Speck Case Retina Display...really needed?

[ThomasNuffan]

So I just purchased a new Retina macbook for school. With it always being in a backpack I was worried about scratches or whatever else from being inside a backpack so I purchased a Speck case for it (a clear see-through design).

However, I noticed while the case is on, the laptop gets kind of hot. I've read a few threads here about others concerned about heat, particularly at the bottom
of the unit. Most threads see this as a non-issue but it does get a bit concerning while being used in my lap.

However, after a few nights of testing without the case installed, I noticed the heat on the bottom of the unit is drastically reduced.

Has anyone else noticed the same issues?

I'm thinking of disregarding the case if the laptop operates at cooler temps for a fear of the laptop having to work harder than it should

thoughts?

 

[Orlandoech]

I never liked hard cases due to heat issues and cosmetic appeal.

I have a www.icarbons.com white carbon fiber protective sticker and it's awesome for just avoiding day to day scratches. it doesn't offer the protection a hard case does though.

 

[MaxPower72]

I never liked hard cases due to heat issues and cosmetic appeal.

I have a http://www.icarbons.com white carbon fiber protective sticker and it's awesome for just avoiding day to day scratches. it doesn't offer the protection a hard case does though.

I agree, hard cases can leave permanent marks on the aluminum from constantly rubbing against it. A protective sticker like the one sold by iCarbon protects and leaves the design unaltered.

 

[yusukeaoki]

My case protected my MBP couple of times.
All you need to do is wipe down the dust off once a month or so and you wont have any scratches.

 

[Orlandoech]

I agree, hard cases can leave permanent marks on the aluminum from constantly rubbing against it. A protective sticker like the one sold by iCarbon protects and leaves the design unaltered.

Yea the marks they leave are annoying. Even the iPhone bumper leaves those marks on the aluminum of the iPhone. Pissed me off.

 

[MaxPower72]

Yea the marks they leave are annoying. Even the iPhone bumper leaves those marks on the aluminum of the iPhone. Pissed me off.

when you spend that kind of money you want your computer to look pristine,
it's an important factor if you decide to resell it. I'd always look for the one in the best cosmetic condition, I would never buy a MB covered in stickers like a skateboard for example...

go for a nice sleeve and a hard carrying case like the Pelican ones.
I like this suede sleeve that I just saw on the rMBP cases thread:
http://www.sfbags.com/products/laptopsuedejacket/laptopsuedejacket.htm

 

[Orlandoech]

when you spend that kind of money you want your computer to look pristine,
it's an important factor if you decide to resell it. I'd always look for the one in the best cosmetic condition, I would never buy a MB covered in stickers like a skateboard for example...

go for a nice sleeve and a hard carrying case like the Pelican ones.
I like this suede sleeve that I just saw on the rMBP cases thread:
http://www.sfbags.com/products/laptopsuedejacket/laptopsuedejacket.htm

You realize stickers are easily removed and they don't leave residue. Your statement is completely oblivious.

I would never buy a used MacBook period. Let one one that had marks from a hard case.

 

[MaxPower72]

my statement isn't oblivious at all I would never buy anything like this because whoever owned it surely treated it like cr@p and not all stickers have the same type of glue...
I never bought a used one but I sold several and cosmetic condition is important to potential buyers

 

[Orlandoech]

my statement isn't oblivious at all I would never buy anything like this because whoever owned it surely treated it like cr@p and not all stickers have the same type of glue...
I never bought a used one but I sold several and cosmetic condition is important to potential buyers

Ok that is hideous. And your comment about owners having stickers means they treated it like crap is purely speculation and non factual. You cannot provide any data or stats about owners with stickers treat ther mbp like crap.

Although I do admit, that is hideous.

 

[theuserjohnny]

I never liked hard cases due to heat issues and cosmetic appeal.

I have a http://www.icarbons.com white carbon fiber protective sticker and it's awesome for just avoiding day to day scratches. it doesn't offer the protection a hard case does though.

Yeah I got decal from iCarbon and its great! But it depends on the usage of your laptop. It just depends on the situation... for me I don't have my rMBP in any serious environment in which it could be dented or seriously damaged. The only thing I really need to protect it from is just avoiding everyday scratches (like getting the cell phone screen scratched from things in the pocket) so the skin fit my protection that I need.

