Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
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.

This is Exactly what I am looking for! Something I can keep in my bag for protection or can carry sans my bag when just needing my computer. I'm sort of leaning towards the booq viper case deal for the MBA. Still not totally sold though.
 
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.

Skype and face time work on my 2013 air with an incase snap on case.
 
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!

View attachment 421167
or
View attachment 421169

Link HERE

Yeah that's why I also wanted a hard shell case, though I'm not really looking for a bag case as I'll already be using a backpack, but it seems like all the current shell cases are in the way of the new mice, which is a drag.
 
I bought this case for my MacBook Air

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/viper-hardcase

It is an amazing case, very durable and has many uses it can not only hold a macbook air but also has a separate slot that can be used for an iPad and a smaller one for an iPad mini.

Since I have read mixed reviews on using hard shell cases (dust getting under the case and the case itself scratching the macbook) I bought a 6 dollar one from eBay instead of spending the extra for the speck or incase hard shells.
 
I bought this case for my MacBook Air

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/viper-hardcase

It is an amazing case, very durable and has many uses it can not only hold a macbook air but also has a separate slot that can be used for an iPad and a smaller one for an iPad mini.

Since I have read mixed reviews on using hard shell cases (dust getting under the case and the case itself scratching the macbook) I bought a 6 dollar one from eBay instead of spending the extra for the speck or incase hard shells.

Screen Shot 2013-07-03 at 2.14.26 PM.png

How much can you put in those pockets? Will the mouse kinda get crushed?
 
View attachment 421230

How much can you put in those pockets? Will the mouse kinda get crushed?

It's a pretty slim case but as long as its not over filled I think it would be fine, I wouldnt recommend doing it if you carrying you ipad in the back sleeve since it would put the mouse between two hard objects and something would have to give (meaning crack)
 
It's a pretty slim case but as long as its not over filled I think it would be fine, I wouldnt recommend doing it if you carrying you ipad in the back sleeve since it would put the mouse between two hard objects and something would have to give (meaning crack)

What are the chances of fitting the power adapter in one of the pockets??
 
What are the chances of fitting the power adapter in one of the pockets??

I don't think it would fit without bending the case or causing other damage. I am still waiting on my new MacBook Air but should be getting it in a few days and will see what I can get to fit in the case.
 
I just purchased a bag from Clyde Bags - it's an iPad bag but my soon to be here Macbook Air 11inch will fit in the main compartment and I can put my iPad Mini in the iPad pocket. I will definitely share pictures once I receive it :)

So happy I think I have found the perfect bag for my Air and Mini - it also comes in red too :)

clyde_satchel_blue_large.jpg
 
For those 2013 MBA 13" owners (could apply to 11" too), the Moshi hard case is not fully compatible with the new MBA's. It hides the second mic. This is what I heard from Moshi:


Jul 08 03:48 (PDT)

Hello Pradeep,

Thank you for your email.

The introduction by Apple of the two microphones on the left side of the laptop constitutes a change in hardware that needs to be reflected on iGlaze to ensure that the MacBook remains 100% functional while resting in iGlaze. Our Production team is working on this but at this time they are not able to provide a date for when the new design will be available for purchase.

If you own or plan on purchasing a MacBook Air 2013, we recommend waiting for the new iGlaze to come out. We should have a new model available in a few weeks.

To keep updated with the release date, you can follow us on our Facebook page as all of the new products are announced there - http://www.facebook.com/moshimonde

Please let us know if you have any other questions. We're here to help.

Best regards,

Me
Jul 05 13:40 (PDT)

Hello,

I read that the existing iglaze snap-on case for Macbook air 13" does not
have the opening for the additional mic in the 2013 models. When is the
compatible model expected to release?
 
I recently ordered my new MacBook Air (should be arriving today actually!) and am now looking for a backpack. I'm in college, so it should only need to hold my Air, small binder, and on some days a textbook. I bike a short distance to campus, so I'd like to keep it on the smaller side and somewhat durable. I also like really plain color styles, like all black/grey.

