Speck SeeThru Case For Macbook Pro - Mini Review

[darrengreer]

I received my new Macbook Pro See Thru case from Speck on Monday. I promised I'd post some of my thoughts on the product.

Installation:
Installation was a snap...pun intended. There are two plastic sections, the top having 4 tabs that snap over the edge of the screen, the bottom having 2 tabs, and some hooks that grab on to the back.

The installation also brings my first concern. These tabs, as they are sliding over the end of the MBP could potentially scractch the edge, as it is a _very_ snug fit. I've not seen any scratches on mine, but I would not get this if you plan on taking it on and off. Put it on, and leave it on.

Protection:
I am very happy with how the case protects the macbook pro. I don't think it will provide much, if any, impact protection, but I feel much safer lugging it around in my bag, without worrying about picking some new nicks. The case covers just about all of the MBP, with the only openings on each button or port, and section of the back where the vents are.

Aesthetics:
I really like the way the MBP looks in this case. It gives it a bit of a shine, and doesn't seem to make it look much bulkier that normal. I went with the clear case, but am interested as to what the red version would like like on the MBP.

Heat:
This was my biggest concern. I used the MBP for about 1-2 hours last night, and didn't notice an increase in the heat on the MBP, and iStat didn't show any significant increases in CPU temperature. The case seems to dissipate the heat through the vent holes, as well as through the plastic itself, so it feels about the same as not having the case on at all.

Overall:
For the price, I think it is a great buy. Outside of the tab scratching concern, I think this product is solid, and definately provides a benefit to those of us who are very wary of getting scratches on our MBPs.

Here are some pictures of my MBP with the case installed:

http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5085.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5086.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5087.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5088.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5089.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5090.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5091.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5092.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5093.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5094.jpg

[Bill Gates]

FYI, I called Speck this morning and they said that they will have an updated version of the case available in a few weeks for the new MacBook Pro.

[interlaced]

FYI, I called Speck this morning and they said that they will have an updated version of the case available in a few weeks for the new MacBook Pro.

Wait, so the SeeThru case they sell now won't fit the new MBPs? Hm.. :(

[Bill Gates]

Wait, so the SeeThru case they sell now won't fit the new MBPs? Hm.. :(
It should fit, but remember they changed the ports a tad since it now has FW800 in place of one FW400 port. I'm not sure if that port is useable or what the deal is exactly when the current case is used.

[interlaced]

It should fit, but remember they changed the ports a tad since it now has FW800 in place of one FW400 port. I'm not sure if that port is useable or what the deal is exactly when the current case is used.

Ah yeah. Silly me, I totally forgot about the added port. Well, there is only one FW400 port on the Rev. A MBPs so I guess the case needs a new hole for wherever the FW800 is. Well, the percentage of me keeping my current MBP has just gotten higher. I need to stop wanting the newest things. :o

[suwandy]

I received my new Macbook Pro See Thru case from Speck on Monday. I promised I'd post some of my thoughts on the product.

Installation:
Installation was a snap...pun intended. There are two plastic sections, the top having 4 tabs that snap over the edge of the screen, the bottom having 2 tabs, and some hooks that grab on to the back.

The installation also brings my first concern. These tabs, as they are sliding over the end of the MBP could potentially scractch the edge, as it is a _very_ snug fit. I've not seen any scratches on mine, but I would not get this if you plan on taking it on and off. Put it on, and leave it on.

Protection:
I am very happy with how the case protects the macbook pro. I don't think it will provide much, if any, impact protection, but I feel much safer lugging it around in my bag, without worrying about picking some new nicks. The case covers just about all of the MBP, with the only openings on each button or port, and section of the back where the vents are.

Aesthetics:
I really like the way the MBP looks in this case. It gives it a bit of a shine, and doesn't seem to make it look much bulkier that normal. I went with the clear case, but am interested as to what the red version would like like on the MBP.

Heat:
This was my biggest concern. I used the MBP for about 1-2 hours last night, and didn't notice an increase in the heat on the MBP, and iStat didn't show any significant increases in CPU temperature. The case seems to dissipate the heat through the vent holes, as well as through the plastic itself, so it feels about the same as not having the case on at all.

Overall:
For the price, I think it is a great buy. Outside of the tab scratching concern, I think this product is solid, and definately provides a benefit to those of us who are very wary of getting scratches on our MBPs.

