Macbook Pro case: Best protection from drop etc?

[tomasgrapes]

Hi guys!

As my late macbook (may it rest in peace) took a brutal beating in the last 3 years with replaced screen splashed water dropped a couple of times etc dents etc. I have a new 15 inch macbook pro finally after much saving. I was wondering whether a soft or hard case or incase or speck would offer better protection? For things like shock, protection drop etc. In most cases I dropped my macbook while I was using it so I'm leaning towards a hard case. Yes, being careful would be the best option but it wouldn't hurt to further insure my 2500 machine right?Especially since I have to keep it for next 4-5 years. And I'm aware a case wouldn't completely protect it but its better than nothing right?

I've looked at previous posts and looked at suggestions in general,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...17145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B003ODSX1I

Incase Satin Black Hardcase?

But I've read that one of these cases have issues with closing or overheating or is that just hoopla? Anyways, is there a specific one which is better or are they pretty much all the same? I mean I have a crappy softcase right now so would it be even better if I got a hardcase and slipped it into the soft case?

I'm in canada as well so darn those taxes!

Thanks!

 

[mac00l]

Sure that case will protect it from dents while open, but not from a drop. I mean, if you drop it while using it, the least of your worries should be denting.

Right now I don't recall any case that will protect your mbp from a drop while open. All shock resistant cases that I know are meant to keep the computer inside while being transported.

I would need more information regarding your use, and why is it almost a fact that you'll drop it eventually. But why not getting an external display for when using at home/office paired with spill resistant keyboard. While on the go use THIS SLEEVE that is warranted to protect the computer from drops. And if you use it anywhere else, just be extra careful.

 

[palpatine]

Hi guys!

Incase Satin Black Hardcase?

But I've read that one of these cases have issues with closing or overheating or is that just hoopla? Anyways, is there a specific one which is better or are they pretty much all the same? I mean I have a crappy softcase right now so would it be even better if I got a hardcase and slipped it into the soft case?

I'm in canada as well so darn those taxes!

Thanks!

i use a clear elecom case for my 13". even if you are careful, mayhem happens. it's a good investment.

i have not seen any evidence that the case causes overheating. in my tests, there was no difference with or without case.

i put it in a padded carrying case/sleeve, and that carrying case goes into my backpack. and, i rarely carry other stuff like books in my backpack that might put pressure on the lid. i do a lot of traveling, so it spends a fair amountof time in transit. that seems like the best i can do!

 

[tomasgrapes]

Its not that I'll drop it eventually (I hope not) but I just rather have more insurance and peace of mind I guess. Its just the chair rests in class are quite small or lack them. Those that do have the chair rest aren't really designed to have a computer situated comfortably on top of them. The last time it happened it just a swipe of arm by accident...

If its a hardcase I was wondering if this:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/InCase-Hardshell...ultDomain_2&hash=item27bb4edad6#ht_2594wt_936

Would provide pretty good protection in general?

 

[palpatine]

THIS SLEEVE that is warranted to protect the computer from drops. And if you use it anywhere else, just be extra careful.

no. the g form case is not warranted to protect the computer from drops. the sleeve itself is warranted. still, it seems well-designed. i don't have the case, but i am thinking about getting one. it is the best i have ever seen, and i agree that the op sounds like a perfect candidate for it

 

[palpatine]

Its not that I'll drop it eventually (I hope not) but I just rather have more insurance and peace of mind I guess. Its just the chair rests in class are quite small or lack them. Those that do have the chair rest aren't really designed to have a computer situated comfortably on top of them. The last time it happened it just a swipe of arm by accident...

If its a hardcase I was wondering if this:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/InCase-Hardshell...ultDomain_2&hash=item27bb4edad6#ht_2594wt_936

Would provide pretty good protection in general?

someone knocked my laptop (toshiba) off the desk last year. big ass, narrow aisle, small desk top=trouble. fortunately, it survived.

the case you linked to looks like what i have. i have no idea if it will provide adequate protection. and, i am not going to test mine but, it is better than nothing. if you have seen some of the horror show pictures on the forum, then you know how ugly things can get! hopefully, the hard case will help.

also, you ought to have apple care and insurance. insurance is cheap and will get you a brand new computer if something awful happens. it is well worth it for the peace of mind.

 

[mac00l]

no. the g form case is not warranted to protect the computer from drops. the sleeve itself is warranted. still, it seems well-designed. i don't have the case, but i am thinking about getting one. it is the best i have ever seen, and i agree that the op sounds like a perfect candidate for it

Well this official video kind of claim it does. That's the closest you'll ever get to be protected from drops.

But again, there is no single case that will protect it while open. The best bet would be one of those ugly hard plastic cases, at least if it falls, the plastic will absorb most of the shock, and in the best case scenario, the case will fly away like crazy, dissipating the resulting energy transferred to the logic board.

EDIT: I apology, I was trying to write in a figurative way. While there is no warranty or whatsoever regarding protection from drops, that case is as close as you'll ever get to get it, and I was just using the video as a way to express how they claim the case is drop proof, even if not explicit being claim on paper.

