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I just went ahead and bought a Knomo Envelope Case (Brown) for my 13" MBA. I bought it from Knomo's eBay outlet store for £21.00 (incl. postage).

The reviews seem good. The only negative seems to be the back of the poppers on the inside of the case may potentially scratch the MBA. I thought I would stick some felt to the back of them to prevent this.

It does say it will have some cosmetic defects, but since it's meant to be genuine leather, this should add to the "character" of it. Since I'm paying less than half price of what it should retail for, I can live with that. I they're excessive I can return it per their guarantee.

There are a few more left here.

My new case just arrived. Cosmetically it is more or less perfect. It came with all the original tags and card inserts, etc. The popper fastenings won't be an issue either since the velvet-like lining covers the back of the poppers on the inside of the case. The case feels quite substantial too - it certainly doesn't feel lightweight or flimsy. Overall, I'm really pleased with it. It's a premium case at a bargain price!
 
I see next to no-one mentioning packed lunches and water bottles here. Those of you who do not carry a separate bag for those, what's your bag of choice (and for which Air)? I would need about 12x12x15cm for the food and my Klear Canteen takes up another 7x25cm.

Rickshaw actually has another bag that may suit your needs:

http://www.rickshawbags.com/commuter-laptop-bag.html#color=980

I'm not sure if you can get it a little smaller to fit a 13", but the two water bottle holders are a major plus to me.
 
Got a cheapie off eBay, the black one in this photo. Smells of plastic so I'm pretty sure its not real leather but it has a nice inner coating which is really soft. Also, really light and compact whilst also provides enough protection and is a snug fit. Also bought a hard shell case off eBay for my Air and thats great for travelling and saved the screen when I dropped it... (I can't believe I did that btw, so stupid.. However it was like 2ft from my lap when I reached out for something and the Air was so light :p that it fell off my lap :p)

$T2eC16FHJI!E9qSO8HHQBQYToGhjIQ~~60_12.JPG
 
I use this for light travel:
11048810-origpic-b455b1.jpg

And this when I need more equipment:

5517_1.jpg

I used to have only Crumpler bags, but it seems I just dont like their design, nor their marketing anymore.
 
Some of the feedback pertains to the sleeve and appears to be well received.

http://www.etsy.com/people/mazmazz/feedback?ref=ls_feedback

Ahh yes, did not even think to check there. The sleeve is indeed quite beautiful, however the price is quite steep, so I'll be left with a decision to make. I suppose when you spend so much on a shiny new macbook it seems reasonable to drop a bit of money on a shiny new sleeve too. I'll have to wait and see about this one.
 
2013 Hard case/shell availability?

Do any of the case manufacturers have shells out for the new 2013 MBA?
 
Do any of the case manufacturers have shells out for the new 2013 MBA?

I believe, although I haven't got or looked into getting 2013 MBA, it's the same dimensions as the 2012 MBA shell. So it will be the same shells that they are already selling for the 2012 MBA.

Edit: Just checked on Apple website for you, both have the same dimensions so buy the shells they sell for the previous MBA's :)
 
I believe, although I haven't got or looked into getting 2013 MBA, it's the same dimensions as the 2012 MBA shell. So it will be the same shells that they are already selling for the 2012 MBA.

Edit: Just checked on Apple website for you, both have the same dimensions so buy the shells they sell for the previous MBA's :)

That's true, however from what I can tell the 2012 shells do not have the additional microphone port exposed.
 
This is a great little case, looks very professional and the micro foam will protect from small bumps and water splashes. I prefer this over a hard shell because of those same reasons plus hard shells tend to scratch the aluminum. Screen Shot 2013-07-02 at 5.13.05 PM.png

LINK
 
Having had a 2011 MBA which I used for 2 years at school it picked up a few nicks and scratches and one small dent on the top as I did not use it with a case at all. Thus for my new 2013 Air I've been searching for a case and have gone back and forth between various options and am still not sure what is best. I would very much appreciate some suggestions.

