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MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

Hey everyone,

I have a 2014 Macbook Pro 13" Retina and I will be attending school in September. I'm going to be taking my laptop everyday and I want to make sure my laptop looks as good as possible at the end of the program.

I've been looking into screen protectors and keyboard covers and cases. I want a case that won't scratch the aluminum body, but I want a case that looks good as well. I'm not sure about skins, since removals seem like a pain in the ass and wet skins; like the invisible shield is something I want to avoid all together because of the wet application.

I've read some reviews on Spec, Incase and others and all seem to have some form of scratching. Tech21 is newer so not much feedback is available.

What are some cases you guys have used and recommend?
 
I just got the Tech21 impact snap case on Apr. 24/15. Was pricey at $110 in Canada, but so far it seems worth it. Fits great and the texture is nice. Was very easy to install and remove if you need to. Doesn't add much weight or bulk to the mbpr, still fits in my Incase backpack. I did a lot of research before buying, and this one seemed to be better than the others (Speck and Moshi). Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
My niece has an Ibenzer case for her rMBP that she got from Amazon that she likes.

(I just ordered the same one but I can't give a review on it as I don't have the computer or the case yet. They are coming early this week).
 
mattopotamus said:
why not just get a really nice sleeve to carry it in, and then use it when at a desk?

These are hands down the best you can get. They look good, are high quality, and will definitely protect your mac while you move around.
https://www.sfbags.com/collections/macbook-cases/products/outback-macbook-sleeve
Click to expand...

+1 I got the Cityslicker case last week for my new MacBook Pro 15", and I absolutely LOVE it. The bags are a little pricey, but I agree that they are of the upmost quality. Plus, they're handmade in San Francisco, which is awesome.

P.S. I recommend the Nubock Leather... :)
 
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There are several threads on this already, but below are my case and carry items.

SeeThru MacBook Pro with Retina Display 13" Case -- Hot Pink Lips

Vera Bradley Laptop Sleeve -- Mocha Rouge

Vera Bradley Metropolitan -- Mocha Rouge
 

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In terms of sleeves I got the following Incase ICON sleeve with Tensaerlite with my MacBook Pro last week. It provides great protection whilst being slim and form fitting. The only downside is that as a couple of the reviews on their site mentioned if you rest the MacBook Pro on the sleeve the magnet in the sleeve will make it go to sleep. It's a pretty good alternative to getting a case.

https://www.goincase.com/shop/sleeves/icon-sleeve-mb-retina-13/blackslate/
 
don't buy a hard case for your Macbook

I just recently brought 2015 brand new retina macbook pro and buy the third party hard case on the date of purchase, I have carried my macbook pro with that hard case for 5 days and I tried to get it off.

Once I got it of, I notice that there are 2 ultra tiny scratches on the unibody. :confused: (It caused from the tiny rock in between plastic and aluminum)It made me feel annoying for that too much because I bought it for protection but it damage my new device, It is so freaking bad experience of using the hard case.
 
So I've done some more research and found out a hardshell case is something I should avoid, in general. The tech21 case looks very good, but there are some people who have noticed scratching, so I'm avoiding it.

The SFBags looks AMAZING! :eek::eek:

But how does it compare to the Thule sleeves?
 
Gqi said:
So I've done some more research and found out a hardshell case is something I should avoid, in general. The tech21 case looks very good, but there are some people who have noticed scratching, so I'm avoiding it.

The SFBags looks AMAZING! :eek::eek:

But how does it compare to the Thule sleeves?
Click to expand...

I don't own a Thule sleeve, but their padding looks very similar to SFbags, on the inside. Which is the biggest selling point. The outside of the case can look amazing, but if it doesn't protect your Mac, it's worthless.

SFbags are very customizable when ordering, both in color and accessories, so that's also something to consider. It probably comes down to which case you prefer, and how much money you want to spend. I hope this helps a little... :)
Good luck in your decision!
 
Gqi said:
So I've done some more research and found out a hardshell case is something I should avoid, in general. The tech21 case looks very good, but there are some people who have noticed scratching, so I'm avoiding it.

The SFBags looks AMAZING! :eek::eek:

But how does it compare to the Thule sleeves?
Click to expand...

I Love SFbags(Waterfield). I own their sleeve case and now the Staad Backpack. Great design, excellent build quality, excellent customer service.

