Customer Reviews

Targus TSB312 16 Sport Deluxe Notebook Backpack

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this backpack for two reasons: 1) To carry my laptop while riding my bicycle 2) to be as inconspicuous as possible for theft prevention. It has satisfied both requirements. In fact, I was in a violent bicycle accident carrying a relatively flimsy Dell Inspiron laptop that came out unscathed. Unfortunately, my wrists didn't fair so well as I flew over my handlebars while braking to avoid a collision with an automobile.

The backpack has many pockets, including a padded enclosure for a laptop. Originally, I was using it to carry around an Inspiron with a 15" screen. The size was perfect. Then, I acquired a Sony Vaio with a 16.1" screen, which fit but was very tight. The backpack has some extras including a chest strap and waist strap, which helps minimize sway while running or walking quickly. The fully padded back will be appreciated when carrying heavy loads as it prevents books and other dense objects from digging into your back.

The primary material, straps, zippers and pockets are extremely sturdy. Oddly, the main buckle has broken three times. Targus was kind enough to send replacements. The very thin plastic "tines" on the male portion of buckle cracks where the plastic is about 1.5 mm. It appears to be an obvious engineering error.

The backpack does look like a sport back, which may prevent theft. However, there is a 1.5 inch Targus logo prominently displayed on the back. Sophisticated thieves will probably pick up on this fact.

In summary, it is a great backpack that can be used for taking your laptop to work or your gym clothes to the health club. It would be nice if Targus reengineered the buckle with a more durable material.

I purchased this backpack for two reasons: 1) To carry my laptop while riding my bicycle 2) to be as inconspicuous as possible for theft prevention. It has satisfied both requirements. In fact, I was in a violent bicycle accident carrying a relatively flimsy Dell Inspiron laptop that came out unscathed. Unfortunately, my wrists didnt fair so well as I flew over my handlebars while braking to avoid a collision with an automobile.

The backpack has many pockets, including a padded enclosure for a laptop. Originally, I was using it to carry around an Inspiron with a 15 screen. The size was perfect. Then, I acquired a Sony Vaio with a 16.1 screen, which fit but was very tight. The backpack has some extras including a chest strap and waist strap, which helps minimize sway while running or walking quickly. The fully padded back will be appreciated when carrying heavy loads as it prevents books and other dense objects from digging into your back.

The primary material, straps, zippers and pockets are extremely sturdy. Oddly, the main buckle has broken three times. Targus was kind enough to send replacements. The very thin plastic tines on the male portion of buckle cracks where the plastic is about 1.5 mm. It appears to be an obvious engineering error.

The backpack does look like a sport back, which may prevent theft. However, there is a 1.5 inch Targus logo prominently displayed on the back. Sophisticated thieves will probably pick up on this fact.

In summary, it is a great backpack that can be used for taking your laptop to work or your gym clothes to the health club. It would be nice if Targus reengineered the buckle with a more durable material.

If you need protection for your notebook, and room to carry a variety of other items, this might well be your bag. This Targus unit has a dedicated sleeve area for a notebook, and has a rather unique zipper up the middle and flap that buckles, ensuring that everything stays steady.

However, please consider:

- this is a solid, boulder of a unit. This baby felt heavy when empty. If you load it up, as I do, you'll feel like you're going off to war.

- the small, side pouches sit out too far for my taste. I'd like to be able to walk down a plane aisle with this on my back, but each time I've snagged those little sidecars on the seats as I'm walking by.

- The pocket inside the foldover flap is a great hold-all, but if you attempt to open the pocket while the flap is inverted you risk dumping pens, coins, etc. everywhere.

