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New MBP owner, should I get a case or no case? Stressing over this !

Get a MacBook case

  • Yes

    Votes: 14 31.8%

  • No

    Votes: 30 68.2%

  • One of your alternatives listed

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    44
T

Thedemoncowboy91

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 8, 2023
3
0
I just purchased a space gray MBP 14, first one since 2010! It’s amazing, I want to keep it safe.

I bought the in case hard shell for it, but haven’t put it on as I’m worried it will damage the finish of the MBP.

Then I saw a photo of someone’s MBP with the case on and it looked like where the vents were the paint melted.

So please help me, I spent $2400 with apple care. Is it safe to use the in case or would these other options below be better?

thanks frantic newb!

Fintie Sleeve Case Cover for MacBook Air 13.6 A2681 M2 (2022), MacBook Air 13 A2237(M1)/A2179/A1932 (2018-2021), MacBook Pro 13 A2338(M2 M1)/A2251/A2289/A2159/A1989/A1706/A1708 (2016-2022), Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FX2CGC1?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_5B4EZCPQKNZGSG687FW0

TYTX Compatible with MacBook Pro Leather Case with Vents and Stand Function 13 Inch 2016-2022 (A1989 A1706 A1708 A2159 A2289 A2251 A2338 M1 M2) Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089YJX1XW?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_AHQF059EN7BD9RZX2R3Z

Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Hard Shell Protective Laptop Sleeve Compatible with MacBook Pro 16 inch, 15 inch - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N9YGY1P?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_ZYHEQASHS1GWA8TGTBQE

Comfyable Slim Laptop Sleeve 14 Inch Precisely Compatible with MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro/Max & M1 & Old Versioned 13 Inch MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, Carbon Fiber Patterned Computer Case, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P3QNF7J?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_6FXAQAVZPDACMYFHRY06

please help me decide!
 
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Get a Skin.. I use Slick Wraps! And Wrap Bros. They are based in the UK . Both companies have great customer service. I use the Ultimate Clear Matte Skins. Fit and Finish are the best. Plastic Cases add too much weight JMO These matte skins add no extra weight and maintain the color of the laptop!

I have a spare Wrap Bros 14 MBP Skin. I purchased the skin last month and returned the MBP .. DM me if you are interested.

www.slickwraps.com

MacBook Pro 14 (2021) Naked Series Skins

Looking for an alternative to covering your device with a wrap or case? The clear choice is Naked. Providing protection and transparency, Slickwraps’ naked wrap is a durable clear film offered in both matte and gloss finish that protects the look and feel of your device without covering the...
www.slickwraps.com www.slickwraps.com

wrapbros.shop

Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2021, M1) Clear Skin - WrapBros UK

Are you looking to protect your MacBook Pro 14" (2021) without compromising its beautiful shape? The clear skin from WrapBros does just that. Invisibl...
wrapbros.shop wrapbros.shop
 
I don't use a case or any skins for mine and i like it naked on my Macbook Pro 14in M1 Pro. So far it's still in the same condition I got it out of the box.
 
I'm not really digging the ones you posted but mainly because I'm probably fussy and set in my ways.. but I used this for my laptops and I really liked it and I would keep in side if I was on a train or working in a coffee shop etc but then would take out at home or when presenting to customers.

www.twelvesouth.com

BookBook for MacBook from Twelve South

Make a statement with BookBook, the iconic MacBook case. Tailored for USB-C MacBooks, slim design, crush-resistant spine, and hidden portfolio pocket.
www.twelvesouth.com www.twelvesouth.com

I think this is cool but I'm conscious it might be considered a little dated in the style department?
 
I would just use a Laptop Sleeve Laptop Case for 14” Apple MacBook Pro.

www.bestbuy.com

Targus Sleeve for 14" Laptop Black TSS932GL - Best Buy

Shop Targus Sleeve for 14" Laptop Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
www.bestbuy.com www.bestbuy.com

Should be somewhat loose and cushy enough for protecting the 14" MBP while traveling.
 
Last edited:
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I keep a clear hardshell case on my MacBooks to protect the exterior, as well as carrying it inside a laptop bag or laptop backpack. I always go with a TSA compliant backpack for purposes of air travel (although having TSA PreCheck does render that somewhat irrelevant in most airports).
 
Realityck said:
I would just use a Laptop Sleeve Laptop Case for 14” Apple MacBook Pro.

www.bestbuy.com

Targus Sleeve for 14" Laptop Black TSS932GL - Best Buy

Shop Targus Sleeve for 14" Laptop Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
www.bestbuy.com www.bestbuy.com

Should be somewhat loose and cushy enough for protecting the 14" MBP while traveling.
Click to expand...
Wow I love those! Do you notice high temps while operating in case? I was figuring at home to use it on my table cause I know it’s clean and when I’m at work use in csse
 
I use a Moshi case and it has kept mine safe. It paid for itself one day
when I tripped over the power cable (no MagSafe thanks to the morons
at apple) and the rig fell to the hard floor from the dining table. Not a
scratch was detected.

Now that MagSafe is back I would not use a case...because in a couple of years
the value of any apple machine is highly depreciated and not worth anything.
 
I bought this one from Spigen and have been using it for about 3 months with no issues. I went with that one because I did want something that would still feel premium and not plastiky

It’s always about trade offs. It does protect the MacBook, plus I appreciate the texture both for feel and grip (while Apples industrial design is beautiful, it can be slippery). That said, you lose some of the thin and light element (probably part of the reason my 14” seems surprisingly chunky).
 
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These things are made of metal. You don't need a case.

If you're so worried about it, put a lightweight sleeve in your bag so it can be protected in your bag, but there is no point stressing about this.
 
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Really depends on what your day to day usage is? For me it stays at home, so no need for a case. My friend takes hers everywhere, so she has one. You’d get better advice if you described your day to day plans for traveling with it or not. But def not something to overthink, just get one if the spirit moves you and if not, don’t.

Either way, certainly treat it like the expensive device it is.

Another thing I just thought of is that compared to 5-10 years ago or more, nowadays more and more bags and backpacks have dedicated padded compartments for laptops. I used to use cases when traveling, if I did so again I’d probably get a sleeve, but the case/sleeve thickness would depend on how padded the bag I was using is.

Enjoy your new laptop!
 
Use a case if you want to lower the risk of dents and scratches.

Many of the hardshell cases also protect your display from cracks as it prevents the LCD from completely closing on the palm rest.

A case won't damage your computer unless you install it wrong.
 
I believe that no matter how careful you are with your devices, sooner or later some tiny debree will get behind that case of your iPhone/iPad/Macbook and do some minor damage to the exterior, like, for example, tiny dents/scratches on aluminum and paintjob. That is, as far as I have experienced, unavoidable, so, perhaps dont use any cases on your Macbook, just get a good sleeve for it when storing it/taking it with you outside.
Also, hard shell covers, sooner or later, will cause some scratches on the case of your device since there will always be some sort of mini friction between hard plastic case and your laptops aluminum shell when you handle your laptop or travel with it in a bag etc.
 
I keep my MBP's naked as a Jaybird. Always have, and the laptop always holds up well. I personally see no need for a case, but YMMV
 
I've never used a case on the newer Macs. They're extremely durable. Just get a sleeve or a laptop bag and don't throw your laptop like a frisbee.
 
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