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

Got my MacBook - recommend a sleeve?

deeddawg said:
I'm probably going to bit the bullet and pull the trigger on this. Any thoughts on the narrow edge entry in contrast to the long-edge entry on other versions such as the 11MBA version? For my purposes I'd actually prefer the latter, but that just might not be in the cards.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's a problem because the RMB is so thin. If it were a thicker notebook then the short edgy entry might have been an issue.

I use the sleeve only when I travel, so it sits in my backpack most of the time. And my backpack accepts a notebook in the vertical orientation, so the short edge entry is actually more convenient in that regard. I never take the sleeve out of the backpack; I just reach in, open the sleeve with my fingers, and remove the notebook. Another benefit right there I guess. If you have a less convenient sleeve, such as one with a zipper, you need to pull the sleeve out of your backpack to then access your notebook. With the Incase Icon you don't have to do that.

BJ
 
I got the Herschel sleeve. It's not the prettiest out there, but is well built and affordable. I find most sleeves overpriced, and I only use the sleeve infrequently as I have a special business bag (Tumi :) which has a separate laptop pocket.
 
boltjames said:
my backpack accepts a notebook in the vertical orientation, so the short edge entry is actually more convenient in that regard. I never take the sleeve out of the backpack; I just reach in, open the sleeve with my fingers, and remove the notebook
Click to expand...
Thanks. This is exactly where my thoughts were going; I normally use a messenger bag, so the rMB fits best horizontally. It's not the end of the world, but it would be easier not to have to rotate the sleeve (or pull it out).

I've never bought a zipppered sleeve for anything; seemed it just be begging for scratches.
 
As others have recommended, the Incase Icon is a fantastic sleeve. I picked one up at the Apple store the other day for around $70, it's a little pricey and you could find cheaper, but considering this is to protect a $1000+ laptop, I'd recommend investing in quality. It's also very nice & sleek looking (I picked up the grey & black one).
 
a rare goat said:
As others have recommended, the Incase Icon is a fantastic sleeve. I picked one up at the Apple store the other day for around $70, it's a little pricey and you could find cheaper, but considering this is to protect a $1000+ laptop, I'd recommend investing in quality. It's also very nice & sleek looking (I picked up the grey & black one).
Click to expand...

Its a soft shell right?
 
Picapau21 said:
Its a soft shell right?
Click to expand...
Yes. I've looked at one in the store. It's very thin; while it offers plenty of scratch protection, it doesn't seem it'd offer much protection from poking/denting the screen lid or bottom if something banged into it. Some, yes, but don't drop a billiard ball on it from three feet up.

Edge protection is where this thing shines, which is what you need if you were to drop the sleeved macbook. There's a substantial internal buffer to absorb shock and probably slow the impact enough to eliminate or minimize any damage.

My sense of it is this is best used when you're carrying the rMB inside something else and won't have a bunch of blocky/pokey stuff up against it.
 
deeddawg said:
Yes. I've looked at one in the store. It's very thin; while it offers plenty of scratch protection, it doesn't seem it'd offer much protection from poking/denting the screen lid or bottom if something banged into it. Some, yes, but don't drop a billiard ball on it from three feet up.

Edge protection is where this thing shines, which is what you need if you were to drop the sleeved macbook. There's a substantial internal buffer to absorb shock and probably slow the impact enough to eliminate or minimize any damage.

My sense of it is this is best used when you're carrying the rMB inside something else and won't have a bunch of blocky/pokey stuff up against it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Really helpful.

I carry mine in my backpack which has a separate laptop pocket. I often pack a lot into the back pack and as this thing is so delicate my biggest worry is getting dents from other things in my bag. There also seem to be a few stories from others with dents.

Don't understand why they couldn't have just added some support structure to the sides. Would have made it the perfect case.
 
boltjames said:
Too late for you, but to others passing through this thread- you don't get a 'cheaper' sleeve. Saving $15 on a sleeve will cost you in the long run if you drop or bang your notebook. Get the Incase Icon. It's what's best for the RMB.

BJ
Click to expand...

Buerkletucson said:
Absolutely...
$50 on a $1500 purchase is cheap insurance IMHO....
Click to expand...

Just want to say I agree with you, it's crazy to save some money on a case on such an expensive device, in Europe prices are even higher, I actually paid €1,860 (with education discount) for a 512 / M7 which is equal to ~ $2120 USD so a lot more than in the US, but the sleeve is not for protection, I have other protection. If one is in the market for a sleeve to protect it from drops etc than I would also recommend the best one available even if it's more expensive.

