MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[aroych2]

Have spotted the Tech 21 clip on case/cover for my soon to arrive MBPr 13. Has anyone got one of these fitted? I'm kinda concerned it might mark the alloy?

I just returned the black Tech21 shell for 13" rMBP.
The good:
- Fit and finish is excellent, (OTH the amazon TopCase for less than 1/5th the price fits about the same)
- Fancy pants packaging (who cares?)
- The protection is "most likely" better than the chemo shells

The Bad:
- Black one was fingerprint magnet
- The surface developed some sort of peeling/marking at a spot after a week of use.
- It is expensive and I don't think is worth the $100 tag

 

[JHUFrank]

Got my SFBags Bolt today. It's the large size, black ballistic with chocolate leather. It is the first briefcase that I have ever owned that will easily hold 2 laptops, along with a bunch of other goodies. The downside of that is that I need some more organizer pouches for my gear, because it is a big bag. Quality, as always, is first rate and it is an extremely well put together bag. Will have a better review later with more pics.

 

[Retroglide08]

I just returned the black Tech21 shell for 13" rMBP.
The good:
- Fit and finish is excellent, (OTH the amazon TopCase for less than 1/5th the price fits about the same)
- Fancy pants packaging (who cares?)
- The protection is "most likely" better than the chemo shells

The Bad:
- Black one was fingerprint magnet
- The surface developed some sort of peeling/marking at a spot after a week of use.
- It is expensive and I don't think is worth the $100 tag

Thanks, really tempted to grab a clip on cover, but just weary of it perhaps marking the device at the point where it clips on. its the OCD in me thats worried of any marking. They do look a great idea all the same

 

[isephmusic]

the literal best $5 you will ever spend on a macbook

http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Gal...670&sr=1-13&keywords=casecrown+retina+macbook

 

[Rahil627]

Could someone help me gather some information about the real differences in durability between the MBP/"cMBP" and rMBP? I've only seen an Anandtech review where it said a layer was removed.

I often live with a backpack. It has 20 pounds (not including whichever MBP), and there's space between the back, foam, and sleeping pad where I can put the laptop. But what I fear most is that these newer rMBPs cannot sustain as much force as the cMBPs. That the compressed clothes in front of it, or whatever I throw on it will flex the screen and destroy the screen.

I've had this mid 2010 since, well... It has huge dents on the bottom and scrapes on the top (my laptop after much cleaning: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121565025690). It's often inside my daypack, which sometimes has books on it, or in a travel bag full of clothes in buses and trains. After 5 years of abuse, the keyboard, screen, and touchpad are immaculate.

But the core 2 duo is not, and is reaching load with just web browsing now (maybe simply reinstall OS X?). Anyway, I'm thinking about getting another cMBP (eBay mid 2012+) fearing all these rMBP screen and durability issues.

Anyone have some empirical data? Some experience? Anyone travel with a backpack, bike, dropped it, dinged it, wedge it between heavy items?

Would those hard cases (Kuzy, iPearl, eBay cheapo, etc.) completely save rMBPs from these forces?

 

[Stigy]

Is there a clear "skin" (like a screen protector) for the 13" MBPr that I can apply to the top lid to prevent scratching?

 

[HowEver]

Why would anyone want their screen partially obstructed by case straps? Made of what un-scratchy material, also?

the literal best $5 you will ever spend on a macbook

http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Gal...670&sr=1-13&keywords=casecrown+retina+macbook

 

[dyt1983]

Is there a clear "skin" (like a screen protector) for the 13" MBPr that I can apply to the top lid to prevent scratching?

Yes.

 

[andeify]

I got the Snugg Crossbody Shoulder Messenger Bag. Its quite good, it would be perfect if it had anti crush barriers between compartments, but I've not seen any like that.

Its not a perfect fit for the 15" Retina but it is a nice bag, you could use a fairly bulky sleeve as well, I would recommend it.

 

[Sti-R]

If anyone is going to purchase the incase icon MBPr sleeve, there is a coupon that takes 40% off your purchase.



Use this code: 15PD40
Code expires on the 17th of February.

