Sunday, June 28, 2009

Targus TCG400 15.4 CityGear New York Notebook Case

Product Description

Targus TCG400 15.4" CityGear New York Notebook Case


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #11837 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black/Grey/Yellow
  • Brand: Targus
  • Model: TCG400
  • Original language: English
  • Dimensions: 6.00 pounds

Features

  • Main Compartment Notebook Sleeve Compatible with Notebooks with Up to 15.4¿ Screens
  • Additional File Storage In Main Compartment
  • Front Zippered Pocket for Quick Access to Airline Tickets or Passport
  • Zip-Down Workstation Includes Mobile Accessory Storage, Pen Loops, Business Card Holders and Key Clip
  • Removable Mesh Accessory Pouch

Customer Reviews

Glad I got this bag.4
After much research...I got this bag.

Pros:
Reasonably light (3 pounds empty I think).
Reasonably sized (not as slim as my old bag...which had no padding)
Has a removable Accessory bag for my mouse and power supply (pretty spacious!). This was THE feature I wanted.
Lots of pockets/places to store things, lots of room for documents, pens, accessories.
Suprisingly easy to carry, either by handle or strap...Oddly more so than my unpadded older case. I guess it might be the padded handle and padded sides. It's comfortable to carry around.

Cons:
No dedicated "slots" to hold my 802.11g card, I stick it in one of the secured pockets. No big deal especially since My new laptop will have built in wireless.
No space to hold a large (I mean large) book, normal books should fit easily (a bunch of them actually).
I don't use or carry CD Disks with me, so that feature is pretty useless..but I guess nice to have.

Big, ...but not Too Big.5
Pros:
Good looking in all surroundings.
Protects my computer very well.
Well made and durable ..great zippers.
Very roomy but not bulky. ...Room for several good sized books, in addition to folders, DVD/CDs and all the laptop "paraphenalia" (adaptor, cords, mouse, etc.)
Even has a little netting/pocket that folds out large enough to carry a one liter bottle of (Dasani) water!
Easily works as a carry-on for travel.

Cons:
Not the lightest case I've picked up.
No "feet". Sits on ground and can get wet/stain when set on any surface that is even slightly wet or muddy.
Handle, while it is surprisingly comfortable, it is a velcro thingie holding two handles together. Velcro tends to show "age" by picking up hair, hay and stuff, and it tends to hold less.
Phone pocket looks a little "cheesy" with the yellow phone symbol on it. (But.. Hey! it's removable!)

My job requires me to go from semi-formal (college classrooms) to casual surroundings (a barn at a zoo), and my "office" is where-ever I can set up my laptop. I needed something that would look good, wear well and carry a lot of stuff.

I didn't need to carry a backpack full of stuff, nor did I want to look that informal. I think carrying a backpack looks silly if you're wearing a suit. I didn't want the hassle or expense of leather. I'm not an executive, I sure don't want to look like one.

I do have stuff to carry though, more than just the laptop. Most cases were either too small, or too big and bulky.

This is the ideal case for me. Carries my papers, a couple of books, my water, my phone (occasionally) ...and best of all, it takes very good care of my laptop.

For the occasional air traveler it works very well. It is easy to get the computer out for security checks and it has a strap that lets it attach to the handle of my rolling luggage. I don't have the bulk of a backpack to sling around, but it does have a pretty comfortable shoulder strap for when you have to go from one end of DFW to the other.

I highly recommend it.

Sandy Backpack5
I needed a durable backpack for my notebook on my deployment in Iraq. I've been using it for over five months now. It has handle sandstorm and the harsh climate. I even modified to carry many of my military items including my rifle (hanging on the front d-rings). Thats an estimated weight of 50 lbs. and sometimes more. Not only I suggest this backpack but the whole entire line of Targus notebook bags since many of my co-workers actually have the same brand.

