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How to best carry your MacBook in a bag/backpack?
- Thread starter Schlumpf
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The bags I use have little dedicated sections for laptops. The one on my briefcase has some padding, but the one on my backpack doesn't. In any case, for both I keep the laptop in a well-padded sleeve to keep it from getting scratched or banged up. I feel pretty confident I could drop either of the bags on a hard floor or sidewalk and the laptop would be unscathed.
Same.
I have a laptop backpack with a well padded dedicated section, but have been using a cheap-o messenger bag for a while now with no padding. But in both scenarios, the Mac sits in a padded sleeve.
I also have a super thin microfiber between the keyboard and glass. The keyboard marks tend to be oil from one's fingers, so probably not a big deal in the long run, so the microfiber helps keep the screen clean(ish).
For example: https://www.amazon.com/Kuzy-Microfiber-Keyboard-Cover-Cloth/dp/B07GTBBJJ1/ (got a three pack when on sale)
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You haven't had any issues with that? I feel like I've read a lot of advice that says to put absolutely nothing between the keyboard and screen because the tolerance is so tight you increase the chances of cracking the glass.
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No issues. Current or past MBPs. The keyboard microfibers I have are ultra thin, about a sheet of paper thick.
Then again, I'm not hard on the display: not hard flipping it open, or slamming it shut like an old school flip phone.
Then again, I'm not hard on the display: not hard flipping it open, or slamming it shut like an old school flip phone.
The key is to avoid long term pressure on the lid of the laptop.
In my student days, my laptop sleeve was always loaded into my bag closest to my body to reduce jostling it around. The pressure from the texts, notebooks, etc. pressing it to my body resulted in keyboard marks on the screen. At first they are minor, but eventually wear into the coating. It's just part of the deal.
Now that I no longer need to transport heavy texts, etc., I use a much smaller messenger bag. The laptop still goes in the corduroy-lined Timbuktu sleeve I've used since my 2008 white MacBook ($15 well spent). It then goes in the main compartment of my bag. If I decide I need to transport a large stack of papers or something, I'll use the padded laptop compartment in my bag for the laptop and place the documents in the main compartment. I've had my current M1 MBP since fall '21, and no permanent key marks yet.
If you choose to place something between the screen and keyboard, make sure it is thinner than the rubber gasket around the screen and you'll be fine.
In my student days, my laptop sleeve was always loaded into my bag closest to my body to reduce jostling it around. The pressure from the texts, notebooks, etc. pressing it to my body resulted in keyboard marks on the screen. At first they are minor, but eventually wear into the coating. It's just part of the deal.
Now that I no longer need to transport heavy texts, etc., I use a much smaller messenger bag. The laptop still goes in the corduroy-lined Timbuktu sleeve I've used since my 2008 white MacBook ($15 well spent). It then goes in the main compartment of my bag. If I decide I need to transport a large stack of papers or something, I'll use the padded laptop compartment in my bag for the laptop and place the documents in the main compartment. I've had my current M1 MBP since fall '21, and no permanent key marks yet.
If you choose to place something between the screen and keyboard, make sure it is thinner than the rubber gasket around the screen and you'll be fine.
Exactly what I noted during my use. I guess I’ll be as gentle with the device as possible and replace the panel under Apple Care when my study is over. Should work right?
I have multiple backpacks/bags that have compartments for laptops. I prefer them to be relatively snug so the laptop can’t flop around unnecessarily.
Since there is a chance of debris getting into those compartments I clean them out regularly.
And then, of course, I try not to have other bulky things in the bag at the same time. I’ll usually only carry laptop and camera in the same backpack but not much more.
For longer travel, I might use an extra laptop sleeve for additional cushioning.
Since there is a chance of debris getting into those compartments I clean them out regularly.
And then, of course, I try not to have other bulky things in the bag at the same time. I’ll usually only carry laptop and camera in the same backpack but not much more.
For longer travel, I might use an extra laptop sleeve for additional cushioning.
When not going on long distances, I just put my 13" MBA in my rucksack. There's a little sleeve for it at the back of the rucksack. Never had any issues or scratches.
When flying, on the rare occasion I take my laptop with me, it goes in a cheap padded sleeve I bought about 20 years ago (for a windows computer of a similar size).
My Intel 2020 MBA has a couple of minor dents in the sides from where it's slid off a sofa onto a hard floor more than once, but they've made no impact (hah) on functionality.
When flying, on the rare occasion I take my laptop with me, it goes in a cheap padded sleeve I bought about 20 years ago (for a windows computer of a similar size).
My Intel 2020 MBA has a couple of minor dents in the sides from where it's slid off a sofa onto a hard floor more than once, but they've made no impact (hah) on functionality.
I use this from 2010 which I thought was cool but my wife says is tacky now?
www.twelvesouth.com
BookBook for MacBook from Twelve South
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OP wrote:
"I can’t imagine that keyboardmarks and little dents on the coating are meant to be under normal use. Maybe some of you have a great solution to prevent things like that."
And you are right.
The "solution" is to NOT pack the MacBook in a backpack, but rather to carry it in its own, separate, protective case.
If it has to be a backpack, then it should be one with "a hard compartment" for the laptop to go in, that prevents "crushing forces" against the laptop's top and bottom...
(assuming that they make them, I've never owned a backpack, nor will I ever own one...)
"I can’t imagine that keyboardmarks and little dents on the coating are meant to be under normal use. Maybe some of you have a great solution to prevent things like that."
And you are right.
The "solution" is to NOT pack the MacBook in a backpack, but rather to carry it in its own, separate, protective case.
If it has to be a backpack, then it should be one with "a hard compartment" for the laptop to go in, that prevents "crushing forces" against the laptop's top and bottom...
(assuming that they make them, I've never owned a backpack, nor will I ever own one...)
Laptop sleeve with good padding + microfiber cloth that covers the keyboard + backpack with a separate, padded compartment right against my back (also padded on the outside) has so far been a great solution. If I only need to take my laptop somewhere, I've still got a nice sleeve with pockets that hold my power adapter and other cables/dongles. Backpack is due to be replaced, for 2 reasons: it's starting to fall apart in a couple places, and it was designed to hold my older 15" MBP so it's slightly oversized for my new 14" MBP.
For much more than a decade I have just tossed MBPs into a backpack or case. No visible damage, but I do not look for tiny dings either.
I was worried about the same thing so I got a special custom fitted case made just for the MacBooks and LOVE it! Highly unlikely to get scratched in this case.
analogcases.com
PULSE MacBook Pro Case
Compact Cases, Hard Cases, and XTS Desktop Stands for producers & DJs. Whether you're on tour or composing in the studio, we've got you covered.
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When travelling, any (all) of my own (Apple) laptops go (or, have gone) into a special (nicely padded) compartment of my briefcase.
Meanwhile, laptops that come with a job, with a particular position, usually also come with their own backpack, and that is how they travel, in a snug compartment of their backpack.
Meanwhile, laptops that come with a job, with a particular position, usually also come with their own backpack, and that is how they travel, in a snug compartment of their backpack.
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Honestly, it’s like everything else in life…if you don’t want anything to happen to it, don’t use it and don’t take it out anywhere at all. If you use something, it WILL wear regardless. That’s not to say you should abuse the laptop, but the laptop serves you and not the other way around.
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Plus a laptop bag with dedicated and padded compartment.
A backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment. Example: https://vonbaer.com/products/prime-mens-leather-backpack
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