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

The MacBook Air "Bags, Sleeves & Cases" thread

entatlrg said:
Did you order a new bag yet? Curious to know which one and how you like it?
Click to expand...

I ended up ordering the STM Small Alley Shoulder Bag, but it hasn't been delivered yet. I'm expecting it to arrive on Tuesday.

I really hope that I like it, as returning it will be somewhat complicated due to my use of that coupon. The only thing that I can see as an issue is that I'm buying it to use with an 11" MBA, and it's really designed for a 13" screen. We'll see.....
 
loez said:
I'm really happy with my Joli Originals iPhone sleeve, and she makes sleeves for the MacBook Air as well! So I just had to share this when I stumbled upon this thread.. ;) All hand made. The sleeves fit perfectly, and you can order almost any color combination you want :)
Click to expand...

They're gorgeous. My husband is getting one for my MBA for Christmas :)
 
I received my STM Small Alley Shoulder Bag earlier in the week, and I really like it. It's got a nice build quality to it.

It's definitely a little big for the 11" MacBook Air, and there is a a little gap on either side of the flap that closes the laptop compartment, but as entatlrg said, it isn't that bad.

Because it's a little big for the 11" MBA, the MBA can slide around a little inside the laptop section. So, I decided to buy a sleeve in order to stop the movement. It worked like a charm.....now the MBA doesn't move around inside the bag. Plus, the sleeve protects the MBA from those little gaps.

I bought this one from Amazon, and received it earlier today. It only cost $12.99, and it's very nice. It should be at least $30. Solid build, strong zippers, and a nice sized extra compartment to store the power brick, a mouse, or other small items. Plus, it came with a velcro strip to use as a cable tie. Here's some pics from Amazon:
31wJHVl2GgL._AA300_.jpg
31pq2zBDGQL._AA300_.jpg
31lmSZjdlRL._AA300_.jpg


I really like how the zipper opens up three sides of the sleeve, that way you can just open the top part and slide the MBA out (perfect for inside the STM bag), or you can unzip all three sides and just lift the MBA out.
 
I was using the Bookbook from day 1 and just received my Thule Attache bag. Its compact and yet can store quite a bit of accessories including Ipad. Only think is there is a strong burnt rubber smell coming from it.
 
I had a Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Medium that worked great for my 13" MBP (Mid 2010). However, with my recent switch to an 11" MBA (Mid 2011; 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM), I was in need of something with a little more of a snug fit (the medium Commute 2.0 can allegedly fit up to a 15" MBP so it's pretty large). I scoured forums, merchant pages, and looked at the Timbuk2 page probably 1000 times. I kind of wanted to get a Commute 2.0 Small since I liked its TSA-compatibility, but eventually decided I wanted to change it up a little.

I found the STM Velo Small Shoulder Bag and really liked it, but was skeptical due to the lack of reviews. I almost then went for the Scout XS, but decided I wanted more storage space (I'm a little bit of an organization junkie and figured it would also be better to not have to switch between bags when going on a trip, etc. I ended up finding the Velo on eBags for $70 (usually $100) after a 30% discount they were running. So I HAD to buy it. ;)

Just got it in today and I absolutely LOVE it. The best bag I've ever owned. The compartment is just the right size, even for the 11" MBA. The compartment is a little hidden (for superficial security) which is cool, but a little inconvenient. I also like the fact that the back has a pocket that can be converted to a luggage pass-through with a quick unzip. The Velo has more storage than I could ever imagine, with all kinds of zippered pockets within zippered pockets - including a cool fleece-lined zipper pocket on the upper flap for easy access to your phone, keys, etc. I think STM loves zippers. It does utilize the zippers in a cool way though as you can zip off the entire inner compartment while still maintaining access to the outer pockets. It also has an amazing iPad pocket (amazing upgrade compared to how my iPad2 was being stored in the Commute 2.0 without a sleeve). Overall great bag and very comfortable. Everything, especially the zippers is of top quality too.

Highly recommended!

P.S. I was a little sad that I would have to take the MBA out of the bag every time I went through an airport, but as I found out today, TSA counts the 11" MBA as a netbook so you don't have to take it out of the bag! I knew I made a good choice in getting the 11" MBA! :cool:

Some pics:
4awKW.jpg

wTqab.jpg

jS85z.jpg
 
Last edited:
I picked up the Thule sleeve for my 11" MacBook Air, when I picked up the MacBook Air. It seems to work well, is waterproof and lightly padded.
 
