Best 11" MacBook Air Sleeve

[Puch]

Here's what I found

I read through all of the posts this morning and finally made a decision. I really appreciate all of the great info - it made me feel better about picking the right cover for my new Air (way better than just browsing Amazon). I was looking for a vertical sleeve, no zipper, slim but sturdy enough to bounce around in my backpack with heavy books, powerbars, and the occasional petrified gummy bear. Here are my top choices:
Incipio http://www.myincipio.com/MacBook-Air-Cases-Accessories/MacBook-Air-Cases-Accessories.asp- Orion or leather sleeve (looked nice but out of stock in most colors. Some reviews said that these were too small for the Air 13". Gap at the top didn't look like it offered a lot of protection)
BauBau neoprene skin http://www.shoebuy.com/baubau-macair-slip-sleeve-13/322215/690076?cm_mmc=dealtime-_-none-_-none-_-none(simple and minimal, but some posts suggested that neoprene alone would not offer enough protection for my planned use. Also, I didn't love the look of it)
Incase neoprene sleeve http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/neoprene-sleeve-cl57802/3 - Just about perfect, but again the issue w/ neoprene alone.
COTEetCIEL http://www.coteetciel.com/store/sleeves/macbook-air.html - beautiful case. Just about perfect but only a horizontal opening (no vertical). Plus, I was a little worried about shipping from Europe.
JoliOriginals http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoliOriginals/sold - Gorgeous sleeve but very expensive (from what I hear). Prices are not posted since the store is closed at the moment.
Radtech http://www.radtech.us/products/SleevzNotebooks.aspx - nice looking but didn't seem to offer a great deal of protection.
Crumpler "Fug" http://www.crumpler.com/us/Laptop-Bags/Laptop-Carrying-Cases/Fug-13.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=FU0401A - great looking case but again the issue of protection.
Finally I chose the WaterField sleeve case http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.php. It's fully customizable, fairly heavy duty but still small and light. I ordered the vertical version w/ no flap and the leather bottom. I placed the order about an hour ago and have already received 2 confirmation emails telling me that it will ship today. Plus, Gary seems like a nice guy. Will post again when I receive it.
Again, thanks for all of the help.

Macbook Air 13" 2010 (2.13GHz, 256GB, 4GB); Iphone 4 (32 GB)

 

[peterb69]

I got the same exact WF sleeve/case as you, but horizontal and flap. I love mine. Enough protection and not to bulky.

 

[ttate90303]

Just received my Waterfield sleeve for my 11" Ultimate Air. Vertical with no flap & leather bottom. As always excellent work from the folks at SF Bags. I'm a big fan of their products for 10 years now.

 

[eVolcre]

I got the same exact WF sleeve/case as you, but horizontal and flap. I love mine. Enough protection and not to bulky.

How much approximate bulk does it add to the Air? Half an inch on all dimensions or more? Trying to see if it will fit in my bag ...

eV

 

[deruch]

Hardy Candy Bubble Case for 13" MacBook Air

Just received my Hard Candy Bubble case for my 13" Ultimate and I have to say I am quite impressed with it. It basically looks just the the iPad case except made to fit the Air. Here is a couple of pictures taking from my iPhone (sorry for the quality). Case adds more bulk then just a neoprene sleeve but provides a lot more protection and fits nicely in my backpack. Overall I am very happy with it.

Edit: I just now realized this thread was for 11" sleeves. The do make one for the 11" just like it.

http://www.hardcandycases.com/bubble-sleeve-macbook-air-case.html

 

[peterb69]

How much approximate bulk does it add to the Air? Half an inch on all dimensions or more? Trying to see if it will fit in my bag ...

eV

I don't have it in front of me at the moment, but the flap does not contribute much more to the deminsions. Minimal.

It is the side piggyback pouch that would add to the overall size which I did not get.

 

[Alvesang]

I got the same exact WF sleeve/case as you, but horizontal and flap. I love mine. Enough protection and not to bulky.

I finally got mine today and absolutely love it. Great bag. However, I didn't get what I ordered, 'cause they forgot the flap. I'll email them about it and am curious what the solution might be, for I am living in Germany and sending it back is not an option (getting it through customs took forever).

Two thumbs up on the case, nonetheless. Fine materials, well crafted, not too big, practical and protective - I'm thinking about ordering another one for my MBP.

 

[MoreAwesomeDanU]

So I saw the case in etsy but didn't wanna pay that price so I made my own. Took 4 hours n bam my own custom case.

how did u make your own?? And what screen protector is that for ur iphone 4? looks awesome

 

[barmann]

Just received my Hard Candy Bubble case for my 13" Ultimate and I have to say I am quite impressed with it.
http://www.hardcandycases.com/bubble-sleeve-macbook-air-case.html

Good stuff, thanks for sharing !

