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Finding The Perfect Laptop Case
- Thread starter emedina
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he's not being picky, he's concerned about his $2k+ machine. I, for one, always make sure the zipper isn't touching my MBP when i close my sleeve (Incase Neoprene, just like we've been talking about)
I saw the Incase in the discount stores for 75% off. I didn't like the feel of them. I did some research here and what stood out for me was the Tucano Sleeve. I'm a person who like for a gadget or material to feel nice to touch. It has to feel expensive, nice quality, and without paying a lot for it.
So, I searched and found the Tucano Second Skin for $25. It's a tough neoprene that is definitely weatherproof. They come with a protective covering over the zipper parts so that it doesn't scratch your MBP. I've had mine for about two years and it still looks new. It has that new smell too. They even have a cable pouch for it.
Buy from here w/free shipping and no tax.
http://www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Default.aspx?searchinfo=tucano second skin
mine shown here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77634324@N00/4231962066/in/set-72157600178258293
I know you want a carrying case but imo those aren't really ideal. I mean I'd rather carry in a sleeve then place in a bag that also well padded. I carry mine in a Timbuk2 Blogger bag. Its smaller and has tons of compartments. Timbuk2 makes a laptop bag.
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/cubicle-laptop-messenger
or their laptop case
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/control-laptop-case
I like Timbuk2 because their stuff is very rugged, durable, water resistant, the whole nine. Great product. If you want to check out the quality, try Best Buy. Apple stores use to carry them but no moreYou can buy from their site.
I just want to clarify again here: I am not looking for a bag/big case. I'm definitely not looking for something bulky in any way. I am looking for a sleeve, possibly one that is semi-hard. That's why the Booq Vyper is the favorite for me right now.
To your point, Tucano sleeves do look ok (kind of plain looking), but they are significantly cheaper (about half the price) than my current options. My problem is that its exactly the type of sleeve I just got and it looked pretty unattractive.
Regardless, thank you for your input. I do appreciate it.
I looked at the Booq Viper XS3 and it's a bit more rigid than I like in a sleeve... I prefer something better than basic neoprene but with a bit of flexibility so I can use it over my shoulder when it isn't in a larger bag such as a messenger bag.
I may not have described the WD Sleevecase adequately: it's a sleeve that can also be used as an ultra-slim case, hence the name "Sleevecase." A lot of times I don't want to carry a larger bag when all I really need is my computer; I have a tiny messenger bag that is usually sufficient for personal items but No Way can anything larger than an 11" MBA fit in it, and even that would be a bit tight.
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.php I like the non-leather bottom myself...
I may not have described the WD Sleevecase adequately: it's a sleeve that can also be used as an ultra-slim case, hence the name "Sleevecase." A lot of times I don't want to carry a larger bag when all I really need is my computer; I have a tiny messenger bag that is usually sufficient for personal items but No Way can anything larger than an 11" MBA fit in it, and even that would be a bit tight.
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.php I like the non-leather bottom myself...
This...I bought mine for 16 buck off Amazon last month
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Are you planning to get everyone's attention how pretty your MBP?
Are you trying to make them think you got some big money with attractive case?
Does sexy laptop cases and bags make you happy everyday and hope they will come to you and say something about your bag and case?
Any ugly bags and cases are fine. I am happy with it and I don't want them think I have some big money and I don't want to worry about my MBP.
Are you planning to get everyone's attention how pretty your MBP?
Are you trying to make them think you got some big money with attractive case?
Does sexy laptop cases and bags make you happy everyday and hope they will come to you and say something about your bag and case?
Any ugly bags and cases are fine. I am happy with it and I don't want them think I have some big money and I don't want to worry about my MBP.
I honestly can't understand how people make comments like this. I want something that's attractive for my own purposes. I could care less what other people think about it. I want something attractive for the same reason people buy art or paint their house because they want stuff that they see regularly to look nice to them.
The machine costs somewhere from $1-2k, so yes, I'd like to to look nice in addition to running well. I'd like the sleeve or case I carry it in to look nice because I have to carry it around all the time.
