Retina Macbook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[JST987]

I just received a smooth leather sleeve from Joli Originals for my retina MacBook Pro, it's a bit expensive but it looks and feels amazing. It is a bit awkward at first to get a MacBook in and out of a sleeve but it fits perfectly.

[bestdayever]

Originally Posted by swerve147

Quick review - Overall I like this case. It fits very nicely, no issues with mismatched openings or loose fit. Everything snaps in and is snug. The one I bought (apparently they're available in different colors) is covered with black rubberized paint, which gives it a nice soft-touch feel. The only issue is that the paint job on mine had unsightly inconsistencies, especially around the edges where the paint didn't completely cover the plastic. I had to touch up those parts with a black Sharpie. Otherwise for $30 it's not a bad product.

TBH though I like the MBP completely naked. I might slip it into this case if I knew I was going on a long trip or vacation, otherwise for daily use and trips to and from the office I'll keep using my sleeve/messenger bag combo.

Here are some pics if you're interested in seeing how it looks:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3563899...7633255190544/


..

Could you tell if this case is easy to remove in comparison to the Speck case? The Speck Satin case was a nightmare for me to remove, I was afraid I'd would break the screen just trying to get it off.

[swerve147]

Originally Posted by bestdayever

Could you tell if this case is easy to remove in comparison to the Speck case? The Speck Satin case was a nightmare for me to remove, I was afraid I'd would break the screen just trying to get it off.

I couldn't compare directly to the Speck case (I never owned one), but I can tell you that it isn't very difficult putting on or removing the Kuzy. It isn't so tight that you need a ton of effort to pop the case off, but it felt snug while it was on. Overall it's a nice fit. HTH.

[bestdayever]

Originally Posted by swerve147

I couldn't compare directly to the Speck case (I never owned one), but I can tell you that it isn't very difficult putting on or removing the Kuzy. It isn't so tight that you need a ton of effort to pop the case off, but it felt snug while it was on. Overall it's a nice fit. HTH.

Thanks, I guess I can't go wrong at $25.

[swerve147]

^^As long as you're not expecting perfection then at $25 it is definitely worth it. The reviews in Amazon are pretty much spot on to what I received.

[eagleglen]

If anyone was wondering about the difference between Speck's newer Smartshell and their SeeThru cases, I've tried both on my 13" retina MBP and found the newer Smartshell to fit much better. The SeeThru was loose around the front edges and was particularly annoying because my palm, when resting on the laptop, would cause the case to shift back and forth. The Smartshell is allegedly 30% thiner and as a result, its presence is much less noticeable along the edge of the keyboard or around the screen, and the tabs holding the case on are more discrete. The Smartshell is also much easier to remove, which is likely the time you might accidentally break it.

I also tried a couple different colors of the satin finish, and returned both because I was bothered by the fingerprints they seemed to attract. The alternative glossy finish is still susceptible to scratches, but that seems like something I can possibly prevent, where as the greasy fingerprint smudges were prevalent and unavoidable, even though my hands are usually clean.

I initially liked the color options better available with the satin SeeThru, but the fit warranted switching to the clear glossy SmartShell. I've got Speck cases on my iPhone and iPad, so I'm usually pleased with their products. I hope this was helpful.

[No-Me]

Originally Posted by JST987

I just received a smooth leather sleeve from Joli Originals for my retina MacBook Pro, it's a bit expensive but it looks and feels amazing. It is a bit awkward at first to get a MacBook in and out of a sleeve but it fits perfectly.

Wow, that looks nice! I have one of the non-smooth ones, I love it, but yours also looks really great. Is that one of the ones they posted on facebook?

[JST987]

Originally Posted by No-Me

Wow, that looks nice! I have one of the non-smooth ones, I love it, but yours also looks really great. Is that one of the ones they posted on facebook?

Yes, that's the one. I was holding off on buying a sleeve from Joli Originals because of the price but when I saw those smooth leather ones I couldn't resist anymore. And now that I have it I realize it's more than worth the price tag.

[jeblis]

Booq is offering 20% off this week on backpacks, briefs, messenger bags if you also buy a ipad/mac sleeve. (I basically got the retina sleeve for free ~ $40), but there are cheaper sleeves that qualify. Code is BD20.

[tengtengvn]

I have a Targus 13.3" Quash Sleeve. It has a slim profile and pocket for charger, HDD, converters,... Pretty good for $20



I'm waiting for this:

[laxman303]

Just got this (booq mamba slim 13) in the mail yesterday after a TON of research. a little on the pricier side for this category of bags in my opinion but at the $80 its an awesome bag for the price! Plan on using to take all my stuff and laptop to and from school and work. so far so good. comes with a terralinq tag which if lost you can get in touch with the people that found it assuming they are feel charitable enough to return it to you. padding is very substantial to keep my macbook safe.