PS. Absolutely loving this little MacBook :) it's my first, and it was certainly worth the wait!
 
  • Like
Reactions: boltjames
I can't really recommend a sleeve since I usually treat my MacBook like I would porcelain gold. Instead I opt for something with straps or at least a handle so I know it won't fall, Sleeves provide decent scratch and scuff protection, but if you drop it, there isn't much shock absorption and padding, which may still ding the side of your MacBook, also having it in a bag larger than a sleeve makes it easier to find when you are in a rush and makes it more noticeable when it's in places it shouldn't be, like the floor or on the edge of a desk.
 
Another vote here for the Incase Icon, you don't realise how good it is until you get it. Absolutely no problem with the magnet and i rest mine on the case quite regular. It is so easy to use i find myself using it even when i am in the house just for protection against possible accidents, it so thin it fits anywhere and visitors cant believe there is a laptop inside it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: boltjames and deeddawg
FYI, I see that eBags.com has a 20% off coupon "Travel" that applies to the Incase Icon. Net price is $55.96 delivered (US). I'm unsure how long the promo is good until.
 
  • Like
Reactions: boltjames
Buerkletucson said:
Absolutely...
$50 on a $1500 purchase is cheap insurance IMHO....
Click to expand...
Of course, if you are looking for actual insurance, for about $60/year you can get a personal articles policy or rider from most homeowner/renter's insurance companies that will cover theft, loss or accidental damage. It came in handy once for me when I left a MacBook Air on an airplane. I was out a $250 deductible but it was a smooth claim process.
 
deeddawg said:
FYI, I see that eBags.com has a 20% off coupon "Travel" that applies to the Incase Icon. Net price is $55.96 delivered (US). I'm unsure how long the promo is good until.
Click to expand...

That's a good price/promo. Sometimes Incase runs 50% their entire line, though. Maybe for Memorial Day?
 
I would check out picasolab.com.

Handmade cases by a guy named Alex in California. I have 2, one for each of my notebooks, and they're awesome. You can tell they're handmade but they have extremely solid build quality. I get constant compliments, and the coolest part is the monogram. Expensive, but it's handmade!

I'm receiving my rMB tomorrow, and I'm torn between a PicasoLab case and the Incase icon being discussed here. I've had my PicasoLab cases for years, and while they're wonderful I'm considering just trying something new. I am however concerned about the thickness of the padding on the Incase Icon and may be leaning towards the PicasoLab option since the leather will undoubtedly provide more protection from some of the scenarios mentioned above
 
I have used a few sleeves with various MacBooks (Airs and Pros and 12" retinas) over the years. Currently, I use a simple Radtech sleeve and screensaver (keyboard cover to protect the screen when closed) for when I carry the 2016 MacBook in my bag, mostly to protect against scratches and to have something to set it on in coffee shops/restaurants. If I am not carrying the MacBook in a case, I use the Acme Made Sleeve also. A decent case that I think will protect against most accidental bumps and such. My wife and daughter use them all the time on their 13" Air and Pro respectively and they've had no damage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Biggie Robs
BeatCrazy said:
That's a good price/promo. Sometimes Incase runs 50% their entire line, though. Maybe for Memorial Day?
Click to expand...
Tough to predict. $35 would be a great price. Just need to choose if waiting three weeks is worth a chance at an additional $21 savings. Since I have a couple trips during that time it wouldn't be worth it for me.
 
I went with this one. Will arrive tomorrow, will let you know if it's any good.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Actually, I have that one. It's very nice and I like it but for it being a bit thicker than I want for my purposes. Still debating whether or not to return it.
 
where is it said:
How thick is it?
Click to expand...
I'd have to measure but it adds maybe 3/8 to 7/16" in total where the flap folds over to give an extra layer. It'd be great if my messenger bag wasn't already often fairly full.

Grant qualty and very handsome sleeve. Just more attuned to carrying into a conference room than protecting from scratches against the other stuff in a messenger bag.
 
deeddawg said:
I'd have to measure but it adds maybe 3/8 to 7/16" in total where the flap folds over to give an extra layer. It'd be great if my messenger bag wasn't already often fairly full.

Grant qualty and very handsome sleeve. Just more attuned to carrying into a conference room than protecting from scratches against the other stuff in a messenger bag.
Click to expand...


My sleeve just arrived.

Didn't like it one bit.

First impressions was it was too big, more messenger bag than sleeve. And the colour is not nice. On the pictures it looks all distressed and like a vintage leather. In real life it is very plain poo brown.

Needless to say it is being returned and the search continues.

In the meantime I'll be using my old black Incase sleeve for the 11inch Air.
 
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