier than I'd have thought.

* Compartment. This is big enough for files and hardback books, even a three ringer binder if necessary. A Velcro strap keeps these items separated from the mesh and elastic pockets, protecting them.

* Zippered front pockets, including one with a clear plastic bag, which could be used or not. There is a place for keys, a place for my liquids, a place to stash my point-and-shoot Canon, and a ready-access zip pocket for putting my plane ticket.

* Speedy TSA check through. Unzip, lay flat, pick up. My laptop is protected and kept secure. Oooo, and I kinda enjoy watching other people looking hassled while they struggle taking their laptops out and putting them back in.

* Fits under the seat in front. I'm short and can't easily reach the overhead bins but I don't have to worry about that with this bag.

* Rugged. It takes abuse. When the laptop isn't it, I just fling it around wherever I can stuff it and it always looks good when I need to use it.

What's not so great:

* Color choices are black, black or black. Unfortunately, the bag looks like any other black laptop bag out there, so you'd better keep yourself glued to it.

* Too big. Others have mentioned this but it is bulky and thick.

* Why doesn't it have wheels to roll on? If you load it as full as you can, it is quite heavy, at least for this 5'0" female.

Overall, I'm very pleased with it. I don't use it when I don't travel because it isn't practical for everyday use, but it is well worth it for flying.

I was somewhat hesitant to order this bag as a number of reviews stated how *huge* it was, but in reality size was no problem. It easily fits under seats on the aircraft I flew on my trips so far- - CJ jets, A319, MD80. In fact it is smaller than laptop bags others at my office use, and this bag has more pockets and compartments and plenty of room for file folders. The clip for keys was a nice feature. I didn't use the clear bag for liquids but did use it for pocket change. I would agree that the ID holder is not much of a feature for me, as I don't want to leave my drivers license in the bag anyhow and it does not pull out very far. And the biggest feature worked well; the TSA agents didn't wince at all at leaving the laptop in the bag. Quality seems great, good zippers and stitching. If you're on the fence, go ahead and get it, you'll like it.