MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[MrGuder]

I posted a mini-review of the Pack & Smooch sleeve earlier in the thread as follows:

Pros

1. Fit is perfect as the case was actually made for the TBMBP line
2. The protection offered is strong as wool is naturally shock absorbent, water repellent and insulating - P&S claims the latter helps conserve battery life, but this remains to be seen
3. The construction is excellent. The merino wool felt is thick and finely stitched, whilst the authentic leather grip is a pleasure to handle
4. It's a very attractive case that compliments the SG colour especially well
5. The front pocket is useful for cables and screen cloths etc and is well protected from the main compartment by a thick layer of felt. You could easily add an iPad mini to this compartment but I wouldn't recommend this due to the potential stress it could place on the laptop.
6. You can charge you laptop whilst it's in the case - this is very useful
7. The magnetic snap buttons prevent excess force being applied to your laptop when you button up the sleeve

Cons

1. I have my reservations as to how well the wool will hold up over time - this case will start to look awful if it bobbles, frays and warps like an old jumper. Given the price of this sleeve and the decrease in protection such wear would cause, this could be a considerable downside to the case.
2. The case has reinforced edges on the left and right sides of the case which will suit those who place the sleeve in a bag vertically. However the bottom of the sleeve does not have this edging and so if you use a briefcase/satchel style bag like I do, you won't have that added layer of protection. There is some reinforcement with the leather grip but the patch is not particularly thick.

I still have no reservations in recommending this sleeve and also note that the leather hand grip is starting to age beautifully.

I missed your post, did you upload photos of your case? I'm considering this one or the harbor London one. I liked how you can charge it while it's closed, good for at night when your done with the laptop but you still want to charge it overnight. What color is your leather pad is it the light colored one or the darker leather?

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

I missed your post, did you upload photos of your case? I'm considering this one or the harbor London one. I liked how you can charge it while it's closed, good for at night when your done with the laptop but you still want to charge it overnight. What color is your leather pad is it the light colored one or the darker leather?

I didn't post any photos but if you look a few pages prior to my post I'm pretty sure someone else did. I have the darker leather version.

My only real concern with the sleeve is whether the wool will bobble or fray over time but it is holding up very well so far and I have been shoving it in my backpack and satchels on and off. I would say it is one of the best sleeves on the market without a doubt.

 

[Karnicopia]

I didn't post any photos but if you look a few pages prior to my post I'm pretty sure someone else did. I have the darker leather version.

My only real concern with the sleeve is whether the wool will bobble or fray over time but it is holding up very well so far and I have been shoving it in my backpack and satchels on and off. I would say it is one of the best sleeves on the market without a doubt.

I saw that someone used a pack and smooch case from a prior laptop and ended up fitting the new MBP well so they were happy that they could keep using it so sounds like these hold up pretty well. They posted a pic too and it still looked nice. Thanks for your review really looking forward to checking it out.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...d-cases-thread.1391592/page-152#post-24113939

 

[junebug1]

Patiently waiting for Incase to release the ICON sleeve for the new tbMBPs. Agree with the rest of you here though - it is quite disappointing to see them try and pass off their old stuff as "new".

 

[MrGuder]

Patiently waiting for Incase to release the ICON sleeve for the new tbMBPs. Agree with the rest of you here though - it is quite disappointing to see them try and pass off their old stuff as "new".

Which is probably a good indication they are not releasing new cases. If there saying it works for the 2016 then they are not working on any new design.

 

[Huntn]

So I have just received the Harber sleeve in Black. I have to say I am really impressed with the quality. It looks amazing.

Look nice, but as a rule I go with a plastic fitted case and when I want to transport, I pick a lightweight or heavyweight bag (depending on the trip) with handles, such as below. I'd use a larger bag that holds my assessories for an overnight trip. Do you have to carry it held vertically by the edge?

 

[ascender]

Which is probably a good indication they are not releasing new cases. If there saying it works for the 2016 then they are not working on any new design.

Yes, am starting to think that this is the case (no pun intended).