Here are some pictures of my MBP with the case installed:

http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5085.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5086.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5087.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5088.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5089.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5090.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5091.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5092.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5093.jpg
http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5094.jpg

Can someone please post a link to this Speck thingie? How much is it? Doesn't it makes it heavier to the already, have to admit, pretty heavy, MBP?

Thanks,

[Sesshi]

That looks REALLY nice. Shame they don't do one for the 17.

Is it melt-resistant? Will you end up in a puddle of gooey plastic after a HL2 session? :D

[darrengreer]

That looks REALLY nice. Shame they don't do one for the 17.

Is it melt-resistant? Will you end up in a puddle of gooey plastic after a HL2 session? :D

It does get warm, but actually seems to dissipate the heat across the plastic fairly evenly, making it seem less "hot" to my lap than it does without it.

I don't game, so I can't speak to any melting :)

[darrengreer]

Can someone please post a link to this Speck thingie? How much is it? Doesn't it makes it heavier to the already, have to admit, pretty heavy, MBP?

It is fairly lightweight, doesn't add much. I'm not sure the exacts, but a few ounces haven't killed me.

http://speckproducts.com/15mac-seethru.html

[QCassidy352]

great looking case. I put an invisible shield on my macbook and am very happy with it, but in the future I might go this route (because the IS is a ***** to get on correctly)

[darrengreer]

great looking case. I put an invisible shield on my macbook and am very happy with it, but in the future I might go this route (because the IS is a ***** to get on correctly)

Yeah, I really like it. Although, I'm thinking of buying the red one next, just to add some color once in a while :)

[somevelvet]

If not impact, what exactly does this protect your computer from?

[suneohair]

Looks good. I may have to get one if I get a MBP.

500 posts!

[Lucky8]

If not impact, what exactly does this protect your computer from?
I think its for more for scratch protection

[darrengreer]

If not impact, what exactly does this protect your computer from?

As Lucky8 said, the only thing this will really protect you from is scratches, and maybe a few dings here and there. It is so tightly covered that it gives not major impact cushion.

[mowenbrown]

The canvas one might be cool. I am about to get my first MBP, how scratch prone are they?

[ImNoSuperMan]

I wonder if something like this is available for the Macbook too? I`d love get something like this for my MB.

[Temujin]

Will a Kensington lock still fit?

[Zadillo]

I wonder if something like this is available for the Macbook too? I`d love get something like this for my MB.

They say "coming soon" for the MacBook, so it's only a matter of time.

[darrengreer]

The canvas one might be cool. I am about to get my first MBP, how scratch prone are they?

IMHO they are _very_ scratch prone. And from my reading, once they are scratched, you can't really fix it.

[darrengreer]

Will a Kensington lock still fit?

I'll take a look at mine tonight to see if they included room for the lock.

My concern would be whether or not the added few milimeters of thickness would cause the locks to be useless, regardless if they actually provided a hole for it.

[Zadillo]

It should fit, but remember they changed the ports a tad since it now has FW800 in place of one FW400 port. I'm not sure if that port is useable or what the deal is exactly when the current case is used.

Is it just me, or is the FW800 port opening larger than FW400?

http://photography.greerfam.com/seethru/IMG_5087.jpg

It seems like in that case, the current case would be fine, it would just have a bit of a larger opening around the FW800 port.

EDIT: Never mind, I just looked at a photo of an old MBP, and realize there isn't an extra port there.

[Temujin]

I'll take a look at mine tonight to see if they included room for the lock.

My concern would be whether or not the added few milimeters of thickness would cause the locks to be useless, regardless if they actually provided a hole for it.
Check out IMG_5087.jpg :)

The added millimeters is my concern too. On my MBP the Kensington lock doesn't leave much room for a case.

[stillwater]

Thanks for the close-up pics and review. I'm gonna get one.

[darrengreer]

Check out IMG_5087.jpg :)

The added millimeters is my concern too. On my MBP the Kensington lock doesn't leave much room for a case.

There is definately not much room around the lock opening. If there is no gap between the lock body and the the laptop when attached, I would be concerned.

[darrengreer]

Thanks for the close-up pics and review. I'm gonna get one.

