Is a case worth it for a college student?

[ZachsMacDaddy]

I got my daughter a 13.6" MBA to take to college, and she wanted to buy a case to "make it pretty." I wanted to find one that will provide a little extra protection for the actual metal casing of the MBA. For our son I put a skin on his M1 MBA to protect it some, and to give it some texture to help him avoid dropping it.

The case arrived today and I put it on easy enough. But I noticed some other purchasers comments (for this and most plastic cases) about a slight gap when closed are accurate. Without a case the laptop closes snug and that little rubber lip around the screen touches the bottom case, keeping more dust out of the keyboard & screen area. But the tiny clip edges on these cases keeps that edge from sealing up, and makes a small gap all the way around. It's tiny, but if I hold the laptop up closed I can see the light from the other side between the top & bottom.

Am I overthinking/worrying about nothing? I just want the laptop to be protected since I know some college students don't think about that as much as I do.

 

[Pakaku]

The gap just makes me wonder if the laptop will sleep properly, and the last thing I'd want is a laptop to cook itself in a bag

As for actual protection, I think a properly-padded laptop bag would go further than a case

 

[ZachsMacDaddy]

The gap just makes me wonder if the laptop will sleep properly, and the last thing I'd want is a laptop to cook itself in a bag

As for actual protection, I think a properly-padded laptop bag would go further than a case

Ooh, that's a good point.

I got her a nice TomToc padded sleeve and she has a brand new backpack with padded laptop area. But when it's on her desk I worry about her dropping things like keys or small objects. That's when the case would help a little.

 

[bellflyer14]

I am not a fan of cases at all. Just the little bit of extra weight seems to be very heavy on the screen. What I mean is, my son has a case on his MacBook Air. The screen seems to flop around much easier when you pick it up to carry it since there is extra weight on the hinges. My guess is that can't be great over a long period of time

 

[canuckRus]

Skin a better choice. Cases will eventually crack over time in my experience but will offer satisfactory bottom protection on the other hand.

 

[helloapple1]

I bought a 15” MacBook Air from a girl who had a case exactly like that on it. I took the case off and the screen is permanently warped on each side.

 

[russell_314]

I also say use a skin rather than a case. A case might offer some scratch protection but a skin can do that too. Neither provides drop protection

 

[Sirious]

I personally use a case and mine closes more fully than yours in the pic. I think you should return it and get it from a different site/seller. I got it from Amazon.

 

[G5isAlive]

But when it's on her desk I worry about her dropping things like keys or small objects.

So? What are you trying to protect against? cosmetic blemishes? It's a tool. It will get scratched but that won't interfere with function. I have always worried more about adding things the Apple Engineers did not take into account. The extra weight on the screen can't be good. the improper closing can't be good. How does it affect thermal transfer?

I would use the skin if you must, but not the case.. too many unknowns

 

[ZachsMacDaddy]

So? What are you trying to protect against? cosmetic blemishes? It's a tool. It will get scratched but that won't interfere with function. I have always worried more about adding things the Apple Engineers did not take into account. The extra weight on the screen can't be good. the improper closing can't be good. How does it affect thermal transfer?

I would use the skin if you must, but not the case.. too many unknowns

My biggest concern was protecting the screen. I have an M2 MBA and that top just feels so thin. I know she's not as careful as I am, and I worry that if she drops something on the top it might damage the screen. I figured a case would offer a little extra protection, but looking at these comments and how a lot of them fit, I don't see them being a good idea anymore.

 

[Sirious]

My biggest concern was protecting the screen. I have an M2 MBA and that top just feels so thin. I know she's not as careful as I am, and I worry that if she drops something on the top it might damage the screen. I figured a case would offer a little extra protection, but looking at these comments and how a lot of them fit, I don't see them being a good idea anymore.

I think you are right to protect your/her investment. A case is perfectly fine to use. I have used a case on my previous MacBook Pro for over 10 years and the hinge still perfect. The closed lid is pretty 'tough' but a case will add peace of mind.

Apple only suggests removing things like keyboard covers before closing the display, but have never advised against plastic cases: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102051

I'm also sure that Apple must 'approve' everything they sell on their store and if plastic cases were a big 'NO NO' then they wouldn't be selling one like this one. Sure one can argue its so that it causes damage so you buy a new computer, but I don't think its that deep!

I would just have one more look on Amazon for a different fit/style!

 

[phrehdd]

I think you are right to protect your/her investment. A case is perfectly fine to use. I have used a case on my previous MacBook Pro for over 10 years and the hinge still perfect. The closed lid is pretty 'tough' but a case will add peace of mind.

Apple only suggests removing things like keyboard covers before closing the display, but have never advised against plastic cases: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102051

I also sure that Apple must 'approve' everything they sell on their store and if plastic cases were a big 'NO NO' then they wouldn't be selling one like this one. Sure one can argue its so that it causes damage so you buy a new computer, but I don't think its that deep!

I would just have one more look on Amazon for a different fit/style!

Just asking - the MBA has no fan, do you think a case will insulate and cause temps to go up with fair usage?

 

[Sirious]

Just asking - the MBA has no fan, do you think a case will insulate and cause temps to go up with fair usage?

I have M3 MacBook Air and do some light work. I do have loads of different apps open and have noticed absolutely no heat coming out from it ever.

The case does have some holes in the base part (right?) and I think that's been enough. On the other hand, my MacBook Pro has a fan and it used to be just fine too with the case on. Warm, usual temperature), but didnt feel like it couldn't 'breathe'.

 

[Surfsalot]

Yes I would say, my daughter just finishing UNI has a case on her M1.
Just got this today for M3, perfect fit. good price and has good reviews.
Colour is perfect with my midnight.

