Cases for MBP... Moshi Codex? Other options?

[BigMacNoOnions]

I just ordered a new 15" MBP and being the OCD person that I am, l need a case. My previous two MBPs were permanently housed in their respective versions of the Moshi Codex. I loved the protection that it offered and the fact that I could use my MBP while inside the case. However there were always three things that bugged me:

1. The added bulk. The Codex is fairly large. I usually lug my MBP around in a backpack or briefcase and I've found that the Codex makes it too large to fit into a lot of bag options.
2. The bands that attach the screen to the case obscure the corners of the screen. It's annoying.
3. Possibly restricted heat dissipation. The Codex has little feet to help raise the MBP to increase air flow. But since the top shell portion of the case is attached to the screen, a lot of heat might be getting trapped around the hinge area. I don't actually know if this is what's happening as my MBPs have been living inside these cases for almost their entire lives and I've never run any tests, nor have I run into major issues. But all this talk about thermal conditions for the current generation of MBPs has me more sensitive to the risks.

I can mostly deal with the first two points but I am really concerned about the third point. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Other cases I've looked at...

• Hard shell cases: I really like that they maintain the silhouette of the MBP with very minimal bulk. However I've read too many stories about dirt getting trapped and causing scuff marks.
• Pad & Quill Cartella: Beautiful case that, like the Codex, is "permanent." It seems far less bulkier than the Codex and it offers more air circulation around the hinge area. My primary concern with this option though is that it offers very little protection along the side edges of the MBP. I sometimes put my MBP into a bag with loose items so I worry about the exposed areas getting scratched up. The MBP is also stuck on to the case with a few pieces of tape and I wonder about the possibility of dirty getting trapped and causing scuff marks.
  
  

Any further thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

 

[CloudSynced]

I had the Pad and Quill on my 13 2017 MBP and loved it. Very protective but I noticed that it didn’t allow for heat dissipation from the back fans at all if closed and hooked to an external display.

Fast forward to my 2018 15” and I’m using a Moshi iGlaze and a sleeve. Great heat dispersion and looks clean and is sleek. Won’t protect against drops but I got the inCase Woolenex sleeve with bumpers to help with that.

It’s all trade offs but I’d say if you planned to use an external display, stay away from cases that cover the fan exhaust. I’ve used the inCase shell and it cracked then used the inCase full case and it was ugly to me.
[doublepost=1532762353][/doublepost]I wouldn’t worry too much about things getting under the Pad and Quill. However it is cloth so it will stain if you let it or put it in your bag with the wrong thing.

 

[BigMacNoOnions]

I had the Pad and Quill on my 13 2017 MBP and loved it. Very protective but I noticed that it didn’t allow for heat dissipation from the back fans at all if closed and hooked to an external display.

Fast forward to my 2018 15” and I’m using a Moshi iGlaze and a sleeve. Great heat dispersion and looks clean and is sleek. Won’t protect against drops but I got the inCase Woolenex sleeve with bumpers to help with that.

It’s all trade offs but I’d say if you planned to use an external display, stay away from cases that cover the fan exhaust. I’ve used the inCase shell and it cracked then used the inCase full case and it was ugly to me.
[doublepost=1532762353][/doublepost]I wouldn’t worry too much about things getting under the Pad and Quill. However it is cloth so it will stain if you let it or put it in your bag with the wrong thing.

Good to know! I've never used my MBP in clamshell mode but that's still a concern.

I like the look of the iGlaze but I've always been worried about these hard cases causing scuff marks due to trapped dirt or the contact points. Has this ever been an issue for you?

 

[CloudSynced]

Good to know! I've never used my MBP in clamshell mode but that's still a concern.

I like the look of the iGlaze but I've always been worried about these hard cases causing scuff marks due to trapped dirt or the contact points. Has this ever been an issue for you?

I did find it to be an issue with the inCase shell I started with last year, because it fit poorly and was a regular big box store up-sell item, IMO. But the Moshi fits extremely well. Dirt can still get in, of course, but I've found that the sides are less prone or noticeable to scuffs and scratching as the top and bottom and that is what the cases really protect. I bought a sleeve as well to protect from dirt/dust in my bag and if I suspect dirt got in there at any point, it's easy to pop it off and wipe it down.

I keep a can of compressed air and microfiber towels in my bag and only use the compartment for my MBP for my MBP, nothing else. I've thought about getting some thin clear automotive protection tape and putting it on the edges and top of the laptop, then putting the case over it. I think that would work pretty well and reduce the risk of "car bra effect."