RETRACTABLE OPTICAL STOW-N-GO LAPTOP MOUSE

Product Description

TARGUS RETRACTABLE OPTICAL STOW-N-GO LAPTOP MOUSE


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #57556 in Consumer Electronics
  • Brand: Targus
  • Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

  • Wireless Retractable Opt Mouse

TARGUS - ELEGANT LEATHER TOTE BLACK 15IN SCREEN (TLT007) (F35011)

Product Description
Targus PAPWR005U Mobile Power Inverte

Product Details

  • Brand: Targus
  • Model: PAPWR005U
  • Platform: Windows
  • Format: CD
  • Dimensions: 3.00" h x 6.00" w x 3.00" l, 1.30 pounds

Features

  • Power On-The-Go: Using a Standard Cigarette Lighter, Power Your Notebook, DVD Player, Game Console, Digital Camera, Cell Phone, CDPlayer or Other Electronic Device
  • Battery Management System: Built-In Surge Protection and Auto Shut Off to Prevent Damage or Draining Your Battery
  • Convenient Design: Fits In Any Standard Cup Holder or Lays Flat On Any Surface

From the Manufacturer
The 90 Watt Targus Mobile Power Inverter is the perfect AC and DC power source for anyone who travels in an RV, car, airplane, or boat. The unique design of the power inverter allows you to lay the product flat on its side or inside a cup holder. A single AC outlet powers and/or charges a notebook, portable DVD player, game console and other AC accessories while the cigarette lighter socket provides DC power. "Plug-in" power eliminates the need for spare batteries and the built-in surge protection allows for safe usage during car start-up and shutdown. The Power Inverter also features a 36-inch, "no tangle" cord. So now, it's easy to power up wherever you go!

Features

  • Power on-the-go: Using a standard cigarette lighter, power your notebook, DVD player, game console, digital camera, cell phone, CD player or other electronic device
  • Battery management system: Built-in surge protection and auto shut off to prevent damage or draining your battery
  • Convenient design: Fits in any standard cup holder or lays flat on any surface

Technical Specifications

  • Size: 2.25" x 2.25" x 6"
  • Output voltage: 120V AC, 60 Hz
  • Output power: 90 watts
  • Input voltage: 10.8V DC - 15.8V DC
  • Input current: 10A max
  • Overload: Surge protected
  • Warranty: Limited Two Year Warranty
  • Weight: 15.7 ounces

Customer Reviews

good so far5
I have had this item for about 6 weeks. Haven't used to a lot, but so far I like it. This power inverter is smaller and looks nicer than my old one, which was stolen out of my car along with a few other things.

It has one electrical outlet, and above that is a cigarette lighter outlet, so if you have other devices that need that kind outlet you can use them while this power inverter is plugged in.

The plug fits kind of loosely in my cigarette lighter outlet, but I don't know if that's the plug or the outlet on my car.

The only thing I don't like about this item is the "no tangle" cord. Its one of those coiled up cords, like a telephone cord (look at the picture of the item). The cord is long enough that it could stretch to the backseat, but if I were to try this it would pull the plug out of the outlet. Its coiled so tight that I couldn't really put it anywhere that would require the coil to be stretched. It just annoys me that they call it a 36" cord. For practical use not more than probably 18", but I don't have the item right in front of me to measure it.

I'll still give this item 5 stars. 4.5 if Amazon allowed 1/2 stars.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Targus Essential Backpack Bundle

Product Description

Targus 15.4-Inch Sport Standard Backpack, Targus DEFCON Video Port Combination Lock, and Targus Mouse


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #59063 in Consumer Electronics
  • Brand: Targus
  • Model: BUS0153
  • Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 6.00 pounds

Features

  • Sold Individually

Targus DMC111 Digital Memory Card Case - Black (Koskin)

Product Description

Targus is universally recognized as the leading provider of products for the mobile lifestyle. Targus continues to set the standards of excellence for protection, craftsmanship, and functionality of carrying cases and accessories for the mobile lifestyle.PRODUCT FEATURES:Holds up to 4 memory cards in mesh pockets;Durable, leather-like exterior for maximum protection;Rugged zipper pull clip for easy attachment to camera/video cases and more.


