When I purchased my Toshiba laptop computer two years ago, I needed a case for it. I did some research and was happy with my findings on the Targus brandname. So I purchased the Targus Clamshell Platinum Notebook Case (model # CPT400).

Since this web page does not show a photo of the case, here is a link to a photo of it on the Targus website:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_images/cpt400_cases_b.jpg


Description

This is a nice top-loading computer case. It is primarily black with some platinum-color accents on the front and interior flaps. The case is constructed from a poly/nylon twill material and has metal, plastic and rubberized parts. For instance, a removable shoulder strap can attach to the bag. The strap hardware on the exterior of the bag and the swivel hook on the shoulder strap are metal. The zippers are nylon, however the zipper pulls are metal with rubberized pull-tabs. A protective ridged plastic band about 1 1/2" wide runs along the bottom of the bag and wraps 4" up both sides. The rounded rubberized handle is 4 3/4" long.

The shoulder strap is constructed from durable nylon. The strap measures 1 1/2" wide x 42" (measurement includes hardware). The nylon strap runs through a padded comfort strip that is designed to rest over the shoulder. This padded section measures 3" wide x 10" long. The underside of the pad is lined with a textured rubber material.

This bag is loaded with storage. The front of the case features a flap that buckles closed with a durable black plastic snap buckle. On the outside of the flap is also a zipper that is almost hidden. Unzip it to reveal a pocket 5 3/4" deep x 15 1/2" wide. Open the flap to reveal a larger pocket. This large pocket has a small zippered net pocked on the outside with two elastic loops to hold pens/pencils. Inside this pocket is a divider, small pocket along the side for a cell phone (my LG VX6000 and LG VX8300 fit fine), as well as two more pen/pencil loops, a clip for keys and a clear pocket for an ID tag as well as business card holder. A cool feature is that there is a side zipper, allowing access to the cell phone pocket without opening the flap.

The inside lid features a net zipper pocket with a small leather flap to cover the metal zipper tab (to protect the zipper tab from making contact with the computer). The other side has a layered scratch-resistant pocket to fit five CDs or DVDs. Beneath these storage areas, a series of three platinum nylon pockets run along the width of the lid, standing 6 1/4" high. The pocket in the middle is narrower (3 1/2" wide) than the other two pockets (6 1/4" wide). All of them have Velcro fasteners.

Inside the base of the bag is where the computer sits. This bag is designed to hold computers up to 16 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 12 1/4". There is a padded divider that is attached with Velcro so that it can be moved, adjusting to fit the computer. When the computer is in the bag, a Velcro and elastic strap fits across it to anchor the computer in place. This bag comes with a separate oval case constructed from platinum-colored nylon with a black net front, and it zippers. It is 12" long x about 2 1/2" wide.

Another zippered section is at the back of the case. This area has two stiff dividers that form three sections, ideal for file folders and papers. On the outside of this back section is another large pocket that closes with Velcro.

If you need security, the metal zipper for the body of the bag where the computer is stored has an area where a small padlock can be inserted through the metal zipper pull. With all the exterior pockets and padding, this case offers good protection for my computer.


My Experiences

My Toshiba laptop computer measures 14.4" wide x 10.8" deep x 1.48" high. It has a 15.4" diagonal widescreen LCD display. I wanted a case that would comfortably accommodate the computer as well as accessories. I also wanted the case to be able to “grow” with my laptop needs. This case is designed to hold up to a 17" notebook computer.

I have a notebook cooler that sits under my laptop to help keep the computer from overheating, prolonging the life of my computer. I love it that I can set the notebook cooler in the case and then set the laptop computer on top of it. The Velcro and elastic strap secures the computer and cooler in place so that it doesn’t move.

Since my computer does not fill the entire case, I have about 3" of room along the side of the computer to fit accessories. The computer fits on one side of the padded divider, and the accessories fit on the other side of the divider. I can fit the computer electrical cord/adapter in this area along with my notebook mouse.

The net pocket on the inside lid is great for stashing my USB flash drive or media memory cards. And the back of the case has an ideal area for carrying and organizing folders with the two dividers. I’m very pleased with all the pockets and storage in this case. And even though I don’t lock my computer case, the option of using a padlock is reassuring. Some day I might need that feature.

The case weighs just over four pounds, and with the added weight of my computer, accessories and files, the computer case is a bit heavier than I like to carry around. Moving it from car to house or office is fine, but I would not want to lug this case with computer any distance. I don’t use this case all the time. My laptop computer usually stays in one place, though the case offers me the convenience of bringing it safely to different locations. The case is holding up well to moderate use, and it definitely protects my computer during travels.

My one disappointment in this case is that it doesn’t like to stand upright. The case stands without anything in it, but when I add the computer and accessories, the case tips over. I need to lean the case against something in order to keep it standing upright. However, a nice feature are the plastic treads along the bottom of the case that give the case extra protection. I just wish the treads added stability.


Purchasing

This computer case retails for $59.99. I paid about $40.00 for it on amazon.com.


Summary

This Targus Clamshell Platinum Notebook Case was an excellent purchase. It handles all my notebook computer needs, and I still have room to grow should I decide to purchase a larger notebook computer. I would definitely buy this case again!

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Additional Information

Exterior Dimensions: 18" x 5.25" x 15"
Notebook Compartment: 16.5" x 2.17" x 12.6"
Weight: 4.18 pounds


Please read my other reviews:

Toshiba Satellite Laptop Computer

Antec Notebook Cooler

Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse

Belkin Flip 2-port KVM Switch

ViewSonic 19" LCD Monitor

Acer 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor

Memorex DVD+RW Discs

LiteOn DVD Recorder/Player


Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes