Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

groundcontrol

macrumors regular
Mar 20, 2014
146
152
Toronto, ON, Canada
Can anyone suggest best practices, bags, or gizmos for handling macbook pro power cords and blocks? I hate carrying a wad of white spaghetti tangled around an awkward white brick, but it is sometimes necessary. Wrapping the cable around the block seems to stress the cable connections and my neat loops always explode as soon as I pull the power cord out of a bag. Any thoughts?

I've been using a longer gear tie, like the medium or longest size found in this multipack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S...8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Nite+Ize

I unplug the cord from the power adapter, wrap up the cord in a series of loops (being careful not to make them too tight and stress the cable) and then wrap the gear tie around it. I miss being able to wrap the power cord around the pop-out hooks that were on my older MBP's power adapter, but this approach works for me. I then tuck the power block and wrapped up cord in the side pocket of my SF Bags SleeveCase.

The pouches that others have suggested look like good options for containing the power block, cord and other items that you have. A gear tie or two can be handy with such options though. Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Baltimoron

Cassie2015

macrumors member
May 10, 2016
65
18
United States
Can anyone suggest best practices, bags, or gizmos for handling macbook pro power cords and blocks? I hate carrying a wad of white spaghetti tangled around an awkward white brick, but it is sometimes necessary. Wrapping the cable around the block seems to stress the cable connections and my neat loops always explode as soon as I pull the power cord out of a bag. Any thoughts?

I like the accessory bag, which can hold my mouse, power adapter etc. without scratch in my backpack, I highly recommend it.

upload_2017-2-22_10-23-45.png
 

Angela107

macrumors newbie
Nov 21, 2016
3
1
Seattle
can anyone recommend a bag similar to this Case Logic bag for the 15"tMBP. Looking for something slim that I can fit the laptop and a few accessories like a portable HDD, pens, etc (charge would be a bonus but not a required. I have the smaller one for my old 13 but I want something with a bit more protection for bumps.

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-A...TF8&qid=1487567527&sr=1-7&keywords=case+logic

This one seems fit your need:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXRY6C5/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_2_w
 

robjmurphy

macrumors newbie
Apr 1, 2004
21
5
East Anglia, UK
I've been using a longer gear tie, like the medium or longest size found in this multipack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S...8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Nite+Ize

I unplug the cord from the power adapter, wrap up the cord in a series of loops (being careful not to make them too tight and stress the cable) and then wrap the gear tie around it. I miss being able to wrap the power cord around the pop-out hooks that were on my older MBP's power adapter, but this approach works for me. I then tuck the power block and wrapped up cord in the side pocket of my SF Bags SleeveCase.

The pouches that others have suggested look like good options for containing the power block, cord and other items that you have. A gear tie or two can be handy with such options though. Good luck!
[doublepost=1487776316][/doublepost]I would recommend the Bobino cord wrap / cable tidy from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bobino-Cor...e=UTF8&qid=1487776215&sr=8-11&keywords=bobino

Not as good as the fold out tabs the power adaptors used to have to keep things tidy but passable.
[doublepost=1487776910][/doublepost]I had one of these cheap as chips sleeves for my MacBook retina and it has been great (getting on for nearly two years now) with no signs of wear 'n' tear:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/inch-MacBo...qid=1487776409&sr=8-12&keywords=dockem+sleeve

Having carefully checked measurements I bought the Dockem sleeve for Surface Pro which fits my MacBook Pro 13" with TouchBar just about:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Tablet-A...&qid=1487776481&sr=8-1&keywords=dockem+sleeve

I like the vertical sleeve as I keep it in the dedicated padded laptop pocket of my Crumpler back pack. I can withdraw the laptop easily leaving the sleeve in the pocket. The sleeve doesn't offer much in the way of drop protection but just provides an extra layer and avoidance of scratches or blemishes that might be caused by anything else hastily stuffed in the bag.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Baltimoron

