This is my review of the targus black laptop bag, which I got with a laptop from argos (they had a special deal on, it was 10-20 pounds or so extra for the bag, I can't remember exactly as it was a while ago).

Anyway, this is a simple bag, made by targus. For those of you who do not know who targas are, they basically make high quality protective bags for laptops, the sort of stuff you can go hiking in an so on.

Anyway, this is their cheap entry bag, which my size is a 16 inch (I believe they come in different sizes and so on depending on your laptop).

For your money you get a mesh bag, and some version have a plastic bottom bit (my dad has the bigger size, and I have owned 2 of these, I think the plastic protection comes with the bigger more expensive sizes). You also get 2 compartments, a bit for your laptop, with a divider for your charger (although i would not use it for that, i find it will get loose during transit, and your charger scratches up your nice laptop!). You also get straps for your laptop to secure it firmly in place.
There is also a front compartment, which can take a few folders, and has inserts for pens (but these become loose over time, i wouldn't really bother). Here there are also little pouches for consumables as well.

So, what is it like? The shoulder strap is very well made, and very secure. Also the bit that connects the strap to the bag is metal, so isn't going to break any time soon. I would say this bag will last 1-2 years at least, depending on how heavy/harshly you use it (although I do not think it is sold as waterproof, but i have walked in moderate rain short distances no problem).

When the laptop starts to go, it starts in the bottom corners. This is great, because it means you are unlikely to just turn around one day and just drop your laptop and smash it to pieces! To be honest, I am a bit cheeky, and normally carry on using it slightly past this stage, and somehow the bag still manages to stick together!

Overall, this is a simple, but well made bag, that is pretty handy. I think you will struggle to find another bag in this price range that is this reliable, any cheaper and i would begin to worry about how safe my laptop is. Yet any more expensive might just feel liek a waste of money?

In summary then, i give this 4/5 stars, for value, but i have to deduct a star for the divider not being brilliant, and the elastic in the pen pouches wearing thin.