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MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

Aluminum213 said:
Any messenger bag recommendations for the 15" rMBP? I've realized my current messenger bags are now too small
Click to expand...
occasionally i use my Chrome bike messenger bag when i lug my other bigger laptops 15", 17"... chrome.jpg

the Chrome BLCKCHRM Bravo is the next one on my radar...

bravo_blckchrm_hero.jpg
 
Don't do it, my Chrome Bravo broke down in a few months and Chrome doesn't want to fix it.
Also very annoying that the laptop pocket is on the outside. (and that pocket is protected by a velcro flap that stopped working after a few months)

I've bought the Kaban from the north face and after half a year that holds up very well!
 
No-Me said:
Don't do it, my Chrome Bravo broke down in a few months and Chrome doesn't want to fix it.
Also very annoying that the laptop pocket is on the outside. (and that pocket is protected by a velcro flap that stopped working after a few months)

I've bought the Kaban from the north face and after half a year that holds up very well!
Click to expand...

good to know. what did you have in it? which size notebook? did you use it daily? just trying to gauge how much use you had with it. thanks.

i use my Chrome messenger alot (not daily) and holds up after owning it for a few years(still looks new)and it's full w/ my 13" MBP, school supplies and it serves double duty when i'm on my fixie...
 
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c8rlo said:
good to know. what did you have in it? which size notebook? did you use it daily? just trying to gauge how much use you had with it. thanks.
Click to expand...

When I had the Bravo I usually carried my old 15" retina and an iPad mini in the front pocket and a camera and some other stuff in the main compartment. The velcro on both the main compartiment and on the front pocket stopped working after a couple of months and another couple of months later the stitching started to break. Too bad except for the front pocket for the laptop is was a very nice bag.
 
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No-Me said:
When I had the Bravo I usually carried my old 15" retina and an iPad mini in the front pocket and a camera and some other stuff in the main compartment. The velcro on both the main compartiment and on the front pocket stopped working after a couple of months and another couple of months later the stitching started to break. Too bad except for the front pocket for the laptop is was a very nice bag.
Click to expand...

gotcha, i know that the Chrome bags have a lifetime warranty and remember reading about the wear and tear which probably the velcro doesn't fall under. this sucks, cause this bag was definitely something i was possibly purchasing...
 
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c8rlo said:
remember reading about the wear and tear which probably the velcro doesn't fall under.
Click to expand...
Yeah that was what they said,.. quite annoying as without the velcro the front pocket is even less secure than it already was by being on the outside. :/
 
I am searching for something that is quite specific, for a MBPr 13.

A bit of background: I often travel with some photo equipment, and use Think Tank bags. A very convenient solution for me was to use some of their bag with a modular component just for the computer, that is a rather thin vertical loading sleeve, that also comes with a shoulder strap, so that it can either go into another bag (typically when going to the airport), and can be removed and carried separately (for instance, when I leave the rest of the photo equipment at the hotel). I have such a bag for 15" laptops, but would like the version for 13" laptops as I am downsizing to a smaller laptop and want to travel with more compact equipment:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/artificial-intelligence-13-computer-sleeve.aspx

Now comes the problem: this bag is apparently being discontinued, and while it is still available in the US, it seems impossible to find where I am (in Europe), as I have contacted many stores, and none of them is able to help me. Ordering from the US would incur high shipping cost, VAT, import fees, which would make a $40 bag a $100 expense (not worth it for me!).

Is someone aware of something similar that I could find a bit more easily ?

The criteria are:
1. vertical loading
2. well padded
3. as thin as possible while satisfying point 2
4. shoulder strap
5. fair price (not more than $50 ideally)

Thanks for suggestions!
 
chriscrowlee said:
I have that one. It's bulky as can be. It literally adds almost an inch all the way around. I get that it's for protection, but it literally makes the mac the size of a 15" when in it.

Yeah, Crumpler will ship a $30 case to me for $30 for the case plus $80 for shipping. That's absurd.

Looking for someone who has a suggestion for just a basic slip-in sleeve with no zippers or flaps.


EDIT: Based on doing some serious (borderline obsessive) research online, it looks like the Crumpler sleeve I want is the 13" Slim Fit. Problem is NOBODY in the US sells it. At first I saw the Crumpler.com pricing, and didn't realize just how badly the AUS Dollar has slipped compared to the USD. So for $48 USD they sell it including shipping to the US. Really not a bad deal. The price just looks bad in AUS. LOL. Ordered 2.
Click to expand...