So, I couldn't find any real usage reviews of the AO Ally Capellino 11". I ended up picking up the STM Scout Extra Small. It's just the right size to take an Air and iPad ( stored in their respective Nedrelow sleeves ) along with the Air's PSU and the dock connector cable.
 
IscariotJ said:
So, I couldn't find any real usage reviews of the AO Ally Capellino 11". I ended up picking up the STM Scout Extra Small. It's just the right size to take an Air and iPad ( stored in their respective Nedrelow sleeves ) along with the Air's PSU and the dock connector cable.
Click to expand...

Hopefully you don't experience the front flap curling problem (just check out the reviews on the online Apple Store and on Amazon) that some have experienced with the Scout. That's the reason I chose to go with the Alley + a sleeve instead.
 
Late answer

JockerBoy said:
I will be a new owner of a MBA 13'' and i love that sleeve.

Can you tell me if the corners of the sleeve where it is open if the MBA ia well protected?
In the case of fall and hit with that corner on the ground i believe that it isen't 100% efective, but i'm asking something minor, like hitting with that corner in the table.
Does the sleeve protect?
Click to expand...

Sorry for the late reply, yes it is up for the task to protect the air in a situation you described. I wouldn't want to test it letting it fall from higher situations but accidentally hitting a table or something else should be ok. Unless you have really bad luck and hit exactly into the the space between the to flaps..

Never experienced something like that, my air is like new
 
dubels said:
Loving my BauBau Macbook Air Sleeve.

Memory foam and easy access w/o zippers. Does not add a lot of bulk to the computer and the memory foam is dense.

Image
Click to expand...

This one seems nice, could you go more in depth? How thick is it? I want something slim, but honestly the stress-free-ness of a more protective sleeve would be better since I'm in high school (I'm responsible...everyone around me is not...)
 
I just received my Joli Originals sleeve today and I love it. It's light and soft and beautiful :)
 
Surely said:
I received my STM Small Alley Shoulder Bag earlier in the week, and I really like it. It's got a nice build quality to it.

It's definitely a little big for the 11" MacBook Air, and there is a a little gap on either side of the flap that closes the laptop compartment, but as entatlrg said, it isn't that bad.

Because it's a little big for the 11" MBA, the MBA can slide around a little inside the laptop section. So, I decided to buy a sleeve in order to stop the movement. It worked like a charm.....now the MBA doesn't move around inside the bag. Plus, the sleeve protects the MBA from those little gaps.

I bought this one from Amazon, and received it earlier today. It only cost $12.99, and it's very nice. It should be at least $30. Solid build, strong zippers, and a nice sized extra compartment to store the power brick, a mouse, or other small items. Plus, it came with a velcro strip to use as a cable tie. Here's some pics from Amazon:
ImageImageImage

I really like how the zipper opens up three sides of the sleeve, that way you can just open the top part and slide the MBA out (perfect for inside the STM bag), or you can unzip all three sides and just lift the MBA out.
Click to expand...

Would you happen to have a link for that one? :)

I like the idea of a minimalist sleeve that still lets you toss in a mouse and power brick. Are there any others like this?
 
Boe11 said:
Would you happen to have a link for that one? :)

I like the idea of a minimalist sleeve that still lets you toss in a mouse and power brick. Are there any others like this?
Click to expand...

11" - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BL-Sleev...cessories_LaptopCasesBags&hash=item3f12c78c66

13" - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/B-Sleeve...s_Apple_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f12c7687b

As the other poster said, the MBA feels a little loose when it's inside the sleeve, but once you toss in the power cord it fits in snug, and doesn't move around any more. Very very solid case for the price! Had I seen it at best buy or the apple store, I would have paid $50-$60 for it!
 
iluvifone said:
11" - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BL-Sleev...cessories_LaptopCasesBags&hash=item3f12c78c66

13" - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/B-Sleeve...s_Apple_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f12c7687b

As the other poster said, the MBA feels a little loose when it's inside the sleeve, but once you toss in the power cord it fits in snug, and doesn't move around any more. Very very solid case for the price! Had I seen it at best buy or the apple store, I would have paid $50-$60 for it!
Click to expand...

Many thanks, sir! :)
 
Boe11 said:
Would you happen to have a link for that one? :)

I like the idea of a minimalist sleeve that still lets you toss in a mouse and power brick. Are there any others like this?
Click to expand...