 

[whoknows87]

I never liked hard cases due to heat issues and cosmetic appeal.

I have a http://www.icarbons.com white carbon fiber protective sticker and it's awesome for just avoiding day to day scratches. it doesn't offer the protection a hard case does though.

I've tried the hard cases and I must second the heat issue, I ended up throwing my case away, your best bet is get a Carbon fiber skin and a nice snug sleeve to fit MBP I don't think a hard case will provide that much protection anyways if it drops really hard the case and the MBP will crack

 

[Orlandoech]

Yeah I got decal from iCarbon and its great! But it depends on the usage of your laptop. It just depends on the situation... for me I don't have my rMBP in any serious environment in which it could be dented or seriously damaged. The only thing I really need to protect it from is just avoiding everyday scratches (like getting the cell phone screen scratched from things in the pocket) so the skin fit my protection that I need.

Thats exactly my situation too. Or else Id consider other possibilities.

----------

I've tried the hard cases and I must second the heat issue, I ended up throwing my case away, your best bet is get a Carbon fiber skin and a nice snug sleeve to fit MBP I don't think a hard case will provide that much protection anyways if it drops really hard the case and the MBP will crack

Exactly, on top of which a plastic case IS NOT going to absorb the impact, it will transfer the energy to the MBP, its plastic not kevlar.

 

[soundtracker]

my statement isn't oblivious at all I would never buy anything like this because whoever owned it surely treated it like cr@p and not all stickers have the same type of glue...
I never bought a used one but I sold several and cosmetic condition is important to potential buyers

Oh my, that is just terrible. Why would someone do that to their Macbook?

 

[MaxPower72]

Oh my, that is just terrible. Why would someone do that to their Macbook?

bored kids that don't have to pay with their own money for the latest iToy

 

[Outkast27]

I agree, hard cases can leave permanent marks on the aluminum from constantly rubbing against it. A protective sticker like the one sold by iCarbon protects and leaves the design unaltered.

But it wont protect from dents like a hard case would.

 

[vpro]

Looks great.

my statement isn't oblivious at all I would never buy anything like this because whoever owned it surely treated it like cr@p and not all stickers have the same type of glue...
I never bought a used one but I sold several and cosmetic condition is important to potential buyers

Looks like they may have gotten the macbook for free judging by all the logos.

----------

bored kids that don't have to pay with their own money for the latest iToy

I really - really like that you used "iToy" in your statement. I offended a lot of people here when I first used that in another thread. But I am not offended.

 

[Mac-Tech]

So I just purchased a new Retina macbook for school. With it always being in a backpack I was worried about scratches or whatever else from being inside a backpack so I purchased a Speck case for it (a clear see-through design).

However, I noticed while the case is on, the laptop gets kind of hot. I've read a few threads here about others concerned about heat, particularly at the bottom
of the unit. Most threads see this as a non-issue but it does get a bit concerning while being used in my lap.

However, after a few nights of testing without the case installed, I noticed the heat on the bottom of the unit is drastically reduced.

Has anyone else noticed the same issues?

I'm thinking of disregarding the case if the laptop operates at cooler temps for a fear of the laptop having to work harder than it should

thoughts?

Hey check this out...this by iCarbons.com they have the best quality 3M stickers out there. It is a little expensive but you are getting the best precise cut to your mac book pro laptops. Easy to apply and you can take it off and it won't leave any glue residue behind...check out there videos and pictures on their site...

http://www.icarbons.com/collections/macbook-pro-15-with-retina-display

 

[pikkashoe]

Or u can do the icarbon speck clear combo like me.

 

[Birdmagnus]

Or u can do the icarbon speck clear combo like me.

Ooh, the speck case fits the rmbp with an icarbon skin on? I didn't know that, thanks

 

[locoboi187]

This is what I have and I freaking love it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UNBWJW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Nice clean black look, and it shows the apple fully illuminated unlike most black covers. Perfect fit.

I also have a Radtech Matte Screen Protector. Looks beautiful and I just prefer matte screens!