Looking for laptop backpacks that handle 16-17" screens seems to be a problem lately since more and more laptop mfgrs are making their screens larger, but fewer backpacks can handle them. Fortunately Targus has a reputation for durability and the TSB312 doesn't dissappoint. Takes a huge load off your shoulders with the hip strap(also one across the chest if you desire) and TONS of pockets to hold TWO water bottles, PDA, Cell phone, folders, and SO MUCH MORE! With an 8.5 lb computer(Sony VAIO GRV550) this laptop suits anyone's need to transport without feeling the heavy burden.

This is the first time I am buying a Targus product.

At first sight, I knew it was a high quality product. The material, zippers everything feels and seems perfect, high quality. Carrying is easy as it can get.

This bag has a lot of space to carry the laptop(mine is 15inch but it can easily carry an 16inch i guess), adapter, some books, cell phone etc. It is like a combination of a "mountain bag" and a laptop bag. Has lots lots of compartments and support for the laptop...

If you want quality, easy carrying, and you need space for books etc, buy this.

Just be aware: Maybe this is the best laptop backpack, but I think this deffinitely is not the smallest backpack available for your laptop. If you want a compact, mini bag, don't buy this.

This is by far the best notebook backpack I found. My laptop is a 15.5" and its hard to to find a backpack that wasnt HUGE. This doesnt look huge but it has so much room inside it and plenty of space for books, disc, power cords, a mouse, etc. I also think its well made and has enough padding to protect your laptop. The zippers are great!!! Really smooth and it never feels like its sticking. Its also a lot easier on your back than one of the messenger style notebook cases! It also comes with a lifetime warrenty if you fill out the card and mail it back (at least mine did...it was inside the bag).

I absolutely love this bag..I use it for my Wide Screen 15.4" Dell Inspiron 8600, which absolutely doesnt fit in any other backpack in the market. This one's a real stud. Though a bit heavy, its one solid unit, and protects the laptop well, with tons of room for your other stuff. I intend to use it mainly for Air travel, and bought it after a lot of research in Circuit city and other stores.

If you have an Apple Powerbook 17", DO NOT BUY THIS BACKPACK.

Although the product is nicely made and attractive, especially for the price, the notebook compartment is padded on the sides and bottom, but not on top. There is only an elastic band on top that holds the laptop in place.

Although the manufacturer's description says that this backpack can hold a 17" powerbook, I suppose it would fit -- but the top of the notebook would be against the edge of the laptop and UNPADDED. If you care about avoiding dents in your powerbook, do not order this.

On the other hand, if you have a 15" laptop and don't need a really-well insulated notebook compartment, I would recommend this bag. 16" is just borderline. It has a comfy gel padding on the back and a sporty look.

This backpack has been such a useful companion for me. There are lots of space inside even for huge text books, and compartment is arranged just right to hold variety of stuff---CDs, DVDs, paperback books, pens, cell phones, water bottles, etc., etc. There are numerous creative ways of storing stuff. Indeed my whole life as a student can be inside at once.

As a notebook backpack, this would not provide the best protection. Padding is fine, but depending on how much stuff you have a notebook inside could be squeezed a bit more than you desire. Also, the clip to fix the cover flap onto the backpack almost is broken after a year of daily use for me. I have had Dell 14" and 15" laptops with the backpack and fitting was just fine for securely hold it inside. Wearing comfort is pretty good, and things are quite adjustable for your body.

I would recommend this backpack if carrying more than a laptop, e.g., testbooks, is essential for you.

P.S., I ended up using a warranty support to fix the buckle. Targus's customer support is first rate---prompt, courteous, and reliable. They actually replaced the backpack with a newer version of the same product. Their service totally make them highly recommended.

I've had this backpack since Sept, 2003 - never an issue. Some people complains about the main buckle - it never failed me. It has carried my T23, T40 and now T43 w/o issues - and has traveled at least 100K miles with me ;). It even allowed me to carry _two_ T40s together - no problem at all.

Only caveat: as someone else said, a pencil holder and a couple of internal pockets for glasses/business cards/etc would be a nice touch. Other than that, best backpack I've used in 14+ years to carry a notebook.