Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Carrying MacBook

6

6Foot6Dude

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 15, 2022
38
2
Does the mirror logo get any scratches if you carry the Mac in the laptop compartment of a backpack that is lined with that shiny and smooth material most backpacks seem to be lined with these days?

That apple logo seems to me as the most susceptible part of the laptop to get scratched up way too early and ruin the aesthetics of the device prematurely.

I do like the device's original looks and would not want to cover it in a skin (most seem to not cover the logo anyway) and even though I have a Thule sleeve, I would like to use it only when I will carry the MacBook during motorcycle rides to protect it from all the bouncing around since using it all the time adds bulk to the streamlined form factor and adds another unzipping process to get the laptop ready to rock.

I would like to hear from fellow Mac users about the durability of the logo and how it copes with the elements and also how to protect it without messing with the devices functionality or the logo's look. How do you carry your Mac?
 
Last edited:
I carry my MBP14 around all the time in a sling bag from SF Bags (Waterfield Design). So far it is holding up fine. But if you are OCD about it, I suspect taking it places and whatnot will ultimately lead to minor nicks and bruises. But I figure that's what it's for.

Frankly the most noticeable cosmetic issue with mine is the slight scratching around the Thunderbolt ports from plugging and unplugging from my external displays every day. Again - I choose to ignore!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
Does the bag have a laptop compartment? No scrathes on the logo?

It is nice that you are relaxed about it.
 
6Foot6Dude said:
Does the bag have a laptop compartment? No scrathes on the logo?

It is nice that you are relaxed about it.
Click to expand...
No logo scratches as it is down in the padded compartment. However the padded part in this particular back leaves about an inch of laptop above it so there is risk of damage to that part. Again I don't sweat it and I love the bag (and laptop).

www.sfbags.com

Sutter Tech Sling

Shop the best minimalist sling shoulder bag. A one-strap daypack for tech gear. Easy access outside pockets. Made in San Francisco, USA.
www.sfbags.com www.sfbags.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
Alpha Centauri said:
How about a protective clear skin. That won't really change the original look.
Click to expand...
That could be it, but I quite like the texture of the aluminum and would like to keep it naked if the mirror logo is unlikely to scratch. So I am trying to gather if info if people's apple logo have been scratched.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alpha Centauri
6Foot6Dude said:
That could be it, but I quite like the texture of the aluminum and would like to keep it naked if the mirror logo is unlikely to scratch. So I am trying to gather if info if people's apple logo have been scratched.
Click to expand...
Right, gotcha ya. See how you go with the feedback. I guess one could always cut some clear 3M film to cover just the logo.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
I had the M1 MacBook Air up until earlier this year when I upgraded to the new Pro. I used the Apple leather slip cover with the Air every single day, and that was a really form fitting sleeve. The mirror finish on the Apple logo was spotless when I traded it in. No micro scratches or dings of any kind. I think you can probably put it in that backpack without worrying about it. I do not recall what the leather cover was lined with, unfortunately. I think one side of it had microfiber, but one side of it had naked leather.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
When packing the MBP into a backpack (or other bag), I would be MORE concerned about having much "pressure against" the lid and bottom of the computer. You could end up with keyboard imprints on the surface of the display.

Also waterproof capability if you get caught outside during a storm.
 
jdb8167 said:
Get a sleeve. I use one with my M2 MBA in a messenger bag. Protects from various things rattling around in the bag. I've used this one for years:
Incase Sleeve
Click to expand...
I do not think a sleeve where you "slide" the Mac in and out is a good idea to protect against scratches. That's why I have the Thule Gauntlet as I said in OP but I do not think sleeves are that nice to use daily, so would like go naked if it scratch resistant.
 
A properly made sleeve will be made out of material that is intentionally designed to not scratch your laptop. I use one from Waterfield and it works great. My MBP 16″ is nearly three years old and doesn't have a scratch on it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdb8167
sennomulo said:
A properly made sleeve will be made out of material that is intentionally designed to not scratch your laptop. I use one from Waterfield and it works great. My MBP 16″ is nearly three years old and doesn't have a scratch on it.
Click to expand...
The material itself can not scracth it, but if something like sand gets stuck in the material and you slide your MacBook in, you nowhave a scratch.

That's how a phone gets scrathed in your pocket too. The lining of the pockets themselves can not scratch a phone screen.
 
6Foot6Dude said:
The material itself can not scracth it, but if something like sand gets stuck in the material and you slide your MacBook in, you nowhave a scratch.

That's how a phone gets scrathed in your pocket too. The lining of the pockets themselves can not scratch a phone screen.
Click to expand...
Sure, but that could happen in any container. You just have to keep sand and stuff out of it. I find it's a lot easier to do that with a sleeve than a general use backpack or my general use pants pockets. It also has no zipper so I'm not worried about scraping it against a zipper.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
6Foot6Dude said:
The material itself can not scracth it, but if something like sand gets stuck in the material and you slide your MacBook in, you nowhave a scratch.

