Targus XL Backpack Designed for 17 Inch Notebooks TXL617 (Black with Blue Accents) by Targus
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Digital camera reviews of Targus XL Backpack Designed for 17 Inch Notebooks TXL617 (Black with Blue Accents)
Digital camera Review: Big, Roomy, But Has Some Issues With Comfort
Summary: 4 Stars
This review is for the Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack. For some reason, the roll-on and carry case are also listed for the reviews here.
As everyone else has said, this backpack is enormous. It is twice as thick and nearly twice as large as my standard Jansport book backpack, though not very heavy considering its bulk. Unstuffed, it's about 3.5" thick at the widest width and ~2.5 at the thinnest. The official dimensions as listed by Target are: 15.5" x 8" x 20.5".
The pockets are well-divided into large areas and smaller areas. I especially like the big middle area for thick books and other general, non-paper items. You will not run out of space in this bag. I can fit my laptop, power brick, mouse, a weekend's worth of clothes, several paperbacks, a toiletry kit, and a pair of tennis shoes without running out of space.
The backpack is not free-standing. It also does not have a waterproof "rain skirt" (bottom area of bag) though it does look reinforced, in case that is important to you.
The laptop compartment is extremely roomy. The actual open pouch for the laptop is held closed by a velcro strap (I prefer snappable for longer wear value). The padding is decent on the sides and bottom, I would obviously avoid dropping the backpack even a couple inches to the floor still. There is zero padding at the top of the backpack where the opening of the laptop pouch is. Theoretically, the velcro strip should keep the laptop from sliding out if you for some reason manage to drop the bag upside down. Still, this may concern some people.
The water bottle holder on the side fits a 750ml Camelbak water bottle, and would easily fit a one liter bottle of soda or whatever your choice of beverage is. A nice change from bags that have a "bottle holder" that will barely hold a 16 oz bottle.
I am 5'7" tall and the bag looks very large on my back even when not filled. The shoulder straps are pretty comfortable, but the waist strap (which I don't like to use) is annoying against the small of your back. The only option is to unsnap it and let it dangle while you walk.
Also, since the photos do not show any picture of it, there is absolutely no channeling for sweat on the back of the backpack. Unlike many other backpacks, such as the Swiss Gear/Wenger line which have raised areas to help prevent the formation of sweat spots on your back from lack of air circulation, the Targus XL has the classic "smooth" quilted back that you see in normal book backpacks.
With a laptop of this size, which normally you would intend to fill to a decent level since you are mostly buying it for the additional space, the omission of sweat channels is disappointing. I would not have purchased this bag had I known. (Targus' site doesn't have a photo of the back either).
I have not used this backpack with a roller case, but aside from the top carry handle there is no other place to thread the backpack through roller case handles. This might be a problem if the backpack is very full since it would not allow the backpack to rest fully on the rails of the roller case handles.
Regardless, for a sub $50 backpack it's an excellent value and especially great for people who want to just carry one bag for weekend traveling. It will probably also be great for larger/taller people who have to carry several textbooks and their laptop to class.
Digital camera Review: Big, but lightweight backpack
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this backpack about a month ago, after reading a lot of the reviews here on Amazon. I'd say the backpack is as advertised. It holds my 15-inch laptop easily. The backback itself is very light weight, and hardly seems to get any heavier when the laptop is added. I carry my makeup, hair dryer, curling iron, etc to work with me every day. So, I wanted a backpack big enough to carry all that stuff, plus my laptop, plus my planner and a notebook. This bag handles all that with ease. The shoulder straps are nicely padded and distribute the weight evenly. I also have a 17-inch laptop and it fits in the padded slot with no problem. If you're looking for a good quality backpack, that will carry a laptop and a lot of other items, this is a good buy. I also think it looks stylish, with the combination of blue and black. I'm very happy with my purchase.Digital camera Review: Bigger is better !
Summary: 4 Stars
I was actually amazed the laptop (Toshiba P500, 18.4" screen) actually fit, and there is a bit of room to spare. There are so many pockets I think I am carrying around stuff just to use the space. The straps are the best, the feel of it being stable when it's on my back is great, doesn't flop around even if I don't have it pulled that tight to my body.
Awesome product if you have the need for something bigger. I'm almost tempted to get another one for those long weekends away from home.
Digital camera Review: Bought for College Student, still has years later PERFECT!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought for my husband who is in college, it holds EVERYTHING! So many pockets and divides!! It even holds his 17" Dell Laptop, AMAZING!Digital camera Review: Can be awkward!
Summary: 3 Stars
The bag had obviousy been used, as there was an Allan Rench left in the bag. I will not purchase from this merchant again.