Targus Releases Evolution Line of Notebook Carrying Cases With HP

Business Wire, August 16, 2004

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Targus Inc., inventor of the notebook case and the preeminent provider of mobile accessory solutions, today announced the release of its line of Evolution carrying cases specifically designed to accommodate HP notebook PCs.

"Our long-standing relationship with HP has allowed Targus to work closely with the HP design team to develop this new innovative product," said Ron Smith, chief marketing officer for Targus. "Sporty rounded edges, molded, ergonomic handles and custom zipper pulls are indicative of the aesthetic trends pervasive in HP hardware. With the name Evolution, the line represents our progression into the next generation of notebook protection and case design, the culmination of over two decades of Targus' learning in the marketplace."

The five Evolution cases include two briefcases, two backpacks and a rolling case. Targus' cases accommodate screen sizes up to 15.4 inches and contain a sleeve specifically designed to accommodate smaller HP notebooks as well.

All five Evolution cases incorporate Targus' patented SafePORT(R) Air Cushion System. Drop-tested against leading competitors by an independent U.S. research company in August 2003, Targus' SafePORT system outperformed its closest competitors by more than 400 percent. If the case is dropped, the system absorbs the shock and slowly forces air through vents, substantially reducing the impact. The technology behind the SafePORT Air Cushion System provides five times the protection of standard foam padding found in many cases.

With the exception of the Leather Backpack, all cases are constructed of heavy-duty black nylon with azure blue nylon twill accents, providing maximum durability. Targus designed the cases to make high-use items easily accessible by incorporating features such as business card compartments, pen loops, accessory pockets, key clips, a patent-pending, hidden mesh water bottle holder, a protective, removable CD/DVD sleeve that holds up to four disks, and a removable accessory pocket that is ideal for power cables. Although designed primarily for 15.4-inch notebooks, all five cases also include a top-loading sleeve to accommodate HP 12.1-inch Ultralight notebooks.

"The new line of HP cases developed by Targus is the ideal solution for protecting our innovative notebook PCs," said Neale Minch, director of worldwide notebook accessory marketing for HP. "We have a long history of leveraging their extensive experience in notebook protection, and with this new product line, HP worked closely with Targus to incorporate unique features and design cues that will benefit our customers."

Targus' Evolution cases are available through authorized HP resellers or direct via the Web at http://www.hp.com. Targus also plans to make the cases available on its own Web site (www.targus.com). With the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the cases ranging between $59.99 and $129.99, all five cases include a limited lifetime warranty.

Evolution Lite Nylon Notebook Case

At 2.6 pounds, this lightweight case features a top loading case design for easy notebook insertion and retrieval. Side access belt loops allow users to clip on a pen or cell phone for quick access and a luggage strap secures the case to a standard rolling travel case. The case also incorporates Targus' patented Equalizer(R) Suspension Strap and molded overlapping handles for maximum carrying comfort. The Evolution Lite Nylon case has an MSRP of $59.99.

Evolution Plus Nylon Notebook Case

The Evolution Plus adds slightly more storage capacity to the Evolution Lite, by adding an additional compartment with three separate file slots and a zippered mesh accessory pocket. Also a top-loading design, the Plus includes a PDA pocket, an external drive pocket, side access loops and a hidden trolley pocket for attachment to rolling luggage. A patent-pending retractable airline ticket and passport holder makes travel documents accessible without having to open the case. The case is priced at $79.99 MSRP.

Evolution Nylon Backpack

Ideal for notebook users on the go, padded shoulder straps and a molded handle make wearing or carrying the bag trouble-free. The backpack also includes a retractable airline ticket and passport holder, a file section in the notebook compartment, a removable external cell phone pocket and two side mesh pockets. Designers have incorporated a theft-preventing zippered pocket feature on the wearable surface of the backpack, hidden from view when the backpack is worn. This case has an MSRP of $79.99.

Evolution Leather Backpack

The Evolution Leather Backpack incorporates most of the same features as the Nylon Backpack, with a professional upgrade to the exterior materials. The Evolution Leather Backpack is priced at $99.99 MSRP.

Evolution Roller Notebook Case

With a dual height adjustable, locking trolley handle that reaches 39.5 inches and high-quality inline skate wheels for a smooth and durable ride, the Evolution Roller Notebook Case is a top-of-the-line essential for traveling executives. This mobile office features a top loading design for quick airport access, retractable airline ticket and passport holder, three removable mesh accessory pockets, Targus' Equalizer Suspension Strap, as well as PDA and external drive pockets. A pass-through trolley pocket also makes it possible to attach the case to a rolling suitcase. The MSRP for the Evolution Roller Notebook Case is $129.99.