Purchasing a new 15in MBP looking for a good case Please READ/HELP

[2high2aim]

So far I am considering on getting the Invisishield (question regarding heat dissipation) on a new 15 MBP as I am a college student and use it in most of my classes plus I travel often.

I am looking for case such as the

Moshi Codex 15 which is a wonderfully designed case that I can put my MBP in and also use it WITHIN the case and not having to take it out for added security. My questions is are there other cases similar to Moshi's.

http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=889&Page=3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqNFgBHw_zU


Other cases I am considering is the Incase Neoprene Sleeve but it does not open all the way/tie onto the screen for use in the case like Moshi.

What cases are you using and what suggestions do you have.

 

[alphaod]

I use the neoprene sleeve if the bag I have doesn't have adequate padding; otherwise I slip the computer bare in a messenger bag or backpad; I can't justify the added weight of using a big case.

 

[cyclical]

Moshi Codex 15 which is a wonderfully designed case that I can put my MBP in and also use it WITHIN the case and not having to take it out for added security. My questions is are there other cases similar to Moshi's.

Using your notebook with the case still attached can't be good for ventilation

I'm with alphaod: I prefer a simple sleeve.

 

[2high2aim]

I use the neoprene sleeve if the bag I have doesn't have adequate padding; otherwise I slip the computer bare in a messenger bag or backpad; I can't justify the added weight of using a big case.

Using your notebook with the case still attached can't be good for ventilation

I'm with alphaod: I prefer a simple sleeve.

True but I did some research into the moshi case and it has some space on the bottom of the laptop for ventilation because the latop sits on small rubber legs and so there's a slight space for ventilation the only thing is I hope its not too big to reduce its mobility. I want something similar to the moshi but small in size hoping if a forum member here uses the case to give his views cuz I havent seen it in any store but seen them on sale online.

BTW my other question was about the invisishield and its ability to dissipate heat or do people have problems with temps and invisishields

 

[2high2aim]

Just bought an Invisishield from Zagg and now I need to decide on the case. Please offer some good solutions as I do not have a notebook/messenger bag of my own. Please offer some good solutions for a traveler/student (mobility/safety) for cases.

 

[seitou]

I just got my Incase neoprene sleeve arrived today actually.

In all honestly if you're talking about mobility I feel it'd be more practical to just put it in a sleeve that can be tossed in a bag rather than a case.

Regardless of the rubber feet on the bottom of a Moshi case the memory foam material the platform is made of cannot be an effective means heat dissipation. If anything it would seem like it'd be a really great insulator.

 

[2high2aim]

lol so true haha kind of like a wet suit that keeps the temps up . I am probably going to end up getting the Incase Neoprene Sleeve, its just I wanted something unique if you know what I mean.

I just found this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dy9-2JSSxA

Isis Memory Foam Sleeve...how does it compare to Incase?

 

[2high2aim]

Note: I have two ZAGG discount codes that I was given but will end up not using myself: one for 40% off anything in their store that expires April 30 (tomorrow!) and a 20% off code that expires May 31. they are transferrable. If you want a discount code, let me know via private forum message. First person to PM me gets the 40%, and the second person gets the 20%.

Well, My ZAGG shield for my MacBook Pro arrived a couple of days ago and I have it installed on my unibody MBP.

Some photos...

Before the installation:

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0479.JPG
http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0480.JPG
http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0481.JPG
http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0482.JPG

You basic run-of-the-mill 15" 2010 unibody MacBook pro.

The ZAGG Invisible shield for this comes in a cardboard tube enclosure, so everything is rolled up. Unpackaged, it looks like this:

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0483.JPG

Inside the package you get:

- Several sheets with die-perforated shield pieces (they still need to be lightly "punched out" of the sheet with your fingers)

- A bottle of "Shield Spray"

- A rubber squeegee

- Instructions and a map of sorts that show where the pieces go.

Punched-out, the pieces will look like this:

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0484.JPG

Basically, you get 2 large sheets of the film for the bottom of the MBP (with cutouts for the screws and the rubber feet), and the "top" shell portion, a strip that covers the palmrest area, a separate piece (two actually, one's a spare) that covers the trackpad, and several strips that adhere to the edges of the macbook pro, including the black hinge portion in the rear.

Left uncovered are the areas around the USB/networking/AV ports, the area immediately surround the optical drive, the keyboard and keyboard grill, and the screen.

