Best Skins Ever for 2013 Macbook Air

[jedolley]

This post serves mainly as a FYI for prospective buyers.

I purchased a full body skin from BSE during their Fourth of July Sale. Their site stated it was compatible with the 2013 model. When I received the skin, everything fit correctly but the side... They had not updated their skin for the two mic holes.

I contacted them via their support page and twitter and they sent me out their "updated" side late last week and I received it today. The cut-outs are still off (see pic). It appears they tried to make it universal-ish with holes to fit pre-2013 & 2013 models, but they did not get it right. I have contacted them via support and twitter again and will update this thread in case anyone is interested.

As a side note, their matte skins are pretty fricking awesome (at least the ones cut out correctly). I've used matte skins from Phantomskinz before, and BSE's new matte skins are much nicer. It's got a nice smooth feel and the matte look makes it hard to even notice a skin is one. The "clear" or normal versions always made the device look shinier IMO, which I did not like as much.

 

[Spock1234]

Thanks for posting this. I was planning to buy this skin, but I will hold off until they update their design.

 

[thelookingglass]

Same thing happened to me. I quite like the skins themselves, the sides just need to be fixed. Excellent quality otherwise.

 

[iterva]

Ordered the matte skin for my MBA on monday, it got shipped tuesday and today i received a e-mail from them:

It has come to our attention that the left side Skin on your order is not compatible with the newest MacBook Air model that was introduced on June 10, 2013. There is a second microphone hole on the new model.

We have redesigned the side Skin piece to be compatible with all MacBook Air models from October 20th, 2010 through those introduced on June 10th, 2013. Our design now accommodates the microphone holes for the both the old and new MacBook versions.

If you have the newest model, with the two microphone holes instead of one, please reply to this email and we will send an updated side piece right away.

Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We appreciate your understanding and your business.

1) Nice of them to acknowledge this, and e-mail me (When ordering i didn´t plan on using the side skins, but assumed they would have made it compatible)
2) Unfortunately this also means (most likely) that the side skins will be the same as OP -> Wrong position of mic holes.

Oh well, considering all the positive reviews i´ve seen on these regarding quality, combined with great price, i can accept some "hiccups".
Just have to wait and see what drops down in the mailbox.

 

[jedolley]

Ordered the matte skin for my MBA on monday, it got shipped tuesday and today i received a e-mail from them:



1) Nice of them to acknowledge this, and e-mail me (When ordering i didn´t plan on using the side skins, but assumed they would have made it compatible)
2) Unfortunately this also means (most likely) that the side skins will be the same as OP -> Wrong position of mic holes.

Oh well, considering all the positive reviews i´ve seen on these regarding quality, combined with great price, i can accept some "hiccups".
Just have to wait and see what drops down in the mailbox.

I got an email from them today stating the updated (part deux) skin should be shipping out today... I'll post the fit once I receive it (I assume early next week).

 

[bhags8]

i ordered some Decal Girl skins a few hours ago. I will post some pics when I get them. I ordered this one with the apple cutout in a matte finish.
http://www.decalgirl.com/skins/120380/MacBook-Air-13in-Skin-ACU-Camo

 

[dmk1974]

I got an email from them today stating the updated (part deux) skin should be shipping out today... I'll post the fit once I receive it (I assume early next week).

I got the e-mail from them Friday as well. They already shipped the side pieces to me and I should also get them next week. I like the glossy versions because they give a better grip when carrying the device. Excellent product and great customer service over the years.

 

[Spock1234]

I got an email from them today stating the updated (part deux) skin should be shipping out today... I'll post the fit once I receive it (I assume early next week).

Did you receive the replacement side-skin? Is it a match for the new microphone holes?

 

[jedolley]

Did you receive the replacement side-skin? Is it a match for the new microphone holes?

Yes, I received it monday, but have had a busy week so far. It's similar to the pic I posted (3 holes to make it compatible with 2013 model and pre-2013 models), but this time it does match up perfectly.

 

[Spock1234]

Yes, I received it monday, but have had a busy week so far. It's similar to the pic I posted (3 holes to make it compatible with 2013 model and pre-2013 models), but this time it does match up perfectly.

Thanks for the update. Now I can place my order.

 

[DisplacedMic]

Yes, I received it monday, but have had a busy week so far. It's similar to the pic I posted (3 holes to make it compatible with 2013 model and pre-2013 models), but this time it does match up perfectly.

you're a good man - thanks for going to all this effort!