Cassie2015

macrumors member
May 10, 2016
65
18
United States
How cushioney is this sleeve? Is it well protected in there?
does not have very thick cushion, but there are some sort of soft material in side to protect your device, lightweight and fashion style, if you like this kind of bag, just try it
[doublepost=1487816023][/doublepost]
does not have very thick cushion, but there are some sort of soft material in side to protect your device, lightweight and fashion style, if you like this kind of bag, just try it


the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N21N3R5/ref=twister_B01MZ91OFX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 
  • Like
Reactions: ilifecomputer

mbpgoingxy

macrumors newbie
Nov 23, 2016
7
1
Los Angeles
  • Like
Reactions: Karnicopia

Ariel32

macrumors regular
Sep 12, 2014
156
116
I have purchased Targus Groove X Slimcase. Unfortunately, it does not look like they are available in the US. In Canada they are on sale at Best Buy for $20.
It has a dedicated velvet-lined section for MBP, and space for other things. Several pockets.
The best feature for me - it is still slim enough to work as a sleeve, but transforms into a brief case when needed. Has handles that tuck away and a messenger strap.
A very very smart design, nice fabric, lots of padding, and quaility for the price is amazing.
I have looked into Thule sleeve. I was blown away by the state of the one I saw at Staples on display. Very scratched, with a broken zipper. I am very OCD about that sort of thing. I loved the actual look of the case, but I can't justify that much money for something that got so beaten up by just hanging at the store.
[doublepost=1487849349][/doublepost]Inside.
 

Attachments

  • 10453143.jpg
    10453143.jpg
    32.1 KB · Views: 157
  • TARGUS BAG MacBook GROOVE X Slimcase 13 FIESTA ORANGE TSS83902AP -70 castleit 4.jpg
    TARGUS BAG MacBook GROOVE X Slimcase 13 FIESTA ORANGE TSS83902AP -70 castleit 4.jpg
    21.8 KB · Views: 147
  • 3960-19002_large.jpg
    3960-19002_large.jpg
    17 KB · Views: 139
  • TARGUS BAG MacBook GROOVE X Slimcase 13 FIESTA ORANGE TSS83902AP -70 castleit 12.jpg
    TARGUS BAG MacBook GROOVE X Slimcase 13 FIESTA ORANGE TSS83902AP -70 castleit 12.jpg
    36 KB · Views: 141
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: puckhead193

deelgeel

macrumors newbie
Feb 23, 2017
5
2
Dallas Texas
I went through this entire thread last month when I was looking for a sleeve/case for my new 2016 15" MacBook Pro. I saw quite a few that I liked, but none of them filled all of my requirements which were; nice looking, made from good quality leather, slim with no bulky straps or buckles, sturdy.

A few of the suggestions from people here were to look on Etsy, and that's where I found my case. It's from PicasoLab.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlCASOLABS?ref=l2-shopheader-name and I got the "Black Widow Leather Case
il_570xN.791901383_ijh1.jpg


Before purchasing, I contacted the seller and asked him if my laptop could accidentally slide out of the case because there isn't any sort of strap keeping it closed, or because of it's snug fit would it be difficult to remove from case. He assured me that no, it would not slide out on it's own and while it is a snug fit it will come out of the case. He also offered a refund if I decided to return it.

Now that I have this case, what do I think of it?. I love it because it fills all of my requirements. It fits nicely in my backpack or bag with no bulk at all. My MacBook is not going to fall out of this case. The seller does something to the edges for extra rigidness so if I were to accidentally drop it there is more protection. It is extremely well made and very nice looking.

My one worry with this case was ease of removal. The seller did send along a note asking that I put my MacBook in the case overnight when I first got it to help with fit. I think this is an important thing to do because it really did help. It's in there pretty good and I do have to slide one side and then the other to get it out of the case. But, I'd rather do that than have it slide out to easily.

I waited a week after I got this case to contact the seller to say thank you and leave Etsy feedback because I wanted to make sure that I liked it. When I finally did contact him I told him about this forum thread thinking that he might want to use it to promote his shop. He sent me back a message asking if I would mind leaving a review for him here and I said that I would. This is not a paid review. Instead it is a genuine recommendation of a laptop case that I like very much and would be glad to send more business his way.
 

Daranx

macrumors regular
Sep 16, 2016
218
72
London
Just received my Pad & Quill Cartella case for my 13" tbMBP and installed it. Really nice looking case and exactly what I was looking for (but a bit too expensive IMO, especially plus international shipping).

Fits on nicely with the 3M adhesive pads but still pretty early to say how well it will hold in the long run. I have a skin on the top and bottom of my machine and it still seems to hold well with it (maybe even better than a naked device, but I'm unable/unwilling to test that).

Aligning the laptop in the exact middle of the case is pretty tricky, and I've managed to reapply the adhesive twice although the adhesive seemed to peel partially from the case.

