BookBook and MacBook Air?

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Has anyone here tried the BookBook case with the MacBook Air? The website says it's designed for MB/MBPs, but that...

Dimensionally MacBook Air will fit inside BookBook, with some wiggle room. You can use this extra space for documents, folders and other paperwork that travels with your MacBook Air.

Just wondering if the MBA slides around a lot inside the case or if it fits snugly.

 

[techound1]

OMG. That's great! (sorry to be of no help for your actual question...)

 

[coast1ja]

That is a great idea... but I would assume it's too big for the MBA. It would work, but there would be extra room in there.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

That is a great idea... but I would assume it's too big for the MBA. It would work, but there would be extra room in there.

Yeah that's why I started this thread. Obviously there would be some room on top, I'm just wondering if there would be a lot of side-to-side movement.

 

[Scottsdale]

I haven't seen it, but I absolutely LOVE IT! What a perfect solution. It's too bad they don't make an MBA specific system. Thanks for pointing it out. Sorry I cannot help either, but I do hope someone has used it and can report back on their experience with it. Perhaps better for the MBP forum area, to at least get some feedback on how it's constructed, looks and etc.

 

[Scottsdale]

Yeah that's why I started this thread. Obviously there would be some room on top, I'm just wondering if there would be a lot of side-to-side movement.

I don't think there would be much side to side movement. I think you could put something in the bottom of the case that would allow the perfect clearance, or lack of, at the top to secure the MBA when the Book Book is closed. I am seriously considering it myself.

I wonder if a brick of aluminum or something more like a grid pattern that allows air movement would be best below the MBA? Since the air vents are at the bottom, I would think air movement would be best. I don't think I would actually use the MBA in the Book Book anyways, but maybe for a few minutes. I am sure something is doable that would ensure a snug fit and safety for the MBA.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Yeah I'm thinking I would only use it to carry my MBA around, not to actually work in. Even if I don't get a response on this thread from someone whose actually tried it, I'm still leaning toward getting it. I've always got stuff I can put in there to fill in the space on top/bottom (papers, etc.).

 

[Scottsdale]

Yeah I'm thinking I would only use it to carry my MBA around, not to actually work in. Even if I don't get a response on this thread from someone whose actually tried it, I'm still leaning toward getting it. I've always got stuff I can put in there to fill in the space on top/bottom (papers, etc.).

Please do let us know if you buy it and what you think. I will post back here if I try it out, but that will probably be a few months away. Good luck if you do try it out. Cheers.

 

[gglockner]

Why not MacGyver it with some foam rubber? Shouldn't be hard to get a snug fit for the MBA.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Why not MacGyver it with some foam rubber? Shouldn't be hard to get a snug fit for the MBA.

That's not a bad idea. I'll have to see how well (or not well) it fits before going that route.

 

[Scottsdale]

Why not MacGyver it with some foam rubber? Shouldn't be hard to get a snug fit for the MBA.

Definitely wouldn't be able to use the MBA in it then. I am really just thinking it's the perfect case solution anyways. A book is far less conspicuous than a notebook sleeve. Two functions in one - carrying case/sleeve to provide protection from dropping and concealment device to provide security from theft. I really like the idea.

 

[AndyMulhearn]

I like it

I'd definitely go for one of those for an Air, the concept is brilliant - protection and concealment in one.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Just ordered one. I'll take some pics when it gets here and let everyone know how it works with the MBA.

 

[Scottsdale]

Just ordered one. I'll take some pics when it gets here and let everyone know how it works with the MBA.

That's GREAT! I am looking forward to a few photos and for a few lines on its quality of construction/materials and how it works with the MBA! Thanks for sharing.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Just wanted to update everyone on the BookBook. I got it a couple of weeks ago. It was lighter-weight than I expected, which was nice, and seemed fairly sturdy and well-made (especially with the materials used on the inside). The MacBook Air fit perfectly and didn't wiggle at all (I have a feeling a regular MacBook would be a very snug fit). Unfortunately, the zipper was broken.

I emailed support and got a response from an actual person the next day with apologies. I was told a new one would be sent along with a UPS label to send the defective one back. A few days later, the new one arrived...also with a broken zipper.

So, sad to say, I've decided to return both and just get a refund. My experience was probably not typical and the support was great, but I just didn't want to deal with getting another one and possibly having the issue a third time.

