MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[Crit_Obs]

I just ordered the newly released Zeroshock sleeve for MBP 13" (late 2016-->) straight from Japan. Manufacturer's product page:

http://www2.elecom.co.jp/products/ZSB-IBNM1613BK.html

It's made of material really similar to that used by Be.ez; as avid followers of this thread might recall, I've been meaning to buy the Be.ez La Robe "Mac Addicted" sleeve, the principal problem being that it's not really available anywhere apart from one single French retailer that charge an arm and a kidney for Eu-shipping; besides, Be.ez themselves appear as right total w*nkers, never replying any emails/Facebook messages/queries sent via their "contact us" system on the website.

So Zeroshock it is. This model has a rather useful looking front pocket as well. I'll be back with my impressions once I receive it.

 

[lsatterfield]

Hey everyone,

I just got the 15" 2017 MBP, and I already have a 12.9" Ipad Pro. I have cheapo laptop cases for both.

I have an OLD Jansport backpack that is currently carrying around each laptop case that houses each item. It seems to work well enough, so I may stick with it. I also have a simple, HP laptop shoulder bag that has enough space for only one of the cases with the MBP and the iPad Pro without its case. However, I'm concerned about pressure on the iPad screen.

Overall, I'm concerned with pressure on both screens, which is why each has their own case, inside a backpack. Does anyone have any bag recommendations or ways to keep them both in the same space safely?

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

Further to my post above regarding the Tomtoc 360, I have been using the sleeve regularly with a focus on its usability as I regularly take my laptop to meetings etc. Whilst I do like the snug fit at the top end of the case, I find that wrapping the case around the laptop becomes tedious and starts to feel like you are making do with using an ill-fitting case.

I contacted Inatek about this and their response was very surprising -

'We are truly sorry for our mistake in the description for the sleeve you’ve ordered is still a new product under test. I believe we could make adjustment in near future to better suit the needs of our customers'.

I was then offered a different model of sleeve which is very nice of them. However, what is surprising is that from the above response, it appears the sleeve is still a work in progress which is unacceptable given the product is on sale and described without any caveat as fitting the TBMBP 2016/17.

Looking at the speed in which Inatek release their sleeves ahead of other manufacturers, it would seem that they are sacrificing product development in a bid to grow as a company. In my opinion, I would steer clear of the Tomtoc until they have designed a model from the ground up to fit the TBMBP as whilst the case can be adapted to work, it is actually a faulty product.

WWHG.

 

[Crit_Obs]

Further to my post above regarding the Tomtoc 360, I have been using the sleeve regularly with a focus on its usability as I regularly take my laptop to meetings etc. Whilst I do like the snug fit at the top end of the case, I find that wrapping the case around the laptop becomes tedious and starts to feel like you are making do with using an ill-fitting case.

I contacted Inatek about this and their response was very surprising -

'We are truly sorry for our mistake in the description for the sleeve you’ve ordered is still a new product under test. I believe we could make adjustment in near future to better suit the needs of our customers'.

I was then offered a different model of sleeve which is very nice of them. However, what is surprising is that from the above response, it appears the sleeve is still a work in progress which is unacceptable given the product is on sale and described without any caveat as fitting the TBMBP 2016/17.

Looking at the speed in which Inatek release their sleeves ahead of other manufacturers, it would seem that they are sacrificing product development in a bid to grow as a company. In my opinion, I would steer clear of the Tomtoc until they have designed a model from the ground up to fit the TBMBP as whilst the case can be adapted to work, it is actually a faulty product.

WWHG.

Having ill-fitting accessories available in the market especially early on is very common in the tablet/phone sector and unfortunately seems to be becoming a more frequent occurence on the laptop side of the market as well. Incase had (or still have?) problems with delivering the correct sized sleeves and Be.ez were happily selling the previous generation's sleeves for current generation customers as late as April (and the current ones are still not really readily available, some 9 months after the release of the laptops).

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

Having ill-fitting accessories available in the market especially early on is very common in the tablet/phone sector and unfortunately seems to be becoming a more frequent occurence on the laptop side of the market as well. Incase had (or still have?) problems with delivering the correct sized sleeves and Be.ez were happily selling the previous generation's sleeves for current generation customers as late as April (and the current ones are still not really readily available, some 9 months after the release of the laptops).

Agreed! I am so surprised by the lack of foresight from these companies. The MBP is a premium product and owners will, in the main, want the very best accessories to compliment and protect it having spent thousands of pounds/dollars. Companies like Pack and Smooch cater to the 'fit and style' element very well, as do manufacturers specialising in leather cases. But when extra protection is required, worthy choices are very slim indeed. Incase eventually provide limited over-priced and frankly boring options, whilst Inatek scatter-gun cases that are not finished articles in the hope that people settle for what's on offer. Don't even get me started on the ridiculous positive reviews of Inatek products on Amazon that are either fake or from customers who have no clue.

Apple could clean up here with well thought out cases and sleeves, even at inflated prices.

Does anyone want to go into business?

