How easily does the MBA scratch?

[rpearlberg]

I've always used a speck shell case on my previous laptops but thinking of not using one on my new MBA. How easy does the outside scratch? I'm usually pretty careful with my laptops and it mostly sits on the couch anyway.

Should I stick with using a shell case, or go with nothing? I ordered the Kuzy case, but was pretty unimpressed with it so was planning to order the Speck.

Edit: I know two people at work who have Airs and treat them like crap with no case and they are actually in pretty good shape. I think I just convinced myself to get a sleeve and no hard shell and I'll see how that goes.

 

[Abazigal]

Short of dropping it, my MBA doesn't scratch. I honestly don't think a case is necessary for it.

 

[motrek]

I've always used a speck shell case on my previous laptops but thinking of not using one on my new MBA. How easy does the outside scratch? I'm usually pretty careful with my laptops and it mostly sits on the couch anyway.

Should I stick with using a shell case, or go with nothing? I ordered the Kuzy case, but was pretty unimpressed with it so was planning to order the Speck.

Edit: I know two people at work who have Airs and treat them like crap with no case and they are actually in pretty good shape. I think I just convinced myself to get a sleeve and no hard shell and I'll see how that goes.

Of course, your idea of being careful with your laptop might be completely different than mine so this is a hard question to answer. But I have several friends with MacBooks and none of them have cases and they aren't scratched.

 

[jdechko]

I've had the Tom Bhin Cache (sleeve) since the first week I owned my Air. And while I don't take any extraordinary steps to protect it from damage (nor am I careless), I've found that the Air has held up very well. In 2 years, I only have a couple of small nicks near the hinge where it's dinged up against something hard. Other than that, it's been very durable.

 

[Queen6]

Have used Mac Notebooks, well since Mac`s have been portable the new Mac`s stand up very well. I use mine for work and travel internationally as a function of work. I just use a sleeve and decent quality bag. None of my current Mac`s have scratches etc. the oldest being retired and more than paid for it`s self Early 2008 MBP, to 2014 Retina`s in between there is 11" & 13" Air`s and more MBP`s.

FWIW my Mac is my office and the conditions are what they are. Just home after 5 weeks near to the Arctic circle, after a couple of years rotating to Borneo, next is looking to be Sakhalin island, will be fun the over winter

Q-6

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I use a (Thule) sleeve as well (http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Gauntlet-TMAS-111-11-Inch-Chromebook/dp/B006J6G4OU).

 

[Mike MA]

No scratch in 5 years.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

On the rare occasion I get slightly nervous, my MBA goes into a padded A4 envelope, which, in turn, goes into my briefcase. This is because I still remember - with reluctant awe - that video from 2008 when the late Mr Jobs slid the original MBA into an A4 envelope, and I thought - I did think - 'wow'.

Anyway, I have had an MBA of one sort or another for five years, and they have travelled the world with me.

My current model dates from 2013. It has no shell, or cover - I bought one, two actually (the 'BookBook' from TwelveSouth) and have never used it; one of my brothers inherited one BookBook along with my 2010 MBA.

I have found the MBA to be a tough, reliable, ultra portable computer, and - touching wood and all that - mine have never scratched.

Yes, I look after them, but no, I don't 'baby' them; they are designed to be a fairly robust work computer after all.

 

[krspkbl]

It will scratch as you use it. I've never dropped mine and never dropped anything on it. Been quite careful while using it. Damn, mine even has some small chips along the edges. No idea how it happened.

You're only gonna drive yourself insane worrying about imperfections. Just use the computer for what you need it to do. It will scratch no matter how careful you are.

 

[motrek]

It will scratch as you use it. I've never dropped mine and never dropped anything on it. Been quite careful while using it. Damn, mine even has some small chips along the edges. No idea how it happened.

You're only gonna drive yourself insane worrying about imperfections. Just use the computer for what you need it to do. It will scratch no matter how careful you are.

As careful as you think you are, you must be much less careful than I am. My current MBA has no scratches or other cosmetic imperfections, and neither did my 2010 model that I sold last year after 4 years of use and months of international travel. And I didn't put any special effort into keeping it in good condition.