 

[IscariotJ]

Just wanted to update everyone on the BookBook. I got it a couple of weeks ago. It was lighter-weight than I expected, which was nice, and seemed fairly sturdy and well-made (especially with the materials used on the inside). The MacBook Air fit perfectly and didn't wiggle at all (I have a feeling a regular MacBook would be a very snug fit). Unfortunately, the zipper was broken.

I emailed support and got a response from an actual person the next day with apologies. I was told a new one would be sent along with a UPS label to send the defective one back. A few days later, the new one arrived...also with a broken zipper.

So, sad to say, I've decided to return both and just get a refund. My experience was probably not typical and the support was great, but I just didn't want to deal with getting another one and possibly having the issue a third time.

Damn, that's a shame. Was hoping to pick one of these one for an MBA, and an iPad ( there's been mention on TwelveSouth's twitter an iPad version is under consideration ). I'm in the UK, so sending it back would be a right PITA.

This might be a better option, and there's a specific MBA version.

 

[Scottsdale]

Just wanted to update everyone on the BookBook. I got it a couple of weeks ago. It was lighter-weight than I expected, which was nice, and seemed fairly sturdy and well-made (especially with the materials used on the inside). The MacBook Air fit perfectly and didn't wiggle at all (I have a feeling a regular MacBook would be a very snug fit). Unfortunately, the zipper was broken.

I emailed support and got a response from an actual person the next day with apologies. I was told a new one would be sent along with a UPS label to send the defective one back. A few days later, the new one arrived...also with a broken zipper.

So, sad to say, I've decided to return both and just get a refund. My experience was probably not typical and the support was great, but I just didn't want to deal with getting another one and possibly having the issue a third time.

Well, at least it seems like the perfect design. Is it just not worth the trouble of requesting another one? Or is it that the zipper design seems like it will always result in failure? Meaning, did you get unlucky twice or do you expect this to be a common problem?

Too bad the zippers were bad. Maybe if we give them a little while to get the zipper situation fixed we will get a better product. Seems like the design is really good.

Last question though? I was thinking about it, and it seems like it would be a bigger book than one would normal have... does that make it obvious that there's a notebook inside of it? Or am I just envisioning it to be bigger than it really is?

Thanks for the report. Let us know if you ever find a better implementation of this sort of design. Good luck with whatever case/cover you choose next.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Well, at least it seems like the perfect design. Is it just not worth the trouble of requesting another one? Or is it that the zipper design seems like it will always result in failure? Meaning, did you get unlucky twice or do you expect this to be a common problem?

I don't think the zipper is a design flaw but a manufacturing one. I could have gotten unlucky twice or it could be that there isn't very good quality control and many/most of them have the issue. I'm not a terribly patient person, so two bad ones was enough for me to give up on the BookBook because I bought it because it looked cool, not because I needed it terribly.

Last question though? I was thinking about it, and it seems like it would be a bigger book than one would normal have... does that make it obvious that there's a notebook inside of it? Or am I just envisioning it to be bigger than it really is?

It's definitely a big book, and not something that you would necessarily be seen carrying around all the time, unless you carry around a skinny version of an old-style dictionary. That being said, it's also not immediately obvious that what you have is a laptop case, either.

 

[Scottsdale]

I don't think the zipper is a design flaw but a manufacturing one. I could have gotten unlucky twice or it could be that there isn't very good quality control and many/most of them have the issue. I'm not a terribly patient person, so two bad ones was enough for me to give up on the BookBook because I bought it because it looked cool, not because I needed it terribly.



It's definitely a big book, and not something that you would necessarily be seen carrying around all the time, unless you carry around a skinny version of an old-style dictionary. That being said, it's also not immediately obvious that what you have is a laptop case, either.

That's really too bad about the zipper. I might give them some time to fix the zipper issues (surely returns will have that looked into and changed if that's necessary), and try one myself. I will report back if I do end up with one.

I will certainly wait now and see what happens with the MBA's form factor. If I did order a Book Book now it would be the surest way for Apple to change the form factor of the MBA. LOL.

Interesting note on the size. I had sorta discounted the idea when I thought about the size of the Book Book as being obviously not a "standard" book, but your description makes me feel a little better about it. One of the best ideas of the Book Book is that it conceals the fact that one is carrying a computer... and while it might not be a normal book, it's certainly not a computer.

thanks for the reply