That's how a phone gets scrathed in your pocket too. The lining of the pockets themselves can not scratch a phone screen.
Click to expand...
You just pointed out how a scratch can happen. The aluminum used is just aluminum and not hardened or scratch resistant in any way. So as long as whatever you store your MBP in while you travel is clean and free from debris then you shouldn't have a problem but if any type of hard dust or sand gets in there it is possible that it will get scratches.

The only way to ensure it doesn't get scratches is to put a film or wrap on the device but then it will dull the polished look. So I guess I would just try to make sure your bag is clean and maybe use a vacuum to clean it out every now and again and make sure you don't go to the beach or hiking, etc. with the laptop.
 
Technerd108 said:
You just pointed out how a scratch can happen. The aluminum used is just aluminum and not hardened or scratch resistant in any way. So as long as whatever you store your MBP in while you travel is clean and free from debris then you shouldn't have a problem but if any type of hard dust or sand gets in there it is possible that it will get scratches.

The only way to ensure it doesn't get scratches is to put a film or wrap on the device but then it will dull the polished look. So I guess I would just try to make sure your bag is clean and maybe use a vacuum to clean it out every now and again and make sure you don't go to the beach or hiking, etc. with the laptop.
Click to expand...
While the body of the MBP is anodized aluminum, the logo is stainless steel. I never put anything else apart from my phone in my right pocket to keep from contamination but my phone screen is full of micro scrathes. I think some TPU film (the kind you use to put on curvy screens as a screen protector.) is the answer but I will need to cut it to the Apple logo shape. I think it is a bad decision on Apple's part to make the logo with a mirror finish that it shows the scratches too much, like the back of old iPods.
 
6Foot6Dude said:
While the body of the MBP is anodized aluminum, the logo is stainless steel. I never put anything else apart from my phone in my right pocket to keep from contamination but my phone screen is full of micro scrathes. I think some TPU film (the kind you use to put on curvy screens as a screen protector.) is the answer but I will need to cut it to the Apple logo shape. I think it is a bad decision on Apple's part to make the logo with a mirror finish that it shows the scratches too much, like the back of old iPods.
Click to expand...
Either way even stainless steel that is polished scratches very easily. I would just deal with it as a cpu cut out is going to be near impossible unless you buy one pre cut with a laser and then you will have just the apple logo covered? It might easily get ripped off. I would just live with the fact that it might get some small micro scratches over time. Try to keep the bag you keep it in dust free and clean with a micro-fiber cloth that is also clean.

I am OCD about wear as well but at some point you just have to enjoy the device and let go the stress of wear and tear. Just my personal opinion. Otherwise I would get a skin/tpu clear cover that covers the entire back panel where the logo is. I did this on a Previous 16" MBP and it worked rather well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6Foot6Dude
Technerd108 said:
Either way even stainless steel that is polished scratches very easily. I would just deal with it as a cpu cut out is going to be near impossible unless you buy one pre cut with a laser and then you will have just the apple logo covered? It might easily get ripped off. I would just live with the fact that it might get some small micro scratches over time. Try to keep the bag you keep it in dust free and clean with a micro-fiber cloth that is also clean.

I am OCD about wear as well but at some point you just have to enjoy the device and let go the stress of wear and tear. Just my personal opinion. Otherwise I would get a skin/tpu clear cover that covers the entire back panel where the logo is. I did this on a Previous 16" MBP and it worked rather well.
Click to expand...
I have a Thule sleeve which requires no sliding to insert the MBP, you just unzip it (plastic zippers so no scratching), put the MBP in and zip it. But it takes away from the practicality of the machşne with its bulk, weight and process of taking it in and out. So would like to use my MBP without any sleeve.

Do you use your current MacBook naked? Any scratches on the logo?
 
6Foot6Dude said:
I have a Thule sleeve which requires no sliding to insert the MBP, you just unzip it (plastic zippers so no scratching), put the MBP in and zip it. But it takes away from the practicality of the machşne with its bulk, weight and process of taking it in and out. So would like to use my MBP without any sleeve.

Do you use your current MacBook naked? Any scratches on the logo?
Click to expand...


I use a case and it slides in. But it has a super soft cushioned interior. I clean the MacBook with a microfiber cloth before I put it in.

Mine has a dark color anodized finish so I am pretty sure it will get micro scratches at some point.

I am still debating whether to put a wrap on it or not.

Good luck to you whatever you decide!
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdb8167 and 6Foot6Dude
6Foot6Dude said:
Do you know the name of the case? I am curious maybe I will go that route.
Click to expand...

www.amazon.com

Lacdo 360° Protective Laptop Sleeve Case for 13 inch New MacBook Air M2 A2681 M1 A2337 A2179 A1932 | 13 inch New MacBook Pro M2 M1 A2338 A2251 A2289 A2159 A1989 | 12.9" New iPad Pro Computer Bag, Blue

Lacdo 360° Protective Laptop Sleeve Case for 13 inch New MacBook Air M2 A2681 M1 A2337 A2179 A1932 | 13 inch New MacBook Pro M2 M1 A2338 A2251 A2289 A2159 A1989 | 12.9" New iPad Pro Computer Bag, Blue
www.amazon.com

I have an m2 air. Just search Amazon. Tomatac is a good brand as well. Very good padding.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back