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rex450se

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 9, 2011
261
77
Independence, MO
I just purchased a new 13" MacBook Pro and would like to protect it. I am looking at cases or an Invisible Shield like skin. I am looking at cases like the
Speck Seethru Satin http://www.speckproducts.com/macbook-cases/macbook-pro-cases-13/seethru-satin-macbook-pro-case-13-black.html
Incipio Feather http://www.myincipio.com/MacBook-Pro-13in-Cases-Accessories/Incipio-MacBook-Pro-13in-feather-Ultralight-Hard-Shell-Case.asp
Incase Perforated http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/perforated-hardshell-case-cl57467
Incase Hardshell http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/hardshell-case-cl57185m
Zagg Invisible Shield http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield...ody-2009-model-cases-covers-skins-shields.php
SGP Carbon Fiber Skin http://www.sgpstore.com/laptop/apple/mac-book-2011-models/sgp-macbook-pro-13-3-skin-guard-set-series.html
Best Skins Ever http://www.bestskinsever.com/macbook-pro-13-inch-2009-model-236

I am wondering what your guys' opinion on cases vs skins? I really like the Incase Perforated but am worried about dirt getting in between the case and MacBook easily to scratch it up more than it would without a case. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks
Victor
 
good summary of skins and cases

I just purchased a new 13" MacBook Pro and would like to protect it. ...

I am wondering what your guys' opinion on cases vs skins?
...

Thanks
Victor

Hi Victor,

Thanks for your helpful posting. I've been looking at the same kinds of products for the same computer. Here are some thoughts:
  • Neither these kinds of cases nor skins provide much impact protection.
  • I like the look of my MBP, so would not want to add colors. But that's just me.
  • Many skins require the use of water in the application and that makes me a little nervous.
  • The cases and skins you mention should provide protection from scratches.
  • I'll be carrying my MBP in a little attache case anyway, but might get one of these thin cases/skins to provide protection when out and about--say, working at a coffee shop.
  • In the iPad forums, people feel that the Zagg skins are way overpriced. Looks to me like the BestSkinsEver product provides the functional equivalent of the Zagg product for about half the price.
  • Some of the skin products cover just the back of the display, and not the bottom.
  • Overall, I am most attracted to the BestSkinsEver (least cost for the minimal protection these products provide) and the Incipio Feather (more protection than skins, but probably not a lot in the event of a fall).
  • Regarding the product with the perforations, I think there is some vulnerability there to dust, crumbs and liquids.

I hope this is helpful. Thanks again for posting these products, and please do let us know what you decide.

:apple:CD:apple:
 
I've had the clear speck case on my 2011 for 3 weeks and think it's great so far. I carry it in an incase sleeve with shoulder strap (the inside is really soft).

photo-34.jpg
 
I don't think any of those cases offer much protection in case of a drop, and I would be worried about dust getting in too. And it may not even be an issue, but I can't help but feel like it would act like a blanket, keeping heat in. I would choose one of the clear protectors. Take the time once to do it correctly, and you don't have to worry about dust or anything grinding into the finish. Plus they both offer the same amount of drop protection.
 
I was in the same boat. I wasn't looking for drop protection because frankly, if you drop a 4-6lb object its going to get dented or nicked anyway.

I was looking mainly for scratch protection and some small bump protection. i ended up trying the incipio and speck satin and the speck satin had the better fit and feel to it. adds nominal weight but still holds to the curves of the macbook.
 
Are you going to be putting this inside of a incase sleeve? (neopreme)

Because if youre still going to be sliding it into a sleeve i think your best bet it the zag invisible shield! this way you can keep the elegance and beauty of your mac and not cover it up, but still keep your grease,scruffs, scratches etc off of the macbook and itll still slide into the incase carrying case.

However if this is the only protection you are going to offer your mac, (just using one thing while throwing it in your backpack etc) then id go with a little more coverage! the spec See-Thru satin would be a good choice, just because its still see-thru but offers much more protection since you wont be sing the sleeve of your backpack.

id really recommend the first choice with the incase sleeve! this way you get the best of both worlds. sleek slim protection and it looks good!
 
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