macbook pro protective case

Hi all,
what's a good 15 inch macbook pro protective case that's not too expensive?
I saw one at amazon.com and am considering getting it but wanted opinions before I do

The case I'm looking at on amazon is the Speck MacBook Pro 15" See-Thru Hard Case - RED - Fits all versions of 15" MacBooks.

Thanks!

 

The See-Thru Card Case is really only designed to prevent it from being scratched, dented, etc. In and of itself it isn't full protection (i.e. if you drop it, it could still get damaged). It is good for it's intended purpose (protect the finish of the laptop, prevent it from getting dented, scratched, etc.) but it should not be the sole protection for the laptop.

I'd highly highly recommend the Tom Bihn Brain Cell (horizontal or vertical). It is incredibly well protected on all sides, and will provide absolute protection for the MBP. You can also get a larger case or laptop that the Brain Cell can clip into (I got the Smart Alec backpack, for example). I have one myself and I find the quality and protection to be exemplary.

As a general rule of thumb, a protective case is not something that is worth looking for the most inexpensive solution, necessarily. Not to say that the only good case is a $300 one, but the price premium for cases from companies like Tom Bihn and Waterfield Designs is often worth it.

 

awesome. Thanks. I'll look at the ones you mentioned.

 

If you put the speck case on it then you can put the machine in your backpack or whatever without worry about it being scratched. I have the black one and I like.

 

i have the clear for my mbp and it works great. I carry my mbp to and fro school each day. the advantage of it is that you don't have to take it off like you would a sleeve. I know that it doesn't protect against drops, but IMO if it does get droppped the impact would be dissipated across the case rather than the laptop itself, offering some protection rather than none. It does add a little weight the best part is its not intrusive. I don't even notice it.

 

I would question how much the impact of a drop would be dissipated by something like the SeeThru case. I'd still be much more comfortable using the shell for it's intended purpose (protecting against dents and scratches), while still having something with real protection like the Brain Cell to keep it totally protected while carrying it around, etc.:

 

I do currently have a bag for my mbp. The reason I'd get the speck case is for protection against wear and tear. Not dropping. I'll be looking at the brain cell for protection against dropping.

Thanks for your pointers everyone.

 

Now another question. What's the best stuff to clean the screen and the body of my mbp? I've seen some recommendations, but don't remember where I saw them.

Thanks!