Regarding the Speck TrimSleeve, I just received mine (11"), and I would note that when in the case, the MBA protrudes about .25". In addition to concerns about protection of the exposed portion, it makes the closure somewhat difficult to snap. It is possible that fit may improve once the sleeve breaks in -- time will tell...
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Best 11" MacBook Air Sleeve
- Thread starter Tomple
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Regarding the Speck TrimSleeve, I just received mine (11"), and I would note that when in the case, the MBA protrudes about .25". In addition to concerns about protection of the exposed portion, it makes the closure somewhat difficult to snap. It is possible that fit may improve once the sleeve breaks in -- time will tell...
just got this one in black
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/perforated-hardshell-case-cl57888
Have a simliar on for my iPad2; now they are on partner look.
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/perforated-hardshell-case-cl57888
Have a simliar on for my iPad2; now they are on partner look.
I've settled on getting the Brenthaven ProStyle sleeve, but was disappointed to not find it at my local Apple store. Has anyone found it in a shop, or do you have to order online? I'm going to be in San Francisco tomorrow, so I was going to try that store. Otherwise I guess I'll deal with ordering online and waiting for it to ship.
Apple stores are hit and miss with sleeves and cases. Ones by us don't have the space to devote to a lot of it and there's so many competing cases. Order it somewhere online and you save yourself traveling around on a hunch and get disappointed. I got mine direct from Brenthaven on a warranty from a different failed bag.
I was in the Stockton St store one week after the air launch and slim pickings for 11" sleeves. I got mine thru Amazon.
They had this Acme sleeve that I liked a lot but I wanted a sleeve that covered the whole notebook without the side or end exposed.
I bit the bullet and returned my Speck sleeve (this guy: http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Product...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1313207415&sr=1-1) and got the one pictured below instead (13"). i'm really looking forward to it.
After some time using the old sleeve (that I returned) I discovered the flap (zipperless, claspless) doesn't work very well. It's cumbersome to put in and take out, and it seems the flap can stretch after prolong use.
I'll post more about the new sleeve when it arrives if anyone is interested for feedback.
After some time using the old sleeve (that I returned) I discovered the flap (zipperless, claspless) doesn't work very well. It's cumbersome to put in and take out, and it seems the flap can stretch after prolong use.
I'll post more about the new sleeve when it arrives if anyone is interested for feedback.
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I need help finding a case for my new MBA. Of course it's going to be my main portable and I'll be carrying it around in a backpack everyday. I'm either looking for a new MBA backpack or a case so I can throw it in my back without having to worry about damaging it. Any help?
Hmmm. Mine sits in the case about 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch below the edge of the case. Also, the snap is real easy on mine to snap. I can't say if there are differences in design from the 11 to the 13. I would need to see them side by side to compare. I do know that they do break in a bit, as the laptop is much easier to get in and out of the sleeve after a couple days of use.
One thing you can check is to put a little pressure on the laptop when sliding it in the case.... The pull tab does bind a bit. The tab strap needs to get put back fully to allow the laptop to be fully inserted.
I admit I'm a bag/sleeve whore and may need some help. I have tried several and settled on this one: http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-sling-sleeve-cl57829
Be sure to click on the little green screen on the lower right of the photo to see the black one with green accents; pretty nice.
The great thing about this bag is that it fits the 11" perfectly, has handles and a removable strap. I'm not using the straps since I put my Air in this bag, then put the whole thing in my backpack for max protection. But if I wanted to be minimal, I have that option with this bag alone. It has two pockets in the front to hold a mouse and charger.
Be sure to click on the little green screen on the lower right of the photo to see the black one with green accents; pretty nice.
The great thing about this bag is that it fits the 11" perfectly, has handles and a removable strap. I'm not using the straps since I put my Air in this bag, then put the whole thing in my backpack for max protection. But if I wanted to be minimal, I have that option with this bag alone. It has two pockets in the front to hold a mouse and charger.
Might I comment on the durability of this bag? It's phenomenal. I've been carrying my Macbook in this sleeve for 3 years now, obviously a lot of use but it's still holding up as good as new.
I like it. I especially like the little pockets -- and I love that it has a handle AND a strap (just in case). Any other ones out there that are similar to this, for option sake?
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, even when the strap is fully seated in the sleeve and with reasonable pressure applied, I'm not getting full coverage (see pic). I'm assuming yours was not like this out of the box?
Update Edit: It appears this particular sleeve is defective; Speck customer service has been attentive (via email), but ultimately their solution was unacceptable (ship it back on my dime, wait for them to receive it before sending a new one via "3-5 day" shipping). All this after sending proof of purchase, a pic of the problem, etc.
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@Sounds Good, personally I prefer this one from the Apple store: http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng&mco=MjAzOTk0ODE&s=topSellers
It gives a dedicated pocket for your Air and the extra pockets are actually inside the zipper. Unfortunately, the strap is not detachable, which could be good or bad. I understand the clasps that are detachable are usually made of plastic and risk breaking. But someone did say that Incase bag is very durable, so it's probably a nonissue.
The BoxWave Elite faux leather comes in white too, folks. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CAS1KXS0V936KZ71TFX
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There's so many requirements that are unique to each person. Best sleeve is like saying whether the Air should be 11 or 13. It's personal and mission specific. You have on the one hand users who only carry their computer. On the other, users who have to carry business sized papers and they also might bring along extra equipment / documentation or books. Some folks despise any play when the mac is in the sleeve; other's don't mind some room so that re-seating the mac is easy and fast as it is whipping it out.
I just purchased the speck sleeve on amazon you said you were returning. Could you tell me why you were returning it? Does it offer good protection and is it easy to get in and out? I don't have it yet but it will be shipped to me by monday so I hope I made the right choice with that sleeve.
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Hey Joelseph, I returned it because it was a little difficult to put my Air in and out. Did you get it for the 13" also? I felt like the flap required stretching it in order to enclose the Air after sliding it in, and in order to open it to slide it out. So 1) it's a bit cumbersome, and 2) I fear the material will stretch over time with a lot of usage. It's a nice firm fit, but when carrying it, I can't help but feel the texture ripples slightly. It didn't give me a comfortable grip. I think this will be true with most neoprene sleeves (but I confess this may be a bit of nitpicking. You may feel differently holding it).
Having said that, the sleeve was thin and light and I did feel like my Air was protected from scratches and whatnot (obviously wouldn't do too much against a drop). I just wanted something that had an easier entry point, and a bit of a firmer material. Also, despite it being faux leather, the one I replaced it with looks slightly more professional.
Hope that helps in your decision.
Hey Thanks for the response, it helps. I will look into those factors when I recieve my sleeve. One of the main things I was worried about was the sleeve being too difficult for the air to get in and out plus not having enough protection in case of drops.
I was looking into a leather or faux leather case for my MBA that was under $50. The case you mentioned looks like a good replacement. But I will see how the Speck sleeve is when I get it tommorrow. If its a dud I'll be returning it for sure and get something else.
Oh and yes I did get it for the 13"
I just ordered a bunch of charcoal 3mm thick felt. Have never sewed anything before but couldn't justify paying 130$ canadian for the hard graft one. It only cost me 20$ for the felt so I will be trying to make it this week. Will post pictures once its finished...if it works lol. Figure this way I can customize it to fit exactly how I want it and cover it all
For those interested in a small tight fitting neoprene sleeve, the iSkinz version is about as slim as you're gonna find yet fits well, no zipper to worry about, and costs $20. http://www.iSkinz.com