To emphasize how much I want it to be neutral/minimal, this is the sleeve I bought.

So pretty much just a basic backpack. I've been looking at Jansport and Dakine bags, any other suggestions? Thanks! :)
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Screen Shot 2013-07-08 at 1.21.34 PM.png


I ended up going with this case, I had a few cases and covers and I just didn't like it for one reason or another. This case does it all for me. Great Fit, Light, Slim, Water & Rain Resistant (A must that Shell can't do) and biggest of all I don't have to take it out of the case to type.
 
rugged backpack

I work in a contruction enviroment. I routinly carry a
  1. iPad mini
  2. Nintendo 3DS XL
  3. various charging cables
  4. Macbook Air 13 inch with a BookBook case
  5. Converse allstars
  6. 1 book

I need something that will protect all my electronics and be thrown on the ground and be washed to look like new.

Thanks
 
I recently ordered my new MacBook Air (should be arriving today actually!) and am now looking for a backpack. I'm in college, so it should only need to hold my Air, small binder, and on some days a textbook. I bike a short distance to campus, so I'd like to keep it on the smaller side and somewhat durable. I also like really plain color styles, like all black/grey.

To emphasize how much I want it to be neutral/minimal, this is the sleeve I bought.

So pretty much just a basic backpack. I've been looking at Jansport and Dakine bags, any other suggestions? Thanks! :)

look up the Timbuk2 Pisco

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/pisco-backpack-for-ipad

It fits my 13" Retina Pro and more in a nice compact package. I have one in black. Pretty nice!
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I work in a contruction enviroment. I routinly carry a
  1. iPad mini
  2. Nintendo 3DS XL
  3. various charging cables
  4. Macbook Air 13 inch with a BookBook case
  5. Converse allstars
  6. 1 book

I need something that will protect all my electronics and be thrown on the ground and be washed to look like new.

Thanks

You have a lot of equipment to take to a construction site.
I think you need this. click on the picture to go to the web site.
And don't forget you lunch pale.

protectacase.jpg
 
Last edited:
I recently bought a Dicota Code 13 for my MacBook Air 13''. (the sleeves are also available in 11'')

Inside it's made of soft fake fur and the zipper doesn't touch the MacBook. It fits perfectly! On the outside is a pocket made of neoprene. You can fit a charger, adapter and/or an A4 notebook. It looks to me like it would survive a rain shower but it doesn't say anywhere specifically that it's water proof.
costs ~25€ or so

Pics: http://imgur.com/a/aljRE

I also have a Messenger bag from Dakine. Here is the new version of my older bag (Messenger 15L, 8130148). They are really well made. I've used mine daily for the last 4 years and it still looks like new. It has a padded pocket for laptop (I put my iPad in there, MacBook + sleeve also fits nicely) and another pocket in the front for keys, wallet, iPhone etc. in the inside is also a small compartment for magazines etc. It has enough space for a ring binder and thanks to the adjustable straps you can also fit in bigger stuff if you have too and with the padded shoulder strap it's even comfortable to carry heavy stuff. It has also a nice pocket on the outside where you can put your wet umbrella or a 0.5-0.75l bottle.

http://imgur.com/XvK7vsi
 
Haven't tried it but saw it at the Apple Store. I have many friends that work for Case Logic, I'm a former employee, who is owned by Thule. I'm gonna see if I can get a free one or three. :D

Case Logic may manufacturer them for Thule since it's the business they are in.

Well if you get 3, I will gladly take one off your hands. Haha, maybe we could arrange a heavily discounted Mac Rumors group order. Let me know what you think if you do get one.
 
Which cases don't cover both mics? I have to pick a case from the apple store tonight or tomorrow.

And have no idea which ones dont cover the mic?

Maybe the Sena?

Thank u
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.