[drb5]

Originally Posted by DiscardedPacket

Got a Waterfield Designs HardCase for my retina 15inch....

Would definitely recommend this bag if you are looking for a business bag which is slightly larger than a sleeve. Manage to put laptop, charger, mouse, and a few other bits in there.

Very cool bag, good quality too.

That looks absolutely perfect for me, but that price tag is putting me off a bit. Anyone know of something similar, but I bit lower priced?

[johnnnw]

Can anyone recommend a good sticker like cover for a Macbook? I don't want a hard case like a Speck but rather something that will just prevent scratches when moving it around etc. I already have a laptop carrying bag but it needs something always on.

[tomtakesphotos]

Just ordered a 13" Retina Sleeve in Brown & Red from http://picasolab.com/store/index.php/

Worked at as £61.28 with paypal conversion including shipping. Will see how long it takes to make it to the UK

[arkmannj]

Originally Posted by BigMacAttack1

I got the Targus Radius 13" Vertical from Amazon for $40. It's good quality and fits my rMBP 13" perfectly.

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-TSM043U.../dp/B000RPLMCI

I wish I could find this bag for the retina 15" MBP!!! does anyone know of a case like it?

[dastinger]

Originally Posted by johnnnw

Can anyone recommend a good sticker like cover for a Macbook? I don't want a hard case like a Speck but rather something that will just prevent scratches when moving it around etc. I already have a laptop carrying bag but it needs something always on.

iCarbons

[drb5]

Originally Posted by vito

For those of us in the UK, I've found an eBay seller who makes felt sleeves etc

Worth a look IMO http://stores.ebay.co.uk/dobi-x - Various options available.

Thinking of placing an order for one,

Image

I got one of these. Lovely, especially for the money....unfortunately the thread has started fraying after only a few days usage.

[DiscardedPacket]

Originally Posted by drb5

That looks absolutely perfect for me, but that price tag is putting me off a bit. Anyone know of something similar, but I bit lower priced?

You gotta pay to play.

These bags are hand made, full leather, awesome quality etc.. doubt you will find something of the same build and material quality for cheaper.

You spent a lot of money on a laptop, spending a decent amount to keep it protected is worth it IMO.

[johnnyyt]

i own the incase hammered case for the rMBP 15 and i was wondering if i'd be able to use this case along with an incase protective sleeve deluxe.

if not that sleeve, are there any sleeves that will allow me to use both my hard case and a sleeve together? i travel alot and bring my macbook around with me. im not always using my backpack either so i still want my laptop to be protected on the go

[Impstoker]

Just received my CushCase for MacBook Pro Retina 13".
Payed about € 24 for it with shipping, took just a couple of days and so far it looks really good and quite sturdy, won't protect your mac from hard bumps or drops but it will protect it from other stuf in your bag or scratches.
And it really snugly fits around the 13" retina, a lot of sleeves aren't made for that exact size...




Happy so far.
Also looking into buying one of these, just because I think they look awesome and aren't expensive: http://www.etsy.com/listing/11975860...elt-laptop-bag

You can mail the makers the exact measurements of your laptop and or phone or what else you wanna put in there and they'll customise it to your liking.
Anyone has one of these?

[bcaslis]

For my Retina MacBook Pro 13" I use the Tom Bihn Cadet with Cadet Cache. There are two sizes the iPad/11" Air and 13"/15" MBP. I actually use the 11" Air Cadet with the 13" rMBP Cache. It's a little tight but it fits and gives me a small case that fits the rMBP, iPad Mini, and accessories. Great bag and the Absolute option strap is the most comfortable of any bag I've ever used.

Bag Exterior:


Bag Interior Front:


Bag Interior Main:


Cache extended (it's on rails so you just pull it for airport security:

[iPoopeh]

Does anyone happen to know if this sleeve fits a 15'' rMBP well?
[click for link]

[dastinger]

If it is ready for the cMBP, a rMBP will obviously fit but it will probably feel loose.

[rocksakar]

Originally Posted by cramazing

nice review!

any concerns of the red leather fading into the body of the macbook?

I got the same leather but the red paint started sticking on my macbook, I contacted the maker but he never responded.

[tomtakesphotos]

Originally Posted by tomtakesphotos

Just ordered a 13" Retina Sleeve in Brown & Red from http://picasolab.com/store/index.php/

Worked at as £61.28 with paypal conversion including shipping. Will see how long it takes to make it to the UK

So from ordering on the 27th April... My Picaso Labs sleeve arrived today (UK). It looks amazing and the quality of the leather is stunning.