what case to buy for MacBook Pro?

Hello everyone,
I've just bought a new MacBook Pro 13.3, 2,4 320GB HDD. Now while waiting for it I thought I should ask you the following: what is the best protective case for Macs.
a) Incase 13" Neoprene Sleeve Plus for MacBook Pro for 40$
or
b) Speck 13" SeeThru Satin Case for MacBook Pro and MacBook40 for 50$?

or

c) Should I just get a normal case sleeve for anything between 15-30$?

If options a) and b) are preferable, would I still need a sleeve too? (I travel a lot). Also, do optioins a) and b) make Macs hotter?

Any experience that you could share with me would be helpful.
Thank you.

 

I wouldn't think the case would make your machine hotter unless it's turned on, which is never recommended. I got this case for use with my X200. Though it's for the MBP, it works pretty well for my x200 as the battery sticks out the back and it seems to offer pretty good protection.

 

I ordered the Incase 13" Neoprene Sleeve plus. Only place I could find it was Apples website, its a pretty nice case, I'm pleased with it, but stinks you gotta pay tax and shipping.

 

I've always favoured the Sleeve-type cases for my MBPs; they work really well at keeping them clean and scratch-free during travel but they don't really protect the unit in case of drops etc... Besides they won't carry anything else (cables etc...). You have to put the sleeve inside another case while travelling such as backpack, suitcase etc...

Anyhow, for sleeves, my favourite is the Tucano Second Skin cases (specifically designed for the MBPs) - some (entry level) models are available from the Apple Store. They're pricey but once you have one you won't even look at any other case, they're that well designed and made.

 

I want to buy a small case for my MacBook Pro 13".
It needs to have handles etc to carry.
It must store the MacBook and Power Adaptor, maybe a small mouse as well.....
The smaller the better.....

Anyone know any decent ones?? I keep hearing scare stories of cases where the colour leaks in onto the notebook!

Tempted to go for this one?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/COOL-BANANA...6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273230111&sr=8-6

 

Howardpm, do you use anything else besides the neoprene sleeve when you travel? I.s. is it protective enough so that you can put it into your bag and carry it in this way?
how elastic is it? and does it add much weigh to your computer?

 

Christina, I too have the Incase neoprene sleeve ... I love it, it fits snugly and offers just the protection you need.

I bought it because I plan to take my MBP with me in my backpack but didn't want the other things in my backpack scratching it.

And yes, the neoprene sleeve is protective enough ... I mean, it isolates the MBO from everything else in your backpack. Lastly, I prefer using my computers without hard plastic cases covering them ... I mean, I just prefer the look and feel of it that way.

 

anyone with a case recommendation for a 17"?

 

thank you Akin_t for letting me know. that sounds good to me. How much did you pay for it? did you find a good deal on that?

 

Well to tell you the truth I went to best buy looking for a tripod for my digital camera ... The Neoprene sleeve just caught my eye, and it was an impulsive buy without any prior research (not something I usually do), it just looked like the perfect case for the MBP 13.

At any rate, I ended up paying 40 bucks for it. I actually thought it would be cheaper, but when I was at the checkout line ... I didn't want to bother having to research cases online and waiting for shipping and all that so I just bought it.

Trust me, your MBP will be impervious in this thing, I mean unless you fill the sleeve itself with nails I don't see how you're going to get as much as a nick on your MBP.

Lastly, and this is just me ... I'm not one of those people to buy a device and put them in a shell permanently ... I mean, you;ll never get to appreciate the aesthetics of your MBP if you leave it in a plastic shell all the time. Just use it naked and stow it in a nice sleeve when you're done.

 

That sounds good. Impervious..I like that word . I think you didn't end up paying me than you would have paid online.

 

I have a Targus messenger bag I keep the laptop in for travel, I never take just the laptop and the sleeve out of my place. I wouldn't have an issue packing my laptop in this case though.

They weight is minimal and there is very little flex.

 

regarding Speck cases and the like... my niece is fond of the pink and purple speck plastic cases. she covers them with Narnia and JoBro stickers. Both cases have tabs broken and sometimes the plastic cover/backing "hangs" off one edge. It is also heavy and prevents the display from stayin upright... it flops backward from the weight of the plastic and stickers. ha.

but to her credit, when she does take the MBP out of the case for its occasional dusting and cleaning, that thing looks mint!

I myself keep my MBP naked. it has a couple small dings and some scratches on the bottom panel but nothing noticable. I prefer the clean look and I think it also keeps it running cooler.

For when I lug it around I have a laptop backback with the AC adapter, necessary media (OS X disc, Windows, etc), flash drives, cables, VPN Tokens, External optical drive, cables, cheapo bare drives for backups, etc. It's not as heavy as it sounds. lol

Other times when I require my mobile workstation I'll sometime toss my MBP into the bigger Tumi bag which is ultra deluxe. But I only take the Tumi when I travel on longer trips and need to bring everything with the Dell workstation.

 

ygohome, thanks for this info.

Hm, I was actually quite curious to hear about the Speck cases...the fact that it's heavier definitely is a con in my book. also, the display issue is not cool. Seems to me that I'll stick with the common incase sleeve.

Yeah I'd sort of suspected that Speck case would make it a bit warmer

 

Any cases that fit the 13" snug, but leave enough room in a side pocket for charge, cables, a small external HDD, etc?

I purchased a nice case, but am returning it since the side pocket was too small and tight!

 

Ajreynol, see if you like this 17” neoprene sleeve http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Sonic-17-inch-SpeedThru-Computer-Sleeve_VB904 from Briggs & Riley. Your laptop should fit in nice and snug. It’s a pretty neat piece and meets TSA’s checkpoint friendly guidelines too.

 

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