There's not a lot of spare room in the cases when used with the new MBP and I guess with the lack of moving parts these days, not having a very snug fit isn't a massive issue.

 

[Lunchb0x8]

My Harber London sleeve arrived today.

Looks lovely, once I am finished work for the day, will be able to see how well it fits, but I am excited.

Also got their cable/accessories rollup pouch, great for my USB cables, dongles and the like.

 

[Eddie3345]

My E.D.C

I sometimes 2/3 a week bring my MBP to work. And also at times i take public transportation to work. I wanted to know what everyone uses for messenger bags / back packs. Sleeves / no sleeves. This is my every day carry set up. A simple padded case for my 15in MBP and my Timbuk2 Especial Medio. It has nice padded sleeve with velcro strap that fits with the case. I have room for my brick i don't really use a mouse. And i can even bring my lunch. Fat kid here.

 

[MrGuder]

My Harber London sleeve arrived today.

Looks lovely, once I am finished work for the day, will be able to see how well it fits, but I am excited.

Also got their cable/accessories rollup pouch, great for my USB cables, dongles and the like.

Can you upload some photos?

 

[Lunchb0x8]

Can you upload some photos?

I'd honestly just be showing exactly what has already been shown, happy to do it, but honestly, the ones shared earlier show all there is to see.

 

[Wildkraut]

Just got me a gray Incase Slim Sleeve for MB 15", and I find it fits the 15" MacBook Pro 2016 well. There is a small gap to the Zipper, but the MacBook is not very loose at all.
It slides slowly inside the sleeve, if you rotate the it head up/down, but not in a negative or unsecure way. Personally I find this gap useful, because it keeps the zipper away from scratching along the MacBook while zipping.

(cm)

 

[thesaint024]

Just got this. ProCase 12-12.9 inch ($20) for my 13" tb. Thanks to @/V\acpower for the reco and info. Fits almost perfectly snug, 1/4-1/2 inch on edges so that it's not perfectly snug, but I like the just enough extra room for ease of putting in and removing and less risk of zipper scratching. Speaking of which they are nicely protected and plastic. The inside is soft microfiber like material. The outside is a little rigid, and there is also a zippered pocket outside for the ac adapter.

I was using an old neoprene sleeve I got for a couple laptops ago. I wanted something with slightly more robustness and a handle for use without my backpack at times. I am pretty minimalist (as you can tell by my smart 2016 MBP purchase), and I didn't want to pay a lot for something I use once every couple weeks. This thing is perfect. Size down if you get one, note my example. I am very happy with this. Picture of fit below. Better pics of the product itself on the amazon link at the beginning.

 

[ascender]

My 15" dbrand skins have finally arrived, but I now have a 13" MacBook! I'm really impressed by the matte black colour and finish on them, its very understated and compliments the space grey, so I've ordered another set in the right size.

 

[cdecker15]

I've found a case for my MacBook Pro 13" with Touch Bar (Late 2016) - https://imgur.com/a/iE5DY

I hope this is of help to some people!

Just a note for others who try this case, the laptop will fit in this case, HOWEVER, the case is so tight, the back of the zipper will have to run against your MacBook. I returned mine, the OP should have outlined this in his review. A close fitting sleeve is good, however not that tight.
[doublepost=1484150159][/doublepost]

Just got this. ProCase 12-12.9 inch ($20) for my 13" tb. Thanks to @/V\acpower for the reco and info. Fits almost perfectly snug, 1/4-1/2 inch on edges so that it's not perfectly snug, but I like the just enough extra room for ease of putting in and removing and less risk of zipper scratching. Speaking of which they are nicely protected and plastic. The inside is soft microfiber like material. The outside is a little rigid, and there is also a zippered pocket outside for the ac adapter.

I was using an old neoprene sleeve I got for a couple laptops ago. I wanted something with slightly more robustness and a handle for use without my backpack at times. I am pretty minimalist (as you can tell by my smart 2016 MBP purchase), and I didn't want to pay a lot for something I use once every couple weeks. This thing is perfect. Size down if you get one, note my example. I am very happy with this. Picture of fit below. Better pics of the product itself on the amazon link at the beginning.

