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MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

I will be getting a MBP 15" soon, and although I already have a great travel backpack w/laptop area, I'm looking for a slim case that fits these parameters for everyday use:

  • As slim as possible while offering at least scratch protection (minor bump/drop would be great, too, but not needed)
  • Ability to carry charger/small external ssd/cables in the case
  • Has a carry handle
That last one is kinda stumping me. Finding a slim sleeve with a carry handle and small pocket for the mentioned items seems kinda difficult. I don't want a full on shoulder sling or anything like that. Just a handle.
 
dehory said:
ICON Sleeve w/ PerformaKnit for MacBook Pro 13"- Thunderbolt (USB-C) - $89.95

https://www.incase.com/icon-sleeve-with-performaknit-macbook-pro-13

Weight: 275g (vs Inateck felt sleeve which comes in at 140g)

People complained about the fit of the previous generation of Icon sleeve. This new one nails it. Just enough clearance to get my 2018 TB MBP in and out smoothly and easily, but snug enough that there’s zero movement when the flap is closed. The orientation and fit of the opening means you can charge the MBP while it’s protected.

The build quality is solid, though I have concerns about long term durability of the stitching at the flap hinge. The design means you pull on the threads every time you open and close the case - bar-tack stitching would have helped.

My main issue with the case is the material choice. It photographs well, but in person, the look and feel of the fabric isn’t terribly luxurious - certainly not enough to justify the list price. It‘s like a cross between an inexpensive knitted jumper (sweater) and conference room carpeting.

Right now InCase.com has a 30% code (BTS30), but even ~$60 doesn’t feel like good value. If you’re sold on a Tensaerlite sleeve and trying to decide which one to buy, I’d recommend ordering the Diamond Ripstop and Woolenex variants too, see which one you prefer, and return the ones you don’t like.
Click to expand...

I got the same one and agree with your observations.

I'm yet to use it though, I'm still in babying my MacBook phase where I worry about rubbing it against the materials lol.

So I'm still using the inateck felt sleeve currently 🙂
 
case.jpg
 
Any recommendations for a 15” Pro Touch bar folio case? I had a sena leather folio on my air for 6 years and it really kept it really well. Can’t seem to find anything for the pro.

Any assistance much appreciated!
 
Originally wanted a slimline messenger bag for my new MBP, but then realized that finding the ideal one would be a difficult, time-consuming task. Whereas if I bought a good, small backpack that I could also use as an aircraft carry-on or light travelling bag I would be able to kill two birds with one stone. So that's what I did. 🙂

The one I chose was the Samsonite Paradiver Light, Tablet 10.1" size, which incidentally fits the 2016-2018 13" macbooks like a glove. There is also a larger version of the backpack, but I felt that one would be too cumbersome in day to day use.

Paradiver Light is padded on all sides, and particularly where it rests against the wearer's back. The construction overall is extremely sturdy and well made, the fabrics, zippers, straps and seams are all of excellent quality materials. The outer fabric is covered with a smooth synthetic material and the zippers are sealed, making it virtually completely rainproof. Only the most intense of torrential downpours could possibly hope to defeat this very solid backpack! The main compartment has twin zippers with interlocking eyelets, making it easy to secure with a padlock (I have a TSA approved lock which I bought in Merica back in 2006 which hasn't seen much use since.)

Apart from the laptop pocket inside the main compartment there are also a multitude of other pockets, inside and outside. There is a large mesh pocket on the inner side of the backpack's opening flap which is well suited for holding say, a laptop power brick for example so it doesn't rattle around and damage itself or other items (or in the case of when you travel, any documents you need to keep easily visible and handy like insurance papers, boarding card, passport and so on.) Also inside, alongside the laptop pocket, there is also a padded mouse pocket with its own velcro flap (which easily swallows a Magic Mouse - which one should remember to turn off, lest the laptop is powered up inside your backpack and runs down the battery and causes heat buildup), and a smartphone pocket that should handle most any size phone except perhaps the most ludicrous ones. There's also two pen holders here, if someone has a crazy urge to write something down on a piece of paper for some reason. (Don't we live in the 21st century now, yes?)

