Okay Geek Farm
Targus Grove 15.4" laptop case (TST022US) review
Ricardo Trejo
Whether you’re a technophile, student, or someone who has to lug around a laptop for your job, it’s likely you’re familiar with the ongoing search to find a comfortable, suitable bag to meet your needs. Targus, a name brand that needs no introduction, has proven itself time and time again with classy, urban messenger and backpack designs that fit any situation — and so we’ve decided to get our hands on a Grove 15.4” laptop case / bag, to see if it’s something you might consider carrying yourself.
Features
- Lightweight at 2.29 lbs.
- Quilted pocket interior fits 15” laptops
- Hidden water bottle holder / Headphone pass-thru
- Made out of durable nylons and recyclable plastics
- Multiple pockets and compartments / padded shoulder strap and handle
Our Impressions
I don’t travel far personally, but I do pack up and bring my laptop, charger, headphones, and other miscellaneous devices with me every single day with me to work and back. That being the case, in the month I’ve spent with the Targus Grove I can confidently say that it’s done the job of making sure my belongings make it safe from point A to point B.
The exterior olive shell color has a neutral tone that matches well in any setting; casual or business. The durable material on the outside can withstand scratches or any type of weather conditions, ensuring the contents zipped within the bag will stay dry if and when it rains or snows. Constructed out of “green” materials, this EcoSmart branded laptop case should make any environmentally-minded techy feel good about doing their part to save the rainforest — just make sure to use digital documents instead of printing.
The Grove has three different methods in which it can be handled; a removable and adjustable strap that hosts a very comfortable non-moving shoulder pad, two handles that can become one via the velcro covering, and finally, a strap on the rear so the bag can be fixed onto one of the rolling trolly suitcase things. I find myself going between the strap and the handles the most, though I usually keep the handles unvelcro’d together otherwise I’d have to rip it apart everytime I want to take somehing out of the main top loading pocket.
Now as for the compartments, there are three main zippered pockets (which are all an accented orange); the first is the main area in which houses you laptop. Fitting any 15” sized laptop, it features a quilted pocket to keep your mobile computing device safe and snug, not to mention that there’s also a velcro strap that will lock it in. Also within that zippered area is a partition for any papers, folders, or even a mouse pad you might be taking with you.
The second zippered pocket is the utility compartment. Fitted with a number of differently sized pouches, business card holder, key hook, and pen loops, I usually throw my laptop charger, as well as my mouse and other cables I’m taking along with me. There’s more than enough room and tools here to accomodate any kinds of bring-alongs you can throw at it.
Finally, the third zipper on the front hides a very simple pocket with nothing fancy to it at all. Any extras you might have, gum, portable game system, or your phones might go in here.
But that’s not all! On each of the Grove’s sides are compartments; one for a hidden water bottle holder, and on the other side is a small zipped pocket to house an iPod or mp3 player, which also conveniently has the headphones pass-through hole so you can carry your music player in your bag while still listening to your jams on the go. And also, as mentioned on the rear side there’s also a strap to hold the Grove to a trolly, but there’s also a meshed velcro area to throw in anything else you can think of.
Overall
When it comes to reviewing a bag you’re going to be looking for a few key details; can it safely transport your devices, how does it hold up in different weather conditions, and is there enough room for everything you need to bring with you? This is the criteria in which I’ll be judging the Targus Grove laptop case, and I got to say that it excels in each category. It does an standup job at not only making sure you have all the measures needed to keep things safe and sound, but it goes above and beyond by having the laptop pocket quilted with a velcro strap to keep it in place. Not only that, but the padded strap, which doesn’t move like other bags I’ve owned do, was a nice touch that also adds to the visual style of the bag. Not to mention that the colors used don’t stand out too much so that you look like you’re trying to make a fashion statement, but rather are going for a more practical route.
Pro’s
- Multiple compartments for all types of needs
- Perfect for laptops, chargers, and any extras
- Material is durable for any environment
Con’s
- none
Where to buy
Amazon / Targus — MSRP: $64.99
This review was done by Ricardo Trejo, who was given a Targus Grove by Targus.