 

[DougFNJ]

Got my SFBags Bolt today. It's the large size, black ballistic with chocolate leather. It is the first briefcase that I have ever owned that will easily hold 2 laptops, along with a bunch of other goodies. The downside of that is that I need some more organizer pouches for my gear, because it is a big bag. Quality, as always, is first rate and it is an extremely well put together bag. Will have a better review later with more pics.

Any chance for that review? I'm tempted

I am amazed that there are not more slip cases specifically made for the Retina MacBooks. That being said, I used the InCase Deluxe Faux Black Leather Sleeve which fit my 2012 Macbook perfect. There is a little too much free space in it now, so I got the Icon which retains the thin form, but the footprint is a little larger than I was hoping.

 

[WorldIRC]

Grabbed a Brenthaven Medina Slim Brief. Excellent bag, amazing quality. Been using their products for years and this is by far my favourite.

http://www.brenthaven.com/medina-slim-brief#viewer

Used coupon code BH20 to save 20%.

 

[TechZeke]

Got my SFBags Bolt today. It's the large size, black ballistic with chocolate leather. It is the first briefcase that I have ever owned that will easily hold 2 laptops, along with a bunch of other goodies. The downside of that is that I need some more organizer pouches for my gear, because it is a big bag. Quality, as always, is first rate and it is an extremely well put together bag. Will have a better review later with more pics.

I use their Staad backpack, same color/material configuration as your Bolt. Can't use any other backpack now.

My old incase backpack was nice, but I still put my MBP into my old waterfield sleeve before putting it in my backpack. The sleeve built into the incase backpack had ZERO propection at the bottom, meaning if you drop your backpack, your laptop would feel the brunt of the drop. The Staad Backpack's sleeve is not only snug, but the bottom of sleeve is elevated above the bottom of the backpack, with another layer of padding beneath it, so you can throw this backpack around all day long.

This new "Bolt" bag is very tempting. Would be a nice bag to "change it up" every few days.

 

[JHUFrank]

Yup, I will start working on it in the morning.

Any chance for that review? I'm tempted

I am amazed that there are not more slip cases specifically made for the Retina MacBooks. That being said, I used the InCase Deluxe Faux Black Leather Sleeve which fit my 2012 Macbook perfect. There is a little too much free space in it now, so I got the Icon which retains the thin form, but the footprint is a little larger than I was hoping.

----------

I use their Staad backpack, same color/material configuration as your Bolt. Can't use any other backpack now.

My old incase backpack was nice, but I still put my MBP into my old waterfield sleeve before putting it in my backpack. The sleeve built into the incase backpack had ZERO propection at the bottom, meaning if you drop your backpack, your laptop would feel the brunt of the drop. The Staad Backpack's sleeve is not only snug, but the bottom of sleeve is elevated above the bottom of the backpack, with another layer of padding beneath it, so you can throw this backpack around all day long.

This new "Bolt" bag is very tempting. Would be a nice bag to "change it up" every few days.

I haven't really looked at that detail about the built in sleeve. I will have to go look.

----------

Grabbed a Brenthaven Medina Slim Brief. Excellent bag, amazing quality. Been using their products for years and this is by far my favourite.

http://www.brenthaven.com/medina-slim-brief#viewer

Used coupon code BH20 to save 20%.

Very nice brief. I'm impressed.

 

[chad.petree]

Retina MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

Guys I usually go with sleeves and I've narrowed my choices to one of these 3 for my 13" macbook pro retina, the ideal for me would be to get a sleeve that was specifically designed for my model, but usually companies just make a case for 13" inches and then make it bigger so it fits the macbook air 13" macbook pro 13" and the pro retina 13":



Incase neoprene classic (looks a bit boring)



http://www.goincase.de/devices/macbook/15-macbook-pro-retina/incase-neoprene-classic-sleeve-13.html



Hex Legion 13"



http://www.shophex.com/shop/laptop-...r-sleeves/legion-13-macbook-pro-or-air-sleeve



Herschel Anchor Sleeve



http://shop.herschelsupply.com/coll...cts/anchor-sleeve-macbook-air-pro-13-navy-red

What do you think ? Which one would you go for ?