Putting all of these on took me an hour and a half. No joke. Invisible shields have always required a lot of skill and patience to put on, and this was by far the hardest one I've ever done. I've done almost a dozen iPhones (for myself and friends), some cameras, and some GPS units. This was my first laptop... and hopefully my last.

Some tips and warnings:

- If you've never applied a ZAGG Invisible shield on anything before, a laptop is NOT the device to start with. The fact that this requires such big pieces makes this a very tough job.

- That said, if you've worked with these things before and have successfully installed ZAGG shields on other devices, then you have a much better chance of doing this right. You just need a lot of patience and time, and you need to stay cool and calm. If you're in a bad mood, stressed or impatient, guaranteed you will ruin the shield and botch the installation.

- That spray is there for a reason. ZAGG shields are applied while wet. Follow the instructions carefully, and only use what you need... not too much, and NEVER spray the device directly, JUST the shield material and your fingers a safe distance away from the device so that no mist gets on it. You should also have some absorbent paper towels handy, ready to cover any exposed ports and prevent the liquid from going places it shouldn't go.

Again, if you've never done this before and are not comfortable with applying an adhesive material to your devices using "wet" methods, then do not attempt this! If you accidentally soak your macbook or damage the internals or the finish, the fault is your own!

ZAGG has mall kiosks and stores that will apply this material on your macbook pro for you, if you want this. Go to their website and see if there are locations near you.

- The big pieces and the stretchy material means that it's very easy to stretch the shield WAY out of proportion while putting it on. As you're putting the pieces on, do it slowly, and pause every so often to let the material "rest" and slowly contract to it's correct size. If you've "overstretched" a piece, you'll know right away, at which point you're going to need to carefully peel it off, lay it flat on its non-sticky side, and let it go back to it's normal size... then, try again. Don't count on being able to "trim" the pieces. This material is VERY durable, and it will even resist being cut by an x-acto knife, requiring lots of pressure and guaranteeing that the excessive force required to cut it means you'll damage the aluminum finish.

- If you decide (again at your own risk!) to do this, definitely practice first with the trackpad. If anything, ZAGG gives you a spare trackpad piece, and it will give you an idea of what you're dealing with here.


Once the shield is applied, it adds a glossy sheen:

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0485.JPG

As is typical with Invisible shield installs, you might see some air bubbles and small pockets. These smooth out over a few days.

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0486.JPG

This is the part of the shield protecting the palmrest area, and the shield over the trackpad. Again, some bubbles here, but they will go away as the material "breathes."


I'm least happy with how the bottom turned out, since I ended up with the most air bubbles there:

http://scaredpoet.com/images/forums/mbpzagg/IMG_0487.JPG

The bottom is the toughest section to put on, because there are four holes that line up with the rubber feet, and then a bunch of smaller tiny holes that are supposed to line up with the case screws. As a result, I had to return putting on the bottom the most times, and the more I retried, the more bubbles I got. Fortunately, people don't often stare the bottom of my laptops, so I can live with this.

Would I do it again if I had the choice? Honestly, I'm not so sure. I definitely see where Invisible shields are useful on things like iPhones, which get carried around a lot and might get more easily banged up. It also helps the smaller gadgets mean smaller shield bits, meaning they aren't nearly as hard to put on.

Even so, now that I have it on, I'm pretty sure it will stay there and that it will do a great job of protecting most of the exterior from scuffs and scrapes.

I put this quote so when I do install it I can quickly review my own threads quickly

 

[2high2aim]

Please read the following in its ENTIRETY before starting work. Feel free to ask me any questions and I may update the guide to clarify it for you.

I recommend working in the least-dusty room possible, with adequate ventilation and lighting. I usually resort to using a bathroom with the fan on, since the ShieldSpray solution nauseates me somewhat, although it's supposedly non-toxic. Also have a thin towel or cloth under the computer to soak up the ShieldSpray that will leak out as you are applying the InvisibleShield. Also, for any pieces that have holes or other openings, be sure to remove the material from the holes before removing the shield from the backing. It's much easier if you do it this way. Also, all of my previous MacBook Pros all had removable batteries and so I opted to take out the battery before starting work. If you have this option, I suggest you do this too. Otherwise, just be sure that the computer is completely powered off. I will probably remove the battery from my new MacBook Pro when it arrives, even though it is somewhat of a pain to do so.

