Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The zipper issue is why I bought my sleeve from Waterfield. It was one of the few non zipper sleeves that was also made in the US (Tom Bihn is also a good choice).
 
I used to use a booq bag for my 17" Macbook Pro and it is now a book bag. It offers no protection to the laptop inside. I accidently knocked the booq bag with my macbook inside on the floor about 1/2 feet height (yes, very very low) and my macbook pro's casing was damaged with a big dent. I thought, the laptop is in the bag... and by 1/2 feet my laptop is dented? It cost me 300+ to get a new casing for my macbook pro and I switch to using Brenthaven laptop bags... I bet I can drop it 5 feet off ground and my macbook pro will be fine.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.