Targus Rogue Backpack Review

[Tim]

The Targus Rogue Backpack is a lightweight pack designed to hold notebooks up to 15.4". It comes in a black/charcoal color combination with red accents, and has seven pockets and compartments. At only $39.99, the Targus Rogue is in the price range for college students or anyone else looking for a durable notebook backpack at a great price.

As you can see, the red stitching looks very nice (view large image)

Targus Rogue Specs

• Color - Black/Charcoal
• Exterior Dimensions - 14.5" x 18.5" x 7.6"
• Supported Notebook Size - 14.33" x 11.81" x 1.69"
• Material -- Polyester
• Weight -- 2.2 pounds
• Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty

Looks

The Targus Rogue has a clean design and is a professional looking backpack. Made out of Polyester, the Rogue has a very durable feel. The red stitching adds a little edge to what amounts to a traditional design.

The webbing helps to keep your back cool during the summer heat (view large image)

Features

I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of padding on the Targus Rogue. The laptop compartment has a Velcro strap that holds the laptop securely in place. The padding covers every side of the laptop except for the part that rests against your back, where it's a little thin. This is a small drawback though and should not be a deciding factor in your buying decision.

The notebook is protected on four sides with thick foam. (view large image)

In total the backpack has seven compartments. The first pocket has room for some odds and ends; personal type items. The second area is a nyflex-lined zip pocket that holds a CD/MP3 player. This is a handy compartment, complete with a line out port for headphones. The pocket is large, enough size to fit a CD player, which means most MP3 players are going to get jostled around a bit.

A third compartment has a slot for holding pens and pencils, and a business card or ID tag holder. It also has a large compartment for books or notebook accessories.

There is a small pocket right behind the third compartment. I have been using it to store my keys. After that pocket is the last large compartment which stores the notebook and also has room for more textbooks or accessories.

And finally, there are side compartments which can be used for holding pop cans or water bottles.

Targus has also included a cell phone holder that attaches to either of the shoulder straps. I like having the ability to remove the cell phone case and move it from side to side, something that even more expensive bags don't always offer.

I found the Rogue to be very comfortable, something that was actually a little surprising given this price point. The straps and back panel are made with a breathable mesh, something that I really appreciated as I carried my notebook around in this summer heat.

Dimensions

The Targus Rogue is definitely not a turtle shell backpack (view large image)

At only 2.2 pounds, the Targus Rogue is extremely light for a bag of this size. The backpack is also fairly small compared to other 15.4" bags in the market. The exterior dimensions are 14.5" x 18.5" x 7.6" and the notebook compartment is 14.33" x 11.81" x 1.69".

Conclusion

The Targus Rogue Backpack is a terrific looking backpack. This is definitely a good choice for students or professionals who want a nice pack at an affordable price. It has a protective notebook compartment and plenty of space for a few textbooks or other extras. The Targus Rogue combines functionality with classic design and durability and at $40 is definitely worth consideration.

Pros:

• Cost effective
• Professional style
• Notebook compartment is well padded
• Numerous pockets for accessories
• Room for a few textbooks
• Cell phone pocket is removable

Cons:

• Only available in one color scheme
• CD/MP3 compartment is large, MP3 players slide around a good deal

Purchase Info

The Targus Rogue is available now for a retail price of $39.99.

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[coriolis]

More pics of laptop inside please

I've also never understood why backpacks/messenger bags have mp3 'compartments' when its a hassle to change song/volume/turn off when its in the bag. I understand if its a CD Player, but thats so 2001

[Charles P. Jefferies]

Great job tim, clear and concise review. Nice pictures as well.

For only $40, that's not a bad bag at all. Of course, I like seeing bags in person before I buy, but you made this sound pretty good.

[Andrew]

Yah, that's cheap as far as price goes. Actually looks a lot like the Mobile Pro backpack I carry.

[Metamorphical]

Great review Tim! ^^; Very nice looking bag.

[Tim]

Cori said:

More pics of laptop inside please

What you can't see my invisible laptop I do have some pics BTW. They just looked too crapy to post here. Although I can link them if I get the time. lol

Thanks for all the kind words. Thanks for the help Chaz. The pics turned out better with your tips. lol
Tim

[HomeSkillet]

Might have to check one of these out at CompUSA. Besides the computer, is there enough room to put a book or a small notebook?

[Tim]

Yeah you could definately put in another text book or notebook (refering to paper right ) There are two front compartments and I would say you could get 3-4 books plus your laptop. Although if you have a 600 page book you might only be able to fit 1-2 more books. lol
Tim