Cases for MBP

[jfsouza]

Hey all! So... I just got a new C2D MacBook Pro last Friday and I've been looking around for a case for it? Any recommendations. I have my eye on STM's Cargo bag (http://www.stmbags.com.au/mediumcargo) and Timbuk2's laptop courier (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=2&skusetId=167). Any recommendations as to which one I should get? The STM is basically a messenger bag with a sleeve that is removable (a nice feature) and you can pack books and stuff on either side of the laptop once its inside the sleeve inside the bag. However, Timbuk2's bag seems to have a bit more space and possibly a better build. They are $130 and $150 respectfully. What do you think?

 

[gr8tfly]

Check out Brenthaven. They have them specifically designed for Apple MBP/PB. I have one for my PB 17", and it's great. Fits perfectly, and very well made.

I think the Apple Store carries some of them. I got mine (a while ago, now) at CompUSA. It should fit my new 17" MBP, when it arrives (in a few days?), too.

 

[thenewguy]

I would look at some of the targus bags. They are WAY cheaper and have alot more features/room. Look at the Corporate and the Revolution specifically.

 

[vanzskater272]

Is there a case that can last through about anything. I want a case to but in my backpack when I go to school or out skating. But I just throw my backpack on the floor and step on it. Almost everything in it is broken. I could take better care of my backpack but it would just be easier to have a case like that.

 

[e12a]

i bought a marware SportFolio case. It too is designed to specially fit macbooks/macbook pros. Its a little on the thin side (but it has a plastic shell, enveloped in neoprene), but then i can tuck it in my backpack. It also has a shoulder strap if i just want to take the laptop. th exterior pocket can stretch wide enough to fit probably everything i need, or i can use the inside pocket for stuff too.

and as mentioned earlier its made of neoprene. good for those semi-wet days.

 

[clayj]

Vyper case from Booq. I have one for my MBP and I love it. Then you can use any backpack you want.

 

[Zadillo]

Check out the Vertical Brain Cell from Tom Bihn:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0390

The Vertical Brain Cell, like the Horizontal Brain Cell, provides superior protection for your laptop. Your laptop hangs suspended, cradled in 8mm thick soft foam padding in a 4mm hard corrugated plastic insert that protects from the front, back, and bottom. The sides are protected by dense cross-linked closed-cell polyethylene foam. This offers the toughest protection you can get for your laptop in a case that is still light and minimalist. It closes on the top, like a cereal box, with two padded flaps that seal with Aplix® strips (like Velcro®, only longer-lasting.) Your laptop will be protected from every angle.

It's specifically designed to fit into a backpack, but can be used by itself (there's also a horizontal version, but this model is designed to protect it especially when vertically oriented, like inside a backpack).

If you ever decide to get one of their bags, like the Smart Alec backpack, it will also clip directly into it.

But it looks like a really good choice for excellent protection, and it's what I ordered to use for my MBP.

-Zadillo

 

[jimrich3]

Mezzi Cases?

Does anyone have an opinion about Mezzi cases (http://www.mezzi.com)? They look cool, but how is their build quality?

 

[donster28]

I got one from Bestbuy and the brand is 'Init'. I found out that Bestbuy actually makes these bags (or commissions them in other words). Take a look at my pic.

I thought it to be 'girly' looking at first but with it's industrial design, bubble protection on the outside, soft cloth padding in the inside and slim look, I think it's a steal for CDN$39.99. What do you think? Does it look feminine?

 

[Zadillo]

I got one from Bestbuy and the brand is 'Init'. I found out that Bestbuy actually makes these bags (or commissions them in other words). Take a look at my pic.

I thought it to be 'girly' looking at first but with it's industrial design, bubble protection on the outside, soft cloth padding in the inside and slim look, I think it's a steal for CDN$39.99. What do you think? Does it look feminine?

Btw, I finally saw one of these in person at BestBuy.

I think what makes the bag appear "feminine" is the handles; can't put my finger on why, but I think at the very least the handles don't match the bag. Looks like a nice case though generally.

 

[donster28]

Btw, I finally saw one of these in person at BestBuy.

I think what makes the bag appear "feminine" is the handles; can't put my finger on why, but I think at the very least the handles don't match the bag. Looks like a nice case though generally.

I agree with you Zadillo. I actually thought about returning it but I keep changing my mind cause the damn thing is so soft and very protective. I'm thinking again of returning it but I might get used to the handles.

Asked a few people in the mall, male and female and most think it's a guy's bag and a change from the usual laptop bag look.

 

[e12a]

Btw, I finally saw one of these in person at BestBuy.

I think what makes the bag appear "feminine" is the handles; can't put my finger on why, but I think at the very least the handles don't match the bag. Looks like a nice case though generally.

the curvature of the handle is similar to many purses. But whatever works is good. As long as your MBP is protected.

 

[faustfire]

Ive been looking at this Dakine messenger bag, it just looks cool as hell.
http://www.ebags.com/dakine/messenger_sl/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=77262

 

[Cybix]

I have the Dicota aluminium case for mine, it looks like I'm carrying weapons/drugs/money everywhere I'm going.. hehe.. just need a handcuff for it now.

 

[iBorg20181]

Check out Brenthaven. They have them specifically designed for Apple MBP/PB. I have one for my PB 17", and it's great. Fits perfectly, and very well made.

I think the Apple Store carries some of them. I got mine (a while ago, now) at CompUSA. It should fit my new 17" MBP, when it arrives (in a few days?), too.

Has anyone seen/bought the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe? It looks functional and durable, keeps the lappie in a separate padded compartment, files in another, and peripherals in a front zippered pocket. I have an older Brenthaven from 4 years ago - this looks better. $100 is a reasonable price - anyone try this one?

