I carry a big laptop. A 17-inch Dell XPS that weighs like a small dog. I wanted a simple bag that didn’t scream gamer or CEO. I ended up with the Targus 17" Classic Slim Briefcase. I’ve used it for nine months now—work days, weekend errands, and two flights. Spoiler: it’s plain, but it pulls its weight.
If you're comparing carry options, you can browse even more 17-inch-friendly styles over at Cool Computer Bags. You can also check out this roundup of the best 17-inch laptop bags for a wider look at what’s on the market.
For the full backstory (including measurements and unboxing photos) you can jump over to my 17-inch laptop hauler field notes.
What I pack, for real
Here’s my normal load on a busy day:
- Dell XPS 17 in the padded sleeve
- Big charger brick (the heavy one)
- Mouse, two pens, sticky notes
- iPad, Kindle, small notebook
- USB-C hub, phone cable, gum, and a tiny snack bar
Seems like a lot, right? It is. But the bag still zips without a fight. It looks slim, yet I stuff it. Funny how that works. I dialed in this everyday load-out after skimming ideas from the best computer bags for men, but the core items haven’t changed.
How the laptop fits
The sleeve is snug but not tight. I can slide the laptop in with one hand. The foam doesn’t feel fancy. Still, it handles bumps on the train. My laptop survived a slow car seat fall. My heart didn’t, but the bag did.
Pockets that help (and some that don’t)
The front pocket has a few slots. Pens. Cards. A short key leash. It’s easy to reach, even when I’m in a rush. There’s a flat pocket in back for papers. I use it for my meeting notes or a magazine I never read.
Missing piece? A water bottle pocket. I keep my bottle in my hand or in my backpack if I swap bags. I wish this had one. I know it would ruin the neat look, but still. That gap is exactly what pushed me toward designing my own custom computer bag with the pockets I actually need.
Shoulder strap and handles
The shoulder strap adjusts fast and doesn’t dig in. The pad stays put most days. On week three it squeaked a little at the metal clip. I wrapped a tiny bit of clear tape around the ring. Quiet since then.
The top handles feel sturdy. They have a bit of padding. I carry it briefcase-style when I’m in a blazer, which makes me feel like I have my life together. For ten minutes.
Commute and travel stories
- Train rush: I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder on a packed car. The bag stayed slim at my side and didn’t bump everyone. That matters.
- Coffee spill: I sloshed a latte on the front panel. Wiped it off with a napkin. No stain. No smell. I was shocked.
- Rain check: Light spring rain? No problem. In a heavy downpour, the zipper line got damp. My laptop was fine, but my notebook edge curled a bit. I keep a plastic folder now.
- Airport run: At SFO, I still had to pull the laptop out for screening. Not a big deal. The top zips open wide, so no wrestling match. The back strap slides over my suitcase handle—huge win at O’Hare when my gate moved. Twice.
These city-slicker trials happened right after a week lugging around a tactical 5.11 Rush Delivery Lima computer bag, so the contrast was fresh in my mind.
The little things I notice
The zippers are smooth. They have big pulls that I can grab even with gloves on. In winter, that matters. The inside lining is light gray, so small stuff doesn’t get lost in the dark. My old black bag was like a cave.
One tiny gripe: the front pocket zipper sometimes catches the inner flap if I rush it at a weird angle. I learned to pull it straight. No snag if I do that.
Durability so far
No rips. No loose seams. A tiny scuff on the bottom corner showed up month five. I dabbed it with a cloth and a bit of mild soap. Looks fine. The bag still holds its shape even when half empty. That keeps it from looking floppy. If you’re curious how a different fabric holds up, you can read my honest take on a canvas computer bag for another durability benchmark.
Who this bag suits
- Daily commuters who want clean and simple
- Folks with a big laptop who don’t carry a whole studio
- Students who move between class and a coffee shop
- Business travel where you use a rolling suitcase
Who might not love it:
- Cyclists who want chest straps or a backpack fit
- People who need a water bottle pocket built in
- Camera-heavy setups with lots of bulky gear
Quick hits: what’s great and what’s meh
What I like
- Fits a 17-inch laptop without drama
- Slim look, even when full
- Trolley strap for suitcases
- Easy-clean fabric and tough zippers
- Light lining so small stuff doesn’t vanish
What I’d change
- Add a water bottle pocket
- A touch more padding on the bottom
- Front zipper could be less fussy at odd angles
One more lifestyle angle: after a day of commuting with this bag, sometimes I’m still up for meeting people outside the office. If you’re in the same boat, Spdate offers a lightweight dating app where you can arrange casual meet-ups on short notice, perfect for when your laptop’s packed but your evening’s wide open. Alternatively, if you’re in Southern California and want an easy way to see who’s free for a spontaneous outing, swing by Backpage Laguna Hills where constantly updated local listings help you line up last-minute plans without any hassle.
Final word
You know what? This bag is plain in the best way. It shows up, it works, and it doesn’t try to do tricks. If you need a clean, sturdy home for a 17-inch laptop, the Targus 17" Classic Slim Briefcase is a safe bet. I grab it almost every day. And I don’t think about it much—that’s the biggest compliment a bag can get.
If you want more comfort for long walks, you might pick a backpack. But for office days, quick trips, and that “I’m put together” look? This one’s my steady choice.