I'm not looking for "sexy" I'm looking for something interesting. That could mean something as simply as a plaid/camo speck sleeve like this or a Bookbook case like this. As for not looking like I have a lot of money, a naked MacBook pro does that on its own, but the Booq Vyper here doesn't say "I have a ton of money" if you ask me.
haha sorry about that. The wool looks like a very nice option. It's probably not my first choice, but I think it's nice yet simple at the same time.
I will agree with you on one thing, it's nice that it doubles as both. If I choose to go with any kind of case I'd want something slim, and that product fits the bill well.
If I were customizing my case I'd probably want a neoprene inside with a hard or semi-hard outer shell (similar to the Booq Vyper) with just two small rings on the side sewn into the fabric to use with a shoulder strap. All black, minimalist design.
I'm the type of person who tends to protect his electronic gear; I have a http://www.macally.com/en/product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=317 as well as a Belkin padded case for my iPad. My iPhone resides in an Otterbox Defender; I wear my iPhone on my waist a lot so the excellent belt-clip is an important feature for me.
But when it comes to my portable Macs I don't really see the need for a rigid case unless the Mac is going to be subjected to extreme environments and very rough handling. When combined with a suitably padded case the MBP is sufficiently protected; if the MBP is bent in that kind of case you have more serious problems to worry about than a damaged computer!
When I travel via air I travel light: only two carry-on bags. The MBP in the Sleevecase goes insides a rear sleeve inside a daypack, so it is well-protected. The Sleevecase has the right combination of padding and excellent exterior material. The inherent rigidity of a unibody MBP does the rest. My bag would have to be crushed in order to damage the MBP. I suppose that could conceivably happen in a baggage hold, but my cameras and electronics gear don't get checked except on tiny regional airplanes and even then I can usually carry the daypack on board. My bag carrying only my clothing is set-up to be checked when it is unavoidable. So far that hasn't been necessary.
I think that a rigid sleeve would become something of an albatross in the long-run. It wouldn't be comfortable to carry by itself, so I would need another bag for that. If I thought that a rigid or semi-rigid case was necessary i would be the first to get one, but in my experience it is overkill.
But when it comes to my portable Macs I don't really see the need for a rigid case unless the Mac is going to be subjected to extreme environments and very rough handling. When combined with a suitably padded case the MBP is sufficiently protected; if the MBP is bent in that kind of case you have more serious problems to worry about than a damaged computer!
When I travel via air I travel light: only two carry-on bags. The MBP in the Sleevecase goes insides a rear sleeve inside a daypack, so it is well-protected. The Sleevecase has the right combination of padding and excellent exterior material. The inherent rigidity of a unibody MBP does the rest. My bag would have to be crushed in order to damage the MBP. I suppose that could conceivably happen in a baggage hold, but my cameras and electronics gear don't get checked except on tiny regional airplanes and even then I can usually carry the daypack on board. My bag carrying only my clothing is set-up to be checked when it is unavoidable. So far that hasn't been necessary.
I think that a rigid sleeve would become something of an albatross in the long-run. It wouldn't be comfortable to carry by itself, so I would need another bag for that. If I thought that a rigid or semi-rigid case was necessary i would be the first to get one, but in my experience it is overkill.
I'm currently using this combo
http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-sleeve-cl57554
http://goincase.com/products/detail/hardshell-case-cl57189m/1
http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-sleeve-cl57554
http://goincase.com/products/detail/hardshell-case-cl57189m/1
I know that you said you didn't find anything with incase that caught your eye, but personally I have used this case since May '11 with my new MBP: http://goincase.com/products/detail/perforated-hardshell-case-cl57467 The perforation is nice because it allows the head to dissipate slightly more efficiently than other hard cases, and the design is quite sturdy. It fits like a glove on the MBP, and it not difficult to clean.
I don't think that significant damage could actually occur. However, I am incredibly OCD (down to even tiny scratches) and so I want to make sure that nothing could possibly happen.
As for your comment about being an idiot, (I won't even comment on the spelling and grammar errors) I don't think it would actually that hard to do damage to a MBP by running a metal zipper (look at what it looks like) by the MBP with pressure putting it against it, without the faux fur providing a layer or protection. It could easily nick or leave a mark on the aluminum, IMHO.