Haven't taken pics yet since I've applied it, but here are a few of the case + packaging for now: IMG_9892.jpg IMG_9891.jpg IMG_9893.jpg
 

MrGuder

macrumors 68040
Nov 30, 2012
3,049
2,024
I've learned a hard lesson from ordering items outside the USA and you want to return the item. Since I don't have my MacBook Pro 15" anymore thought I'd return my Pack & Smooch case (which I didn't like anyway due to the felt shedding). It's going to cost me $22.00 registered mail and another $10.00 if I want return receipt requested. Which is what they requested. I'd be loosing way too much money. Guess I'll just keep it in the closet as lesson learned.
 

Daranx

macrumors regular
Sep 16, 2016
218
72
London
Some photos of the Pad & Quill case on my 13" tbMBP:

IMG_9927.jpg IMG_9928.jpg IMG_9929.jpg IMG_9930.jpg IMG_9931.jpg IMG_9932.jpg IMG_9933.jpg IMG_9934.jpg

Day 2 with the case and still loving it. I love how I can set it on any surface without having to worry about the bottom of the laptop getting scratched up and how the elasticated band holds it nice and snugly shut. The case doesn't add much weight to the laptop either and it certainly weighs less than the plastic shells you normally find online.

Just noticed that another reason for the weird hinge at the back of the case; it allows for the heat to ventilate from the exhaust fans at the rear of the MacBook. Haven't put the laptop under load yet so I'm not yet sure how effective it is so might be a point of concern for you heavy users out there.

End of the day it's more or less what I was looking for even if it was more expensive than I was hoping and I'm very happy for the moment. Feel free to ask any questions...
 
  • Like
Reactions: lauramayer

David58117

macrumors 65816
Jan 24, 2013
1,237
523
Some photos of the Pad & Quill case on my 13" tbMBP:



Day 2 with the case and still loving it. I love how I can set it on any surface without having to worry about the bottom of the laptop getting scratched up and how the elasticated band holds it nice and snugly shut. The case doesn't add much weight to the laptop either and it certainly weighs less than the plastic shells you normally find online.

Just noticed that another reason for the weird hinge at the back of the case; it allows for the heat to ventilate from the exhaust fans at the rear of the MacBook. Haven't put the laptop under load yet so I'm not yet sure how effective it is so might be a point of concern for you heavy users out there.

End of the day it's more or less what I was looking for even if it was more expensive than I was hoping and I'm very happy for the moment. Feel free to ask any questions...

I was sooo close to preordering this a few weeks ago. I was concerned though about the adhesive and how well it will hold/hold up.

Is that a valid concern in your opinion?
 

Daranx

macrumors regular
Sep 16, 2016
218
72
London
I was sooo close to preordering this a few weeks ago. I was concerned though about the adhesive and how well it will hold/hold up.

Is that a valid concern in your opinion?
Only had it for a few days now so it's way too early to tell how it will hold up. On the first day I got it I removed and reapplied it about 4 or 5 times just to align everything properly but haven't removed it since. I have to say that it was pretty well adhered to the MacBook as it took a lot of force to peel off. No way is it going to just fall off.

So to answer part of your question; if you're going to be removing the case a lot then perhaps it will lose some of its sticking power and become a concern, but if you're going to apply it and leave it, I can't think of any better solution than this. It really isn't going to come off unless you want it to, or if you've messed up your adhesive somehow.

I contacted their support team about purchasing replacement adhesive pads (I'd rather buy some as a backup now rather than wait until I need it, only to find they don't sell it) and their rep told me it should be up on the site later in the Spring.
 

bwerner25

macrumors member
Aug 14, 2012
56
0
Texas
Looking for the best hard case for 15" RMBP. I've had an Incase one on since the day I got the computer, but it's started to crack and break. Looking for something thin but durable.
 

Jefe's MacAir

macrumors 6502a
Nov 21, 2010
557
524
Looks like the Incase ICON for the Touch Bar MacBook Pro's are finally out and available at Apple. Can't say I love the color choices though :/

http://www.apple.com/us_edu_381237/...879a570c9561e726e7b75f74d9905c420fd159d69e521


I'm concerned on getting it in and out of the case. The ONE picture they show with the Pro in the case makes it look like a real tight fit. I assume the edge folds away allowing the computer to be removed?

I like it but for the $ I'd go for the Pack and Smooch in dark gray.

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Smooch-...eywords=pack+and+smooch+Macbook+pro+touch+bar

light gray.

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Smooch-...eywords=pack+and+smooch+Macbook+pro+touch+bar

I bought the Tomtoc due to price point. It's fine for the price but would have rather put it towards the Pack & Smooch or that new Incase.

https://www.amazon.com/Tomtoc-MacBo...ie=UTF8&qid=1488569661&sr=1-2&keywords=tomtoc
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.