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Need Help! Trying to decide what case to buy for my new MBP - retina!

J

Just2Good

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 26, 2012
83
1
Just recently bought the new Retina display Mac Book Pro.

macbook_pro_retina_display.jpg


Looking for ideas/suggestions on what type of laptop case to purchase. I will most likely slip it inside a backpack when traveling so i don't want anything too bulky. However, i do want to protect the laptop from damage as well. Any ideas?
 
How hard are you on your backpack? Do you throw it around? If so, you'd want to look at hard cases.

If you don't throw your backpack around, there are a number of soft cases that could do well.

Do you want more cushioning and a thicker case? Would you be ok with less? Do you want something that is water proof?
 
leenak said:
How hard are you on your backpack? Do you throw it around? If so, you'd want to look at hard cases.

If you don't throw your backpack around, there are a number of soft cases that could do well.

Do you want more cushioning and a thicker case? Would you be ok with less? Do you want something that is water proof?
Click to expand...

Yea i throw my backpack a bit, sort of toss it, usually onto a soft surface, found a dent in my previous MBP for that, decided to buy a Pelican.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069IYAA8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Hoping I can still fit it in my backpack.
 
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Just2Good said:
Looking for ideas/suggestions on what type of laptop case to purchase. I will most likely slip it inside a backpack when traveling so i don't want anything too bulky. However, i do want to protect the laptop from damage as well. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Already a nice big thread about this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1391592/

I personally suggest a slip case. Best balance between going naked and having protection when you need it.

They are $100, but I don't think anything comes close to these:
il_570xN.285177223.jpg

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PicasoLab

If you need something still small but with pockets, I like the WaterField CitySlicker.
 
Yeah, I mean these notebooks are designed to be used without a giant piece of plastic obscuring every exposed surface. Get a nice protective sleeve that zips up and slide it into your backpack. It's really uncommon that you'd put the notebook in danger while it is set on a surface being used.
 
Oh and I haven't seen this in the other thread but its very minimalistic and nice looking for a simple sleeve:
FUG001-P00150_img01_sub.jpg

http://www.crumpler.com/us/Laptop-B...Fug-15.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=FUG001-P00150

And I love my Colcasac one, I think they are one of the best sleeves you can get but some people don't like the more natural styling. I wanted it because it doesn't scream 'expensive laptop inside'.

but again, depends on your usage and care.
 
How careful am I?

leenak said:
How hard are you on your backpack? Do you throw it around? If so, you'd want to look at hard cases.

If you don't throw your backpack around, there are a number of soft cases that could do well.

Do you want more cushioning and a thicker case? Would you be ok with less? Do you want something that is water proof?
Click to expand...

I tend to be pretty careful with my laptop as it takes quite a bit of mullah to buy one these days and mom and dad aren't the ones doing the shopping anymore if you know what i mean!

I personally prefer something that is not too bulky. I had never thought about a case being waterproof! However, because i dont find myself in the rain all that often (mostly inside buildings/bedroom etc), i dont know that has to be a requirement.

Ultimately looking for something that will protect yet that is not too heavy or bulky or too out there graphically (no skulls and crossbones!).
 
Well there are lots of options, you can peruse that other thread mentioned. It'll make your head spin a little perhaps.

My newest contribution this morning was this one from Timbuk2 which I think is a pretty good one if you want a little extra foam padding that isn't bulky:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/crater-laptop-sleeve

A neoprene sleeve, like the Crumpler one, or the ColcaSac will probably give you the least amount of bulk and some protection.
 
I've ordered this one from Joli Originals, can't wait to get my hands on it, my Retina MacBook Pro is naked for too long already! :)
AvoL-uECIAEkzuP.png:medium


I put this into either a backpack or a shoulder bag, somehow I'm addicted to crumpler for the bags, their sleeves look really bulky. Have been using the Joli sleeves for my iPad and 2010 11" MacBook Air for quite a long time now, still look and feel awesome :)
 
leenak said:
Well there are lots of options, you can peruse that other thread mentioned. It'll make your head spin a little perhaps.

My newest contribution this morning was this one from Timbuk2 which I think is a pretty good one if you want a little extra foam padding that isn't bulky:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/crater-laptop-sleeve

A neoprene sleeve, like the Crumpler one, or the ColcaSac will probably give you the least amount of bulk and some protection.
Click to expand...

I appreciate all your replies and help. Does anyone own the neopreen sleeve made by incase sold on the Apple store? I think this is sort of what i am looking for (FYI i think the ColcaSac looks really cool, just wont be all that practical for me). Any info on the following would be useful:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H5198ZM/A/Incase_Neoprene_Slim_Sleeve?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng


I think this is becoming a very helpful thread (and im guessing not just for me). I assume there are other people out there that have just bought a retina laptop and are having to make the same choice i am -- "What laptop case should i buy?"

Just to throw one more case in the mix (found while browsing online) is:

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/mamba-sleeve/MSL15-BLK

I have never owned one of these but it also looks like another option to consider. I have not made up my mind on a case yet, although i am leaning somewhat toward the apple incase mentioned above. I'm interested in any other options available for the retina laptop!

I would guess that there are companies trying to adopt their cases to fit the 'thinner' design, and in a month or so more options will be available on the market. Is this about right?

----------

Do you think it would be helpful (for other people asking the same questions as me) to have all the links/cases mentioned in this thread to be combined into a list at the top of the forum so people can reference this list and keep adding their ideas?
 
leenak said:
I think it has been noted that the inCase sleeves are too big, like they fit but are baggy.

This is the existing thread with people's input:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1391592/
Click to expand...

I totally missed that thread in my search. I apologize if i started up another duplicated thread. If a moderator wants to just close this one that is fine. I know that some people get quite frustrated attempting to keep track of multiple threads and i can understand why that would be!

However if people feel this thread is still useful, i'm ok with keeping it open. I know its been very helpful for me!
 
Last edited:
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