No worries, definately the best $40 I have spent for my MBP so far. I may even purchase another one, but red :)

[stillwater]

I ordered a red one yesterday. :)

[josta]

Has anyone tried the case with a kensington lock yet? I think this is a great idea and am planning on ordering one this week. Also, with the added thickness, does the MBP with case still fit in the sleeve you have?

[fastdrive]

Stillwater,

Did you get your red case yet? I really wanted to see what it looks like if you have any pics.

Thanks

[backsidetailsli]

when i get a mbp for university ill definetly hook myself up with one of these cases

[interlaced]

Stillwater,

Did you get your red case yet? I really wanted to see what it looks like if you have any pics.

Thanks

Check out this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245658) in the Marketplace. It has a red case on it. ;)

[stillwater]

Stillwater,

Did you get your red case yet? I really wanted to see what it looks like if you have any pics.

Thanks

No, still waiting. It might get here tomorrow. Check out this Macworld piece.
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/macgems/2006/11/seethrumacbookpro/index.php

[darrengreer]

Has anyone tried the case with a kensington lock yet? I think this is a great idea and am planning on ordering one this week. Also, with the added thickness, does the MBP with case still fit in the sleeve you have?

I don't have a lock to test, sorry.

However, on the sleeve question. I have the Radtech sleeve, which is a very tight fit around the MBP without this speck case on it. With the Speck case, it is a __VERY__ tight fit. I wouldn't recommend purchassing the Radtech sleeve in conjunction with the speck case. Just use yourself a sleeve from the Apple store, or use nothing.

[white pilgrim]

One for the MBP C2D 17" pleaseee. :(

Are there other alternatives to scratch protection besides seethru and invisible shield? sleeves can't give the perpetual covering like theses... =|

[iW00t]

Do they have a matt version instead of glossy?

[feelthefire]

for those of you who just want to see the color, I have the red seethru on my phone, and it's the same color and material as the macbook pro case.

I can grab a photo of it this afternoon if people are interested.

[Zadillo]

One for the MBP C2D 17" pleaseee. :(

Are there other alternatives to scratch protection besides seethru and invisible shield? sleeves can't give the perpetual covering like theses... =|

This whole thing with MacBook and MacBook Pro hard shells seems to be a fairly new market as far as I can tell. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the other iPod case manufacturers try their hand at doing some similar "shells" for the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

[josta]

I contacted Speck products customer service and they said the following (quote from an email)
"The SeeThru case is not compatible with the New MacBook. We do have plans to make the SeeThru case that will accommodate the new MacBook Pro with core 2 Duo late November."
So looks like only another couple weeks and we will have them for the new macbook pros.
I asked about the Kensington lock and I'll let you know what their response is on that when I hear back.

[white pilgrim]

This whole thing with MacBook and MacBook Pro hard shells seems to be a fairly new market as far as I can tell. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the other iPod case manufacturers try their hand at doing some similar "shells" for the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

I truly hope so. It is one accessory i wouldn't hesitate to lavish on the machine.

And here's a reply about 17" seethru:
Thank you for your e-mail. At this time, we do not have any plans to make the SeeThru case for the MacBook Pro 17". If you have any questions please feel free to reply.

Bleh.

[amster]

And here's a reply about 17" seethru:
Thank you for your e-mail. At this time, we do not have any plans to make the SeeThru case for the MacBook Pro 17". If you have any questions please feel free to reply.

Bleh.

That's too bad, it's a nice case and they made them for the 13" and 15". I just snapped the red 15" version onto my laptop. There are some manufacturing defects but overall it's pretty nice and fits the new Macbook Pro well, no ports blocked! I tried my Targus laptop lock on it and no problems either.

[Shegelu]

Hi
I been trying to work out from the photos how much extra girth the Seethru case adds to the Macbook Pro. Does anyone know if neoprene cases like Crumpler Gimp or Second Skin will still fit?

[infz]

Photos of my blue Speck hardshell on my black macbook are here:
purply-blue macbook (http://www.csclub.uwaterloo.ca/~mbiggs/purplyblue_macbook/)

I was surprised it didn't add much extra around the sides, actually. I had a tight RadTech (I think) grey sleeve (they come in little red/clear tubes if anyone knows what I'm talking about...) and it fit fine. (It had warped a bit too large from my former (stolen) macbook before so I guess that helped.)

[e12a]

I've just received my clear MBP speck case. I got it new for 34 shipped from ebay...just be patient! its out there! Dont get it for over 40...it looks like its made pretty easily and shouldnt cost above 20.

