Hello. After researching this on this forum and other forums, I wasn't able to get any kind of definitive answer since the models have changed slightly since the initial 2008 release. I decided to go into an Apple Store to compare them myself side by side. In the end, I decided to get the Speck See Thru.
1. Speck See Thru Hardcase -
Pros
Able to open the screen all the way
Slightly better button construction for battery indicator light
Smaller vent holes on the bottom lead to less dirt coming in - could also be considered a con for operating temps
Cons
- The power adapter rubs the back left corner slightly and is therefore always at a SLIGHT angle and not parallel with the side of the MBP - Speck tried to address this by locating the tab a BIT further back than the right side, but it wasn't enough. What happens is the back end of the power adapter is further away than the front end by about 0.5mm. It doesn't affect the ability of the power adapter to stay in place. A potential quick fix is to take a small file and file away 0.5mm of where the adapter contacts the case.
- The front opening for the Infrared sensor is sized perfectly, but the white sleep light beside it will either be less visible or not visible if you choose a really dark color. With the clear color, this is not an issue since the light goes right through the clear case.
- vent holes not as big as Incase. I think the holes are adequate and this did not affect my decision to purchase the Speck
2. Incase
Pros
- the back left of the bottom portion of the case is moved back far enough to not interfere at all with the mag safe power adapter - this is the MAJOR pro over the Speck Model IMHO
- The front opening for the infrared sensor is sized to accommodate the white sleep light as well so regardless of which color you get, the intensity of the white light is not affected - this is a pro for the darker models, but for the see thru models, I don't consider this a major pro
- the plastic appears to be SLIGHTLY thicker than the Speck. One could argue this provides marginally better protection, but at what cost? The major con is that you can only open the lid to 107 degrees (I measured using the level utility in my iphone)
- slightly bigger vent holes on the bottom - this MAY lead to cooler temps, but at what cost? Possibly more dirt getting in
Cons
- cannot open the lid past 107 degrees. IMO, this is a DEAL BREAKER and the major reason why I decided to get the Speck.
- the button for the battery indicator does the job but didn't look as well moulded as the Speck.
- possibly more dirt getting in due to the bigger vent holes on the bottom
Conclusion
If opening the lid all the way is paramount to you, then get the Speck. If absolute perfection in terms of fitment for the power adapter and an opening for the sleep light is more important to you, get the Incase. I found the other differences negligible. Those are the 3 major differences that will affect most decisions.
1. Speck See Thru Hardcase -
Pros
Able to open the screen all the way
Slightly better button construction for battery indicator light
Smaller vent holes on the bottom lead to less dirt coming in - could also be considered a con for operating temps
Cons
- The power adapter rubs the back left corner slightly and is therefore always at a SLIGHT angle and not parallel with the side of the MBP - Speck tried to address this by locating the tab a BIT further back than the right side, but it wasn't enough. What happens is the back end of the power adapter is further away than the front end by about 0.5mm. It doesn't affect the ability of the power adapter to stay in place. A potential quick fix is to take a small file and file away 0.5mm of where the adapter contacts the case.
- The front opening for the Infrared sensor is sized perfectly, but the white sleep light beside it will either be less visible or not visible if you choose a really dark color. With the clear color, this is not an issue since the light goes right through the clear case.
- vent holes not as big as Incase. I think the holes are adequate and this did not affect my decision to purchase the Speck
2. Incase
Pros
- the back left of the bottom portion of the case is moved back far enough to not interfere at all with the mag safe power adapter - this is the MAJOR pro over the Speck Model IMHO
- The front opening for the infrared sensor is sized to accommodate the white sleep light as well so regardless of which color you get, the intensity of the white light is not affected - this is a pro for the darker models, but for the see thru models, I don't consider this a major pro
- the plastic appears to be SLIGHTLY thicker than the Speck. One could argue this provides marginally better protection, but at what cost? The major con is that you can only open the lid to 107 degrees (I measured using the level utility in my iphone)
- slightly bigger vent holes on the bottom - this MAY lead to cooler temps, but at what cost? Possibly more dirt getting in
Cons
- cannot open the lid past 107 degrees. IMO, this is a DEAL BREAKER and the major reason why I decided to get the Speck.
- the button for the battery indicator does the job but didn't look as well moulded as the Speck.
- possibly more dirt getting in due to the bigger vent holes on the bottom
Conclusion
If opening the lid all the way is paramount to you, then get the Speck. If absolute perfection in terms of fitment for the power adapter and an opening for the sleep light is more important to you, get the Incase. I found the other differences negligible. Those are the 3 major differences that will affect most decisions.