One thing about the Pad & Quill is that it does protect from drops much better. The edges of the cover extend a bit past the laptop so a corner drop would land on the cover. I still haven't found my perfect case yet, but the Moshi is the best shell I've used and the Pad & Quill is the best cover, for sure. I never removed the Pad & Quill, but 3M is superb so I never expected an issue. To achieve exactly what I want will likely need some ingenuity and engineering on my end.

Also, I started with an Amazon matte screen protector and keyboard protector (UpperCase). Screen protector was garbage and priced around $10. Keyboard protector was OK but the adhesive was terribly thought out and had to be placed on keys. This time I researched some more and went with the Moshi matte screen protector and keyboard cover. Both are miles ahead of the cheap stuff and well worth every penny. I'm so much happier with them.

 

[BigMacNoOnions]

I did find it to be an issue with the inCase shell I started with last year, because it fit poorly and was a regular big box store up-sell item, IMO. But the Moshi fits extremely well. Dirt can still get in, of course, but I've found that the sides are less prone or noticeable to scuffs and scratching as the top and bottom and that is what the cases really protect. I bought a sleeve as well to protect from dirt/dust in my bag and if I suspect dirt got in there at any point, it's easy to pop it off and wipe it down.

I keep a can of compressed air and microfiber towels in my bag and only use the compartment for my MBP for my MBP, nothing else. I've thought about getting some thin clear automotive protection tape and putting it on the edges and top of the laptop, then putting the case over it. I think that would work pretty well and reduce the risk of "car bra effect."

One thing about the Pad & Quill is that it does protect from drops much better. The edges of the cover extend a bit past the laptop so a corner drop would land on the cover. I still haven't found my perfect case yet, but the Moshi is the best shell I've used and the Pad & Quill is the best cover, for sure. I never removed the Pad & Quill, but 3M is superb so I never expected an issue. To achieve exactly what I want will likely need some ingenuity and engineering on my end.

Also, I started with an Amazon matte screen protector and keyboard protector (UpperCase). Screen protector was garbage and priced around $10. Keyboard protector was OK but the adhesive was terribly thought out and had to be placed on keys. This time I researched some more and went with the Moshi matte screen protector and keyboard cover. Both are miles ahead of the cheap stuff and well worth every penny. I'm so much happier with them.

Thanks very much for the detailed info!

I'm still considering the Codex and taking it out of the case whenever I use it to deal with the heat. But I am also considering doing the Pad & Quill and possibly seeing if I can skip the adhesive and using some strong low-profile velcro instead so I can remove the MBP as needed.

I'm doing some digging into your iGlaze + skin suggestion. Have you confirmed that the MBP will still fit into the iGlaze with a skin? One review on Amazon mentioned that the iGlaze scratched his MacBook so that has me concerned. I checked out the full body skins from BestSkinsEver and BodyGuardz but I guess it's not really surprising that they still leave the very edges exposed. Unless I'm mistaken, the iGlaze attaches to the MBP around the edges so would they not be susceptible to scratches and scuff marks?

 

[CloudSynced]

Thanks very much for the detailed info!

I'm still considering the Codex and taking it out of the case whenever I use it to deal with the heat. But I am also considering doing the Pad & Quill and possibly seeing if I can skip the adhesive and using some strong low-profile velcro instead so I can remove the MBP as needed.

I'm doing some digging into your iGlaze + skin suggestion. Have you confirmed that the MBP will still fit into the iGlaze with a skin? One review on Amazon mentioned that the iGlaze scratched his MacBook so that has me concerned. I checked out the full body skins from BestSkinsEver and BodyGuardz but I guess it's not really surprising that they still leave the very edges exposed. Unless I'm mistaken, the iGlaze attaches to the MBP around the edges so would they not be susceptible to scratches and scuff marks?

You're welcome. Although the iGlaze does attach at to the edges, I haven't had an issue at all with scratches. It's so well fitting that it doesn't allow the case to move back and forth or side to side, so there's no way for it to scratch the MBP unless you're taking it off and on all the time. Even still, I find the edges to be less prone to scratches than the top or bottom for some reason.

If you decide to use velcro (which I love btw, I use Velcro on everything.. lol) I would find a way to maybe use a different adhesive strip between the velcro and the MBP, similar to the strip that Pad & Quill includes with their case. Velcro adhesive is made to stick no matter what and they don't care if it leaves adhesive on the case when you remove it. The 3M adhesive strip won't leave residue like the Velcro would. I like the idea though! You're thinking out of the box to get exactly what you want. And being able to remove the Pad & Quill with Velcro will be nice.