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MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

xoSushi

xoSushi

macrumors newbie
Feb 27, 2009
6
0
Any vertical/portrait mode sleeves or cases where I can easily pull out the MacBook from inside of my backpack? Preferably one with a snug fit too.

Almost ever case on amazon is a landscape/horizontal.

For reference this is the MacBook Pro 13 inch (2016).

Thanks!
 
lsatterfield

lsatterfield

macrumors member
Sep 19, 2014
70
17
Does most everyone here who dual wields a Macbook Pro and an Ipad Pro carry them both around in individual, simple sleeves inside a bag? Or does anyone just put both in the bag without sleeves?

(My previous post talks about how I carry mine in an old Jansport bag, and each has its own case. I think a better bag with sleeves would do, but I'm wondering if going sleeveless is safe enough.)
 
C

Crit_Obs

macrumors newbie
May 4, 2017
25
13
lsatterfield said:
Does most everyone here who dual wields a Macbook Pro and an Ipad Pro carry them both around in individual, simple sleeves inside a bag? Or does anyone just put both in the bag without sleeves?

(My previous post talks about how I carry mine in an old Jansport bag, and each has its own case. I think a better bag with sleeves would do, but I'm wondering if going sleeveless is safe enough.)
Click to expand...

No cases/sleeves is ok if the bag has properly padded, separate compartments for both items. Tech-oriented backpacks such as those made by Incase would appear to be designed for caseless/sleeveless carry.

Like you, I'm currently rocking an ancient backpack (Deuter Giga, in my case) that does have laptop compartment, albeit not a very padded one, and no designated spot to stick an IPP to; I'll be doing daily dual-wield commuting starting this autumn and I plan to either

1. Stick with the current bag, keep the MBP in the sleeve and get a cover for the IPP, then carry them both in the laptop compartment in such way that the IPP is behind the MBP, essentially between the (sleeved) MBP and my back, to grant optimum protection for both; I do fear this approach would still leave the IPP screen susceptible to pressure damage when the bag is packed to the hilt.

or

2. Buy a new backpack (Incase Icon would be good, but I need something that'd fit lots of books and gym stuff etc. as well so currently looking at Osprey Radial 34 and the new Osprey Tropos 32) with proper tech-friendly features and make do without cases/sleeves (although a simple case for the IPP might still be in order).

In conclusion, I'm wondering about the same things you are, not sure if I'm any the wiser currently. :)
 
C

Crit_Obs

macrumors newbie
May 4, 2017
25
13
My quick review / initial impressions on the Zeroshock sleeve for MBP 13" (late 2016-->):

It sucks.

My slightly more elaborated musings on the topic:

So I finally received this sleeve I ordered straight from Japan. It was packed well and immediately gave off the impression of a high-quality product, with faultless stitching, nice, water-repelling material on the exterior and egg-foam cushion on the inside. It felt like it could take a fairly severe impact and still keep the computer nestled inside from being harmed, courtesy of the "memory foam" polyethylene material, Elecom's (the manufacturer) claim to fame.

But all this beauty is only skin-deep and ultimately won't matter, as the sleeve is not appropriately sized; it's miles too big:

HozPyO0.jpg


Supposedly "designed from the scratch" to accommodate the MBP 13" from late 2016 onwards, this sleeve looks like it could take the preceding model and be a much better fit; the guinea pig pictured above would slide up and down and from side to side inside the sleeve when the sleeve was zippered up and tilted slightly. Some of you might not consider that as a terminal fault, but the "lip" purpoted to keep the laptop from coming into contact with the zipper is not confidence-inspiring at all and with the laptop sliding back and forth, back and forth inside the sleeve, something will eventually give.

So all in all a massive dissapointment by a long-running & respected manufacturer. Here's the link to their product page:

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

I paid 34€ for mine so that you wouldn't need to. Thank you.
 
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itsamacthing

itsamacthing

macrumors 6502a
Sep 26, 2011
896
514
Bangkok
mbenji said:
I've just received my Harber London slim leather case for my 2016 MBPTB.
The inside is an itchy wool and especially because the case is tight I am worried about scratches, both the painted body and the glossy apple logo.

Is it possible that this itchy wool on the inside will scratch it?
Feel free to ask any questions about the case.
Click to expand...
Hi, how has this sleeve been?
 
P

project_2501

macrumors 6502a
Jul 1, 2017
676
792
After asking INCASE about the new 2017 sleeve with Taensorlite being reported as too big .. and getting no reply..

