Targus is a company that is well known for their bags and backpacks as well as security items for laptops. I recently purchased a new laptop that has a 17" screen, and until today I really had not been taking it out of the house.  This is mostly because I had no convenient way of protecting it against the the horrors that await my pretty new laptop from the brutal outside. My old laptop bag was made by Targus and has seen its share of action over the last 7 years.  Even though it was still perfectly usable after all this time (albeit, a little dirty), it was limited to a 14" screen.  Fortunately for me, Targus was nice enough to send over one of their 17" XL Notebook Backpacks.

So here we have our lovely contestant.  You can tell right off the bat that this is one well built laptop bag.  It feels solid and well constructed.  Here are the specs provided by Targus:

• Device Compatibility: 16.5" x 2.2" x 12.9" 
• Exterior Dimensions: 15.5" x 8" x 20.5" 
• Exterior Material: 840D Nylon & 420D Nylon Ripstop 
• Weight: 3.4lbs

And here are the features:

• Separate, padded notebook compartment fits most notebooks with 17” screens
• Main compartment for file storage includes soft organizational shelf
• Extra file and accessory storage throughout the backpack
• Side water bottle pocket and side pocket lined with protective material for safe sunglasses storage
• Audio player sleeve with line-out porthole for headphones
• Detachable mobile phone pocket on padded shoulder straps
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

The backpack has all kinds of storage space and compartments.  Although there are a few that you would probably not want to put loose things in. This one doesn't zip up all of the way, but it would be good for music CDs.

This one is perfect for files and papers.

And here's one for larger items like books and notebooks (the kind you use a pencil with).

The compartment for the laptop itself is very well protected and padded.  As you can see from the picture, it completely surrounds the laptop and prevents it from moving around.

There is even room to store a full sized mouse pad as well as a compartment to hold a mouse.  I dislike touchpads and as a gamer, I make sure to carry a mouse around with me at all times.

Targus also threw in some nifty extras like a pocket for a cell phone.

Another nice feature is a belt that helps take some of the load off your shoulders.  If you have back problems or if you way overload the bag, this is very handy.

The bag also proved quite capable as a Feline Defense Shield*.  In our informal testing, the bag proved 97% effective in warding off cats and other small woodland creatures.  Just look at the cat.  That thing is a cold blooded killer.

*Not officially approved by Targus as a "Feline Defense Shield".  Gideontech does not make claims as to the suitability of this device to protect small children, large children, adolescents, or adults against any kind of animal, cat or otherwise.  Gideontech, Targus, the writer, nor editor of this article can be held responsible for any damage, injury, or loss of life due to improper or unapproved use of this item.

Targus has a good product here.  I was unable to find any significant problems with it, or anything I truly disliked.  It is well thought out and very well constructed.  I have no problems putting my faith in it's ability to protect my laptop and all the gear I lug around with it.  Both me and my other half will certainly be getting a lot of use out of it.

Thanks to Targus for sending us this sample!