This has the potential to be a great bag, but doesn't quite get there. I replaced a 7-year old Targus backpack that finally gave out, after >100,000 miles of air travel the zipper for the main laptop compartment broke. Great product, so I thought we'll go with Targus again.
Wrong. This bag had potential TONS of storage, lots of pockets, some nice features advertised, so I ordered it. When it arrived, I noticed a significant decline in quality the nylon is thinner, cheaper, and the laptop storage compartment has almost no padding to speak of. The zippers are cheap go back to YKKs or at least something with a substantial track and closure mechanism these won't last.
Targus also advertises a key clip in the front organizer pocket. WRONG it's NOT there, even though Amazon.com and Targus' website both state that it exists. They've taken it out (likely to cut costs), and this a huge negative for me. Who wants to dig around in their bag after coming home from a week-long trip, standing in a hot parking garage after being on a crowded plane and in airports all days, trying to find their keys? I need those keys to be where they are easily accessible and always in the same spot. That was the primary driver for my old Targus bag I needed that, and it had one.
On the plus side of things, this bag will hold all but the biggest laptops guess that's why the padding is so insignificant. The expandable pocket on the front might come in handy for something purchased last minute that I can't get into my carry-on or checked bag. There are four organizer pockets, ranging in size from gianormous to about the size of a CD case; there are two smaller zippered pockets for change, lip balm, pens, etc., and the side compartments 1 for a water bottle, 1 for sunglasses/cell phone/PDA are nice.
Debated returning it just because of the key clip that's a deal-breaker for me, but got a large caribiner clip and we'll see how that works out. If I hate it, back it goes. I also moved over my sunglasses case and the little LED flashlight on the retractable cord, from my old bag those are things I have to have. Too hard to find something in the bottom of black bag, on a night flight, without that, and my glasses will get crushed in the side pocket.
Shame on Targus they've always made a quality product well, at least up until now. I don't expect this bag to last more than a year or two, so I may just move over to Swissgear. Not impressed. I'm traveling tomorrow and plan to move the padding from my old bag over into this one I just don't think it's sufficient to protect my laptop as-is.
Good luck in your search hope this helps you make a decision one way or the other.
I've only had this bag for less than a couple weeks, so there's still quite a few uncertainties about this bag in terms of durability and longevity. Nonetheless, I have to admit too... this pack is HUUUGE!!! I'm currently only using it for school, in which this bag has more storage space than I'll probably ever need. On the other hand, it also has great potential for traveling, and may offer just enough space, organization, and convenience for a carry-on or weekend getaway. I have a 17" MacBook Pro that fits very easily with ample room to spare. However, I wonder if the 15.4" backpack would've been more snug and just right for the laptop, or maybe too small. The only thing I would've changed was put more velcro on beneath the strap in order to reduce the excess space inside the laptop pocket. Hence, I'm getting a sleeve in order to "fill" that space and for extra padding and Protection of my laptop. Other than that, the backpack does look very nice and stylish, feels very comfortable and lightweight. I just hope the material used to make it that light does not compromise its durability and longevity. But only time will tell I guess.
Buy Targus 17" CityGear Laptop Backpack Now
I bought this to fit my Asus G74sx and it did fit! It was a bit tight, do not have any problems or resistance in zipping up the bag. The corners stick up though, and really doesn't provide much protection for the corners because of it. To be honest the rest of the sides of the laptop compartment aren't padded well either, I really wouldn't trust it in a good drop (to be fair >85% of laptop bags I've looked at are very similar in this failure).
Apart from that, the bag itself is large enough for my needs. I usually have my laptop, charger, a small 12v inverter, 20ft cat5 cable, 1-2 500+ pg books, a couple spiral notebooks, a mouse, and random stationary in there without problem. My pack can easily weigh 30+lbs and I will walk around with this for a couple miles without much discomfort (back and shoulder padding are nothing to write home about).
The front has this weird clip for holding clothes or shoes on the outside (not closed) part of your bag. Not horribly useful in my experience, and it's rather annoying looking. My third biggest complaint is it's general design/looks.
My BIGGEST problem with this bag is the gray fabric between the back padding and the shoulder straps. It has this single piece of fabric that goes across the back that connects the two straps together and then to the back padding. If you like to keep your backpack high on your back (best position for carrying weight for distances w/out pain), then you will notice this fabric piece immediately. It digs into your neck/spine and makes the pack incredibly uncomfortable. I have to loosen the straps and keep this backpack lower on my back then I'd like just so I don't have the weight of the entire pack digging into the center of my neck/spine on this piece of fabric. I will try to attach some pictures of what I'm talking about I didn't see many other reviewers with this problem which makes me think most people ride with a pack loose and low on their back for some reason. I'm a long distance backpacker/hiker so I guess I'm funny about where my pack is positioned. NOTE: I've had two other laptop bags, one being another targus, and neither have had this design flaw.
All in all it was a fairly average backpack. It had plenty of storage for my needs, good compartmentalized areas, good water bottle holder, and it's one of 5 laptop bags I could find that actually fit the G74SX! However it was lacking in padding for the laptop (especially on the sides and corners the place most likely to take some heavy impact), it was very bland design/looking, and the shoulder/neck strap flaw is horrible.
Read Best Reviews of Targus 17" CityGear Laptop Backpack Here
So I needed a very large capacity backpack with a compartment to safely carry a 15 inch laptop, and I got it. Ample space, and its not cluttered up with file organizers, or zippered pouches, or any of that crap which you will almost never use which just ruins the space, so that was good. It doesn't seem cheap, just thin and almost weak. I have it loaded down with 4 text books, all my school supplies, and a laptop, and it is holding up fine, I think it could have been made a little 'sturdier' is all. I'm not disappointed at all though. Good bag if you need to carry a library on your back.
Want Targus 17" CityGear Laptop Backpack Discount?
This bag is a great bag. It has plenty of pockets and space to fit not only by 17 inch laptop, but also all the cords and books I need to carry on a daily basis. I've flown with this bag a couple of times and it fits in the overhead bins very well. It has pockets for the mp3 player, and mouse pocket and water bottle holder. A great bag at a great deal.
Purchased because it was recommended by Scott Kelby pro photog. Not sure why he likes it. The Velcro in the camera compartment is non adjustable. Their in not any Velcro on one of the four corners. Their is a 1/2 strip of Velcro on the bottom. Basically the compartment is divided in half and you cannot make one compartment bigger than another. My 5d iii with 24-105 attached does not fit. You would have to put the lens in one side and the body in another. Completely defeats the purpose of 'ease to get to'. A small DSLR with short zoom kit lens would fit just fine.