Accessible from the outside of the backpack there's three additional pockets; one larger one on the main compartment's flap, which I find useful for storing my padlock when it is not being used, as well as my spare Apple Watch charger and an USB-C to lightning cable. On the side there's a small pocket with a mesh bottle holder stashed inside it, and on the rear side, near where the carrying straps connect there's a shallow "hidden" pocket which Samsonite's website claims is suited for wallet storage, but which it is clearly not, since you can't lock this pocket. Only the main compartment is lockable.

Even when using the backpack as a computer carrying bag there's still plenty space left inside; when travelling you could quite comfortably fit some spare clothes and toiletries in there, like a pair of pants, a shirt and underwear and so on, as well as an inflatable headrest pillow. Gymbag this pack probably isn't good as though, as squeezing in a pair of indoors shoes and water bottle along with towel, change of clothes and so on would be difficult. It is a small backpack after all!

Went out with my Mac inside it today, and it performed beautifully. Brought the power brick and extension cable too just to test out how it would feel, and it's no problems whatsoever. This is a very nice computer backpack, the one thing I would have preferred to see was a velcro strap to secure the internal phone pocket. Other than that though, nothing to complain about really.

Score: 9/10, easily.
 
Quackington said:
Has anyone ever used a RadTech sleeve? They won't protect your MBA/P from drops etc. but it's a form-fitting sleeve and looks nice. I had one for my PowerBook back in the day, now my MacBook Air and am thinking about getting another for my future MBP:

https://www.radtech.com/products/sleevznotebooks

It's a shame I can't find them in the UK anymore, have to import.
Click to expand...

I have used Radtech sleeves for all of my wife and I's MacBooks and MacBook Pros for many years. I still use a variety of different cases and bags depending on what I am doing or where I am going, but the Radtech sleeve is a constant. All my Mac laptops are basically scratch free since they are always in the sleeve when not being used. I also recommend the Radtech ScreenSaverz to go between keyboard and screen. I usually order a matching set--Sleeve and Screensaver--with any new laptop. My current 12" MacBook lives in the Indigo blue sleeve with indigo screensavers.
 
Anyone picked up the latest 15" MBP and can recommend a good sleeve?

I'd like one that has really soft padding so that it can avoid any scratches from the zip/pull.

Almost contemplating getting a customer case done that will let me carry the 12.9 ipad + MBP together.
 
I measured the width of the zipper and is is about 20cm, definitely wouldn't fit a 22cm wide iPad. Smaller Pro should be fine.

That is on a sleeve for a 15 inch Macbook Pro!
 
I have to show love to the sleeve I just purchased as I think it perfect for my 2018 MBP. The Comfyable Laptop Sleeve for 15 Inch New MacBook Pro 2016-2018 is awesome. It’s light, form fitting, water proof and looks good. Their material on the outside is not slippery and looks professional and the inside material is soft so it won’t scuff your MBP. It also has an interior lip to protect it from the zipper. These guys thought of everything. Now there’s no protection build in for drops but I use this case in my backpack so I don’t have too much worry about that. Honestly this is the best sleeve I’ve had (I’m a newbie so I haven’t had this MBP long).
 
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my new mcm stark backpack, fits both 13inch 2015 and 15inch 2016 😎

ok this site's image posting tools is clearly retarded. guess u guys have to take my word for it LOL

[MOD NOTE]
I fixed for you. The image was not working because the link you provided didn't end in a jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
felixroqu3 said:
After ordering like 4 different sleeves and returning them all, I came across this vertical sleeve and fell in love with it. Its slim, feels great and its fits perfectly. Exactly what I was looking.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079STBPHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
I bought this one per your recommendation and it's PERFECT! Since I put my mac in a messenger bag this one allows the computer to fit nicely. Thank you! I highly recommend this one too.
 
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