 

[Silver5656]

I havent received the updated side piece, but previous to ordering I asked if it was updated to fit the dual mic's and they said yes so I ordered. And of course it did not fit but I did receive an email saying they would ship out a new one. Also, it has been 48 hours since I applied the skins (except the side) and the top skin is too big. It sticks out on the left and right sides by about 1mm on each side so I emailed them. Heres hoping that a 30 min install doesnt take more than a week (install + waiting 48 hours for the skin to "cure" + waiting for the new top). My previous MBA had a wrapsol skin which was great, fit perfect, came with everything needed to install (no lint towel, application fluid, and rubber squeegee)...... too bad they are no longer in business

 

[johnjey]

I want to buy a transparent screen, please suggest the best one's that you have used ? Website ? links ?

 

[jedolley]

I havent received the updated side piece, but previous to ordering I asked if it was updated to fit the dual mic's and they said yes so I ordered. And of course it did not fit but I did receive an email saying they would ship out a new one. Also, it has been 48 hours since I applied the skins (except the side) and the top skin is too big. It sticks out on the left and right sides by about 1mm on each side so I emailed them. Heres hoping that a 30 min install doesnt take more than a week (install + waiting 48 hours for the skin to "cure" + waiting for the new top). My previous MBA had a wrapsol skin which was great, fit perfect, came with everything needed to install (no lint towel, application fluid, and rubber squeegee)...... too bad they are no longer in business

Not sure why your fit was off, mine was perfect except the initial side piece. BSE has always shipped only the skin and none of the extras. I guess it helps them keep the prices down (usually half off what their "competitors" charge). Their customer service has been great, I'm sure if you shot them an email (may require a pic or two) they would probably send out replacements.

 

[Spock1234]

Not sure why your fit was off, mine was perfect except the initial side piece. BSE has always shipped only the skin and none of the extras. I guess it helps them keep the prices down (usually half off what their "competitors" charge). Their customer service has been great, I'm sure if you shot them an email (may require a pic or two) they would probably send out replacements.

BSE's customer service is above and beyond what you would expect, especially from a company that is known for their 'no-frills', 'value' products.

They took care of me when I had trouble with a Matte skin for my iPhone. Asked for a couple of pics showing the problem and immediately shipped out a replacement skin. They even included a postage-paid envelope to return the defective skin so they could examine it. BTW, this was the first and only time I had any issue with their products, having bought skins for my 4 iPhones, 2 iPads and three MacBook Pros over several years.

 

[iterva]

I had no issues with the fit of the MBA skin.
Updated side for 2013 MBA fit perfectly.

Something to keep in mind with skins is that they are quite sensitive to stretching, so when applying the skin and using too little liquid and/or too little soap they tend to stretch when adjusting them on the device. This is my experience atleast and i gained the experience the hard way. lol

Def. not just BSE "problem" i have encountered this with other brands aswell.

Last week i installed my 3rd BSE.. Using them on my MBA, iphone 5 and Galaxy S4.. Couldn't be more pleased with the feel and quality.

 

[AXs]

Hi guys.

I'm just really curious, most likely due to my inexperience with Macbooks in one way or another... but why do you guys put skins on the aluminum bodies?

Forget the fact that it takes away the lovely sleek look, but doesn't it prevent the fast-cooling properties of the aluminum casing? Why do people stick plastic on it?

Maybe to prevent scratches? Cant think of anything else. Please do share. Curiosity will not kill any cats. PETA be cool!

 

[iterva]

Hi guys.

I'm just really curious, most likely due to my inexperience with Macbooks in one way or another... but why do you guys put skins on the aluminum bodies?

Forget the fact that it takes away the lovely sleek look, but doesn't it prevent the fast-cooling properties of the aluminum casing? Why do people stick plastic on it?

Maybe to prevent scratches? Cant think of anything else. Please do share. Curiosity will not kill any cats. PETA be cool!

Personally i do it just for scratch protection.
And i have not noticed that my computer would run any warmer with these, granted i have not done a scientific test, only by keeping an eye on the thermals a few days before installation and the first few days after.

I dont think that it takes away "the lovely sleek look" since the skins are seethru and only ~0.2mm thick.
Check out bestskinsever.com for full description

Maybe you are confusing skins with hardshell cases..?

 

[astoxos]

Hi guys.

I'm just really curious, most likely due to my inexperience with Macbooks in one way or another... but why do you guys put skins on the aluminum bodies?

Forget the fact that it takes away the lovely sleek look, but doesn't it prevent the fast-cooling properties of the aluminum casing? Why do people stick plastic on it?

Maybe to prevent scratches? Cant think of anything else. Please do share. Curiosity will not kill any cats. PETA be cool!

Having swapped 4-5 skins on my '12 MBA, there are no issues at all. On contrary, it is a perfect idea to capture some attention in university and also boost the resale value later since it will be flawless.