 

[Crit_Obs]

Further on the subject, it's rather telling that now, 9 months into the current generation, there's still no "definite", "go-to", "consensus" pick as to the best protective sleeve or even best few protective sleeves; there's hoping change is nigh as my Zeroshock is on its way!

 

[psik]

Further on the subject, it's rather telling that now, 9 months into the current generation, there's still no "definite", "go-to", "consensus" pick as to the best protective sleeve or even best few protective sleeves; there's hoping change is nigh as my Zeroshock is on its way!

Hi guys, what I feel needs to be more discussed in the threat is the fact that many, even though not all, cases being discussed, they come with zippers, and not the best all-round corner protection.

First, in case of impact of pressure, the laptop/macbook can make contact with zippers causing scratches or etching off of aluminium, that's even if the case has protection around teh zippers, i believer that the protections are not perfect, and the laptop can end up somehow making contact with the zippers.

Second, most of these cases don't have all-round corner protection, or at least to the extent that I think is necessary.

That's why I like the incase tensaerlite a lot, in spite of the prince. First it lacks zippers. Second in addition to all body protection, it has immaculate hardcore protection 360 all around the corners, a very hard but shock absorbing plastic. So I hate to advertise for them because i feel the price is too high. but i feel they get a lot of things right. the quality is good too having used one for 2 and half years mine is as good as new. this is what they get right then: no zippers and offering full all-round body and corner protection.

anyone disagree?

https://www.incase.com/devices/macb...leeve-with-diamond-ripstop-for-macbook-pro-13

 

[Crit_Obs]

Hi guys, what I feel needs to be more discussed in the threat is the fact that many, even though not all, cases being discussed, they come with zippers, and not the best all-round corner protection.

First, in case of impact of pressure, the laptop/macbook can make contact with zippers causing scratches or etching off of aluminium, that's even if the case has protection around teh zippers, i believer that the protections are not perfect, and the laptop can end up somehow making contact with the zippers.

Second, most of these cases don't have all-round corner protection, or at least to the extent that I think is necessary.

That's why I like the incase tensaerlite a lot, in spite of the prince. First it lacks zippers. Second in addition to all body protection, it has immaculate hardcore protection 360 all around the corners, a very hard but shock absorbing plastic. So I hate to advertise for them because i feel the price is too high. but i feel they get a lot of things right. the quality is good too having used one for 2 and half years mine is as good as new. this is what they get right then: no zippers and offering full all-round body and corner protection.

anyone disagree?

https://www.incase.com/devices/macb...leeve-with-diamond-ripstop-for-macbook-pro-13

I think the main issue with Incase's current crop is this:

Either their qc is super-lax or they have various products (old ones and new ones) going around under the same SKU, either way something's definitely a-miss as there are so many reports like the one quoted above.

 

[psik]

I think the main issue with Incase's current crop is this:

Either their qc is super-lax or they have various products (old ones and new ones) going around under the same SKU, either way something's definitely a-miss as there are so many reports like the one quoted above.

Yes, I agree also.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Here's a shot of the incase ICON sleeve I picked up for my 15" tbMBP last weekend. The gap is the largest I can get, and I used the stock USB-C charging cable to show the gap's thickness.

 

[psik]

View attachment 707502 Here's a shot of the incase ICON sleeve I picked up for my 15" tbMBP last weekend. The gap is the largest I can get, and I used the stock USB-C charging cable to show the gap's thickness.

Are you planning to call them to at least maybe figure out whats going on? I really want a good magnetic case like incase, but now I am having doubts.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

View attachment 707502 Here's a shot of the incase ICON sleeve I picked up for my 15" tbMBP last weekend. The gap is the largest I can get, and I used the stock USB-C charging cable to show the gap's thickness.

That's not too bad. My understanding is that the gap is necessary to allow you to place the laptop in and out of the case...

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Are you planning to call them to at least maybe figure out whats going on? I really want a good magnetic case like incase, but now I am having doubts.

I see no reason to call them. It's only a few millimeters so I don't see any issue.

 

[psik]

I see no reason to call them. It's only a few millimeters so I don't see any issue.

Aaah, ok, so then the gap is part of the whole thing, its not there by defect. gotcha.

 

[project_2501]

I think the main issue with Incase's current crop is this:

Either their qc is super-lax or they have various products (old ones and new ones) going around under the same SKU, either way something's definitely a-miss as there are so many reports like the one quoted above.

any comment or clarification from InCase?
[doublepost=1499444841][/doublepost]

thanks for posting, was really close to ordering the sleeve today but will look around for others now

I was going to ask this same question.

I had a 2015 MBPro 13 and an Incase Icon - great sleeve, great snug fit, no moving around inside.

Have ordered a 2017 MBP 13 non-TB .. I am reading that the old sleeve is too big, but the new sleeve is also not a good fit.

Did InCase comment themselves anywhere?

 

[Boardiesboi]

View attachment 707502 Here's a shot of the incase ICON sleeve I picked up for my 15" tbMBP last weekend. The gap is the largest I can get, and I used the stock USB-C charging cable to show the gap's thickness.

