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Like those who carry their MBA to classes and stuff, does the outer casing scratch easily? Or at least is it noticeable?

It doesn't scratch easily, but you don't really have to try to do so.

Better use a case if you are sensitive to that kind of thing. A case will also protect it from falls. Personally, I have dropped my 13" a number of times, had it trampled on, and so far still good. It got scratched easily from some uneven surfaces though. Like beds with bad springs.
 
yea i definitely keep mine in a sleeve but earlier today this girl dragged my laptop from one end of my desk to another with her backpack while trying to get to her seat so i wasn't too happy about that.

Though I am borderline clinically OCD, if that even makes sense
 
Well, if you are so obsessed about perfection, then I'd recommend a full-body case either way.

No material is perfect, and most would get damaged over time one way or another. I have yet to see an aluminum Mac make its way past its third year of life without some kind of mark. That's just reality.
 
If you're worried about resale value, I would get a full-body case such as the Speck case. Otherwise, just try to care as best you can and don't worry about the nicks and dings from normal use.
 
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Think of it like your cellphone. If you protect it it'll look great, and if you drop it regularly and toss it around it'll get beat up. The overall condition will have less to do with the material and more to do with how you treat it.
 
yea i definitely keep mine in a sleeve but earlier today this girl dragged my laptop from one end of my desk to another with her backpack while trying to get to her seat so i wasn't too happy about that.

Though I am borderline clinically OCD, if that even makes sense

There are rubber feet on the bottom to minimize that sort of wear.
 
Though I am borderline clinically OCD, if that even makes sense

So sorry to hear that. I've seen people diagnosed with OCD where I worked, and its extremely debilitating. Unless you're saying that you've got obsessive tendencies, then maybe you might have OCPD. Its a big difference that not too many people know about.

Back on topic... The MBA will not scratch as easily as your friend's plastic HP/Toshiba laptop, but when it does scratch, it'll be much more noticeable.
 
man i got a sleeve and a keyboard cover, but i can't do full body cases like those speck ones. I guess I'll have to live with it! But I'm sure it's because i've only had this mba for 2 weeks now so I'm still in the "babying" stage.
 
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