Marware Protection Pack for Apple Notebooks Review

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The trouble with many attractive objects is that the act of using them can make them less appealing over time. Notwithstanding the aesthetic of worn-in objects, it is a shame to see a nice finish scratched, scuffed or otherwise diminished.

Notebook computers are subject to the ravages of use. Their very nature makes portable computers subject to more wear and tear - they beg to be carried about and exposed to all sorts of perils. So, when faced with a nice looking notebook and the obvious need to use it; what is a notebook enthusiast to do?

If you own certain Apple notebooks, you can employ the Marware Protection Pack to keep your expensive productivity tool looking attractive as long as possible. Packs are available for the Apple iBook, PowerBook, MacBook and MacBook Pro.

The Pack is comprised of two parts: a PVC leatherette hand-rest cover, and a fabric keyboard guard. The latter also doubles as a lint-free cloth for keyboard cleaning.

PowerBook with Marware protection pack (view large image)

Closeup of guide (view large image)

Personally, it was the hand-rest cover that I was most interested in obtaining for my trusty old PowerBook. A drawback of Apple's anodized aluminum cases is that over time they are subject to corrosion from sweat and body oils. This typically takes the form of black pitting. When these little marks appear, you'll want to take steps to prevent almost unnoticeable black dots from growing into giant pock marks.

Palm rest cover (view large image)

Corrosion is one danger, another is jewelry. Rings, watches and the like can scratch and otherwise damage the finish of your shiny new notebook. Why take chances?

Installing the Protection Pack is a breeze. The hand-rest cover has an adhesive backing that is reusable and non-marking. This makes dealing with air bubbles and proper positioning very easy. Once installed, the cover matches the color and look of the PowerBook very nicely. It is also soft to the touch and grippier (great if you like to carry your PowerBook around). Corroded and scratched up hand-rests are now a thing of the past.

As for the keyboard cover, it worked well enough. I will likely keep it in my notebook bag as a screen cleaner. When transporting a notebook I can see it providing insurance against having parts of the keyboard rub against the screen. These sorts of scuffs or scratches are not as common today as they once were.

Keyboard cover (view large image)

The Protection Pack that I received had a flaw. My PVC hand-rest cover had about 1/2&quot; of adhesive missing from the right hand side. As a result there was an unsightly half inch unsecured flap on the right side.

Closes firmly, even with covers in place (view large image)

I sent a quick note to Marware's support team and had a resolution in about two hours. Upon seeing my proof of purchase, a new hand-rest cover was shipped out to me. Great service!

Marware's Protection Packs are fully recommended. For the money (about $20) it is hard not to see the value. They are a great way to keep your expensive notebook investment looking new while not detracting form the overall aesthetic.

 

pretty useless product i would have to say.....

and whats with the branding of the company's logo right underneath the touchpad...that is just bad taste on the companies part...

 

I guess if you pay that much for 2 pieces of rubber, you better get a logo!

 

Pro and Tech !

 

Its actually a nice cheap product.

It is pretty easy to mess up the finish of notebooks these days and this helps avoid that. Also, the PVC has a soft grippy touch that is a lot like the Ferrari notebook I reviewed last year. I like that.

The color is pretty close to the stock silver. The logo is big, I can't argue with that.