View attachment 682766

I am also using this! Works great for me, and I personally would recommend! Pretty cheap and well built!

 

[groundcontrol]

I received my SF Bags Macbook SleeveCase in Black Ballistic, horizontal orientation, just before Christmas and really love it. Using it with my 2016 15" MBP. I ordered it with the D-rings and suspension strap so it works as a shoulder bag as well. It is thick and protective and has a back pocket which fits my external hard drive and power adapter. Some photos below.

I'm very happy with this case.

I am still looking for a thin and inexpensive protective sleeve for when I carry my 15" 2016 MBP in my backpack or in my Timbuktu Classic Messenger (the SleeveCase is a bit too large for that sort of use). I've been looking at the Tomtoc 14". Any advice on that one or something similar would be appreciated.

 

[ocgirl]

I thought I'd give my 2 cents on my sleeve shopping.

I decided to go with a slim sleeve and bought the Inateck (13'inch) for 19 euros. Being felt, obviously it is not shock proof but I'm using it to store the computer during the day or whenever I don't use it in order to avoid scratches/dust etc. It will allow me to transport the laptop also in a computer bag/purse if I need to while remaining affordable and pleasing to (my) eyes.

IMO it fits pretty well, there's not a lot of room to move. The extra pouch is appreciated to carry the power brick and some dongles.

 

[Fozzybadfeet]

I thought I'd give my 2 cents on my sleeve shopping.

I decided to go with a slim sleeve and bought the Inateck (13'inch) for 19 euros. Being felt, obviously it is not shock proof but I'm using it to store the computer during the day or whenever I don't use it in order to avoid scratches/dust etc. It will allow me to transport the laptop also in a computer bag/purse if I need to while remaining affordable and pleasing to (my) eyes.

IMO it fits pretty well, there's not a lot of room to move. The extra pouch is appreciated to carry the power brick and some dongles.
View attachment 683026 View attachment 683027 View attachment 683028 View attachment 683029 View attachment 683030 View attachment 683031 View attachment 683034 View attachment 683035

Nice...I may go this route too...Not to expensive.

 

[Ash9414]

Since it doesn't seem like there's going to be any new ones, I'm looking for an alternative to Incase's slim neoprene sleeve for my 13" tMBP. Hopefully the case will be made of neoprene (or similar material), have a soft lining, horizontal orientation, a zip, and be reasonably affordable. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Roller]

I received my SF Bags Macbook SleeveCase in Black Ballistic, horizontal orientation, just before Christmas and really love it. Using it with my 2016 15" MBP. I ordered it with the D-rings and suspension strap so it works as a shoulder bag as well. It is thick and protective and has a back pocket which fits my external hard drive and power adapter. Some photos below.

I'm very happy with this case.

I am still looking for a thin and inexpensive protective sleeve for when I carry my 15" 2016 MBP in my backpack or in my Timbuktu Classic Messenger (the SleeveCase is a bit too large for that sort of use). I've been looking at the Tomtoc 14". Any advice on that one or something similar would be appreciated.

This is a slightly updated version of the Waterfield bag that I bought eight years ago. Since then, I've used it to carry my MacBook, MacBook Air, and now my 13" MacBook Pro. It's held up very well, aside from needing a repair when one of the velcro strips came loose in 2013.

Did you get a handle with it? When I ordered the bag in 2008, the option wasn't even listed on the website—I had to ask for it. I have a shoulder strap as well, but I prefer carrying it with the handle.

I hope that it works out as well for you as it has for me.

 

[jrs2090]

I received my SF Bags Macbook SleeveCase in Black Ballistic, horizontal orientation, just before Christmas and really love it. Using it with my 2016 15" MBP. I ordered it with the D-rings and suspension strap so it works as a shoulder bag as well. It is thick and protective and has a back pocket which fits my external hard drive and power adapter. Some photos below.

I'm very happy with this case.

I am still looking for a thin and inexpensive protective sleeve for when I carry my 15" 2016 MBP in my backpack or in my Timbuktu Classic Messenger (the SleeveCase is a bit too large for that sort of use). I've been looking at the Tomtoc 14". Any advice on that one or something similar would be appreciated.