 

[AndroidNmac]

Will a 13" macbook pro retina with case fit in the 13" amazonbasics sleeve? Or is the 14" the one to get.

Looking at a clear ipearl case along with a matte/rubberized finish case for a similar price. I think the speck is overpriced, but I do like that dark red they have.

Oh and probably get this bag while its on sale http://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus-...019121517&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=69&ksdevice=c

 

[JHUFrank]

Large SFBags Bolt Review: Warning long and lots of pics

I have been looking for a heavy duty traveling briefcase for some years now. When I am out on the road, I need to be able to carry two 13 inch laptops and a small assortment of network tools and testers.
I have never wanted to carry a backpack. I am 50 years old, a grumpy old computer guy, and prefer a nice messenger or briefcase. I have gone through several
Samsonite ballistic briefcases, and loved them all. They are just too small. I also went through a SFBag Cargo, which I love also, but it turned into my heavy toolbag and it is absolutely wonderful at that.
So I was quite excited when SFBags came out with the large Bolt. Initially I wanted to order the black leather on black ballistic, but as SFBags' leather quality is so good, I decided to go with the chocolate leather.
I wasn't disappointed. The construction quality is amazing, as with all SFBags products. The leather is top notch and rugged. I am rough on my bags, and all of my SFBags still look great. The Bolt is no different.
It has a number of large and roomy pockets, all lined with the gold material that Waterfield is known for. One of the things I didn't like was there are no organizers in any of the pockets. I have a number of the SFBags organizer pouches, and I ordered a few other hard pouches to hold drives, traveling gear, etc. Plus I added a nice rollup pencil bag which quickly helped me overcome my organizing urges.
That being said, completely loaded I am able to carry 2 large pouches, my ifixit small tool case, a screw driver, 2 SFBags wallets, a pencil bag, toner and probe kit, line quality test kit, and multiple other goodies in the outside pockets, like spare cat 5 and hdmi cables coiled in the magazine pouch. In the front magnetic pouches I carry quick access items, like a spare power supply, pocket knife, phones, wallet, keys.
Once loaded, the bag is quite heavy, and if off balance will tilt to one side. I am spoiled by my stiffened Cargo bag, which when loaded, sits like a stack of bricks. This really isn’t a very big problem quite honestly.
All of the hardware on the bag is top notch. The weatherproof top locking zipper is just amazing. It has leather pull straps for ease of use. The large front side pocket has a weatherproof flap that covers its zipper. This pocket can easily hold a large tablet. The flap can be annoying to tug into place from time to time.
Below that pocket are the two magnetic closure pockets. They are big enough to hold a wallet or cell phone, macbook charger, etc. If you overfill them they have a tendency to bulge some.
However, what this bag is really about is safely carrying a laptop, in my case two laptops. The laptop slip is large and should hold a 15 or 17 inch laptop. I am thinking it will hold a 13 inch laptop in a sleeve. The slip is nicely padded, but doesn’t have much separation from the floor in case of a long fall. I am thinking I may get a Waterfield sleeve for my rMBP while it’s in the Bolt. I have had a MBA that survived a 5 foot fall in a SFBags sleeve.
And yes, it will hold that second laptop. I carry a Lenovo X220 for work. It slides right into the middle compartment along with the gear pouches, nice and snug.
Having carried it now for about a week, I am really pleased with this purchase, and as always, Waterfield makes one heck of a product.

 

[JHUFrank]

Pictures of SFBags Bolt.

 

[JHUFrank]

More Pictures.

 

[JHUFrank]

Last two pictures. Don't use my hand as a good scale comparison of size, I have very large hands.

 

[JHUFrank]

Any chance for that review? I'm tempted

I am amazed that there are not more slip cases specifically made for the Retina MacBooks. That being said, I used the InCase Deluxe Faux Black Leather Sleeve which fit my 2012 Macbook perfect. There is a little too much free space in it now, so I got the Icon which retains the thin form, but the footprint is a little larger than I was hoping.

Posted, Sorry it is late.

 

[dominiongamma]

Will a 13" macbook pro retina with case fit in the 13" amazonbasics sleeve? Or is the 14" the one to get.

