Targus Mode Messenger Charcoal

The Targus website claims this versatile bag enables you to "change your look, from classic to cool to fun, in just a few minutes". In reality, this amounts to being able to switch between three strap colours: grey, black and the slightly dubious lime green. Marketing ploys aside, this is a good bag. Your 15.4in laptop is held in an elasticated neoprone sling, with good padding providing above-average protection. There's a second flap giving extra protection to the main notebook compartment, although this adds to the Velcro noise pollution. We're not convinced by the strap-swapping gimmickry, but this bag will keep your laptop well protected.

Author: Martin James