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JakobAloudMadge

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 15, 2013
39
1
And are there pros and cons to using any of them? This is all for my new MacBook Pro 13" (the $1799 model with 4 thunderbolt ports).

Screen protector.

Keyboard cover (Pro: no keyboard smudges. Con: less heat dispersion?).

Hardshell case (Pro: less scuffs and marks on the metal casing. Con: again, less heat dispersion?).

Lap desk with a built-in fan.
 
I wouldn't use any of those. The hardshell case is maybe useful, but I find a dbrand skin is better, particularly at preventing scratches.
 
I see no reason for any of them. Maybe a skin if you are worried about minor scratches. And for the screen unless you touch it a lot (or clean it a lot and can't handle a few smudges) a light wipe with damp microfiber cloth once a month or so is all you need. What ever you do, do not rub and rub or you will take the coating right off
 
None, but it wouldn't hurt to have a dry cloth for cleaning the screen and a laptop bag, that's all I have.
 
Is it useless to have a skin on the palm rest?
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I see no reason for any of them. Maybe a skin if you are worried about minor scratches. And for the screen unless you touch it a lot (or clean it a lot and can't handle a few smudges) a light wipe with damp microfiber cloth once a month or so is all you need. What ever you do, do not rub and rub or you will take the coating right off
The new 2020 MacBook Pros have that anti-glare coating? Wasn't it largely complained about?
 
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I am pretty sure mine does. Screen still has the purple hue when powered off.

I bought a cloth to put between the screen and the keys so they don't press on each other when the MacBook is closed. Would that cause the anti-glare to erode and come off or could the cloth help prevent that?
 
Is it useless to have a skin on the palm rest?
Yes.
The new 2020 MacBook Pros have that anti-glare coating? Wasn't it largely complained about?
Apple has had problems with the anti-glare coating adhering properly, and entitled users have had a field day blaming Apple for the abuse *they've* done to the screen. Take it however you like.
 
I bought a cloth to put between the screen and the keys so they don't press on each other when the MacBook is closed. Would that cause the anti-glare to erode and come off or could the cloth help prevent that?
The gap in between screen and keys is very small. So I would not put anything in there. I never anything in there and my displays have been fine. However, as I mentioned earlier I try to clean mine too often.
 
The only one I think is necessary is a screen protector, because the anti-glare coatings have been known to be sensitive and fragile. Protectors allow you to clean the screen much more easily and with more confidence that you're not damaging anything like the underlying coating, or introducing micro-scratches to the coating surface.
 
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And are there pros and cons to using any of them? This is all for my new MacBook Pro 13" (the $1799 model with 4 thunderbolt ports).

Screen protector.

Keyboard cover (Pro: no keyboard smudges. Con: less heat dispersion?).

Hardshell case (Pro: less scuffs and marks on the metal casing. Con: again, less heat dispersion?).

Lap desk with a built-in fan.

This is actually a brilliant question. Obviously, if you think you're going to scratch your screen maybe it'd be good for you, etc but other than what you think based on your use, I will tell you what I think based on my use. obviously, your usage and experience could be different for you, so YMMV.

Screen protector - I don't use one. Never had a scratch *knock on wood*

Keyboard cover - ARE YOU KIDDING?

Hardshell case - depends. I have one on my 12" bc I use it as an "iPad" because it's so portable but not my 15" bc I don't move it much at all and it's already big-ish

FAN? - Dude

So, that's my opinion but it may not be for you. If you end up scratching the screen or getting crud in your keyboard, then maybe it'd be better to get the covers.

It's different for each person.
 
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