Customer Reviews

just as advertised4
A semihard case made of leather, that gives some protection against impacts and weather (rain at most, do not drop in water). Has room for 4 CF memories with their cases. It has a belt opening, ideal for use from the strap of your camera bag for easy access.

Nice good looking product.

Well Constructed5
I was surprised when I got this, the case was remarkably well constructed and has held up perfectly for the past few months of use. In the field of photography, taking an extra 30 seconds to switch out your card could cost you ten or twenty awesome pictures. It's very convenient to have all four of my CF cards clipped right to my belt for quick changing when my card is full.

Targus APM12US Universal Notebook AC/DC Adapter

Product Description

Power when you need it. With up to 90 watts of continuous power and up to 130 watts of peak power, the Targus Universal Notebook AC/DC Adapter allows the mobile user to carry just one adapter whether on the road, at home, in the office or in the air. Designed to meet the power needs of todays high performance notebooks, the APM12US also works with the optional Targus Mobile 15 Accessory Power Adapter and compatible device tips to power and charge your phone, camera and other mobile devices at the same time as your notebook. This low profile power source stores conveniently in your notebook case or luggage and comes equipped with the necessary AC/DC connectors for your mobile lifestyle.


Customer Reviews

Make sure it works with your notebook before you buy4
This adapter uses interchangable "smart" tips to configure itself for various notebooks. When one of the 5 supplied tips is attached, it will fix the adapter's voltage to a pre-set level. Using a meter, I found the voltages range from 15 to 19.9 depending on the tip used. Here's my point. Just because a tip may "fit" your notebook's DC jack, doesn't mean it's putting out the correct voltage required by your notebook. Make SURE your notebook is on the list this thing directly supports, or DON'T BUY IT. You could damage the adapter, or worse, possibly your notebook. A list of of compatible notebooks is available from the Targus website.

It is much lighter and smaller than my stock AC adapter and gets quite warm after an extended use. This worries me a little, but so far it's still working fine after several months of intermittant use. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't have to report a failure problem like others here have.

Don't ever buy it!!!1
I bought this item for my hp pavilion laptop. On the original package it's writen that it's compatible. However after using it only a couple of months, it suddenly stopped working. I called the company and they told me that it was written wrong on the package. They accepted their mistake but they would not do anything about it! They are still selling this product in the market although the information on the package is wrong! The customer support of this company is useless...Do not trust and buy this item! it's just waste of money!

Does what it says, and at a good price4
There are a lot of reviews about this product that I think give the wrong idea about this product, particularly ones about compatibility issues. I own an Averatec C3500 tablet PC, and the Averatec website led me to this product as being the only one compatible with my laptop, and this was verified on the Targus website, and I knew well ahead of time that this would be the appropriate AC/DC adapter I would need for my laptop. (of the many tips included, mine uses tip #3)

The thing I like about this device is that it powers my laptop from either an AC outlet (internationally, and by the way--I brought it with me to Thailand, where the voltage was much higher than the US, and it saves you from buying a power converter if your existing power adapter isn't able to accept varying input voltages). It also will let you power your laptop using a car/cigarette DC power source (which comes with it), and with a quick removal of the cigarette lighter extension is the power plug that inserts into the EmPower outlets used by several airlines, especially US carriers. Those adapters usually cost $70 or more, and this has the adapter plus the AC/DC options too. So it's good for travel because of its versatility. While many of the modern aircraft, particularly on international routes (e.g. Singapore Airlines and Thai Air both featured this on their new planes) are upgrading their in-flight power supplies so that you can plug a standard AC plug into the seat instead of the EmPower, at least with this Targus device, you'll be equipped to handle both types of power sources. Plus, on the Targus website, they publish a list of airlines and their aircraft that use the airline power plug that's included with the device, so you can get a rough idea of if you would find this useful.