 

[n1tut]

All I wanted was the thinnest, lightest, non zip, sleeve, specially made for the 11.6". It only has to protect whilst in an overnight bag, so bought this one from eBay at £5 with free P&P, and it does the job perfectly.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280587359605&category=31534#ht_1450wt_1141

tut

 

[dmelgar]

All I wanted was the thinnest, lightest, non zip, sleeve, specially made for the 11.6". It only has to protect whilst in an overnight bag, so bought this one from eBay at £5 with free P&P, and it does the job perfectly.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280587359605&category=31534#ht_1450wt_1141

tut

I ordered one just like it from someone on eBay from hong kong. Its been a month and it hasn't shown up. I wish someone carried it in the US.

 

[moonfics]

The MUSE by Moshi:

So slick. It even has an outside pocket. I'll post a review when it arrives.

http://store.moshimonde.com/muse-11-gray.html

 

[arc918]

I ordered one just like it from someone on eBay from hong kong. Its been a month and it hasn't shown up. I wish someone carried it in the US.

I ordered mine on Dec. 15 and am still waiting. I've been using a $2 plastic envelope thingy from Office Depot while I wait.

 

[dmelgar]

I ordered mine on Dec. 15 and am still waiting. I've been using a $2 plastic envelope thingy from Office Depot while I wait.

Who did you order it from? I ordered it from jumble_bay_au on December 11th and they say they shipped it on the 13th. Maybe its a scam and they don't have any to sell.

 

[Bial]

Just a word on the cheap red and black ebay sleeves, I bought one a while back for my Samsung NC10 and it has stained the top of the laptop with a pink line across the lid. It may not affect aluminium but I wouldn't want to risk it with a £1000 laptop!

 

[arc918]

Who did you order it from? I ordered it from jumble_bay_au on December 11th and they say they shipped it on the 13th. Maybe its a scam and they don't have any to sell.

same seller for me - I'm guessing they are legit and the mail is just running extra slow with the holidays

between ebay and paypal the buyers are pretty protected

I don't expect my MBA to spend much time in the case (doesn't leave the house that often) which is why I didn't want to spend big $$

 

[Ronnoco]

Just a word on the cheap red and black ebay sleeves, I bought one a while back for my Samsung NC10 and it has stained the top of the laptop with a pink line across the lid. It may not affect aluminium but I wouldn't want to risk it with a £1000 laptop!

Good to know Bial..thanks for the info...

 

[yly3]

Agh, I was going to pick the Japanesse Manilla-Envelope-like one. Unfortunately they have only the 13" it seems. Btw, out of curiosity does anyone know much they cost ?

http://buzzhouse.shop-pro.jp/?pid=8500135

Btw for people wanting some extra protection
http://www.ednet-gmbh.de/?lang=en&corp_id=1&page=1&cat=30,40,3&artnr=10180



EDIT: The Buzz House one is available in the 11" model also ! I found it on Amazon Japan, but frankly I can't find it on their site (it's in Japanesse after all). So I sent them an e-mail and ask them if they have it or not in stock. The standard price is 66 $. Not bad although I am sure shipping will raise it, it's definetely not the most expensive one and I really love it.

 

[dmelgar]

same seller for me - I'm guessing they are legit and the mail is just running extra slow with the holidays

between ebay and paypal the buyers are pretty protected

I don't expect my MBA to spend much time in the case (doesn't leave the house that often) which is why I didn't want to spend big $$

I still haven't received my order from December 11th, 2010 from jumble_bay_au. Its either lost or never sent. I've asked them for a refund. We'll see how that goes. Always have to be careful with eBay purchases. I find it highly unlikely that I'd run into someone else in the same situation. Means 100% of the people I know who have ordered from this person haven't received their order.

 

[Bierkameel]

Love my Pack & Smooch case.

 

[DarkAether]

All I can think of when I see this new influx of wool cases is this:

 

[Jamie37211]

Love my Pack & Smooch case.

I have that exact sleeve, and I wholeheartedly second this. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I have no complaints whatsoever. Snug fit and extremely well-made. Anyone looking for a sleeve for the 11.6" Air should consider this one.

 

[solowmodel]

I have that exact sleeve, and I wholeheartedly second this. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I have no complaints whatsoever. Snug fit and extremely well-made. Anyone looking for a sleeve for the 11.6" Air should consider this one.

I just ordered the one in light grey 5 minutes ago^^

 

[dzd8404]

After testing a few cases for my 11" MacBook Air, I've been enjoying a WaterField SleeveCase for the last couple weeks and have nothing but praise for it. Besides it, the Tucano Workout bag was quite nice. The Elements Sleeve by Tucano wasn't quite to my liking, although it may work for those who enjoy a tight fit. Good luck to all searching for a suitable sleeve/case.

 

[Bakari45]

All I wanted was the thinnest, lightest, non zip, sleeve, specially made for the 11.6". It only has to protect whilst in an overnight bag, so bought this one from eBay at £5 with free P&P, and it does the job perfectly.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280587359605&category=31534#ht_1450wt_1141

tut

I really like this one. Nice and slim. But I'm wondering if they’re sold anywhere in the US so I don’t have to pay extra? Did it take a while to receive yours?