How to protect my MacBook Air?

[Macdude2010]

So I bought a MacBook Air 11 inch on Saturday, and I want to know how I should protect it. I bought the Speck Hardshell case for it, but I'm not so sure about it. I am wanting to resell it next year, and my concern with the speck case is I've had a hardshell on two other MacBooks, and even though I cleaned out the case a lot, it damaged both of them over time because stuff still got inside and put little marks on the inside. Does the Speck hardshell protect against dents, especially because the 11 inch hardshell feels a lot thinner and more flimsy then the one I have for my 15 inch with retina display? If I were to use something else besides the speck, what do you recommend? I'm also thinking about getting the best skins ever, especially if the speck doesn't actually protect against dents, but I am still a little worried about dents.

 

[nariza7]

I want to use my mac air for awhile, so I've planned to use these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MK8J48/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2W9GU7XU445NQ Screen protector

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GNTW9C/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A30XTG2WNQ7W27 Keyboard protector

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RJU0TM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1MPSLFC7L5AFK STM case

I am only basing things on reviews. I have no personal experience with these. The STM case has microfiber lining inside which I like

 

[Macdude2010]

I want to use my mac air for awhile, so I've planned to use these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MK8J48/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2W9GU7XU445NQ Screen protector

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GNTW9C/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A30XTG2WNQ7W27 Keyboard protector

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RJU0TM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1MPSLFC7L5AFK STM case

I am only basing things on reviews. I have no personal experience with these. The STM case has microfiber lining inside which I like

Oh my goodness, the STM is EXACTLY what i am looking for, does it have the microfiber on the sides?

 

[nariza7]

I haven't bought it yet so i dont quite know if it has any lining on the sides haha. Actually it says Micro suede lining. not sure what difference it makes. You should probably find some reviews on it to make sure if it is what you want. Also, if you look at the amazon pics, the case is grooved on the outside. Not flat

 

[Macdude2010]

I haven't bought it yet so i dont quite know if it has any lining on the sides haha. Actually it says Micro suede lining. not sure what difference it makes. You should probably find some reviews on it to make sure if it is what you want. Also, if you look at the amazon pics, the case is grooved on the outside. Not flat

I think I might buy one of these to test out on my air, if I like it, I might put it on my retina MacBook Pro.

 

[Verix]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MK8J48/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2W9GU7XU445NQ
Screen protector

That screen protector looks pretty good. Might try it out.

 

[ValSalva]

It think just trying to put the top part of the Speck case could cause more damage than it would protect the 11" MBA from The bottom works and fits well but it took way too much force to get the top to click on, at least with my MBA and Speck case.

 

[luisito]

It think just trying to put the top part of the Speck case could cause more damage than it would protect the 11" MBA from The bottom works and fits well but it took way too much force to get the top to click on, at least with my MBA and Speck case.

Add to that: The dust/dirt/debris that builds up between the case and the aluminum, which in time, scratch the finish of the computer. And cleaning it, is not much of an option because with time, the latches break.

So, that is why, I have a Thule Gauntlet Envelope for my 13in MBA. http://store.apple.com/us/product/H9934ZM/A/thule-13-gauntlet-envelope-case-for-macbook-air-or-macbook-pro-with-retina-display?fnode=50&fs=m.macCompatibility%3D13inchmacbookair

 

[ValSalva]

Add to that: The dust/dirt/debris that builds up between the case and the aluminum, which in time, scratch the finish of the computer. And cleaning it, is not much of an option because with time, the latches break.

So, that is why, I have a Thule Gauntlet Envelope for my 13in MBA. http://store.apple.com/us/product/H9934ZM/A/thule-13-gauntlet-envelope-case-for-macbook-air-or-macbook-pro-with-retina-display?fnode=50&fs=m.macCompatibility%3D13inchmacbookair

Good points. I like having protection on the bottom of the case and those are usually vented preventing too much dust buildup. Your Thule case looks like it would fit a MBA with a slim fitting Speck-like case bottom.

I have this Tom Bihn case for carrying my 11" MBA and it's been great.

 

[Macdude2010]

The Thule case on my 15 inch Retina is really good, but I have the option of using it while still in the case, the 11 inch doesn't have that.

I did however order the STM everyone was talking about, its probably as close to what I was looking for then anything else, the top and bottom case have this soft material inside the hardshell to fix the problem of stuff getting in and scratching it, I still am going to have to clean it out because the sides are like any other hardshell case

 

[luisito]

Good points. I like having protection on the bottom of the case and those are usually vented preventing too much dust buildup. Your Thule case looks like it would fit a MBA with a slim fitting Speck-like case bottom.

Having a permanent plastic case on the bottom creates an extra layer that prevents the aluminium from having an efficient heat transfer, so you MBA will get hotter.

I use my Thule case and put it at the bottom of my MBA so the desk doesn't scratch the finish on the MBA, and allows for a good ventilation, since my MBA is always cool to the touch.

You may have problems taking the MBA out of the Thule case if you put a slim speck like case on it. It has enough tolerance to pushit in and pull it out with a "naked" MBA, so your idea might not work as you desire. It is a perfect fit as it is, and this is good because you don't want your MBA moving around inside the case.

 

[Koz60]

.... Also, if you look at the amazon pics, the case is grooved on the outside. Not flat

I think I would like it better if it was flat. Guessing it's going to be harder to keep clean with the grooves.

 

[hkim1983]

If you want to protect it, put in a safe and sit in front of it with a shotgun.

In all due seriousness, just get a good sleeve. I feel that a sleeve is a better option than a case for reasons already stated in this thread. Waterfield makes some good sleeves that will keep your Air looking good.