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Targus Netbook Accessory Kit


Date
: 09/20/09 – 09:50:19 PM

Author
:

Category
: Cases

Page 1 : Introduction

To keep pace with our ever more hectic on-the go life style manufacturers of electronic equipment and computers have been racing to push out the next great portable gadget. Phones, digital audio players, and now netbooks have garners a considerable amount of significance in the way we conduct our day to day dealings. While unlike fancy cell phones, smart phones and digital audio players have progressed in features and functionalities over their predecessors, netbooks are quite different. Netbooks took laptops in quite a different direction by trimming out all but the necessaries. Better is no longer measured by gigahertz, megabytes or ability to compare with desktop systems but rather size, weight and battery life.

For as many conveniences as netbooks offer, they are a far shot from taking the place of either full sized notebooks or desktops. On a commute home or a long day away from the office, access to more capable systems is where netbooks shine, but for all else it is exceedingly difficult to ignore their short comings. For this glaring pitfall, Targus has a few suggestions.

Today we are going to look Targus' Netbook Accessory Kit complete with a neoprene sleeve, retractable mini notebook mouse for those cramped wrists from typing on a miniaturized keyboard and a 4-port USB hub because there are far too many USB gadgets out there.

Page 2 : Features and Specifications

Here is what Targus has to say about the Netbook Accessory Kit:

Definitely a sensible offering. Let's have a look at each piece of the kit.

First up, we have the neoprene case. The case fits up to 10.2′ netbooks which covers the upper limit of netbook sizes.

The mouse is typical notebook mouse; small in size and with a retractable USB cord. For those with touchpad deficiencies- such as me, a mouse is a must.

The last piece of our kit is the 4-port USB hub; plug it into one USB port and make it four – simple as that.

Page 3 : Package and Contents

First, let's have a look at the package.

No surprises here! On the front we have a description of the product, contents and even a Picture of two happy notebook users.

On the sides, we have some reoccurring themes: protect, navigate, and connect.

Removing the contents of the box, we have individually packaged: the neoprene case, mouse (with a carrying case) and USB hub. Not to sound anti-climatic but, nothing more and nothing less.

The majority of the case is of black soft neoprene and the zipper area along with a stripe down the faces is in a vibrant blue.

The case zips open right down the sides, much like any other case.

The mouse is a fairly basic notebook mouse. It is of course no high end desktop equivalent, but a fair improvement over a standard touchpad for those who prefer to use a mouse.

Finally, we have the USB hub. The hub comes with a short cable which tucks into the side of the device in order to allow for some flexibility without an overly long cord causing a nuisance.

Page 4 : Testing and Conclusion

All together, a MSI Wind 10′ netbook with all the attachments.

So, how does it all work? Targus had the right idea, a solid sleeve, a USB mouse and attachment hub are definitely good additions to any netbook. The kit however could use some work. While the idea was well conceived, the execution wavered. Of the three products included in the kit, the neoprene sleeve was excellent, the mouse was lack luster and the USB hub was decent. But, alas we aren't judging each individual product, rather we are judging them as a kit. Accordingly, Targus' pricing reflects this. While the neoprene case can be purchased on its own for about $30 dollars, the total kit only costs $40 dollars. If I may use the analogy of a body, the neoprene sleeve is a torso and the mouse and hub are emaciated extremities. As a package, there is simply no cohesion.

In this case, a picture best illustrates my grievances. Hypothetically, how great of an idea would it be to include maybe a mesh sleeve or two on the insides to store accessories (such as the ones included with the Netbook Accessory Kit)?

That said, the case is excellent. If you can do without the mouse, or if you already have one, the neoprene sleeve can be purchased individually from the kit.

Advantages

Excellent case

Disadvantages

Mouse and USB hub could use a bit of work

I'd like to thank Targus for making this review possible