 

[palpatine]

Well this official video kind of claim it does. That's the closest you'll ever get to be protected from drops.

But again, there is no single case that will protect it while open. The best bet would be one of those ugly hard plastic cases, at least if it falls, the plastic will absorb most of the shock, and in the best case scenario, the case will fly away like crazy, dissipating the resulting energy transferred to the logic board.

no. you are wrong. the link to the site you sent us is explicit about their warranty:

"We’re happy that some of our customers’ electronics have survived their testing Extreme Sleeves, but we don’t encourage or recommend intentionally dangerous stunts, and although we are confident that G-Form provides the best protection available, we can’t guarantee your electronics from damage from any specific drop or impact in our Extreme Sleeve whether accidental or intentional. The terms of our limited lifetime warranty and liability disclaimer can be found here, and as you can see it covers your sleeve but not your personal property/electronics whether inside or outside your sleeve!"

The link to the video you sent never makes any such claim. At best, they say "extreme protection."

There is a huge difference (thousands of dollars) between "kind of" claims to guarantee protection, and "guarantees protection."

BUT, I agree with you. This is the best one I have seen (in terms of cost and practicality).

 

[palpatine]

EDIT: I apology, I was trying to write in a figurative way. While there is no warranty or whatsoever regarding protection from drops, that case is as close as you'll ever get to get it, and I was just using the video as a way to express how they claim the case is drop proof, even if not explicit being claim on paper.

Thanks for posting the links to the site and the video. I think anyone thinking of buying a sleeve / case ought to see them. I agree. It is the best!

 

[getz76]

You cannot cheat physics.

A hard-shell type case is never the answer for protecting against drops. You need something to absorb the impact and decelerate the object; think of the way an airbag works in a car.

A hard-shell type case will not slow the rate of the fall of the laptop within. All of the innards are still moving at the same rate and suddenly stopping. The innards are not shock-mounted. Problem areas are the hard-drive, the optical drive, the head-sinks, the fans, the trackpad and compression of the display glass.

If you look inside a Panasonic ToughBook, you will see a lot of shock-mounting. That's also why they are 2+" thick.

 

[GGJstudios]

The booq Vyper is the best protection I've ever seen in a notebook sleeve. In my opinion, it offers far better protection than any neoprene case, the zippers never come into contact with your MBP, and it looks great!

I once dropped my 15" MBP down a flight of wooden stairs, wrapped only in the Vyper. Not a dent. Not a scratch. No damage of any kind.

 

[RedRaven571]

The booq Vyper is the best protection I've ever seen in a notebook sleeve. I once dropped my 15" MBP down a flight of wooden stairs, wrapped only in the Vyper. Not a dent. Not a scratch. No damage of any kind.

Sounds like what I need for my son's new 13"MBP; by any chance do you know if the MBP will still fit if it has a Speck hardcase (black satin) on it?

 

[GGJstudios]

Sounds like what I need for my son's new 13"MBP; by any chance do you know if the MBP will still fit if it has a Speck hardcase (black satin) on it?

I haven't tried that. It fits pretty snug, so if the hardcase adds much to the dimensions, it may not fit.

 

[RedRaven571]

I haven't tried that. It fits pretty snug, so if the hardcase adds much to the dimensions, it may not fit.

Thanks for the reply. Maybe I'll email the manufacturer and ask if they know.

 

[rockinrocker]

The booq Vyper is the best protection I've ever seen in a notebook sleeve. In my opinion, it offers far better protection than any neoprene case, the zippers never come into contact with your MBP, and it looks great!

I once dropped my 15" MBP down a flight of wooden stairs, wrapped only in the Vyper. Not a dent. Not a scratch. No damage of any kind.

Those Vypers do look pretty sweet. Too bad they don't have anywhere to attach a shoulder strap...

 

[palpatine]

Those Vypers do look pretty sweet. Too bad they don't have anywhere to attach a shoulder strap...

they have bags with shoulder straps.

 

[GGJstudios]

Those Vypers do look pretty sweet. Too bad they don't have anywhere to attach a shoulder strap...

That's because it's a sleeve, not a case. booq does sell some great cases, as well, but the sleeves are intended to be carried by hand or put inside another case.

 

[neurophysicist]

buying advice needed

Hey guys,

I was also searching for a case for my 2011 15" MBP. I currently have a nice swiss sleeve I received as a gift early in the year and it is great protection. However, I do not currently have a case and have been looking for the most protective one on the market. I once had my MBP knocked over (fortunately the lid was closed), but the dents have remained.

Nevertheless, I was wondering what the other users thought would be the best case for drop protection (though I understand none of them are great. The user getz76 pointed out very well the limitations of a hard case). I was thinking of settling on the incase based on reviews (however if anyone thinks another product is better I am all ears).

1. Does anyone know of any cases that have shock resistant material rather than just these plastic cases?
2. Does anyone have experience with the BodyGuardz fake carbon fiber covers? I had read they do not add anything in the way of drop protection, but I wondered if it would be any worse than the incase. If not, then I would rather settle on that based on the look of it.