Targus Blacktop 15.4" Laptop Case Review

by Jerry Jackson

The new Targus Blacktop line of notebook briefcases and backpacks is Targus' latest attempt to bring affordable yet rugged notebook cases to the market. The Targus Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case with Dome Protection is a very functional case with unique padding ... and it won't break your bank account.

For this review I used the Targus Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case with Dome Protection ($59.99) with the following specifications:

• Model number: CBT301DUS
• Color: Black
• Internal dimensions: 14.33" x 1.69" x 11.81"
• Exterior dimensions: 17.25" x 4.5" x 14.5"
• Exterior material: 1680D polyester
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Weight: 3.3 lbs

( view large image)

Design and Aesthetics

While the design of the Blacktop line isn't much to look at, it doesn't take long to recognize (and appreciate) the excellent build quality in these less than $100 cases. Targus covers the Blacktop line with a special blend of 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon and black rubber tread on the grip and bottom of the case to protect areas that are subject to heavy wear. In short, these cases should hold up to most abuse that customers will throw at them. The stitching is rugged across the entire case and there are easy-access pocket on both sides of the case as well as under the front flap.

(view large image)

(view large image)

This particular Blacktop notebook case includes the Targus "Dome Protection System," which spreads the force of an impact across a larger area and reduces the chance of laptop screen damage. This sidewall protection system is a series of layered, shock-absorbing circles which are inserted into the walls of a notebook case to minimize pressure on the most vulnerable area, the center of the screen. The weight is dispersed to the outside edges where your laptop is significantly stronger. The result is greater overall protection right where it's needed.

There's nothing more frustrating than an uncomfortable shoulder strap on a heavy notebook case. Unfortunately, the Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case uses one of Targus' less comfortable shoulder straps. If you are only carrying the case over your shoulder for a short trip it's fine. However, if you plan on carrying this bag over your shoulder for a long trip then you should expect to endure some shoulder pain. We would have liked to see a more padded strap or a flexible neoprene strap that evenly distributes weight over a larger area. The non-slip texturing on the strap helps avoid accidental drops, but it's just more comfortable to hold this case like a briefcase than to use it over your shoulder.

(view large image)

While we're on the subject of using this laptop case like a briefcase, it's important to point out that this Blacktop case won't stand vertically on its own without supporting it against something. The black rubber feet/pads on the bottom edge of the case suggest that it was designed to stand vertically, but the case isn't balanced well enough to stand on its own. This isn't a major problem, but it seemed a little odd and is worth mentioning if you plan to use this bag as a briefcase.

This case comes equipped with the standard card holder, pen loops, accessory pockets, CD/DVD sleeves, and file folder storage compartments seen in almost every briefcase style notebook case. A nice addition is the included removable mesh accessory pouch. Now you have a place for all your USB gizmos or a convenient case for other items while traveling.

(view large image)

The Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case includes a nylon retention strap to hold your notebook in place. Although the retention strap uses a strip of standard hook-and-loop Velcro material to secure the laptop it does an excellent job of holding a notebook in place. The adjustable padded compartment also means that you can easily secure a 13.3" or 14.1" notebook inside the case just as easily as a full 15.4" notebook.

Conclusion

After using this case for some time I feel comfortable saying the Targus Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case is an excellent (if a bit dull) notebook case. The rugged ballistic nylon, rubber tread, durable stitching, and excellent Dome Protection System make the case quite impressive in its price range. The abundant storage compartments and accessory pouches make it easy to stay organized. The only real let down with this case is the uncomfortable shoulder strap and the fact that the case can't stand up on its own.

Overall, the Targus Blacktop 15.4" Standard Laptop Case with Dome Protection is an excellent value and will serve business professionals and consumers well as a general use notebook case.

Pros

• Made from quality materials
• Great for staying organized
• Reasonably conservative yet stylish black design
• "Dome protection" cushion system seems to work well

Cons

• Not-so-comfortable shoulder strap
• Doesn't stand as a briefcase without additional support

 

I don't like uncomfortable shoulder straps.

 

Is there a better looking Targus 13' laptop case?

 

Targus backpacks look so much more nicer and feel so much more comfortable, compared to their laptop cases.

They need to work on the design

 

I'm assuming you meant 13-inch laptop rather than 13-foot laptop.

Well, I don't know if these are what you're looking for, but they are designed for 13" laptops:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TSM043US

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TCG213T

The other thing to keep in mind is that many cases, backpacks, and messenger bags designed for 15.4" notebooks can fit smaller notebooks ... if the bags in question have adjustable padding or a good adjustable retention strap.

I use a 15.4" messenger bag as my daily work bag and it holds both a 14.1" notebook and my 7" Eee PC ... plus accessories.

 

too big...I like small ones...

 

Hmm, the shoulder straps don't really do it for me. I still prefer a good backpack.

Nice comma splice.

 

I like the technologies that targus uses to protect laptops.

SafePORT air cushions protect against drops from top and side.
http://www.targus.com/us/safeport.asp

And now this, Dome Protection System which disperses pressure from the center area.

Good stuff.

 

My ThinkPad T60 rides around in a 15.4" Ultra-Lite Corporate Traveler.



It features the very effective SafePORT air cushion support setup.

Best of all, it's all black with titanium hardware and it looks stylishly awesome...just like my ThinkPad.