Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Review Part I

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The Targus XL Notebook Backpack is perfect for the notebook user who carries their life on their back. This pack provides ample space for notebooks with up to 17-inch screens and also includes a main compartment for files. Additional storage areas include a mesh water-bottle pouch, a soft pouch for sunglasses, and a pocket for your mobile phone. Designed for comfort, this backpack has a place for everything.

This bag is perfect If you are have a large amount of books and other stuff to carry around. And it has several pockets to store sunglasses, a bag lunch, a nice cell phone pouch that can fit anything from a reasonably sized Nokia to a clamshell phone hanging off of the left shoulder strap, Palm Pilot, iPod - with even a slot to fit your earbuds or headphones through, although that's kind of tricky -- a very well-padded storage area for your Notebook computer, all the connections and wires that accompany it, and, top it all off, a place for your water bottle.

If you are taking a lot of classes with a lot of books, the compartments are very spacious and can hold a lot. Unlike most reviewers here I find it very comfortable when full, and not heavy at all once you are used to a little extra weight. The only real drawback to the backpack is it's rather large. When I have the backpack fully loaded it looks somewhat reminiscent of a stuffed hiking backpack. In addition, due to its ample storage capabilities, it is rather easy to pack quite a heavy load if you're not careful. However, the padded shoulder straps appear to be firmly attached and designed in such a way to disperse the load evenly across your shoulders to minimize fatigue.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Tips and Trick
This is really large. I mean, REALLY large. It holds my Dell Inspiron 9300 with plenty of room. I also have room for my camera bag, and much more. It is very comfortable. My only reason for giving it 4 stars is that it has too many openings. It makes it difficult to find things. I wish it came with wheels, because it would be easier to lug around when fully loaded (and believe me, you can really load this bag). I am very happy with this bag, and would like to note that the padding is good....not great, but good, acceptable.

This backpack would certainly be overkill for someone needing to carry only a svelte 15" laptop. Understand that if you load this thing down you'll look like you're Airborne preparing for a jump, but if you have the need for a backpack for touting the new larger widescreen laptops and have a plethora of additional electronic goodies needing reliable consolidated transport, the Targus TXL617 17 XL is a perfect solution.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Review Part II

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Personal Review
Wheels : The wheels are not on the far corners, so it's only slightly more stable than smaller bags. It will still twist and fall if you take a curb at an angle. It's 18.5 inches wide, so it doesn't generally roll down the aisle in an airplane. You'll pull your second bag off the top and carry them, walking sideways. The wheels are hard rubber, so it's noisy going over tile. You REALY want soft rubber wheels so it doesn't make alot of noise, or catch on a pebble and pull out of your hand.

Size : It's about 8.5" stuffed, so most of the time it'll fit under the chair in front of you, namely aisle seats on an MD80. Window Seats on a 757 have the sloped wall, and you have to run it sideways. Goodbye legroom. On some planes, you'll find it SEEMS to fit just fine, but you have to force it, or stow it above, since it will scrape under-seat power boxes. The bag is 42.5 dimensional inches, so it counts as your carry-on (up to 45 dim. inches), not your personal item (up to 36 dim. inches). It would really be nice to find one that's 13.5" to 16" wide so you can get it in tight places, and 18-22" tall with top-loading so you don't have to lay it flat to get your system out.

The McKlein R-Series detachable looks pretty good, but this Targus bag has the handle built in. It provides structural support, and gives room for things like power adapters and small notepads in the back pocket. I like the flexibility of different pockets and size. At 6'3" 250lbs, I don't need to worry about it being too big. However, it could be a problem with smaller framed folks. Just avoid over-packing.

Pockets : The bag is really big and has quite a few interior pockets in the accessory pouch on front and the segmented pouch in the back. The padded area is smooth and will protect your laptop until it falls out from under when you're trying to load your machine into the bag.

Warranty and Service : I was originally very displeased because the bag fell over ALL the time. I contacted targus via web and email. Response time was quick. They replaced the bag quickly. They kept me informed. The replacement is SLIGHTLY redesigned. Various pockets are easier to use. The feet are a little longer. The bottom plate is more solid. The bag won't stand up if you strap another on top of it, but by itself, even heavily loaded, handle up or down, the new version of this bag will stay upright, even if you tip the handle by about 25 degrees. It's definitely more likely to fall forward when loaded (laptop pouch is to the front) and backwards when empty (hard to make this happen). I was truly impressed with how good the warranty service was by Targus.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Review Part III

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Pros
There are also a ton of pockets on this bag. So many that it is possible to put something in it, and then struggle to find which pocket you put it in! I also like the sleeve for documents in the main part(middle compartment). The water bottle pocket is a huge bonus and I am glad they included it. This is a really roomy backpack, it has a place for everything that a laptop might use or not. It can handle a lot of weight!! 26kg or 57 pounds with out giving in to the weight. I find that my laptop is really secure in this backpack. I would recommend this backpack to anybody that carries a lot of peripherals with their laptop, but know that this backpack is on of the biggest that I have seen it almost of the size of a small camping bag.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack Cons
I like the flip down pocket, but the way it attaches at the top (plastic quick release tabs) causes the top to roll "in" and to pucker which makes for accessing the top small pocket on the flip down annoying. Plus it looks a bit strange when it rolls down. Attaching the straps at the top of the flap would've solved this (they are sewn on an inch down). Also, because of the size of this bag, it is honestly possible to pack it with a crippling amount of weight if you don't pay attention. For me as a Seminary Student that space comes in handy, but not everyone wants a nearly wheel barrow sized backpack! Additionally, with the size of this pack, Targus should have put a couple of interal stays to strengthen the vertical rigidity of the pack, and that would've made carrying larger loads more comfortable. As it is, it is pretty comfortable loaded. It also includes a hip belt that is nice when it is really packed full. You might need help getting it off if you do indeed ever fill it to capacity with books!

Conclusion Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack
This really is a great backpack, but it's not for the faint of heart. It easily fits my 17" laptop, as well as anything else I'd need to take an on overnight trip or as a carry-on for a longer trip. This bag has so many features I was amazed when I received it. An external zipped pouch for sunglasses is perfect for my wireless mouse and the USB adapter. There are pockets for pens, business cards, and MP3 players, which includes the now de facto headphones slot for the plug. The backpack is well balanced and I can sit it down loaded and it stays upright without falling over.

Targus cases are built to withstand abuse and protect the equipment. The wheels that it uses are in-line skate wheels designed to handle bumpy terrain and the case is soft inside but rigid on the corners to protect the contents. I would highly recommend, the price is higher than the cheaper made brands but it has alot to offer and if you paid over 2k on your laptop it is cheap insurance.

The laptop slot is thickly padded to withstand shock if needed. There are multiple pockets for folder and agenda binders and a handy large pocket to hold my TechNet/MSDN subscription binder easily. I have also found the bag useful for when I am traveling, even though it is large, its water bottle holder for the long flights and travel make it ideal and the easy access makes it simple to remove the laptop for security checks. It really is big, but it's very comfortable to wear, even for a 5'2" person. Where to buy? TigerDirect.com, Buy Today, Ships Today!

Features: 9.0 Out of 10
Build Quality: 9.6 Out of 10
Value: 9.0 Out of 10
Protection Quality: 9.5 Out of 10
Design: 9.0 Out of 10

Total Score: 9.12 Out of 10