When traveling, it's amazing what a case can do for the MacBook

[Hieveryone]

I recently bought a clear plastic shell hard case for my 2017 MacBook base model. It was cheap, maybe 15 bucks or so. I take it with me everywhere. I throw it in my bag with other things. I had it recently when I went on vacation. I had it in my suitcase, and lord knows how much banging up that suitcase went through.

I've noticed TONS of scratches and deep marks on the case, but the computer remains flawless. I can only imagine what it would look like without the 15 dollar investment I made into protecting the device. I wonder if it would even be functional, because when carried in luggage, you just don't know what kinds of pressure is on the device. My screen could be cracked or the computer could be dented, who knows.

My point is, despite what some may say about cases and all the negatives about them, for me personally it's been well worth it. I do move it around everywhere all the time. Throw it in the car, in my bag, it's constantly moving. I have no issues with using a case and am grateful I bought one.

I'm sure it adds some weight, but because the computer is so lightweight and thin to begin with, it's still a super portable machine IMO and I have no issues with the added weight/bulk (which IMO is minimal anyway)

 

[sakabaro]

Show us a picture!

 

[servenvolley]

I do the same. Computer looks mint while the case looks like it went through a war. And it hardly adds any weight to the device.

 

[Hieveryone]

I do the same. Computer looks mint while the case looks like it went through a war. And it hardly adds any weight to the device.

Yes this has been my experience too. I am quite surprised by it, but there’s a huge sense of satisfaction lol. You can always get a new case if it looks real beat up, but replacing the computer itself is much more expensive

 

[EugW]

I had a plastic shell for my 2017 m3 but it was just heavy enough to make the screen move out of place if I happened to bump the computer or when I lifted up the computer. It was annoying.

So, I took the shell off and now use a 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

Who makes genuine leather sleeves for the MacBook?

Whatever you do, don't ship Royal Mail (from Amazon) to Canada. Order directly from them, as they use different shipping. It took over 3 weeks to get here via Royal Mail / Canada Post. I really like the product though. Fits like a very tight glove. Doesn't feel like the laptop is going to fall...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Hieveryone]

I had a plastic shell for my 2017 m3 but it was just heavy enough to make the screen move out of place if I happened to bump the computer or when I lifted up the computer. It was annoying.

So, I took the shell off and now use a 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

Who makes genuine leather sleeves for the MacBook?

Whatever you do, don't ship Royal Mail (from Amazon) to Canada. Order directly from them, as they use different shipping. It took over 3 weeks to get here via Royal Mail / Canada Post. I really like the product though. Fits like a very tight glove. Doesn't feel like the laptop is going to fall...

forums.macrumors.com

That is a stunningly beautiful sleeve! Pricey but I'm sure it's worth it. I like it a lot

 

[MPclk2006]

I recently bought a clear plastic shell hard case for my 2017 MacBook base model. It was cheap, maybe 15 bucks or so. I take it with me everywhere. I throw it in my bag with other things. I had it recently when I went on vacation. I had it in my suitcase, and lord knows how much banging up that suitcase went through.

I've noticed TONS of scratches and deep marks on the case, but the computer remains flawless. I can only imagine what it would look like without the 15 dollar investment I made into protecting the device. I wonder if it would even be functional, because when carried in luggage, you just don't know what kinds of pressure is on the device. My screen could be cracked or the computer could be dented, who knows.

My point is, despite what some may say about cases and all the negatives about them, for me personally it's been well worth it. I do move it around everywhere all the time. Throw it in the car, in my bag, it's constantly moving. I have no issues with using a case and am grateful I bought one.

I'm sure it adds some weight, but because the computer is so lightweight and thin to begin with, it's still a super portable machine IMO and I have no issues with the added weight/bulk (which IMO is minimal anyway)

I’ve had a plastic case on my 2017 MacBook since like day one (ok 3 days later). It is great, I‘ve only removed the bottom part because I could not use my adapter plugged in with the whole case on, so I now just have a cover on the top of the MacBook.

 

[Hieveryone]

I’ve had a plastic case on my 2017 MacBook since like day one (ok 3 days later). It is great, I‘ve only removed the bottom part because I could not use my adapter plugged in with the whole case on, so I now just have a cover on the top of the MacBook.

Nice! I feel very comfortable using one. I feel like I can keep my laptop anywhere, pack it, no issues. I feel more confident overall. So far, the less "carefulness" on my part has not resulted in damage to the computer. Hopefully it stays that way!

 

[Clix Pix]

It is my understanding that those plastic cases, especially the cheap ones, can be difficult to remove from the machine and often can scratch or damage the machine in the process of getting the darned thing off. It always amuses me when people pay a lot of money for an iPhone or a computer and then put some cheap junk on it, then they wonder why later there is damage.....

My 12" 2017 MacBook travels with me in a nice neoprene InCase sleeve with soft protective fleecy lining inside, and that has worked fine for me for years.

 

[Hieveryone]

It is my understanding that those plastic cases, especially the cheap ones, can be difficult to remove from the machine and often can scratch or damage the machine in the process of getting the darned thing off. It always amuses me when people pay a lot of money for an iPhone or a computer and then put some cheap junk on it, then they wonder why later there is damage.....

My 12" 2017 MacBook travels with me in a nice neoprene InCase sleeve with soft protective fleecy lining inside, and that has worked fine for me for years.

That’s awful! Yeah if the case damages the MacBook that would defeat the purpose of using a case if you think about it. So glad that’s not an issue for me

 

[mj_]

@EugW that is one good-looking sleeve! Kudos!

I still use the cheap Amazon Basics felt sleeve I originally purchased for my 13" MacBook Pro. It's too big for the 12" MacBook but it gets the job done, which in my case used to include plenty of international travel abroad before... well, you know, Corona World Tour 2020 happened.

There's a non-zero chance my current MacBook will get replaced with a possible ARM-based MacBook sometime this year and thus before I will be able to resume my travels abroad (which, given the current situation in the US, I don't expect to happen before spring of 2021), and I will definitely look at those leather sleeves for my next portable Mac. Thanks!

 

[Hieveryone]

I recently bought a clear plastic shell hard case for my 2017 MacBook base model. It was cheap, maybe 15 bucks or so. I take it with me everywhere. I throw it in my bag with other things. I had it recently when I went on vacation. I had it in my suitcase, and lord knows how much banging up that suitcase went through.

I've noticed TONS of scratches and deep marks on the case, but the computer remains flawless. I can only imagine what it would look like without the 15 dollar investment I made into protecting the device. I wonder if it would even be functional, because when carried in luggage, you just don't know what kinds of pressure is on the device. My screen could be cracked or the computer could be dented, who knows.

My point is, despite what some may say about cases and all the negatives about them, for me personally it's been well worth it. I do move it around everywhere all the time. Throw it in the car, in my bag, it's constantly moving. I have no issues with using a case and am grateful I bought one.

I'm sure it adds some weight, but because the computer is so lightweight and thin to begin with, it's still a super portable machine IMO and I have no issues with the added weight/bulk (which IMO is minimal anyway)

The best way to explain how my 12" macBook is used, is to say it's like an iPad with a keyboard. Just with full software