Yes, this product has its quirks, and mine in fact shorted out on vacation, which I'll admit was disappointing. But as soon as I got home, I contacted Targus, got through to someone very quickly and explained the problem, they gave me an RMA number, I sent it back, and they immediately replaced it for no charge with a brand new, in box, model that works just fine, and there was no hassle or long waits involved. No replacement with a refurbished item or anything--a brand new replacement is what I got, which is more than I can say for some other companies when you need your product replaced.

I would give it five stars but it loses one star for the same reason that a fellow reviewer mentioned...the power cord that goes into the outlet is indeed too short. While it's simply a design flaw, it's an annoying flaw, as the weight of the main power supply (with the blue light--a feature i actually like) is heavy enough that it will yank the plug right out of the wall if you try to extend it, so if you're looking for length in addition to your power supply, you ought to buy an extension cord to go along with this model, as the unit won't give you much range to move it around, as I learned the hard way in some hotel rooms where the nearest plugs were a few feet too far from where I wanted to work on my laptop.

As for the option to power multiple devices (e.g. PDA, cell phone, etc) in addition to your laptop, you CAN with this device, but you need to purchase additional hardware that is not included with this device. I knew this before I bought this because the description of this item on the Targus website makes this pretty clear....there's an outlet where you can plug in another Targus device which will allow you to charge additional electronic items, so look for it online and buy it if this is important for you.

Bottom line: I've seen this being sold at Staples and other stores for over $100, and you can get it here and elsewhere on the internet for around $30, which is a bargain. It's great for travel, it's portable and comes with its own little bag, and if you want a second backup device for whatever reason, this is a great option. If you want to avoid any disappointments, just look on the Targus website and make sure your device is compatible--it's pretty clear what is and what isn't--otherwise, you'll have no one to blame but yourself if you've purchased this item and find that you can't use it. If it's listed as compatible but still doesn't work, contact Targus and they'll send you a replacement, as your item probably doesn't work for some reason. Give it a shot...I did, and I don't regret it.

Auto/air Power Inverter 150W 2OUT 12VDC-120VAC Slim Line

Product Description

Targus' goal is to enhance your lifestyle by offering innovative and quality products, as well as continuing to listen and respond to its customers.


Customer Reviews

Great Power Inverter5
I originally bought a cheaper 100w inverter w/one 3-prong plug and one usb plug. It beeped continuously (warning me that I was trying to draw too much power) when I plugged in my 90W Dell D600 laptop. It would power the laptop, but wouldn't charge the battery. It also wouldn't charge my iPhone. Decided to try this inverter since it looked like it was built better, had 2 3-prong outlets and was rated at 150w. It works flawlessly w/both my Dell and laptop. I haven't tried to plug two things into it simultaneously, but I'm just happy it works w/my laptop.

Auto Power Inverter 100W Cupholder Style

Product Description

The Targus 100W Auto Power Inverter - Cupholder Style is designed for the mobile professional or recreational user. It provides a power source for most electrical devices in RVs, cars or boats. It is designed to conveniently fit into most standard cup holders. Simply plug the inverter into the cigarette lighter plug and power or charge up to three devices including notebooks, mobile phones, PDAs, video consoles and many others. It features one 120V AC plug, one USB port, and one Targus PPS port. The PPS port can be used with the Targus Auto/Dual Digital Device Power Adapter (APP2001US). The APV11US can deliver 100W of continuous and up to 150W of peak power. It is safe to use and features over-current, over-temperature and surge protection. The APV11US is targeted for mobile professionals or recreational users looking for a power source that can be used conveniently in their vehicle.


Customer Reviews

Wonderful Device5
This works exately as described and has no trouble powering a USB device and a laptop. I even put a splitter in the outlet and powered 2 laptops and a phone through it!

