Targus recently launched their first-ever line of Mac accessories. I bet you are thinking, “Wait…Targus…I know them, don’t I? Laptop bags right?” Well, you’d be correct in this thinking and as it turns out, they have expanded their business into several other areas.

Targus is a major global supplier of mobile computing cases and accessories (Targus’ own words – from their website). When I first checked out their website I was amazed by the number of different computer peripherals they offer. The next time I was in Best Buy (I seem to often find myself aimlessly wandering their aisles); I couldn’t help but notice that Targus was getting great placement alongside some impressive names like Kensington, Microsoft and Logitech. Who knew this relatively quiet “laptop bag” company had such a significant presence in this category?
Now I’ll admit that although I have a secret lust for consumer electronics, I didn’t just happen to begin researching Targus out of personal curiosity. Targus approached us in mid 2007 to help design their new line of Mac-specific accessories. This was a challenge our design team was really excited about.

We were faced with some interesting questions: We knew we wanted the line to feel Mac-appropriate but how literally should we play off of the strong Mac design language? Also, because Targus doesn’t have a very strong exiting family design language or tone, how can we work with their existing brand heritage? In the end, we decided to develop a line of products that leverage some of the core values of Mac products (simplicity, honesty and sophistication) without directly knocking off their signature design elements. Concurrently, we wanted to infuse a bit of Targus ingenuity into the products by incorporating new technologies like the optical scroll wheel on the mouse. We think the result is a successful blend of the two brand identities that would satisfy even the most design conscience Mac user.

So far the early reviews sound very promising:

http://technologizer.com/2008/10/01/new-targus-accessories-cater-to-mac-users/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10054058-1.html
http://www.slashgear.com/targus-announced-new-mac-accessories-0117831/
http://www.gadgets-weblog.com/50226711/new_targus_mac_accessories_available_today.php