Here is where I bought mine, but it seems to be out of stock right now. Hopefully the ebay links will work out for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-Velvet...UTF8&coliid=I1T3Y6SV00HJ0J&colid=LS72S57TWG7A

My 11" MBA fits nice and snug inside.....it's not loose like the poster above stated. I'm very happy with it.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Surely said:
My 11" MBA fits nice and snug inside.....it's not loose like the poster above stated. I'm very happy with it.
Click to expand...

lol I was just confirming what you stated in your earlier post..

"It's definitely a little big for the 11" MacBook Air, and there is a a little gap on either side of the flap that closes the laptop compartment, but as entatlrg said, it isn't that bad.

Because it's a little big for the 11" MBA, the MBA can slide around a little inside the laptop section. So, I decided to buy a sleeve in order to stop the movement. It worked like a charm.....now the MBA doesn't move around inside the bag. Plus, the sleeve protects the MBA from those little gaps."

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/14016433/
 
iluvifone said:
lol I was just confirming what you stated in your earlier post..

"It's definitely a little big for the 11" MacBook Air, and there is a a little gap on either side of the flap that closes the laptop compartment, but as entatlrg said, it isn't that bad.

Because it's a little big for the 11" MBA, the MBA can slide around a little inside the laptop section. So, I decided to buy a sleeve in order to stop the movement. It worked like a charm.....now the MBA doesn't move around inside the bag. Plus, the sleeve protects the MBA from those little gaps."

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/14016433/
Click to expand...

I was talking about the STM Small Alley Shoulder Bag there, not the sleeve.:)
 
SDColorado said:
I apologize in advance if this one has already been posted, but I didn't click every external link on every page to check.

This Copper River bag has kind of caught my eye.
Click to expand...

I have this bag and posted in a different thread about it (and don't worry, I didn't expect you to hunt it down and find it). I like it as my day to day bag, but I need something bigger for when I travel, so I came here to see what people were looking at now. In your picture, where you see the iPad is where the Air goes. Where you see the iPhone is where the iPad goes, and they both fit well with a little extra room in case you use a sleeve. When converted to a back pack, I don't find it at all comfortable and it takes too much work so I use it messenger style only.
 
When I get my new MacBook Air I'd like to get a Joli Original sleeve. I think of either the black leather with blue felt interior or the black leather with green felt interior. I've seen some videos on You Tube and the comments on these sleeves seem favorable as well. They also have some nice sleeves for the iPad.
 
c2c said:
In your picture, where you see the iPad is where the Air goes. Where you see the iPhone is where the iPad goes, and they both fit well with a little extra room in case you use a sleeve. When converted to a back pack, I don't find it at all comfortable and it takes too much work so I use it messenger style only.
Click to expand...

Sorry for the late response to this, I have been tied up, and off the forum for a bit. What you describe is exactly correct. The MBA fits nicely where the iPad in that photo goes, and the iPad2 fits nicely where the phone is pictured. I do use a sleeve with my MBA. Though one is probably not needed, I use it anyway. Your description is spot on. There is also a pouch on the back, which snaps at the top that will hold paper work, etc.

I haven't tried it in backback mode yet, I haven't had the need to to so far. That is unfortunate to hear that it is uncomfortable when you do. The thick leather strap with the dual pads, looked like it would work well for the conversion. I suppose I should try it for myself anyway, just to see if it is a personal preference.

It is a nice looking bag though, and I do get a fair number of compliments on it, but if you need to carry more than the MBA, an iPad and some minor paperwork, it probably would not be the bag of choice.
 
I tote around a MBA 11", an iPad 2 and a ton of AV accessories neatly packed to the gills in a Cocoon GRID-IT.

Even with all that, I'm all about having a bag that's sleek, slim and low profile... at the same time useful with logical and easy access to whatever gadget I need. It also has to have the right balance of casual and professional, without looking like a purse/satchel or a kiddie bag. These are my two picks:

"Taylor" by Eagle Creek
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/shoulder_bags/Taylor-60199/
-Vertical shoulder bag
-Easy access pockets with "Secure-Zip" zippers (check it out)
-Fits MBA 11" and iPad with room for accessories.
-Still slim when packed, never looks bulky.
-Water resistant
-Strong straps

"Pisco" by Timbuk2
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/pisco-backpack/1914267
-Slim backpack
-One pocket that fits both MBA 11" and iPad (better if iPad has a smart cover or case)
-Still slim when packed, never looks bulky.
-Water resistant
-Strong straps

I'm tempted to try out the new iBackFlip Somersault (www.ibackflip.com) but it looks a little too techy/gimmicky for my style.

Hope this helps some of you out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back