Edit: I have a sleeve but it's a normal boring generic laptop sleeve. I want something that's a nice kinda tight fit with my macbook/case and with protection. Any recommendations?

 

[reRESERVEDMD]

What's the point of those cases? They look ugly, make the computer run hot and scratch it in the long run...

Instead, be careful with where and how you use it and invest in a nice sleeve. I personally recommend the pack and smooch sleeves. Fantastic quality, beautiful design, and great protection!

 

[jedolley]

What's the point of those cases?

This one is pretty easy... It provides a little extra protection. I am careful with my things, but accidents can happen.

They look ugly,

I guess it's a good thing we are entitled to our own opinions.

make the computer run hot and scratch it in the long run...

I guess it's easy to assume that it would make the computer run hotter, but i've actually tested this several times and there was no noticeable difference in temps (i.e. 1-2 degrees if any at all when using temp apps under load and idle conditions).

As for the scratches, I have never experienced this. I imagine that scratches could happen after removing and reapplying the case many many times, or possibly not making sure all the tabs have snapped in place so that the loose tabs are able to rub against the laptop.

Instead, be careful with where and how you use it and invest in a nice sleeve. I personally recommend the pack and smooch sleeves. Fantastic quality, beautiful design, and great protection!

I am very careful with my things and have had no problem reselling my things due to this fact. I actually have a Speck Smartshell on my rMBP in addition to a sleeve for transport.

Just like any case or accessory for any piece of tech, it comes down to personal preference/choice. I realize some people think it's sacrilege to cover up their Apple products with anything, but you rarely see those of us that like cases cursing your Apple nekkidiness.

 

[reRESERVEDMD]

This one is pretty easy... It provides a little extra protection. I am careful with my things, but accidents can happen.

I guess it's a good thing we are entitled to our own opinions.

I guess it's easy to assume that it would make the computer run hotter, but i've actually tested this several times and there was no noticeable difference in temps (i.e. 1-2 degrees if any at all when using temp apps under load and idle conditions).

As for the scratches, I have never experienced this. I imagine that scratches could happen after removing and reapplying the case many many times, or possibly not making sure all the tabs have snapped in place so that the loose tabs are able to rub against the laptop.

I am very careful with my things and have had no problem reselling my things due to this fact. I actually have a Speck Smartshell on my rMBP in addition to a sleeve for transport.

Just like any case or accessory for any piece of tech, it comes down to personal preference/choice. I realize some people think it's sacrilege to cover up their Apple products with anything, but you rarely see those of us that like cases cursing your Apple nekkidiness.

I'm not one of the people who tend to use their Apple devices naked. I just simply believe that only minimal protection is required. I'm very OCD over scratches etc., and with my techniques, I have yet to see a scratched device.

As for the scratches from Speck, they happen when you don't clean the case often enough to remove dust from in between. Also, as you mentioned, the computer will take a little bit of wear due to the fact that you gotta remove this case every once in a while to clean it out.

I simply believe in a sleeve for notebooks, and a bumper for current iPhones. Very minimalistic, yet extremely protective. Good habits help a long way as well. No food or drink near the device, coins and keys in separate pocket etc...

 

[keviikev]

I never liked hard cases due to heat issues and cosmetic appeal.

I have a http://www.icarbons.com white carbon fiber protective sticker and it's awesome for just avoiding day to day scratches. it doesn't offer the protection a hard case does though.

Unless you combine wrapsol with speck hard case. I am running this combo love it

 

[SchuettS]

What's the point of those cases? They look ugly, make the computer run hot and scratch it in the long run...

Instead, be careful with where and how you use it and invest in a nice sleeve. I personally recommend the pack and smooch sleeves. Fantastic quality, beautiful design, and great protection!

They can prevent dings, dents, scratches from certain impacts, accidents, brainfarts, etc. My hard case has two fold out tabs on the bottom that elevate it for better cooling when needed. It also has vents and I have never noticed hotter temps. I have never had problems with scratching. What is causing scratching anyways? This isn't an iPhone in which you throw in your pocket, purse or wherever and gets handled with more abuse.

A sleeve is for protection when in transport or storage. A hard case is for all the time protection.

Nobody is perfect, not even yourself and being careful does not prevent damage, it just lowers the chance.