Did you receive the case? How are you liking it so far?
 
After much hesitation, I decided to drop the "vertical loading requirement" and to order the Booq Taipan Superslim 13":
http://www.booqbags.com/us/briefs/taipan-superslim/TSS13-BLK#lightbox/0/

I have read that some people found it very tight. But it should still fit, as it is designed for the 13" MPBr, right ? Any comment by users of this bag would of course be useful, thanks!

icymountain said:
I am searching for something that is quite specific, for a MBPr 13.

A bit of background: I often travel with some photo equipment, and use Think Tank bags. A very convenient solution for me was to use some of their bag with a modular component just for the computer, that is a rather thin vertical loading sleeve, that also comes with a shoulder strap, so that it can either go into another bag (typically when going to the airport), and can be removed and carried separately (for instance, when I leave the rest of the photo equipment at the hotel). I have such a bag for 15" laptops, but would like the version for 13" laptops as I am downsizing to a smaller laptop and want to travel with more compact equipment:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/artificial-intelligence-13-computer-sleeve.aspx

Now comes the problem: this bag is apparently being discontinued, and while it is still available in the US, it seems impossible to find where I am (in Europe), as I have contacted many stores, and none of them is able to help me. Ordering from the US would incur high shipping cost, VAT, import fees, which would make a $40 bag a $100 expense (not worth it for me!).

Is someone aware of something similar that I could find a bit more easily ?

The criteria are:
1. vertical loading
2. well padded
3. as thin as possible while satisfying point 2
4. shoulder strap
5. fair price (not more than $50 ideally)

Thanks for suggestions!
Click to expand...
 
OT,

scored a Thule Gauntlet sleeve for my MBA for $19.99 @ my local Ross, they usually run $49.99. :D
 
this is my really groovy case for 2015 MacBook Pro retina 13"- less than a tenner delivered, excellent quality.

Laptop Sleeve, PLEMO Bohemian Style Canvas Fabric 13-13.3 Inch Laptop / Notebook Computer / MacBook / MacBook Pro / MacBook Air Sleeve Case Bag Cover, Mystic Forest

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FHPJRC0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Y52awbG2RRQCS

in the sixth photo the model looks like she's going to eat the case, its that good!
 
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I will need to carry a 15 inch rMBP, charger, documents, company stamp, etc with me everyday. It has to go with a suit too, so no backpacks for me. I am looking at two routes:

1. A laptop messenger bag like the Thule Stravan Deluxe Attache (not sure it is the best match for formal wear)
2. Putting the rMBP in a sleeve and getting some sort of stylish messenger bag, not specifically made for Macbook

Which do you think is the better way, since this is very new to me. Any recommendations for a bags would be very appreciated. I read 30 pages back, but most of the recommendations either do not have much space for other than the MBP or just do not go very well with a suit.
 
have been using my 13 inch macbook from 2007, and have ever regretted not getting a case for it as of course it got dirty fast. Just decided to get a 13 macbook pro retina to hopefully last another 8 years. The feel of it and having used it for the past week, I feel like its not so important to get a case. Anyone have an older one and can give me an idea of how they keep up? I was looking to get a case, but was trying to find one that could have a rubber texture(or felt, but that seems like it may hinder the cooling process) on the side that actually touches the Mac itself. I hear so much about cases scratching the mac. And the 2 companies that apple.com sells seem to not have good reviews on other websites. I haven't seen anything out there yet, but from experience with iPhone cases that were "snap on" cases either break themselves or breaks your own nails and fingers or takes a tool to get it off. Are there any that are possibly 2 parts(like some iPhone cases are) that snap together? Speck and incase seem to be the most well known brands, but reviews on amazon seem to lean more towards ibenzer, gymle, topcase, moshi. Or is it better to just do a skin(which is a whole other decision). I never once dropped my last macbook, it did get dirty, crack, and lost all 4 of its bumpers(which all seem to be fixed due to the new material)
 
Storaro said:
I will need to carry a 15 inch rMBP, charger, documents, company stamp, etc with me everyday. It has to go with a suit too, so no backpacks for me. I am looking at two routes:

1. A laptop messenger bag like the Thule Stravan Deluxe Attache (not sure it is the best match for formal wear)
2. Putting the rMBP in a sleeve and getting some sort of stylish messenger bag, not specifically made for Macbook

Which do you think is the better way, since this is very new to me. Any recommendations for a bags would be very appreciated. I read 30 pages back, but most of the recommendations either do not have much space for other than the MBP or just do not go very well with a suit.
Click to expand...