TIA!

iBorg

 

[Blublub]

I'd also highly recommend the Brenthaven. Mine is going on three or four years of heavy wear lugging around a TiBook and still looks like a trooper. I see that they have redesigned it slightly since the original, not sure if that is good or bad. Actually, the photos on their site make them look more nerdy than they are in real life, particularly after they break in a little.

Happily, I haven't had to think twice about the best case for my C2D 15".

 

[Zadillo]

I just got my Tom Bihn Smart Alec backpack and Vertical Brain Cell case:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0103

and

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0390

I haven't gotten my new MBP yet, but I am already really impressed by both the backpack and the vertical brain cell.

The quality of materials of both is great; the fabric, the zippers, etc. The backpack seems really spacious even with the brain cell clipped inside.

The brain cell itself is great; the backpack has a couple of clips that let you clip the case into it (the clips can easily be released to quickly take the brain cell out of the backpack) to keep it secure, and the vertical orientation makes it easy to just open up the case (like a box of cereal) to take the laptop out.

The brain cell seems to have some great hard protection, so I would feel really secure carrying my laptop around inside the brain cell, either by itself or inside the Smart Alec case.

So far my initial impression is that this is a really great and high quality product, and I think I would highly recommend it. Can't wait to get my MBP to put inside it.

-Zadillo

 

[iBorg20181]

I'd also highly recommend the Brenthaven. Mine is going on three or four years of heavy wear lugging around a TiBook and still looks like a trooper. I see that they have redesigned it slightly since the original, not sure if that is good or bad. Actually, the photos on their site make them look more nerdy than they are in real life, particularly after they break in a little.

Happily, I haven't had to think twice about the best case for my C2D 15".

Since my 2.33GHz MBP arrived this morning (I can't believe that 2-day shipping from China, actually took only 2 days! ), I ordered the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe for $100 from Apple, and it's already shipped out! Amazon.com didn't have it in stock yet, and it was the same price (altho I'd save the MN sales tax), and no one else had it cheaper.

My Brenthaven from 2002, used for the past 4 years with my 1GHz TiBook, was durable and protective, but the new styling appears much more functional, and overall more compact, so I'm looking forward to its arrival!



iBorg

 

[Blublub]

Since my 2.33GHz MBP arrived this morning (I can't believe that 2-day shipping from China, actually took only 2 days! ), I ordered the Brenthaven Metro Deluxe for $100 from Apple, and it's already shipped out! Amazon.com didn't have it in stock yet, and it was the same price (altho I'd save the MN sales tax), and no one else had it cheaper.

My Brenthaven from 2002, used for the past 4 years with my 1GHz TiBook, was durable and protective, but the new styling appears much more functional, and overall more compact, so I'm looking forward to its arrival!



iBorg

Congrats, fine choice. I do notice that the C2D is a pretty tight fit in the original model's sleeve, so I might ultimately do the same.

 

[AlwaysRight]

I am looking at getting this one for my 17" MBP i have just ordered. I am looking for something very stylish to impress clients but i am afraid this one looks to "girly". I guess because it kind of looks like a handbag. What do you guys think? Or do you know of anything close to this one?

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=B7F769B8&nplm=TD766LL%2FA

This one is also good for me because if i'm not looking to impress i can just use it as a sleeve and throw it in my backpack.

 

[stealthman1]

I just got my WaterField Cargo Mambo Cambo with leather flap today. It isn't cheap, but it is gorgeous and you don't have to look long to see the attention to detail. Fantastic bag and nothing ordinary. They've sent me no less than 3 personal emails since I ordered it. If you've got the budget, take a hard look.
The sleeve is excellent too...

If you want to be my hero order one of the bags from Berluti and give us a good review!

If you get the chance, stop into the store on Madison Avenue, this case is so beautiful it will make you weep...

 

[Clydefrog]

i use the neopreme Incase sleeve to carry around, but somtimes i use my kensington laptop backpack

 

[FaziBear]

I just got my WaterField Cargo Mambo Cambo with leather flap today. It isn't cheap, but it is gorgeous and you don't have to look long to see the attention to detail. Fantastic bag and nothing ordinary. They've sent me no less than 3 personal emails since I ordered it. If you've got the budget, take a hard look.
The sleeve is excellent too...

If you want to be my hero order one of the bags from Berluti and give us a good review!

If you get the chance, stop into the store on Madison Avenue, this case is so beautiful it will make you weep...

Now that looks like an AWESOME BAG. and it better be for the price...it was more then my highest guess...

Any ideas on a leather or more formal type bag that can fit a 17''? Help would be reallyyyyy appreciatted. Thanks

 

[shecky]

i have a Waterfield cargo bag for my 15" Powerbook now and it is an exceptional bag. but since i wanted to try something different (and since the cargo is a large bag) i ordered a timbuk2 blogger for my new 17" MBP. its a bit ambiguous, but the specs read like the 17 may fit, so i will find out when it and the MBP get here, neither of which has happened yet.

 

[Zadillo]

i have a Waterfield cargo bag for my 15" Powerbook now and it is an exceptional bag. but since i wanted to try something different (and since the cargo is a large bag) i ordered a timbuk2 blogger for my new 17" MBP. its a bit ambiguous, but the specs read like the 17 may fit, so i will find out when it and the MBP get here, neither of which has happened yet.

I don't think it's that ambiguous, it seems to say only the 12 and 15" PowerBooks would fit, but they don't mention the 17" powerbook, so I wouldn't expect the 17" MBP to fit either.

The problem as I see it would be the height. It says the height can't exceed 10.25", and the height of the 17" MBP is 10.4". So I think you'd find it sticking out. Maybe not though.

-Zadillo