Start by getting a roll of tape. I recommend either electrical tape, which is what I've used in the past, or masking tape. Scotch tape is probably the least preferred type. Take one long piece and cover all the ports on the left side. Take another piece and cover both the optical drive and the kensington lock slot. Then take one last piece and cover the opening at the back of the computer.

Open up the InvisibleShield package if you haven't already and lay the pieces out on the floor. Next, wash your hands thoroughly. The drier your hands the better, referring specifically to oils, not water. Take the piece that goes on the back of the screen and remove it from the sheet. Next, spray your fingertips with ShieldSpray and proceed to remove the shield from the backing at one corner. Every time you expose a little of the shield spray it several times (2-3) with ShieldSpray to ensure that all exposed parts remain wet. If dry pieces touch one another it will be impossible to separate them without damaging the shield. Once you have removed the entire piece from the backing, discard the backing and ensure that the entire sticky side of the shield is wet.

Now apply the shield to the computer. I usually line up the top edge and then the sides before slowly applying the rest of the shield with a rolling motion, so that the parts of the shield closest to you are applied before the parts farthest away. This will reduce the amount of air trapped beneath it. Try to line it up as best as you can WITHOUT stretching it. If there are any exposed areas of the computer you can will be able stretch the shield out somewhat as you are squeegeeing out the ShieldSpray from between the computer and the shield.

After the shield is resting on the computer, mist the top with ShieldSpray. You don't need to soak it this time; just apply enough so that you can use the squeegee without marking the shield, which is possible if it's not wet enough on top. Starting from the top edge of the computer, which you lined up properly when you initially placed in on the computer, squeegee towards the other end. Depending on the amount of pressure you apply, you can stretch the shield out to improve its coverage. Be careful though, as it is easy to overstretch it, which will require that you lift the entire shield up off the computer, spray the underside again to replenish the ShieldSpray that you squeegeed out, and place it back down again. You can also squeegee towards the edges if you need to stretch it somewhat horizontally as well. Use the towel beneath your computer to soak up drip-off, but be mindful not to let the towel touch the shield, as it will leave towel fibers on it. Also periodically lift the lid slightly to catch run-off that finds itself between the lid and the speaker grills as you will want to soak that up too.

After you have squeegeed out as much liquid as you can without damaging and/or stretching the shield, pay extra attention to the corners. They have a tendency to want to lift up off the computer. If this is the case, place your palm(s) on the affected corner(s) and hold it/them there for a minute or so. This will help to keep the corners from lifting. Repeat if necessary. Leave the computer in this position for at least an hour to make sure that the shield, especially the edges and corners, stays firmly applied before you change the computer's orientation. I usually leave it in this position even longer, perhaps as much as a day, before flipping it over.

To apply the bottom piece, use a similar methodology, but you will need to remove or reapply the piece covering the back vent. Just be sure to squeegee AWAY from the back vent when you are applying the shield, and be proactive with your towel in soaking up any solution that finds itself accumulating back there. If you are applying the sides at the same time, and don't need to flip the computer over, you don't need to wait. Otherwise, let the computer sit for at least an hour before you move it again.

For the sides, remove the tape that you applied earlier. You don't need to apply as much ShieldSpray to the sticky-side of the pieces for the sides since they are much easier to position. Just mist them until they are wet and apply them. They are VERY easy to stretch out so be very careful when applying and squeegeeing them that you don't use any pressure AT ALL. Also be careful to line them up properly vertically, as any overhang will cause the shield to collect dust in the future and be more apt to peel off. Leave the shield to rest for at least an hour, as before.

I haven't applied the palmrest and trackpad pieces since my very first application, since I don't like the feel of them, and have opted used products from Marware and Moshi instead. However, if you do choose to apply one or both of these pieces, just use your head and similar guidelines to what I've said above. Be careful when applying the trackpad piece as you don't want liquid to seep inside the computer.

As a tip, if you get any dust trapped under the shield, spray your finger tips with more ShieldSpray and try to massage the dust out. This will require that you lift up the affected area of the shield, which may result in more dust getting trapped, so only do this for particularly annoying bits, such as colored fibers and granules.

Note that I reserve the right to revise this guide without notice, and take no responsibility for any damage or other unintended consequences that come about as a result of following this guide.

Invisishield install process that bill gates uses also have heard of putting paper towels around the sides of the book so liquid is absorbed

Also I am going with a Isis leather case