My two cents:

- Whatever bag you get, get good protection for your mac. A dedicated laptop compartment is a must in my opinion.
- If you have rainy weather, maybe a water-resistant bag is more improtant than you think.
- Go to a B&M store and find a bag you'll like and maybe bring your macbook along to see how it fits. After settling on a bag, you could search online to compare the best prices.
 
Shellbo6901 said:
have been using my 13 inch macbook from 2007, and have ever regretted not getting a case for it as of course it got dirty fast. Just decided to get a 13 macbook pro retina to hopefully last another 8 years. The feel of it and having used it for the past week, I feel like its not so important to get a case. Anyone have an older one and can give me an idea of how they keep up? I was looking to get a case, but was trying to find one that could have a rubber texture(or felt, but that seems like it may hinder the cooling process) on the side that actually touches the Mac itself. I hear so much about cases scratching the mac. And the 2 companies that apple.com sells seem to not have good reviews on other websites. I haven't seen anything out there yet, but from experience with iPhone cases that were "snap on" cases either break themselves or breaks your own nails and fingers or takes a tool to get it off. Are there any that are possibly 2 parts(like some iPhone cases are) that snap together? Speck and incase seem to be the most well known brands, but reviews on amazon seem to lean more towards ibenzer, gymle, topcase, moshi. Or is it better to just do a skin(which is a whole other decision). I never once dropped my last macbook, it did get dirty, crack, and lost all 4 of its bumpers(which all seem to be fixed due to the new material)
Click to expand...


If you care about how ascetically pleasing the system can still look after years. A speck case prob would make you very happy. There are several times I toss my keys or w.e else in my bag, and or around my laptop. My speck handles everything with no issues. Or when I have had company over and some moron puts a drink or plate on my mac. Yes my fault for having it out, but good for me having a case. Going out to w.e with the speck case helps rough surfaces, desk corners walls. Some times I just like to put my mac down and not care about whats on the surface. Yes I'm sorta a neat freak the first year of ownership. After my care and concerns decline, but the case is always helpful.

I usually go for frost black, or clear. I always change it up when I buy a new system.
 
Can anyone recommend a good, strong neoprene case for the 13" rMBP? I used and LOVED Incase's one for the non-retina MBP, but their updated version seems very big and needlessly complicated. Any recommendations for a good snug neoprene zipper case would be great, thanks!
 
As one who enjoys a variety of high quality protective bags, I’ve recently begun using a Tom Bihn Backpack with Accessories. This is a particularly nice arrangement that is very comfortable to wear.

Here’s My Tom Bihn MacBook Pro Setup

Synapse 25
http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0111.html
Vertical Cache on “Rails” (laptop sleeve)
http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0350.html
Various Organizer Pouches
http://www.tombihn.com/CTGY/organizer-pouches.html
Key Strap - Snap Hook Teathers
http://www.tombihn.com/accessories/TB0513.html
 
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maxsix said:
As one who enjoys a variety of high quality protective bags, I’ve recently begun using a Tom Bihn Backpack with Accessories. This is a particularly nice arrangement that is very comfortable to wear.

Here’s My Tom Bihn MacBook Pro Setup

Synapse 25
http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0111.html
Vertical Cache on “Rails” (laptop sleeve)
http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0350.html
Various Organizer Pouches
http://www.tombihn.com/CTGY/organizer-pouches.html
Key Strap - Snap Hook Teathers
http://www.tombihn.com/accessories/TB0513.html
Click to expand...

Quality.

looking forward to seeing selfies of you with MacBook Pro on summit of Everest! dont forget to pack the Kendal mint cake in one of those pockets!

You may struggle competing with this lovely lady though: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34530931
 
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Can anyone recommend a neoprene sleeve for the 13" MBP Retina, similar to the Incase Icon, but with a zipper? A lot of the 13" MBP sleeves seem way too big for the Retina model :(
 
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