Protecting Macbook from scratches/dirt

Hi all,

Am thinking of buying a Macbook but, like my iPod, I've heard that it's prone to getting scratched and dirty. Can anyone recommend me some protection to put on the Macbook when I'm typing? I took a look at InvisibleShield, but they're based in the US and I need something I can buy in the UK easily.

Thanks

 

Unless it never leaves the house chances are it will get some scratches, it is afterall a notebook and not a priceless heirloom. There are many things from sleeves to hardshell cases I suggest just using Google to search for something that would suit your needs.

 

Marware has a pretty nice protection kit that you apply to the wrist rest area of the MacBook and will prevent any dirt, etc. from getting in it - also iSkin has a keyboard protector which will do something similar for the keys.

For the exterior, there are some iPod-esque hardcases, but you should generally be fine if you keep it in a case most of the time.

 

Can anyone recommend me a lightweight case for it? I intend to carry it around in my backpack, so am not sure how much extra space I'd have (and maybe the backpack would count as some space...). I thought maybe I could just put some bubblewrap around it each time I put it in my backpack, that might be enough

 

Also I've been reading about the discoloration stuff that I believe Apple admitted was a manufacturing fault and has fixed it in the new white macbooks. Is this the case? If so it seems I probably don't need a wrist protector on the Macbook?

Basically, I'm wondering if it's worth buying one of those Marwood wrist/keyboard protectors or not. I intend to take as good care as I can of the Macbook; is that all that's needed to keep it looking good?

 

The wrist protectors can still be good...... the discoloration issue was with the actual material discoloring, but even normally, things like the natural dirt and oil, etc. on your hands can cause some discoloration. Aside from that, I liked the marware covering because it had a sort of nice soft feel that felt comfortable to rest your hands on.

It's not a requirement though, but it isn't a bad idea.

For a case, you might think about a hardcase like this:

http://www.speckproducts.com/13mac-seethru.html

If you don't want a full case/protective sleeve, this will protect it from scratches, etc. and you don't have to take it off, etc.

If you're looking for more cushioning/protection I'd highly recommend the Horizontal or Vertical Brain Cell from TomBihn.com.

 

I've had my Black MacBook for more than 6 months. I travel a lot and use the machine a lot. Other than some shininess (wear) on the touchpad I have no dents, scratches or dings.

I normally just keep it in a SwissGear backpack, and when its not in there and I am traveling I use an inexpensive neoprene sleeve.

 

Thanks for your advice. I've ordered a slim protective sleave - a Be.ez La Robe Slip Case. It's not heavy duty but I am going to be using my backpack to transport the macbook around so can't get a case or anything like that.

I'm not sold on the permanent covers for the keyboard etc, it looks like they may keep the dust off but look pretty ugly there in the first place... maybe I'm wrong.

However I spotted this at TomBihn: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0320

A keyboard cover that you put on when you're not using the laptop, stopping the keys from dirtying the screen. If it works, it looks like a nice unobtrustive thing I can buy, but as I'm in the UK, it's not worth paying importing costs. Does anyone know where I could get something similar in the UK?

THanks

 

Frankly it's just a bit of cloth cut out in the shape of the keyboard. Even if you couldn't find something exactly like that, it wouldn't be very hard to cut up some cloth/microfibre to get the same thing.

 

Haha, fair enough.

 

There are several hard shell cases available that you may want to consider. The only downside to them is they can be fairly hefty, upwards of a pound.