Looking at a clear ipearl case along with a matte/rubberized finish case for a similar price. I think the speck is overpriced, but I do like that dark red they have.

Oh and probably get this bag while its on sale http://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus-...019121517&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=69&ksdevice=c

I have a rMBP and got the 13 inch one, it fits perfectly!

 

[Rahil627]

I'm quoting and talking to myself!

Okay, late 2013 retina macbook pro came in from eBay with a scatter plot of dead pixels despite the pretty good packaging. The user said he/she was not aware of any of it, which I believe -- not everyone can see 100-150 dead pixels. I'm glad I did the little research to see that coming and found one under AppleCare. Luckily my local store was being super kind and replaced my display, top, and bottom (something was also wrong with the battery?), a whopping $784 if I didn't have the warranty, which is the price of the laptop. I was already hesitant and now I'm quite frightened of the durability of these things.

I asked the staff about the case conundrum, one guy said the hard case is really only good against scratches, dents, dings, etc., but for pressure recommended the InCase neoprene which was at the store, which might act as a foam, which makes sense to me.

I'm very likely going to buy the Inateck Envelope MP1303 tonight, which will also allow me to fit an iPad and iPhone in there too. And if the strap breaks, I can always use some paracord.

If that doesn't work out, I'll get a neoprene later.

And if the retina MBP keeps giving problems / repairs, then I'll probably revert to the classic after a year or so.

I'm done!

Could someone help me gather some information about the real differences in durability between the MBP/"cMBP" and rMBP? I've only seen an Anandtech review where it said a layer was removed.

I often live with a backpack. It has 20 pounds (not including whichever MBP), and there's space between the back, foam, and sleeping pad where I can put the laptop. But what I fear most is that these newer rMBPs cannot sustain as much force as the cMBPs. That the compressed clothes in front of it, or whatever I throw on it will flex the screen and destroy the screen.

I've had this mid 2010 since, well... It has huge dents on the bottom and scrapes on the top (my laptop after much cleaning: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121565025690). It's often inside my daypack, which sometimes has books on it, or in a travel bag full of clothes in buses and trains. After 5 years of abuse, the keyboard, screen, and touchpad are immaculate.

But the core 2 duo is not, and is reaching load with just web browsing now (maybe simply reinstall OS X?). Anyway, I'm thinking about getting another cMBP (eBay mid 2012+) fearing all these rMBP screen and durability issues.

Anyone have some empirical data? Some experience? Anyone travel with a backpack, bike, dropped it, dinged it, wedge it between heavy items?

Would those hard cases (Kuzy, iPearl, eBay cheapo, etc.) completely save rMBPs from these forces?

 

[cairene2011]

I have been looking for a heavy duty traveling briefcase for some years now. When I am out on the road, I need to be able to carry two 13 inch laptops and a small assortment of network tools and testers.
I have never wanted to carry a backpack...
...
...

The first couple pictures, I was like "meh", until I saw how much you fit in there!! This is a true Mary Poppins bag, very tempting as a carry-on. Currently I slip my MacBook into its sleeve and in the back of my handbag when I fly, but that's certainly less safe than having it in its own padded "transportation shell".

How comfortable is carrying this bag? Does the strap cut into your shoulder easily or can you see yourself wearing this bag all day full and on foot?

 

[JHUFrank]

The first couple pictures, I was like "meh", until I saw how much you fit in there!! This is a true Mary Poppins bag, very tempting as a carry-on. Currently I slip my MacBook into its sleeve and in the back of my handbag when I fly, but that's certainly less safe than having it in its own padded "transportation shell".

How comfortable is carrying this bag? Does the strap cut into your shoulder easily or can you see yourself wearing this bag all day full and on foot?

My apologies, I meant to add a bit about the strap. I carry about 25 pounds on a day to day basis in the Bolt. The strap is excellent, well padded, with leather on top and grippy padding on the bottom. Waterfield's straps are generally the best I have dealt with. The padded shoulder area is 9 inches long and has a slight bend to fit to your shoulder. Yes it is comfortable to carry, and doesn't slip off your shoulder.