Despite making the display heavier which in turn causes it to close itself if brought down 4/5 of the way...i say its a pretty good investment. NO more worrying about my belt, sweatshirt zipper, or keys scratching the casing during lecture! I find the magsafe is harder to pull out by tilting now...but that's a minor inconvenience.

they must have redesigned it because the rear of the bottom shell is shaved a little, so the LCD portion doesnt catch on the plastic. opens smoothly! But it does add a layer of thickness between the bottom case and the display, so the LCD doesnt open as wide, but i dont even notice.

They recently came out with a black colored case, which is semi transparent...you can see the apple sign glowing..i kinda like it. but clear is also cool.

Locks also work on the new models of cases. It seems that they have just removed that entire section of the mold on the right and did not take the time to design individual holes for all of the ports. this could also have been due to the complaints about the difficulty in attaching cables. It looks like the techshell in that area. However, the left still remains the same, with individual cut outs for the ports. There is no longer any shell in the area of the lock, so locks should fit fine.

[ilecas]

Just saw this reply on MacNN - anyone else have a similar experience?
11/20, 5:31pm, est
I put one on my brand new MacBook Pro, and took it off 2 months later to find my computer which was flawless is now scratched everywhere. It does NOT protect, it damages!
http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/11/20/seethru.satin.for.macbook/
I'm just about sold on it 'cause i love the color red..

[thegoldenmackid]

Just saw this reply on MacNN - anyone else have a similar experience?
11/20, 5:31pm, est
I put one on my brand new MacBook Pro, and took it off 2 months later to find my computer which was flawless is now scratched everywhere. It does NOT protect, it damages!
http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/11/20/seethru.satin.for.macbook/
I'm just about sold on it 'cause i love the color red..

Yes, this happened with my older MacBook Pro - I have since upgraded to the Incase shell - much, much better for so many reasons.

[ilecas]

Thanks for the quick reply thegoldenmackid!
I looked up the incase shell but it says it's "unavailable" :( I sent them a message to find out more info.

[thegoldenmackid]

Thanks for the quick reply thegoldenmackid!
I looked up the incase shell but it says it's "unavailable" :( I sent them a message to find out more info.

Check your local Apple store.

Or:

Apple Online Store 15" (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TR684LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=MjM2OTM4Ng&p=1&s=topSellers)

Apple Online Store 17" (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TR638LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=MjQyMDU3Nw&p=1&s=topSellers)

[ilecas]

Here's the reply from the nice folks at Incase. Looks like we're gonna have to wait...:(

Thank you for contacting Incase Designs Corp.
Our popular 13" and 15" Hardshell Cases are in the process of being
reworked to provide a custom fit to the new notebooks.
However there is no official release date.
As of right now this is all the information we have in regards to your question.
Keep checking our website for updates and information regarding new
products for the new MacBook family.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
The Incase Consumer Support Team

[LargeNoggin]

Just purchased and installed Speck Clear See Thru for MacBook Pro late 2008 Model ( black keys ) and wanted to share my opinion.

The case installs very easily and fits VERY well. It adds a glossy look to the case that looks very nice in my opinion. I had previously tried the black satin see thru model which also fit very well.

I prefer the clear see thru as it takes nothing away from the look of the Macbook and allows the apple logo to shine through very clearly. While the logo is visible through the black, it is not as bright and takes on a purple hue. Not a big deal, but not my preference.

I can see that the clear will show small micro-scratches in the light as they develop. The black, on the other hand will hide scratches better, BUT shows fingerprints much worse. Pick you poison here....but I don't like fingerprints.

Obviously, it adds a little weight, but nothing that I find objectionable. The laptop with the case stills fits in my case logic reversible sleeve.

Anyone who has a new unibody MacBook Pro knows that the screen hinge is a little looser and the lid tends to "flop" some when at held at high angles ( as when laying on back on couch for instance ) The weight does tend to make the lid flop shut more easily.

All ports are readily accessible. My Kensington lock works fine.

Overall, I like it very much. My concern is purely limited to whether dust or dirt under the case would lead to scratches as some have suggested. I believe that regularly removing and cleaning the MacBook and case would prevent this. Incidentally, I had no problem at all removing the case from the MacBook.

[queshy]

Pic links are dead. Please fix.