Best Hard Case / Sleeve for 17" MacBook Pro

[mbp17man]

Hi

I've just ordered my 17" MacBook Pro and it is currently in transit.

Now I'm looking for the best protection available.

I've searched the forums and also the buyers guide and have found the following:

Axio 17” HARDSLEEVE MACBOOK PRO - http://axioluggage.com/hardsleeve17.html

Matias Laptop Armor - http://www.matias.ca/laptoparmor/index.php

Moshi Codex - http://www.moshimonde.com/productDetail.aspx?group=6

Crumpler School Hymn - http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Laptop-B...Hymn-L.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=SHN001-G00170

Tom Bihn Brain Cell - http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0300

Booq Vyper XL2 - http://www.booqbags.com/Laptop-Slee...rd-laptop-sleeve/Vyper-XL2-macbook-pro-sleeve

The most important thing for me is the best protection, especially if it will protect against drops (not that I am planning that, but if I do accidently drop it, then I want a case that will protect it as best as possible).

I think a sleeve will work best for me as that is what I have always used on previous laptops. It would also be good if the sleeve had the option of attaching a strap so I could carry it as well.

It's also important that the case does not scratch the laptop, so the inside is nice and cushioned and there is protection against zips rubbing against the aluminium.

Finally, I would also be interested in sleeve/backpack/messenger bag combos such as the Tom Bihn Brain Cell and one of their bags, however it would be purely for carrying the laptop, and power adapter, so I don't need a big bag to carry books, notes, and other items.

Please can you give me your thoughts and advice with regards to the above bags, and let me know if I missed any.

Again, protection is my top priority, so I am not looking for neoprene soft cases, or skins.

I do not care about the cost, I just want to protect my investment.

Thank for all your help.

 

[jinnyman]

Well I also have MBP 17" 2011.
For protection, all I have is Speck Satin, moshi palm protector, and keyboard skin.
If you are looking for a case that would provide protection for possible drop, I would say Speck is not the best. It only gives scratch protection. However, that's why I have a nice laptop backpack.

 

[mbp17man]

jinnyman - Thanks for the reply.

I hadn't even thought about palm protectors and keyboard skins to be honest, however I don't think I'll bother with either of those. My main concern is protecting my investment from any major drops/accidents, and to have somewhere safe to keep it when not in use.

Thing is, it is a 17" laptop, so it's more desktop replacement for me, than portable computer. I doubt I'm going to be carrying it much, as even without a case, I feel it is too heavy/large. The case will be more to transport it to other places e.g. in the car.

So I'm wondering whether to go with a heavy-weight case such as the Matis Laptop Armor, or whether this would be overkill. What about the other suggestions? I see the Tom Bihn demo of the egg drop, so the foam protection provided by the Brain Cell seems good, but is it rigid enough on it's own?

I'm really interested in hearing peoples opinions of the above laptop cases, or any others I may have missed, that provide good protection at the expense of weight and size. Obviously if I can have it all, then great - I'm all ears.

Also, what laptop backpack do you us, jinnyman?

 

[Liquinn]

How much is the best hard case for a 17" MBP?

Does anyone know? As I'm in the market for a 17" MBP next year.

I'm probably willing to spend $60 on one next year.

Cheers

 

[edsyoung]

Have you considered a Pelican Laptop Case 1495? http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1495
I think these are better than the Matias Laptop Armor and/or a Zero Halliburton cases. These type cases look great, but does not hide the scratches, dings, and dents to well. The Pelican are plastic and pretty tough, plus they are dust proof and waterproof. I've actually used the 1495CC1 when I went to Kuwait and it held up nicely.

 

[GuitarG20]

I have both a speck hard shell and a Incase Neoprene Deluxe sleeve for my 17" MBP. I started with the shell, but I missed the sleek ID of the mbp, and heat became an issue when I was gaming, so I switched to the sleeve. It's soft inside and the zipper doesn't touch the computer (layer of padding between them)

 

[pingfan59]

I have a new MBP and am using the Booq Vyper case and it is very durable and fits nice and snug. Never dropped my macbook as I use this sleeve in addition to a messenger bag.

You would probably want one of those hard shell briefcase type bags for the best drop protection.

 

[mbp17man]

edsyoung - Yeah, on my search I did find those Pelican cases. As you say, the aluminium cases do look better but I can understand they won't hide the wear and tear as well as the Pelican cases. Would be nice to have a case as classy at the laptop though. Thanks for your experience.

GuitarG20 - Not looking for a shell. I won't be using the laptop inside any case I get - it will be purely for storing and carrying it around. I think I'd prefer to work with a bare laptop without any skins, covers, protectors, etc. I don't think a neoprene sleeve is what I'm after. I've had one before for my old MacBook 13", and while it was great for that, with a laptop that is costing nearly triple the amount, I want something with a lot better protection.

pingfan59 - What messenger bag do you use with your Booq Vyper? I like the form factor of that case, but there has been some negative reviews of Booq cases on here (I know there will always be negative reviews of products, especially on forums). How well does it protect the MacBook?

 

[///KM]

I use a combination of an InCase Hardshell + the Higher Ground Shuttle 2.0 for my 15" MBP: http://www.highergroundgear.com/17inchcases.html

It's worked out really well thus far - it's sleek, lightweight, has just enough storage for your power adapter and the necessities, plus it is a work-in case with adjustable elevated pads for ventilation. Used this recently at the airport, and got a lot of compliments.