This gap for the 15" tBMBP 2017 is much smaller than the 13" one which I posted a comparison of a few pages back (2017 tbMBP in current sleeve vs old 2015 rMBP sleeve).

 

[Crit_Obs]

Hey everyone,

I just got the 15" 2017 MBP, and I already have a 12.9" Ipad Pro. I have cheapo laptop cases for both.

I have an OLD Jansport backpack that is currently carrying around each laptop case that houses each item. It seems to work well enough, so I may stick with it. I also have a simple, HP laptop shoulder bag that has enough space for only one of the cases with the MBP and the iPad Pro without its case. However, I'm concerned about pressure on the iPad screen.

Overall, I'm concerned with pressure on both screens, which is why each has their own case, inside a backpack. Does anyone have any bag recommendations or ways to keep them both in the same space safely?

It would be awesome to have a sort of combo-sleeve that would house both your MBP and IPP, innit... However, no such product currently exists. Your best bet (apart from what you are already doing) is to get a backpack with designated sections for both items; Incase Icon would be a fair bet and there's a grey version available on the "cheap" (relatively speaking) on eBay right now. Icon's tech compartments have sort of faux-fur finish and you could probably ditch the sleeves, cos as they say, less weight is... eh... lighter? For a cheaper option, Incase City Commuter is similarly smart but do confirm it can take a 12.9" tablet, I'm not entirely sure. For something more tactical yet still urban and with awesome quality and details, Alpha One Niner Recon Nine Evade (hmm okay the name is utter bollocks) is probably the best among it's peers for carrying tech; it's not cheap but if you're in the US it's not awfully pricey either, better value than the EDC favourite Tom Bihn Synapse 25 with more tech-friendly features to boot.

In the mean time, carrying them both in separate sleeves inside a backpack is just fine, especially if the pack is not crammed full with other items such as books. Cheers.

 

[James.K.Polk]

I just picked up a new messenger bag for school/work - the Defy Recon bag. https://defybags.com/collections/bags/products/recon-m35-military-tarp

Fits the 2016/7 15" Pro like a champ (no room for a sleeve, but I don't use one), is handmade in Chicago, and the build quality is just exceptional. I've struggled to find a sturdy bag that can carry law books, laptops, tablets, and (often) my lunch and still look professional.... Timbuk2, Patagonia, and Far Horizon Traders have all let me down. Really thinking (and hoping!) this is the bag for me.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

I just picked up a new messenger bag for school/work - the Defy Recon bag. https://defybags.com/collections/bags/products/recon-m35-military-tarp

Fits the 2016/7 15" Pro like a champ (no room for a sleeve, but I don't use one), is handmade in Chicago, and the build quality is just exceptional. I've struggled to find a sturdy bag that can carry law books, laptops, tablets, and (often) my lunch and still look professional.... Timbuk2, Patagonia, and Far Horizon Traders have all let me down. Really thinking (and hoping!) this is the bag for me.

Looks like a solid option! Let us know how you get on please...

 

[project_2501]

This gap for the 15" tBMBP 2017 is much smaller than the 13" one which I posted a comparison of a few pages back (2017 tbMBP in current sleeve vs old 2015 rMBP sleeve).

I have asked Incase about this ... Awaiting reply ...
[doublepost=1499688758][/doublepost]

This gap for the 15" tBMBP 2017 is much smaller than the 13" one which I posted a comparison of a few pages back (2017 tbMBP in current sleeve vs old 2015 rMBP sleeve).

If the 2017 nTB was put in a hardshell case (sold in Apple stores) ... would the fit be more snug in the new incase icon case?

 

[lazypoet]

I'm surprised so few people want bags with handles. For me its a must!

 

[project_2501]

I'm surprised so few people want bags with handles. For me its a must!

It's because we carry the sleeve in another bag for longer travel and carry it for short walks.

Home to work - backpack with sleeve
Work to lunch or coffee - sleeve

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I'm surprised so few people want bags with handles. For me its a must!

My MBP in its sleeve goes into my work laptop bag, along with my iPad Pro 12.9.
I'm almost worried the shoulder strap on my work bag will break due to the weight of multiple devices, but it's been doing its job well so far.

 

[lazypoet]

My MBP in its sleeve goes into my work laptop bag, along with my iPad Pro 12.9.
I'm almost worried the shoulder strap on my work bag will break due to the weight of multiple devices, but it's been doing its job well so far.

I might start bringing the ipad to work soon too, it's amazing for drawing illustrations and sketching for website ui

 

[project_2501]

I popped into the Regent St Apple Store in London (flagship)

They had no incase icon sleeves in store .. I wanted to test how wobbly the macbook pro 13 2017 would be in the case.

They advised me to order on online and use the 14 day no-questions asked return if the fit was no good.

I prompted Incase again to reply to my query and they have not. Not a good sign.
[doublepost=1499788375][/doublepost]Apple Stores in London don#t have stock.

Apple Store Online also seems to have a 4-week wait.

I wonder if Incase ICON are redesigning .. ?