Accessories for MBP M5 (cases, screen protector, USB-c dongle)

[nylonwhiskers]

Hi! I have a 14 inch Macbook Pro Base M5 Space Black arriving next week and I plan to buy some accessories before it arrives here. I’ve read a lot of threads on reddit on how hard shell cases, screen protectors, and other accessories can be damaging to the laptop so I decided I might forego a hard shell case.

I don’t know the consensus here in macforums but on reddit, there’s a lot of talk about how hard shell cases can cause the hinge of the newer MBPs to loosen, is this true? What do you guys think of bendy soft shell cases? Do you think it’s safer? Also my other option is a skin but I’m quite worried if they might cause discoloration to the laptop over time? Also, I know there are a lot of arguments about using a screen protector but I read and watched that a magnetic screen protector or a protector that only has adhesives on the edges and is super thin would be okay? What do you guys think?

I know some people would recommend to just go naked with the macbook pro (and just put it in cushioned sleeve when I have to carry it outside) and I considered it but I still want to really explore options because I’m anxious to get scratches on my screen or on my laptop so I hope you guys understand.

Also do you have any recommendations for a good usb c dongle/adapter with multiple ports? Thank you!

 

[dizmonk]

Hi. Every Mac laptop I've owned (10-20 over the past two decades), I've used with a hard case shell because I was concerned about dropping it. I've never had a problem with the hinge because of it. I'm not sure where you're getting that info, but that's not my experience. Occasionally (rarely), some hard shell cases are hard to get on or take off, but I always use one.

 

[ISKOTB]

Hi! I have a 14 inch Macbook Pro Base M5 Space Black arriving next week and I plan to buy some accessories before it arrives here. I’ve read a lot of threads on reddit on how hard shell cases, screen protectors, and other accessories can be damaging to the laptop so I decided I might forego a hard shell case.

I don’t know the consensus here in macforums but on reddit, there’s a lot of talk about how hard shell cases can cause the hinge of the newer MBPs to loosen, is this true? What do you guys think of bendy soft shell cases? Do you think it’s safer? Also my other option is a skin but I’m quite worried if they might cause discoloration to the laptop over time? Also, I know there are a lot of arguments about using a screen protector but I read and watched that a magnetic screen protector or a protector that only has adhesives on the edges and is super thin would be okay? What do you guys think?

I know some people would recommend to just go naked with the macbook pro (and just put it in cushioned sleeve when I have to carry it outside) and I considered it but I still want to really explore options because I’m anxious to get scratches on my screen or on my laptop so I hope you guys understand.

Also do you have any recommendations for a good usb c dongle/adapter with multiple ports? Thank you!

I use this USB c Dongle

 

[njvm]

Like @dizmonk - I have used hard cases with my MBP for the last 15 years without any issues. I've also never used a screen protector and had no problems with the screen, despite travelling a lot for work. I also use an Anker PowerExpand 8 in 1 USB-C hub, which has worked well over the last 3-4 years and a similar Ugreen USB-C hub, which likewise has not had any problems (neither of which appear to be current products).