Targus Solitaire Backpack Review

<!-- Generated by XStandard version 1.7.1.0 on 2007-03-06T15:17:57 -->

If you have been searching for a versatile notebook bag, the Targus Solitaire Backpack may be what you are looking for. It has many unique features including its convertible function, which is a personal favorite. The convertible function means the bag can be used as either a backpack or as a vertical style messenger bag. Now you don't have to choose which style better suits your needs because you get the best of both worlds.

Front image of the Solitaire Backpack, with the messenger strap attached. (view large image)

The Solitaire is designed to hold up to 15.4&quot; screen notebooks, so my 13.3&quot; screen Asus R1 fit with no problems and so should most other notebooks. The two-tone black nylon and microfiber exterior is waterproof and durable. I also think it makes the bag look sleek and not bulky like some leather cases. The backpack is listed as a women's bag, but I think it can be unisex. I mean, it is listed under the Backpack category as well and it doesn't have that designer handbag look, although it doesn't have that rugged &quot;I am a man&quot; look either. It really just depends on personal preference.

Features

The Solitaire is 13&quot;(W) x 15.75&quot;(H) x 4&quot;(D) and it only weighs about 3 lbs. It feels very light when being carried, even when you have your notebook and accessories stored inside. The front pocket zips closed and is big enough to hold a plane ticket, ID or some pocket change. The two main compartments also have zip closures and are plenty big enough for your notebook, files, a small book and your battery/cables. I know I need the added space because there is always something extra you have to cram in last minute.

Front image of the Solitaire Backpack. (view large image)

The main pocket has a separate section for files and a padded compartment made to protect your notebook. The inside of this pocket is a light pinkish-grey color, which makes finding those little things easy. This pocket is made of a soft, durable poly-suede material, which definitely adds to the bags character. The other inside compartments are just plain black nylon, which keeps the backpack looking professional and sleek.

The main inside compartment holding my Asus R1 Tablet. (view large image)

The back inside compartment, as you can see has plenty of room for books, files or your battery. (view large image)

The front flap has a business card holder, key clip, pen loops and a pocket big enough to hold your wallet, PDA and MP3 player. Your belongings are secure inside thanks to the Solitaire's magnetic closure, but I do wish there was another little pocket inside the bigger pocket, so smaller things didn't move around as much. I especially like the key clip because you can attach your keys to the bag, which means they aren't going anywhere unless you lose the entire bag. Little features like this give the backpack that personal touch and help keep you organized.

The inside pocket. (view large image)

Detachable cell phone case that matches the backpack. Not big enough for a smartphone though. (view large image)

As I mentioned earlier the backpack can be used as a vertical messenger bag or as a backpack. The padded backpack straps hide-away into the back of the bag. It is very convenient and versatile. I enjoyed using the backpack over your typical tote or messenger bag because the backpack distributes the wait better and it felt more comfortable. No more aching shoulders.

The back of the Solitaire Backpack. (view large image)

The back of the backpack has a nice breathable mesh overlay, which helps keep the backpack cooler. The straps are adjustable, which prevents the bag from moving around on your back. The Solitaire has four little metal feet on the bottom, so your bag doesn't directly touch the ground, but when the case is full it doesn't stand up on its own very well.

Back view of the Solitaire without the backpack straps. (view large image)

Where to Buy

The best place to check for the Solitaire Backpack or any other Targus bag is on their website, www.targus.com. Targus sells their products directly from their website, but if you don't want to wait on shipping, you can type your zip code in the find a retail store box for stores near you.

At the time of this writing the suggested retail price of the Solitaire Backpack is $69.99.

Conclusion

The Solitaire Backpack is a great buy for anyone looking for a versatile bag. It can be a backpack or a messenger bag and it still maintains that sleek, professional look. It is comfortable, lightweight and durable. The backpack had plenty of room for all of my stuff, but it is a top-load bag, so if you had anything bulky to put in there it probably wouldn't fit. The zippers don't go all the way down the side of the bag like a normal backpack, so it doesn't open as wide. Overall the Solitaire is very functional and stylish.

Pros

• Nice material, easy to clean
• Comfortable, stylish and durable
• Can be a backpack or vertical messenger bag

Cons

• The cell phone pouch is small, hard to fit in a smartphone
• Needs a smaller pocket in the inside pocket under the front flap, to better secure smaller items.

 

this reminds me of one of those Conan O'Brien skits where he takes two celebrities and asks "what would their kid look like if they mated" except this is what a bag would look like if a backpack and messenger bag mated -- well, if they could that is. It's kind of cool looking, but I worry it would be too hard to get stuff in and out given the zipper is mostly just along the top and it's fairly deep. I also do think it looks a bit girly on the front side and with the pinkish inside, but a metrosexual male with the proper amount of frosted hair and stylish glasses could get away with it.

 

I agree a metrosexual male could sport the bag, you know men wear pink shirts and ties with their suits. It is a little akward to get small things out, but you can always put those in the front flap. The notebook itself is easy to get in and out and it sits in the bag securely.

 

why bring sexuality into the discussion of a computer bag? kinda inappropriate isn't it? Especially so from reviewers.

The bag looks like a nice cafe bag for people who would like one and do not want to spend the $100ish from places like Tom Bihn.

 

I do agree and if you read my review you would see where I said I believe the bag to be unisex. I said it just depends on your personal preference of what style bag you like.

 

Metrosexual has nothing to do with gay/straight, I definitely wasn't implying anything in regards to sexuality. Sorry if it came across that way.

 

tiffany:

I agree your article had nothing wrong at all. It was your best review so far!!

Andrew:

I appreciate your post. I just was sort of stuck sideways by the comments...glad to read it was unintentional...plus what went though my head was how would a person who just bought the bag feel to read:

Or even someone who read the review and liked the bag...

Maybe I am just cranky today...it happens. So, sorry if I also sounded confrontational in any way as that was not my intention either.

Soooo....About the bag itself....

To me while my better-half loves the Cafe bags, I find them awkward to carry. I am pretty sure it is simply because I am not accustom to the vertical orientation. It just feels weird to me...nowhere to rest my hand when walking I think.

My better half LOVES her cafe-style bag...not me...let her carry the darned thing!

 

Um...I'm an idiot here, but what exactly is metrosexual? If it isn't sexuality (as Andrew notes...) why is "-sexual" appended to the word?

 

A meterosexual means a straight male whom has great fashion/style sense in his lifestyle. The original term used to be for a male who would 'act' homosexual. The term has since toned down(due to the rising acceptance of homosexuality in society), perhaps there was a misunderstanding there.


Way off topic guys Nice bag there Tiff, though I think Targus should stop with the 'boxy' designs, and start with a suave curvy bag

 

Funny how we have to be so politically correct just to talk about notebook bags these days. LOL

 

Correct, for instance, David Beckham claims himself as one. Or at least the media calls him one.

 

This is very curious to me...since (the definition, not you, Cori!) it assumes that straight men do not have good fashion sense. I'd take offense to being told I had a poor sense in fashion, regardless of my sexuality. I would think others would too. Anyway, thanks for letting me in a new word.