Loving the look of this sleeve and that it's made in SF. Did it come with a strap? Would an iPad also fit or is it pretty snug? How strong are the magnets if it say got turned upside down?

 

[groundcontrol]

This is a slightly updated version of the Waterfield bag that I bought eight years ago. Since then, I've used it to carry my MacBook, MacBook Air, and now my 13" MacBook Pro. It's held up very well, aside from needing a repair when one of the velcro strips came loose in 2013.

Did you get a handle with it? When I ordered the bag in 2008, the option wasn't even listed on the website—I had to ask for it. I have a shoulder strap as well, but I prefer carrying it with the handle.

I hope that it works out as well for you as it has for me.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply @Roller. Good to hear how well yours served you. I didn't get a handle with mine, but might ask them about that now! I can't figure out what the short loop strap at the bottom side of the case is for (see the first image in my post). Any ideas?
Thanks again. Cheers!
[doublepost=1484250977][/doublepost]

Loving the look of this sleeve and that it's made in SF. Did it come with a strap? Would an iPad also fit or is it pretty snug? How strong are the magnets if it say got turned upside down?

Glad you like it @jrs2090. It is indeed a very well put together case. Made in the US is nice too (I'm Canadian but feel good supporting companies that manufacture in North America). You can pay a little extra to get the shoulder strap (I did - but didn't show it in my photos - if you click this link and scroll the images you can see the strap option). Worth it, in my opinion. There are no magnets - just strong velcro attachments that hold the cover closed. That works well. You could put an ipad in the side/back pocket without any difficulty, but I'm not sure that would work on the inside. Best wishes finding the right case for you!

 

[Roller]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply @Roller. Good to hear how well yours served you. I didn't get a handle with mine, but might ask them about that now! I can't figure out what the short loop strap at the bottom side of the case is for (see the first image in my post). Any ideas?
Thanks again. Cheers!

You're welcome, from another Canadian.

I don't have my bag here with me, but I'm pretty sure the loop is there as well. I don't know what its intended purpose is. Maybe the vendor uses it to test the integrity of the velcro by hanging the bag upside down with a laptop in it.

The handle I got was called the Mt. Bike Grip handle, and it cost around $7 USD back then. I always leave it attached, even when the strap is on. I just looked at my email from 2008, which said that "handles are only for those who ask for it." It's odd that the handle still isn't listed on their web site, so they may even not offer it, but it's worth asking.

 

[doctorrock]

I received my SF Bags Macbook SleeveCase in Black Ballistic, horizontal orientation, just before Christmas and really love it. Using it with my 2016 15" MBP. I ordered it with the D-rings and suspension strap so it works as a shoulder bag as well. It is thick and protective and has a back pocket which fits my external hard drive and power adapter. Some photos below.

I'm very happy with this case.

I am still looking for a thin and inexpensive protective sleeve for when I carry my 15" 2016 MBP in my backpack or in my Timbuktu Classic Messenger (the SleeveCase is a bit too large for that sort of use). I've been looking at the Tomtoc 14". Any advice on that one or something similar would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for posting! I've had a few WaterField cases before and have been very happy with the quality. Had an incase sleeve for my 2012 retina MBP (mostly because it was cheaper) but I'm not happy with how they are handling sleeves for the new MBP so I'm excited to go back to WaterField. Was having a hard time choosing between black and waxed canvas for this one - your photos have convinced me to go with black! Looks slick, and I think it will match the space gray better than the waxed canvas will. Also, got to use Touch ID on my MBP for the first time to order it

One question - did you ask for them to use a different logo on that badge? The pictures on the website show it with their logo, but I think it looks better on yours. Thanks!

 

[caddison]

I'm a musician and love the Mono brand gig bags, so I picked up one of these for my 15" tbMBP...

It fits perfectly in this bag.

If you like the idea of a laptop case that can convert back and forth to a backpack, look no further.

More info here:

http://monocreators.com/the-flyby/