LaRobe vs Incase vs Cote et Ciel

[JR1993]

http://store.apple.com/uk/reviews/H...fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=MjA3MTQxOTU&s=topSellers

http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/neoprene-sleeve-cl57802

http://www.be-ez.com/la-robe-air-bw.html


Struggling to decide!!!!.........

I like the Cote et Ciel, but some of it being exposed worries me a little bit, although I think it would be fine as it would be carried in a bag. The Incase looks like it is not very protective, but that is just from images. The LaRobe looks protective, but I prefer the look of the Cote et Ciel.

My main 'want' is that it is a snug fit on my 2011 MBA 13"

Could I have some opinions please?
And please vote on the poll

 

[marrzie]

The robe is super protective. Much much nicer than I thought it would be. I don't like neoprene at all and while the robe looks similar it is not neoprene. It feels nicer and looks like higher quality. Seems like it will hold up better than neoprene. But it does not offer super snug fit. I could easily fit an iPad and most likely 2 in with the 13" air. Wouldn't be smart though considering theres only one compartment. Its not huge but it is taller than my bookbook and just as wide. But if I dropped my air I would prefer to drop it in the robe not the bookbook.

 

[Adidas Addict]

You can't go wrong with any of those 3.

Cote et Ceil = Stylish and well made

Incase = Lovely fur lining and great fit

Be-Ez = Memory foam for more protection but heavier/bulkier.

 

[ZipZap]

You can't go wrong with any of those 3.

Cote et Ceil = Stylish and well made

Incase = Lovely fur lining and great fit

Be-Ez = Memory foam for more protection but heavier/bulkier.

Be-Ez is in no way heavier. My 13" case is light as a feather.

 

[meistervu]

the Be-ez is not in the same league

Having bought both a Incase neoprene and the Be-ez LA robe, I don't see why anyone would be interested in any case made out of neoprene after trying the Be-ez.

Protection: neoprene is like an old leather helmet where as the Be-ez memory foam is like a modern helmet. Neoprene will protect against scratches, but there doesn't seem to be much shock absorption value. The Be-ez on the other hand is quite protective: I can put my hand inside it and pound on it with my fist and all I feel is a muted sort of pressure. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes 7 of these neoprene cases to provide the same protection as 1 memory foam case like the Be-ez.

Weight: I can't really tell as they were both really light, but the Be-ez felt lighter.

Look: the Be-ez LA robe looks more substantial, finished, and more solid where as the neoprene case is more like a piece of clothing.

Size: the Incase neoprene may be slightly thinner, but not noticeably so. Perhaps if you have them side by side, and compare them carefully, you may see a difference. But you are talking about a minuscule difference here.

Design: I found the fold over lip of the Incase cumbersome. The Be-ez LA robe zipper on the other hand is great, with soft lips around the zipper so that it doesn't come in contact with the MBA, and the case fitted my MBA 13 really well: snug but not too tight so that it's easy to remove the MBA.

Price: You can get the Be-ez for around $24 from Amazon. The Incase from Apple Store is about $40. I would pay twice as much for the Be-ez and be happier than getting the Incase neoprene. So at $24, the Be-ez is a screaming deal. Now that I really thought about it, I would paid 3x as much for the Be-ez rather than getting a neoprene sleeve. It's that good.

 

[Abstract]

Oh look, another thread in which I can explain to people how awesome the LA Robe is.


Nah, I won't. People probably get it by now.





PS: Neoprene sucks.

 

[c613m]

I just bought the Incase one a received it yesterday. I think it's great, it wasn't too expensive and is very snug and light. I went with this one because I bought the same one but for my girlfriends Macbook about a year ago and it does it's job.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[yuanmoons]

Brought incase because it was the only custom one i could find what wasn't a rip off. I like it - does the basic job of protecting the mba from scratching when in a bag, which is all i wanted. Cant comment on others.

I did see the Cote online but because the fit was for pro i went against it - would have brought it otherwise.

 

[weckart]

$40 for a basic sleeve and one that Incase has seemingly shelved for a zipped version, judging from our local Apple Stores, is a joke.

$10 or so gets you a similar flip top sleeve that doesn't leave a gap uncovered, such as the ones from Acer and Asus via Amazon and if you don't mind a generic unbranded neoprene sleeve for about half that.

Otherwise, something like this in tan or black won't break the bank either.

Out of the three listed in the OP it is obvious which one to go for.

 

[rchip]

I had the neoprene incase and sold it and bought the la robe, it's 100000 times better, it's got protective edges as well, it's A*!

 

[Built]

Decided to pull the trigger on the Be.ez LaRobe...One for my 2011 MBA 13 and the different version of the same sleeve for my 2010 MBP 13.

I am glad I did. Superior protection. Great quality. Just awesome. Lightweight yet sturdy.

These remind me somewhat of some Japanese memory foam cases I got for my old Windows laptops back in 2008...called Zeroshock.

 

[richpjr]

I'd go for the Be.ez LaRobe

 

[Pipper99]

I have the Be-ex La Robe, and I'm very pleased with it.

 

[yuanmoons]

I think I'm going to return my Incase and buy a LaRobe.... my return date for incase is today should be ok for tomorrow (kept packaging), and if yes ill get the LaRobe - Black & Wasabi!

I saw the LaRobe before buying the incase but i thought it was for the 1st gen MBA. It is 30% / £10 cheaper and it seems to offer better protection...

 

[hasty1991]

The LaRobe is great. It's a little bit stiff, but it's great. Has done a great job so far.

 

[yuanmoons]

I got the Incase and LArobe (black & wasabi) in front of me. Quick observations:

- Incase has a nice soft feel, LA is stiff memory material. Prefer Incase feel inside & out.
- LA offers 'better' protection based on memory material. But if its just scratch protection then incase is adequate.
- LA slightly thicker all round. Incase is def thin.
- Incase fits the MBA 13 perfectly.
- LA fitting is snug but because of the thicker material it is boxy - not figure hugging like Incase.
- LA - The thick / hinged side of the MBA sits flush with the inside the case whilst the other side, being uber thin, does not rest on the inside seam of the case, it sits either side of the inner rim. If it fell on that side you still have the memory material protection which is prob equivalent to Incase border protection...?
- LA cost me £18 whilst the Incase was £29.95 = 40% cheaper.
- Incase has no zipper leaving a thin slit opening, so could get scratched in bag if you were really unlucky.
- Weights 168grms Incase to 172grms LA.

I like the Incase - has a quality & sleek feel - but overall the LArobe wins, offering better protection for much cheaper. But both are good - had i never got the LA i wouldn't be unhappy.

 

[Formula1freak]

Great observations, I also have the exact same Be.ez La robe air and I am in love with it, offers the best protection! I would feel way more comfortable if I were to accidentally drop the macbook air in the la robe as opposed to the incase.