What case would you recommend for the 12" MacBook?

[Hieveryone]

I don't normally use cases for Macs, but I've decided to start using my 12" MacBook more like an iPad, which means taking it around everywhere.

I would like to get a case in case I drop it, etc

 

[EugW]

I don't use a cover. I had a plastic cover that covered the lid and bottom, but it made the laptop heavier, and added enough weight to the lid that small movements in the laptop would cause the lid to move. IOW, the hinge isn't calibrated to handle the weight of the lid and cover combined.

So I took it off, and now just keep it in a sleeve when I'm not using it.

I use this beautiful leather sleeve:

Slim Leather MacBook Sleeve Case

Our best selling MacBook Sleeve. Designed to protect your laptop against bumps and scratches while looking slim and elegant. Handmade with premium real Leather & 100% wool Felt. Laptop Cases and Laptop Sleeves for MacBook Pro 14", 16" inches and MacBook Pro 13",15", MacBook Air 15".

www.harberlondon.com

The way it's sewn, they leave a slit that allows enough room to connect a charging cable while it's in the case.

 

[Hieveryone]

I don't use a cover. I had a plastic cover that covered the lid and bottom, but it made the laptop heavier, and added enough weight to the lid that small movements in the laptop would cause the lid to move. IOW, the hinge isn't calibrated to handle the weight of the lid and cover combined.

So I took it off, and now just keep it in a sleeve when I'm not using it.

I use this beautiful leather sleeve:

Slim Leather MacBook Sleeve Case

Our best selling MacBook Sleeve. Designed to protect your laptop against bumps and scratches while looking slim and elegant. Handmade with premium real Leather & 100% wool Felt. Laptop Cases and Laptop Sleeves for MacBook Pro 14", 16" inches and MacBook Pro 13",15", MacBook Air 15".

www.harberlondon.com

The way it's sewn, they leave a slit that allows enough room to connect a charging cable while it's in the case.

Sleeve is NICE!! Love it.

I've been looking at the plastic snap on cases on Amazon. They're like ~15 bucks or so. Some more some less.

Hopefully they don't add too much weight.

 

[EugW]

Sleeve is NICE!! Love it.

I've been looking at the plastic ones on Amazon. They're like ~15 bucks or so. Some more some less.

Hopefully they don't add too much weight.

I got my plastic cover off eBay for cheap. It was under $20, and the lid cover feels light enough in the hand. However, after putting it on the MacBook I ran into those problems. I thought my hinge was defective.

However, as soon as I removed the lid, the hinge supported the lid perfectly. It seems Apple doesn't leave a lot of leeway added weight on the lid. So, I'm thinking a light decal would probably be OK, but it's no go for a plastic lid.

 

[Hieveryone]

I got my plastic cover off eBay for cheap. It was under $20, and the lid cover feels light enough in the hand. However, after putting it on the MacBook I ran into those problems. I thought my hinge was defective.

However, as soon as I removed the lid, the hinge supported the lid perfectly. It seems Apple doesn't leave a lot of leeway added weight on the lid. So, I'm thinking a light decal would probably be OK, but it's no go for a plastic lid.

Oh wow. I didn't realize that. Hmm

I don't want to go the decal route because it's not enough protection.

I want light to moderate dent protection, not just scratches and scuffs.

I'll have to think of something I guess and just continue researching

 

[EugW]

Well, for 15 bucks, you could always give it a shot. Maybe my MacBook has a slightly looser hinge than average, or maybe you'll find the lid movement less annoying.

 

[Hieveryone]

Well, for 15 bucks, you could always give it a shot. Maybe my MacBook has a slightly looser hinge than average, or maybe you'll find the lid movement less annoying.

There’s several reviews on YouTube I’m watching right now.

Did the hinge fall back with the case on the lid?

Like what was the exact issue?

 

[EugW]

There’s several reviews on YouTube I’m watching right now.

Did the hinge fall back with the case on the lid?

Like what was the exact issue?

With the plastic cover on the lid, if I moved the laptop away from me, the lid would sometimes partially close (depending on the angle). Or vice versa. Very annoying to me.

With the cover removed, this doesn't happen.

EDIT:

I can't find the cover so I probably threw it out. So instead I put the sleeve on the lid and tried it. In truth the sleeve is heavier than the plastic cover was but the same idea applies. Actually pushing it around the table wasn't the big problem. It's more when I pick up the laptop. The lid has a tendency to move with gravity with the extra weight. However, if the lid has no extra weight on it, the angle doesn't change at all regardless of what angle I hold the laptop.

Put it this way: Let's say I have the screen at 90 degrees. If I put an extra weight on it (the sleeve in this example), it will stay at 90 degrees. However, as soon as I pick up the laptop to move it, the screen may be at a small angle when moved, and at the point the screen will fall, depending upon on which way it is tilted. If I tilt the screen towards me, the lid will partially close. If I tilt it away from me, it will open all the way. Take off the extra weight, and none of that happens.

 

[Hieveryone]

With the plastic cover on the lid, if I moved the laptop away from me, the lid would sometimes partially close (depending on the angle). Or vice versa. Very annoying to me.

With the cover removed, this doesn't happen.

EDIT:

I can't find the cover so I probably threw it out. So instead I put the sleeve on the lid and tried it. In truth the sleeve is heavier than the plastic cover was but the same idea applies. Actually pushing it around the table wasn't the big problem. It's more when I pick up the laptop. The lid has a tendency to move with gravity with the extra weight. However, if the lid has no extra weight on it, the angle doesn't change at all regardless of what angle I hold the laptop.

Put it this way: Let's say I have the screen at 90 degrees. If I put an extra weight on it (the sleeve in this example), it will stay at 90 degrees. However, as soon as I pick up the laptop to move it, the screen may be at a small angle when moved, and at the point the screen will fall, depending upon on which way it is tilted. If I tilt the screen towards me, the lid will partially close. If I tilt it away from me, it will open all the way. Take off the extra weight, and none of that happens.

Gotcha. So basically when you move the MacBook, the lid falls open or closes

That is annoying

 

[Erehy Dobon]

I have also favored sleeves not cases for the nearly twenty years I've personally owned notebook computers.

The past decade I have purchased fabric sleeves from a variety of Etsy merchants. I have a felt sleeve for my current MacBook Air and a leather sleeve/pouch for my five-year-old iPad mini. I stick with natural materials these days, no ballistic nylon or neoprene rubber (both of which are highly practical but fugly) or other synthetic fibers.

 

[mbdownunder]

I have an Incase Icon sleeve for my MacBook. It's quite thin, but provides good protection. The rigid material around the perimeter means you'll have better drop protection than most other sleeves. I highly recommend it.

Incase ICON Sleeve with TENSAERLITE for 12" MacBook - Heather Gray/Black - CL60649

Incase ICON Sleeve with TENSAERLITE for 12" MacBook - Heather Gray/Black - CL60649 OPEN BOX

www.amazon.com

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

I got the snap on plastic matte protector case 3 years ago. Added weight and bulk so removed it. Haven't had any protection on mine for 3 years daily use. Even dropped the laptop on wooden floor a couple times. never got a dent or any damage. Will continue to use it without any protection.