by Allison Johnson
With six new models featuring TSA-approved designs, Targus is diving into the growing checkpoint-friendly laptop bag market. We took the Zip-Thru Corporate Traveler for a spin to see if it makes a good travel bag. Decked out in black nylon and gunmetal gray hardware, it’s corporate chic for sure, but how does it perform under pressure?
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Specifications:
- Size: 16.93” x 6.5” x 13.98”
- Weight: 3.25 lbs
- Construction: 1680D ballistic nylon
- Fits up to 15.4” laptop
Build and Design
The Zip-Thru Corporate Traveler is a sturdy bag outfitted with solid metal hardware, leather-wrapped handles, and a variety of accessory compartments. The black, ballistic 1680 denier nylon and red Targus logo complete the corporate look. To comply with the TSA’s new set of guidelines for checkpoint-friendly bags, this case has a designated laptop-only compartment.
The entire bag unzips in the butterfly style pictured on the TSA website to offer a clear x-ray scan of the computer. It will accommodate a laptop up to 15.4” wide, keeping it snug between four detachable air cushions. A large section for files and a number of small compartments round out the package. Several compartments are cushioned with an extra layer of foam for added protection from things that go bump in baggage claim.
Though this is a large bag, it doesn’t feel too heavy and rests comfortably on my shoulder thanks to the padded shoulder strap. The leather on the handles also gives it a comfortable feel in the hand. The metal clasps on the shoulder strap are a cinch to use, unlike plastic attachments. As a heavy-duty laptop bag, there’s nothing wrong with the Corporate Traveler. The real test is at airport security.
In Use
As always, TSA reserves the right to make you take your computer out of the bag, even if it meets all of the requirements. The big question here is whether or not this bag is worth $100 if it isn’t even guaranteed to make it through the x-ray machine without any trouble.
We took a similar bag on a test run and even though it was deployed properly the first time, an airport security officer wasn’t satisfied and put it through for a second x-ray. When security isn’t familiar with the bag design, this isn’t a time saving device at all. Hopefully security personnel will warm up to the checkpoint-friendly bag designs as they see begin to see more of them, and then TSA-approved bag really will relieve headaches at the security line.
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Conclusion
I hesitate to recommend this bag for the light business traveler. If you don’t plan on utilizing the bag’s ample storage space, then it might slow you down. I don’t carry enough high-tech goodies to make the bag worthwhile for my everyday purposes. But for the corporate traveler with sensitive (read: expensive) gadgets, this bag offers plenty of storage space and security. TSA friendliness aside, the Targus bag is the real deal – solid design and lots of bells and whistles. If you travel often and need a bag that will keep up, I’d recommend this one.
Pros:
- Potentially streamlines airport security processes
- Durable metal hardware and nylon exterior
- Plenty of compartments for storage
- Extra padding and cushioning system for protection
Cons:
- Large bag may not be suitable for all types of travel
- Airport security still reserves the right to take the laptop out of the bag
Price and Availability
The Targus Zip-Thru Corporate Traveler ($99.99) is available for purchase from the Targus website or at a variety of retail stores.
Targus Zip-Thru Corporate Traveler Review
