Customer Reviews

Targus TBB001US Element Convertible Notebook Case Fits up to 15.4-Inch Screens (Black)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had this backpack for a few months now, so I'll give my input.

I'll start with the goods. The backpack is very compact, which I like a lot. The slots are very straight. Unlike a regular backpack, I feel like I can just slip papers into the flaps without the papers being crumpled. The material used is very strong, much stronger than the Targus TXL I previously had in my opinion. The laptop padding is very well built. However, because of this, it feels a bit bulky to be using it as a strap. I'm not sure if it is reasonable to expect a bag-like strapped backpack with secure padding for a laptop to be used on the arm with a single strap though. I use it as a backpack for this reason and/or briefcase.

The straps feel a little thinner than the thicker straps on normal backpacks. It's adequate I would say, as long as it doesn't break off. One of the side storage has magnetic clasps so you can easily open it for pencils and pens. There are a lot of pockets, which is very useful; there are two on the right side (one for the mp3 player/walkman and one small compartment above it with a net, which I use for mini-staplers and paper clips) and on the left, a magnetic clamped flat compartment for pencils as mentioned earlier. The water bottle hold (behind a zipper) on the left side protrudes in an awkward looking fashion. I don't use the water bottle hold so it does not really apply to me. There are three zipper compartments in the front, 2 regular holds on the flap and one generally large zipper behind the flap for CDs, nets for pencils, business cards, etc.

On the outermost flap (the bigger covering) there is another bigger compartment for 'quick' storage and a small, comfortable clothed compartment if you are the type that likes a place to quickly put away and retrieve pencils. The squarish frame of the backpack is what I like the most. It sits well on hard floor and generally looks much more organized than standard backpacks.

There are only some things that may irk me at times. The first has to do with the straps on the backpack. To make it as versatile as it is and as durable while in 'backpack mode,' the straps are connected using two metal clamps. The problem here is that when you walk with the backpack strapped on your back, it constantly makes a jingling noise as if you are carrying cat-bells like the balls on a cat collar. It is somewhat more noticeable in a library or some other quiet place.

While this next part may be just me, I am not too fond of having the clip on the bottom of the large flap. All the way on the bottom, simply because when I want to 'shut' my backpack, I have to bend all the way down to the floor to do it, literally. I realize this was how the backpack was designed and other flap backpacks are similar, so I'm not too taken on this. I am just more used to having the zipper on a backpack on top for easier closing so this may be something I have to get used to.

I think that's all there is to say about this backpack. I didn't find the cons urgent enough to dock any points from this otherwise well built backpack. As far as any of the available backpacks go, I don't see myself preferring any others.

This bag is a perfect briefcase for going to work on the train, bus, walking and riding bike. I have to do them all and this sturdy case has pockets to store train passes and Ipod and other various items without having to open the main flap. Case is sturdy and will probably last a long time. The fact that I can carry it like a briefcase by hand or strap it on my back like a backpack while riding a bike makes this case very versatile. Because it's not the size of a daypack, I'm disciplined not to carry too much stuff, which I probably don't need to lug around anyway.

This is the third bag i have bought. What a workhorse it is.
It holds for me, three computers, three ipods, two power supplies, numerous usb keys, microphone, iphone charger, electric shaver, tooth brush& MUCH much more.
If the airlines ever made me weigh this bag, i'd be in trouble. ***** for sure!

Unfortunately my bag did not arrive with the shoulder strap. The bag does have several compartments on the inside. This can help with sorting out small items but it is not so good when you have a bulky item to carry along. There is a removable internal divider. It can be great for sorting documents. Removing it helps when you need some consolidated space in the main compartment.

The bag closes by folding the flap over. Sometimes insides of the bag may still be exposed the elements. The flap has to be buckled to stay in place. This makes it a bit difficult to quickly reach into the bag and close it again.

The flap has two zippered compartments which can be used to store items for easy reach while the bag is closed.

I love this bag! I'm really picky about bags and this one had everything I needed. The best feature is the surfeit of pockets -- there's a place for everything and that helps keep my stuff nicely organized. Especially the magnetic pen pocket on the outside. I'm a student and so I always need quick access to a pen.

Now the bad news: I usually left the expandable part unzipped even though I didn't usually need the room. After about a month's use, the fabric at the bottom of that section tore. It's made of a lightweight ripstop nylon-type rather than the heavy material of the rest of the bag but I didn't expect it to tear so easily. I'm not that tough on my bags and I didn't even carry as much as Targus's own pictures show.

I'll be submitting a warranty claim to Targus and I hope they honor it.

Edited 8/27/09:

I ended up not bothering with the warranty claim because a couple of months ago I found this on clearance for less than $20. I figured shipping both ways would end up costing more than that. So far, the new bag hasn't shown any signs of tearing that my original did. Maybe I nicked it on something and didn't realize it and that started the tear.

I didn't think I would use all of these compartments when it first arrived, but they do prove to be convenient. It's as comfortable as a backpack loaded with a computer and some files can be. Nice sturdy straps, etc. It's perhaps deeper than it needs to be, which means you sometimes have to dig things out if they fall to the bottom, but that's really a very minor complaint. Very nice price for a very nice product.

I was looking for a bag that would fit not only my laptop, but that had separate compartments for my documents and other miscellaneous items. Well it has that and more. The outside compartment for pen/pencils is great and accessible (It has a magnetic pull). Also has compartment for your cell phone and MP3 player. It comes with a CD holder and a document filer. All in all great and at a great price. The draw back for having all this space is that it's slighly bulky but it's not that heavy.

I travel around 300 days a year for work, so I am constantly on the go. I first found this bag in 2004 and fell in love. It has everything I need and then some. Because I am always using it, I am on my 3rd one in 7 years. Its very durable and holds all the items that a busy traveler needs to stay on the go. Thanks Targus!

This bag is perfectly designed for comfort and systematic sections for professionals.I have been using this for a month now and I am very happy with it.

This Targus bag is exactly what I needed. The fact that it is a brief, messenger, or backpack is the bag's biggest advantage. There are more pockets than I know what to do with. The only con to the bag is that the main compartment doesn't have a zipper closure, and is thus only covered by the main flap. If you're walking through an airport or outside in bad weather, it may be wise to have a cover on your notebook computer and make sure the flap is securely closed.