Targus TSS051US Incognito Vertical Slipcase Fits up to 15.4-Inch Widescreen Laptops (Black)

Product Description

Targus TSS051US Incognito Vertical Slipcase is designed to fit up to 15.4" widescreen laptops.The padded laptop compartment also includes a self closing elastic strap to help hold the laptop in place during transport.To store documents or magazines, the slipcase also features a back slip pocket. Perfect to transport your laptop between meetings or classes, the Incognito Vertical Slipcase features a padded/adjustable shoulder strap and padded carry handles for easy transport, black


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #30005 in Consumer Electronics
  • Brand: Targus
  • Model: TSS051US
  • Dimensions: 14.76" h x 12.60" w x 2.36" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

  • Designed to fit 15.4" widescreen laptops
  • Includes back slip pocket for documents or magazines
  • Constructed of durable polyester material; Features adjustable padded shoulder strap and carry handle for added comfort

Targus PDAT04 PDA/Handheld Universal Belt Case - Black

Product Description

Targus PDAT04 PDA/Handheld Universal Belt Case


Customer Reviews

Okay for a "Koskin" case3
I picked up one of these cases cheap on eBay as a replacement for the Targus CH045. The CH045 is a much better product, made with real leather. This case is made from "Koskin," which feels like thin Naugahyde to me. The belt clip seems to be the same as the CH045, so it should work find for normal thickness belts--I've never had it fall off in five years of constant use.

The case holds a Garmin iQue 3600 quite nicely; it could probably fit most PDAs, but being made of "Koskin" instead of leather, I wouldn't try forcing a PDA in it.

However, the "Koskin" material is not as supple as real leather. The flap doesn't fold over the top as neatly as the leather version. I'm also concerned about the durability of "Koskin." Most references I find to this material are from manufacturers, who claim it to be "durable and long lasting." Time alone will tell...

PDA Case3
I thought it would be better, easier to use, it turned out to be just a case, not a pda style case

Sturdy and rugged4
I recently purchased this case for a second time, the first having lasted for about 4 years of use and, under the circumstances, abuse. For a Palm case, being tossed into a bookbag and coveralls almost daily and opened many many times on those days, it's a good buy and stands up well against time.

Targus 100 Watt Slim Line Mobile Inverter

Product Description

The Targus 100W Slim Line Mobile Inverter is designed for the mobile professional or recreational user. It provides a power source for most electrical devices in RVs, cars, airplanes or boats. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter plug or into the airplane seat power plug and power or charge up to two devices. It features built-in surge protection, one 120V AC plug, one USB port and can deliver 100W of continuous and 150W of peak power. It is safe to use and features over-current, over-temperature and surge protection. The Targus exclusive slim design and light weight makes it ideal for travel.


Customer Reviews

if you want affordable power on the go, this product is good despite flaws4
I purchased the Targus 100 Watt Slim Line Mobile Inverter for international business travel. I was tired of carrying two laptop batteries for 7-9 hr flights.

The product works as designed and is pretty small compared to other similar devices. It can power up to two devices at one time (1 USB and 1 US-based female input). What more can you ask for at only $45ish dollars?

Some constraints:
1. the fan is very loud. on an airplane, people won't really notice since the cabin is loud anyway. the fan is loud in the car unless people converse loudly.
2. the device does give off an odd smell.
3. when using a powerful laptop and depending on the airplane yr, make, model, etc..., you might have to remove its battery. if you don't, the power source (at least on the airbus 330) will cut off every 5 secs.

Targus Notebook Cooling Chill Mat (AWE11US)

Product Description

The Targus Chill Mat protects your lap and workspace from notebook heat, while cooling fans help maximize notebook performance by supplying cool air to the notebook.


Customer Reviews

Still not the charm3
My first Targus chill mat(PA248U) didn't last long, as the construction didn't hold up -- somehow the fans both got chipped, and eventually quit working less than 6 months after purchase. That model also had an unnecessarily long USB cord. HOWEVER, THAT model was at least nice and quiet! This chill mat is has much sturdier construction, and the USB cord is shorter! BUT..... the noise from this thing discourages me from turning it on until my laptop is kicking its own fan on high speed. The whirr isn't even steady and thus is very hard to tune out. Maybe the 3rd model I try will be the charm and have all 3 features in one unit...