What I have considered:
Speck/Incipio Snap Case
- Like the Fact of Protection from Scratches/Dents
- Dislike the the covering of the sleek aluminum

Sleeve
- Helps w/ scratches
- Doesn't necessarily help with drops

I do not want a laptop "bag" per say, although I would not be opposed to something such as the booq viper case which is more of a molded sleeve which can hold a few other items than just the air.

I know I have been a bit vague here with what I actually want, but I hope someone can help me out. Any input is welcome.
 
I have an Acme Made sleeve for my retina iPad. I love it, but it doesn't provide me protection while I use it (so I put it with the Smart Cover in the case).

I just got my brand new MBA in the mail today (4 days after I ordered the custom build online with 8 gigs of RAM, 13" with Standard Shipping) and I love it. I want to get a case to protect it while in use, but...

MANY 2012 AND EARLIER MACBOOK AIR CASES WON'T FIT THE NEW AIR

Simply because of the new dual microphones on the left side of the computer. Many cases (for example, Speck's SeeThru) for the 2012 and prior MBAs cover up one of the two microphones on the left of the 2013 MBA. Keep this in mind everyone.
 
MANY 2012 AND EARLIER MACBOOK AIR CASES WON'T FIT THE NEW AIR

Simply because of the new dual microphones on the left side of the computer. Many cases (for example, Speck's SeeThru) for the 2012 and prior MBAs cover up one of the two microphones on the left of the 2013 MBA. Keep this in mind everyone.
This has already made clear.
 
Going to get the ACME MADE Skinny Sleeve for my '13 air, anyone have any previous experience with it?
 
So I've gone through most of this thread and I still can't decide.

Basically, what I'm looking for is a protective SLEEVE.

Something that I don't need to take out of my bag, just unzip and pull out the MBA, but has good protection, and some water resistance, so not wool, felt or neoprene.
 
MANY 2012 AND EARLIER MACBOOK AIR CASES WON'T FIT THE NEW AIR

Simply because of the new dual microphones on the left side of the computer. Many cases (for example, Speck's SeeThru) for the 2012 and prior MBAs cover up one of the two microphones on the left of the 2013 MBA. Keep this in mind everyone.

As said already been stated in this thread, although you can use them if your not too bothered about the microphones :)
 
Hi everyone new buyer and I've been looking to get some protection for precious laptop.
I'm liking so far:
http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Neoprene-Sleeve-Macbook-Display/dp/B00883QT38
Though would that be enough for protection? Or do you guys also recommend a shell case as well?
I was very interested in:
http://www.amazon.com/iPearl-mCover-keyboard-13-3-inch-MacBook/dp/B004I4BS1E
Though after reading about the hinge creaking, that began to bother me.
Is a sleeve enough otherwise can anyone else point me in the direction of a good hard shell as well?
 
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I've been using this semi rigid case for a couple of years now for my MBA 11" .

Probably too bulky for many people, but I find the extra protection great for air travel .
Very affordable, too .
 
http://www.amazon.com/iPearl-mCover-keyboard-13-3-inch-MacBook/dp/B004I4BS1E
Though after reading about the hinge creaking, that began to bother me.
Is a sleeve enough otherwise can anyone else point me in the direction of a good hard shell as well?

I have the Mcover on my rMBP. It fits well very snug, good air cooling strips on the bottom. I love the Kick Stands as it gives you a good typing angle. However these "Snap-On" cases provide very little protection.
The sleeves also have and issue. You can get great protection but once you take it out of the sleeve you are at risk.

This is why I'm a fan of the "Brief Case" style because
1. Great bump and ding protection.
2. Close it and your are protected, no additional steps.
3. Rain and spill protection. (If have Kids)


This is why I go with this style of case. I actually have the bottom one for my rMBP 15 and I just ordered the 13 for my wife's MBAir. The pouch is very handy, charger, phone, pen, ear buds, screen wipes. However it still remains slim and light much more than I realized. I love the hand straps, I can quickly grab my machine and its closed and protected and ready to go. Plus I don' have to worry about spills!

Screen Shot 2013-07-03 at 7.53.21 AM.png
or
Screen Shot 2013-07-03 at 8.12.07 AM.png

Link HERE
 
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