Padding is excellent, especially in their Sleevecase, as my old cMBP fell from a table after I accidentally pushed it off and there was zero damage to it.

My rMBP is completely naked and flawless after almost a year. Care with with a nice bag/sleeve/case makes a hard shell unnecessary. Too many people nowadays buying $1300+ machines but cheaping out on what they carry it in.
 
I just picked up the STM Alley shoulder bag (13) for under £10 on eBay. Wanted something protective but light and could take my iPad and easily be put into one of my rucksacks or cases for long distance travel.

I will be using it with the early 2015 MacBook Pro retina 13 which is in a clear shell too.
 
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Silken said:
I can highly recommend the Booq Taipan Spacesuit to anyone looking for a decent MacBook Pro Sleeve :)

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/taipan-spacesuit/TSP13-GRY
Click to expand...

I bought this case for my new rMBP and I'm a bit disappointed in the size - seems more designed for the Air, with its larger overall dimensions, as the rMBP is loose inside this sleeve.

Anybody find one that is designed to fit the rMBP better?? This Booq is nice, but not worth $40 if it doesn't fit snugly, in my opinion.
 
 
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thefrenches said:
I bought this case for my new rMBP and I'm a bit disappointed in the size - seems more designed for the Air, with its larger overall dimensions, as the rMBP is loose inside this sleeve.

Anybody find one that is designed to fit the rMBP better?? This Booq is nice, but not worth $40 if it doesn't fit snugly, in my opinion.
Click to expand...



I was figuring that, from reading the description. Shabby--the rMBP swims in a regular MBP sleeve. Almost ordered one too.

The incase looks formed to fit, although it has extra perimeter padding.
 
so guyz i bought a new rMBP. i am looking to buy a sleeve for it which has pocket for the charger and headphones. i dont want to spend a big amount on the sleeve. so kindly suggest me some. thanks
 
I used to have a beez wasabi case for my old MBA13 and I'm sure the shock absorbing sponge saved the device a few times during falls onto hard surfaces and edges.

For a rMBP13 .. What do you recommend that is

* light
* minimal bulk
* crucially absorbs shocks especially to the corners

The Incase ICON seems to meet these needs. Any thoughts? It does look cheaply constructed given the high price.

Other options?
 
MuGeN PoWeR said:
so guyz i bought a new rMBP. i am looking to buy a sleeve for it which has pocket for the charger and headphones. i dont want to spend a big amount on the sleeve. so kindly suggest me some. thanks
Click to expand...

I just got new macbook myself and picked up an incase deluxe sleeve from amazon that has a zipper pouch on the front. It's perfect for me. I will probably use that to toss in my portable hard drive and bring my magic mouse with me as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Incase-Cl5756...31070261&sr=8-4&keywords=incase+deluxe+sleeve

That's the one I got and for the price it seemed great for me. They have a few others that I considered as well, but most were higher in price.
 
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GrindedDown said:
I just got new macbook myself and picked up an incase deluxe sleeve from amazon that has a zipper pouch on the front. It's perfect for me. I will probably use that to toss in my portable hard drive and bring my magic mouse with me as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Incase-Cl5756...31070261&sr=8-4&keywords=incase+deluxe+sleeve

That's the one I got and for the price it seemed great for me. They have a few others that I considered as well, but most were higher in price.
Click to expand...

oh that is nice. thanks for the link. the link is for 15 inches. i just navigated to 13 inches one as mine rMBP is 13 inches. Thanks once again!
 
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Finally got the inside replacement for my blue carbon fiber SlickWrap. The inside was impossible to install perfect and I ending up using an xacto knife to trim it on the sides where it was hanging over. That aside, I love the look!
 

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It's a great look but does the lid close completely now?

AppleTech22 said:
Finally got the inside replacement for my blue carbon fiber SlickWrap. The inside was impossible to install perfect and I ending up using an xacto knife to trim it on the sides where it was hanging over. That aside, I love the look!
Click to expand...
 
AppleTech22 said:
Finally got the inside replacement for my blue carbon fiber SlickWrap. The inside was impossible to install perfect and I ending up using an xacto knife to trim it on the sides where it was hanging over. That aside, I love the look!
Click to expand...

My concern is what if any negative impact that carbon fibre skin will have on the display when the MacBook is closed.
 
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