Soonjet Compatible for MacBook Air 13.6 inch Case M3 M2 2024-2022 Release Model A3113 A2681, Sturdy Protective Plastic Hard Shell Case Cover for MacBook Air M2 13 inch Case - Midnight Clear

Soonjet Compatible with MacBook Air 13.6 inch Case 2022 2023 New M2 [100% Match Official Color] [Ultra Thin Armor] Protective Hard Shell Translucent Matte Cover for Laptop Model A2681

www.amazon.com.au

 

[DeepSix]

Like others have already said, Saran wrap works great and it's cheap.

 

[JPack]

Gap is preferred.

You don't want her to leave a paperclip in between the display and palm rest, resulting in a cracked display. If Apple thought cases harm the notebook in any way, they wouldn't be selling cases on the Apple Store.

Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook Air 13" - Clear

The Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook Air is a lightweight, form-fitting case that offers protection without sacrificing access to ports, lights and buttons. Buy online now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

Skins are useless for any drop protection. You wouldn't put a skin on your iPhone, why do that on a MBA?

 

[DeepSix]

Yes I would say, my daughter just finishing UNI has a case on her M1.
Just got this today for M3, perfect fit. good price and has good reviews.
Colour is perfect with my midnight.

Soonjet Compatible for MacBook Air 13.6 inch Case M3 M2 2024-2022 Release Model A3113 A2681, Sturdy Protective Plastic Hard Shell Case Cover for MacBook Air M2 13 inch Case - Midnight Clear

Soonjet Compatible with MacBook Air 13.6 inch Case 2022 2023 New M2 [100% Match Official Color] [Ultra Thin Armor] Protective Hard Shell Translucent Matte Cover for Laptop Model A2681

www.amazon.com.au

Thanks I just ordered one, it looks legit good quality.

 

[Surfsalot]

Thanks I just ordered one, it looks legit good quality.

Yep good for the money.

 

[DeepSix]

Yep good for the money.

I usually don't put cases on my laptops as Im pretty good for not getting them scratched but I mainly got this to prevent fingerprints too as I got the black coloured Air. Looks like it doesn't add any bulk to it.

 

[helloapple1]

Gap is preferred.

You don't want her to leave a paperclip in between the display and palm rest, resulting in a cracked display. If Apple thought cases harm the notebook in any way, they wouldn't be selling cases on the Apple Store.

Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook Air 13" - Clear

The Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook Air is a lightweight, form-fitting case that offers protection without sacrificing access to ports, lights and buttons. Buy online now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

Skins are useless for any drop protection. You wouldn't put a skin on your iPhone, why do that on a MBA?

I bought this exact case for the 15 inch MacBook Air and it was making the corners lift up when it was closed.

 

[bellflyer14]

Zero chance I would put a case on a MacBook. Then again Im also the guy who doesn't put a screen protector on my 15 pro max phone either, so there's that.

 

[Surfsalot]

I usually don't put cases on my laptops as Im pretty good for not getting them scratched but I mainly got this to prevent fingerprints too as I got the black coloured Air. Looks like it doesn't add any bulk to it.

No it's thin and not as heavy as the incase we had on a M1.

Have given my new 13" air to my daughter over the weekend as her M1 was not big enough, she's finishing uni and about to start as a teacher so the M3 16/512 will be better, didn't have it for long 3 weeks lol.
Her M1 is going to my wife and will sell her 2015 13" MBP only uses it for email, browsing, nearly 10 years it's lasted and still going ok.

Back to a 11" M4 iPad I picked up for half price Have 24" iMac anyway.

Think if I get another MacBook will be a 14" pro for the better screen, pro motion and speakers.

 

[DeepSix]

No it's thin and not as heavy as the incase we had on a M1.

Have given my new 13" air to my daughter over the weekend as her M1 was not big enough, she's finishing uni and about to start as a teacher so the M3 16/512 will be better, didn't have it for long 3 weeks lol.
Her M1 is going to my wife and will sell her 2015 13" MBP only uses it for email, browsing, nearly 10 years it's lasted and still going ok.

Back to a 11" M4 iPad I picked up for half price Have 24" iMac anyway.

Think if I get another MacBook will be a 14" pro for the better screen, pro motion and speakers.

What? How did you get an M4 iPad for half price?! I would buy one for half price.

I just received the case and slapped it on. Wow you are right, It's a very impressive case. Love the feel of it too. No more cold metal. 😅 It looks and feels cheap once you take it out of the box but when you put it on it looks good. I'm sure this thing cost at $0.50 to manufacture lol

This case will be pretty tough to beat especially for the price. You saved me a lot of time. Completely fingerprint free. If I can find them can always put a white apple sticker on the outside. It would look good.

 

[Surfsalot]

What? How did you get an M4 iPad for half price?! I would buy one for half price.

I just received the case and slapped it on. Wow you are right, It's a very impressive case. Love the feel of it too. No more cold metal. 😅 It looks and feels cheap once you take it out of the box but when you put it on it looks good. I'm sure this thing cost at $0.50 to manufacture lol

This case will be pretty tough to beat especially for the price. You saved me a lot of time. Completely fingerprint free. If I can find them can always put a white apple sticker on the outside. It would look good.

Got the M4 cellular 256gb for $1000AUD off Facebook market place = $2049AUD retail.
Guy needed money ASAP for his girlfriend stuck in Indonesia, threw him a offer and he took it.

I wasn't going to pay over $2k for one.
Sought of got stuck as I gave my M1 to my wife and sold her 2018 11", thinking I would just use the MacBook Air, so grabbed it.

 

[TPadden]

Am I overthinking/worrying about nothing?

Yes.