FIGURE B


This split in the middle is suppose to get you through airport check-in faster. Roll over picture for a larger image.

I also like that the bag has a strap for the handle on a wheely suitcase, although you've got to be really careful how you place it on the thing, or the whole shebang will topple over, taking your precious laptop with it.

There's a nice pocket in front for reading materials, meeting folders, and so on. There's also a section in front almost like a purse, where you could put your wallet, cellphone, makeup, business cards, and pens, as shown in Figure C. There's even a nice keyfob, so I won't lose my keys (again).

FIGURE C


There's a lot of nice storage in this bag. Roll over picture for a larger image.

In front of that, there's a nice pocket in front for a boarding pass or to slip something in, if you're in a hurry. It's got a detachable shoulder carry, and the case seems sturdy and protected, with cushy foam and made of thick, durable nylon.

One thing I liked was the notes that came with the bag, which included useful packing tips (what should go in what slot) and also included an interesting warning: if you pack an extra battery, it could cause delays in the security check.

What Liz doesn't like
Bottom line: this bag is not cute. It's functional, but ugly. I like how laptop bags have come to be, for smaller computers. They've grown some personality. This one, which adds 2.6 pounds to my already-heavy laptop, makes me feel like some guy with a comb-over, living in the 1990s.

Liz's conclusion
Look, the bag does its job, which is to protect my laptop. Targus always makes solid bags. But could a little design sense hurt you? Just a little. I would really encourage the Targusites to keep the function, but consider adding a little style.

Even so, it's a good bag and worth the money, so I give it a four out of five. And my mage might be only level 41, but it kicks butt. For the record, I don't have a level 77 because I have a life.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

For my half of the project, I tried out the Targus 17" Deluxe Leather Laptop Case shown in Figure D and, fortunately, carrying it safely keep me out of metrosexuality for the foreseeable future. Personally, I like how the bag looks. I certainly wouldn't call it ugly. I think laptop bags should look like laptop bags and if you want to carry something that looks like a purse, carry a purse.

FIGURE D


Joe reviewed the Targus 17" Deluxe Leather Laptop Case. Roll over picture for a larger image.

What Joe liked
I liked this case. At 5.1 pounds for the case alone, it's heavy, almost as heavy as my laptop. But I'm a tough dude, so I can handle it. I'm not sure I'd recommend it for someone not comfortable doing heavy lifting, though.