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Is a sleeve or case really necessary?

L

libskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 9, 2009
41
0
Hi all,

I recently ordered an 11" air with the great 20% amazon discount.

While I wait for it to come I am wondering whether or not to purchase a sleeve or case. For my current laptop (17" mbp 2009) I do not use a sleeve, I just put it straight into my backpack. I have never had any issues with this.

It seems with the ssd, the air would be even more durable than the mbp, so is there any reason to use a sleeve?

Thanks!
 
Scratches, corner wear and tear. The MBA is a pretty little thing, keep it that way!
 
You may want a small case because you might end up carrying it around outside the home a lot more than a heavy MBP 17".
 
Depends how neurotic you are about scratches and wear on the casing. I'm at least confident that it won't suffer structural damage unless you load it with dangerous objects.
 
VMMan said:
You may want a small case because you might end up carrying it around outside the home a lot more than a heavy MBP 17".
Click to expand...

I'll be carrying it around outside the home (dorm) the same amount I did with the mbp 17". At school, I carried the mbp every day.

I guess a sleeve isn't a bad idea, but I want one then that is really light and cheap.

Any recommendations? I'm not looking for some of those $70 leather sleeves.
 
libskate said:
I'll be carrying it around outside the home (dorm) the same amount I did with the mbp 17". At school, I carried the mbp every day.

I guess a sleeve isn't a bad idea, but I want one then that is really light and cheap.

Any recommendations? I'm not looking for some of those $70 leather sleeves.
Click to expand...

If you're a student and like most students, always carrying a backpack, then I probably wouldn't spend the money on a sleeve/case if your backpack has a padded section.

If you care about scratches, then maybe get a skin or a thin hardshell like the Speck.
 
I've been using my 11" without a sleeve/case for 2 weeks and so far it's pretty good, no scratches or dings. You may want to check out wrapsol or bodyguardz for preventing scratches without adding bulk.
 
I'm still on the hunt for the perfect sleeve- A combination of protection, size, price, and style. Now granted, style isn't the biggest concern as I'll be throwing the sleeve into a drawstring backpack anyway (it's what I use for notebooks when I go to class)... but nonetheless, it's becoming a rather difficult decision. Here's what I've come up with so far:

For maximum protection and size at the expense of price (relatively):
Hard Candy Cases Bubble Sleeve | Dimensions: 9x1x11 | No pocket
41kxvbQxSRL._AA300_.jpg


For medium protection and size at the expense of price (relatively):
Brenthaven Prostyle 11 | Dimensions: 8.5x1x12.5 | Has small pocket
31SL7gXCPaL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


For medium protection with a relatively low price at the expense of size (relatively):
rooCASE Super Bubble Neoprene Sleeve | Dimensions: 9.6x0.9x12.7 | Has large pocket
41Mcwp5hU0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg


For size and price at the expense of protection (dents more so than scratches):
BoxWave Elite Leather Sleeve
41HlaW%2BWbJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Now of course there are a bunch of nicer sleeves out there, but these are just the ones under $40 that I'm currently torn between. I don't even really want to spend more than $30 to be honest.

//Disclaimer: I've never owned or touched any of these, so my descriptions are strictly based off of the pictures and prices.
 
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KylePowers said:
For maximum protection and size at the expense and price (relatively):
Hard Candy Cases Bubble Sleeve | Dimensions: 9x1x11 | No pocket
Image
//Disclaimer: I've never owned or touched any of these, so my descriptions are strictly based off of the pictures and prices.
Click to expand...


I have the Hard Candy Bubble Sleeve for the 11" ($34 on Amazon, normally $50)

It's a great case because it has a hard shell with rubber shocks inside. I think it'll protect against a drop vs just cosmetic protection.

The downside is that unlike a sleeve, you have to use zippers along 3 out of the 4 sides of the case, which takes more time than a sleeve.

It also is borderline unisex to maybe slightly feminine in appearance with those bubble circular protrusions on the outside. They also increase the relative bulkiness of the case.
 
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I think it depends on what you will be doing with it.

If I were carrying it inside a backpack, travel, etc.. I'd get a sleeve. If for just using and carrying around in your hand or something I don't see the point.

What really changed my view was when I got my kids an iPad two. They are small and after having it since launch day it's still flawless. No otterbox, no case, etc..

Since you said you'll be carrying at the dorm I'd invest in a sleeve. The one the person before me posted is the best looking sleeve I've seen imo. this one
 
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OneMike said:
The one the person before me posted is the best looking sleeve I've seen imo. this one
Click to expand...


That case looks pretty good. Would it be too tight of a fit if I also have the Speck clear see through shell on the MBA 11"?
 
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OneMike said:
Since you said you'll be carrying at the dorm I'd invest in a sleeve. The one the person before me posted is the best looking sleeve I've seen imo. this one
Click to expand...
I would never get that for two reasons: 1) The pressure associated with buttoning the button could dent or damage the MBA (if it's a particularly difficult button to button, that is) and 2) throwing that sleeve into a bag full of a bunch of other crap could scuff up the open side, get dirt and dust into the ports, etc etc.

Just my thoughts, at least.
 
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VMMan said:
That case looks pretty good. Would it be too tight of a fit if I also have the Speck clear see through shell on the MBA 11"?
Click to expand...

Yes. It is a tight fit with it the way it is. There probably is not enough room for the shell as well.

As for the comments from KylePowers...

There is very little pressure put on the MBA when snapping. it is a fairly light snapping action, and the back side of the snap (the side closest to the laptop is covered and concealed, so there is no part of the snap mechanism hitting the laptop.

The Air also sits in the sleeve deep enough that "rubbing" / "Scuffing" would be difficult. Dust / Dirt is a different beast, but you do get more protection than not using a sleeve at all. In fact, you might be better off, since it doesn't pill or fray like neoprene / felt / etc that some of the other cases are made of.

I really like mine (again, for the 13). It is a good tight fit. It adds a little weight, but it provides enough protection that I don't feel bad walking around with it, not in a bag. It looks good too. Again, my only regret is that it is not real leather. I have contacted Saddleback Leather to see if they will be making something similar in the near future... nothing solid back on that yet.
 
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I would never just throw any Mac tablet or laptop in a bag without some sort of protection. Feel like you are just asking for trouble by not protecting it in some way. Considering how much money you just invested in your new MBA, it's the least you can do.

Currently I'm not traveling with my new MBA but when the time comes, I'll be getting a sleeve of some sort. Even if I'm throwing it in a bag or backpack.

A company I really love is Booq. High quality products for sure.
 
For me, a sleeve is necessary. I've used Incase sleeves which I then put in a messenger bag or backpack. Keeps my MacBooks looking like it's new and it's protected in the bag.
 
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