UPDATE: THE CHILL PAD DIED AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS OF NORMAL USE (NOT ROUGH HANDLING, JUST MOVED AROUND WITHIN THE HOUSE.) DISAPPOINTING.

Effective but fragile3
My first one of these didn't last very long, but it was effective enough that I'm buying another. The problem was with the connector jack on the back of the unit -- it shifted out of place and the thing won't work anymore.

This model is an improvement in performance over the previous model, the Targus PA248U, but a step backward in durability. And that one wasn't very durable to begin with. I have been going through at least 1-2 of those per year. Plus needing new cords.

Wish me luck -- and I wish you the same.

Really, really not worth it2
This thing was just plain crappy. It was loud, the power plug didn't sit right, and the fact it just had a pair of lame box fans with no ducting meant that if you use this thing on anything but a desk or table, it;s going to suck up hairs, or your blanket will poke the blades, or one of a number of other bad, noisy things will happen.

I had it for a couple weeks before it died a loud, annoying death.

Spend the extra couple bucks and get this Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler it's fantastic, whisper-quiet, amazingly powerful, and has a sealed bottom with intakes in the back and side, so I can use my laptop on my lap

Targus DVD301 10 Sport Portable DVD Player Case

Product Description

Targus DVD301 9" Sport Portable DVD Player Case


Product Details

  • Color: Black/Silver
  • Brand: Targus
  • Model: DVD301
  • Format: CD
  • Number of items: 1
  • Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

  • Supports Up to a 9 Inch DVD Player; Use Player Without Removing From Case
  • Non-Woven Pockets to Hold Up to 8 DVD Disks
  • External Zippered Pocket to Hold Accessories Like Power Cords and Headphones
  • Adjustable Suspension Shoulder Strap
  • Extra Padding and Security Strap to Secure Player

Amazon.com Product Description
The Sport Portable DVD Player Case from Targus offers secure storage and transport for your portable DVD player. The durable carrying case holds one portable DVD player (up to a 9-inch diagonal screen) and lets you use the player without even removing it from the case. The case features non-woven pockets that hold up to eight individual DVDs and an external zippered pocket to store accessories like power cords and headphones. Your DVD player is held in place by a security strap and features extra padding for additional protection. An adjustable suspension shoulder strap simplifies carrying.

What's in the Box
Bag, shoulder strap, and warranty information.


Customer Reviews

Likely the Best travel case on the market5
Although this case is a bit more pricey than your standard discount store types, it is well worth the extra $$. My family just used this on a 500 mile trip. The viewing case allowed us to configure the dvd player to a comfortable viewing angle, even with the bothersome plastic handles on the back of my van seats. The viewing case has an awesome design, and keeps the dvd player very secure, while at the same time making it easy for my son to change discs. The carrying case will hold everything easily for transportation and storage when not in use. The only suggestion for improvement I have is to include one extra storage pocket for headphones.

I am very glad I returned the $20 cases to the local discount stores, as they didn't offer any flexibility in configuring the player to comfortable viewing points. This is a purchase you won't regret.

Straps too short for Trucks!3
I have a 2003 Chevy Avalanche. The seats are contoured to your back and 5 1/2 ft in diameter. The straps provided were significantly too short to wrap around my seats. I wanted to mount my DVD player between the two front seats. The other downside was that the straps stick out because of the contoured seats making it very uncomfortable to sit. If you have flat seats that aren't as big, this would probably work for you. The case is very nice. The separate viewing holder is nice because it's not big and bulky. It won't take away from your viewing screen. It has lots of pockets and pouches for DVD's and a remote. I really liked the design, I just couldn't find a way to mount it securely and comfortably.