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Is a sleeve or case really necessary?

libskate said:
Well I currently don't use a case of any kind on my 17" mbp and I have had no problems.
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There's a distinct difference between not having any problems and playing it safe. I think most people would tell you that some sort of protection, even the most basic sleeve, is the preferred choice over a naked laptop in a bag.

Ultimately it's your decision and preference. You'll get more "use a sleeve" replies here than "no don't use anything".
 
libskate said:
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!
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Yes.
 
libskate said:
Well I currently don't use a case of any kind on my 17" mbp and I have had no problems.
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but do you use it as a ultra portable like the mba 11"? if its always on a desk all day long yeah you dont need it. But im always running around, flying; etc, so i need something portable (reason i got the 11") + the sleeve saves any accidental drops or scratches.
 
s.hasan546 said:
but do you use it as a ultra portable like the mba 11"? if its always on a desk all day long yeah you dont need it. But im always running around, flying; etc, so i need something portable (reason i got the 11") + the sleeve saves any accidental drops or scratches.
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yes, I do use the mbp as an ultra portable/ carrying it everywhere
 
if it's going inside a protected case like a backpack, a waterfield suede sleeve will work fine - get the vertical model - $29

sfbags.com
 
I have one mainly because I travel a lot and it allows me to stick it in the seat back pocket or in next to me in my seat without fear of scratching
 
It will probably be fine without a sleeve or case

If you are careful with it. For example, my head is pretty fragile but I walk around without a helmet. So if you are going to treat the MBA as well as your head, then I don't think a case is necessary.

I do however wear a helmet when I ride a bike because of increase risks that I take when I do so. So ask yourself if having a MBA in your backpack filled with other hard and heavy stuff like books which occasionally get thrown around a bit is like your head without a helmet on a bike.

Well, bad analogy. It's just a laptop which you can replace, unlike your head which you cannot. So forget it. You don't need a case for the MBA.

However, if you want a case to protect the MBA, and you don't want to spend $40 on a Incase neoprene, then I would suggest the Be-ez la robe which you can get from Amazon for about $23. It's made out of memory foam, looks a lot nicer than neoprene IMHO, and is probably several times more protective than neoprene. My thought is that if you are going through the trouble of getting a case and using it, it may as well be really good as protecting the MBA.
 
I've decided I'll get a reasonable padded sleeve for the times I may be biking with the laptop and probably go sleeve-less when it's just for walking around in the backpack.

The suggestions so far have been great thanks!
 
I ordered a 13 i5 air and use it to take from home to my office n such. currently have a 13 pro i7 with a speck case and notice that it always makes the screen drop, kinda ruins the look too... debating getting a bookbook for the air with invisible shield


I remember hearing rumors of the next redesign being carbon fiber NOW THAT would be SUPER HOT cause as nice as the aluminum looks the huge downside is how prone to scratches and dents it is.
 
I understand that it might feel better if you don't use protection, however--I feel like it might catch something bad, like scratches, smudges, if you don't. You can be a little bit more rough if you have it protected.



^_^
 
VMMan said:
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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Is this light? are the hard plastic corners inside removable? Can you get it out undoing just top zipper?
 
kilonet said:
Is this light? are the hard plastic corners inside removable? Can you get it out undoing just top zipper?
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I don't remember the weight but it weighs about what I estimated it would judging from the Amazon photos before I bought it. It's not light, but not heavy either.

I never removed the red rubber corners, but I think you can because they sometimes make a Velcro like sound when I push on them.

You have to unzip nearly the entire 3 sides to vet the laptop out. It's designed to not bend and there is padding protecting the laptop from the zippers.

I like it a lot. It looks kind of cool with a lot of style. It's even looking less feminine and more unisex, neutral with those protruding bubbles. But if you want speed of access, get a sleeve that let's you slide the MBA in
 
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