I decided I can't wait and did this:


I am hoping the IDOO case protects the laptop when I'm using it in less than perfectly clean and safe offices / cafes .. and the the INCASE being too large will now snugly fit the MacBook Pro non-TB 13 2017 with the hardcore added.

Will let you know how it goes.
 
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C

Crit_Obs

macrumors newbie
May 4, 2017
25
13
project_2501 said:
After asking INCASE about the new 2017 sleeve with Taensorlite being reported as too big .. and getting no reply..

I decided I can't wait and did this:


I am hoping the IDOO case protects the laptop when I'm using it in less than perfectly clean and safe offices / cafes .. and the the INCASE being too large will now snugly fit the MacBook Pro non-TB 13 2017 with the hardcore added.

Will let you know how it goes.
Click to expand...

I decided to find purpose for the altogether too big Zeroshock sleeve as well: I will use it to carry my iPad Pro 12.9", with its case on, for journeys where extra protection is called for. For my MBP I ordered (again) the Be.ez La Robe in "Mac Addicted" motif, which is finally available now; I'm expecting it to be a ridiculously bad fit cos if it isn't, my sleeve-hunting life will suddenly become void and bereft of purpose.

If only I could attend to the more mundane, everyday tasks with the same intensity and rigour I approach purchasing protective products for my electronics. :)
 
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WhiteWhaleHolyGrail

WhiteWhaleHolyGrail

macrumors 6502a
Nov 14, 2016
620
426
Looking at the further experiences above, I think it's pathetic how utterly useless computer accessory manufacturers have been in providing well fitting quality sleeves and bags for the 2016/17 MBPs. Their business strategy seems to have been to get them on the market fast and hope people make do. I honestly think Apple would be mad not to take advantage of this gap in the market and make their own sleeves etc.
 
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project_2501

macrumors 6502a
Jul 1, 2017
676
792
dear manufacturers, you do realise that the data proves apple buyers are willing to pay a bit extra for good quality accessories .. and are a bit more careful about avoiding junk...

... there's a higher margin gap in the market right there for you ...
 
itsamacthing

itsamacthing

macrumors 6502a
Sep 26, 2011
896
514
Bangkok
jmoore5196 said:
I think I can describe it more easily than I can photograph it! The 13" sleeve I received is a shade or two darker blue than the 15", and since variations can crop up among dyed pieces, I imagine mine are 'normal' in that respect.

The 15" sleeve is a sort of gunmetal blue ... a very dark navy. The 13" is a little darker still ... almost the shade of the Apple blue leather iPhone 6 case. Neither appears black in real life.

Both are certainly darker than a new pair of Levis. The blue is very sedate; I do wish Harber London made a color with a little more 'pop' like a red or burnt orange. However, these sleeves are almost sumptuous-looking.

I go on three- and four-month road trips where the 15" tbMBP is a necessity. For daily use, however, I take along the 13" ntMBP. Having the same sleeve on both was more a styling exercise than a necessity, but I am happy with the matching Harber London pieces.
Click to expand...

Hi, how is this bag holding up over time? How would you grade the quality of the leather? thanks! Looking at this and the much more expensive Joli sleeve
 
P

project_2501

macrumors 6502a
Jul 1, 2017
676
792
project_2501 said:
After asking INCASE about the new 2017 sleeve with Taensorlite being reported as too big .. and getting no reply..

I decided I can't wait and did this:


I am hoping the IDOO case protects the laptop when I'm using it in less than perfectly clean and safe offices / cafes .. and the the INCASE being too large will now snugly fit the MacBook Pro non-TB 13 2017 with the hardcore added.

Will let you know how it goes.
Click to expand...


Just to confirm this works well. The Idoo hardcase for a cheap £12 for the A1708 macbook pro 13 2017 nonTB inside the incase icon sleeve for the bigger 2015 mbp13 works really well!

The fit is snug and there is no wobbling inside.

The Idoo itself is cheap and you can tell but it does a job well enough.
 
Last edited:
hamilto

hamilto

macrumors member
Apr 15, 2016
39
52
Anyone tried the ProCase 12 (found it on Amazon), for the 13" 2017 Macbook pro? I want it to fit snug, not swimming around in there. Read that it will work well.
Also, the procase has a handle, and some cool color options. I went with a darker grey and orange accents, seemed to be the most interesting choice. Looks like it's well made.
 
R

rmbpuser

macrumors 6502
Sep 1, 2012
298
138
Im waiting to see if Incase is going to fix the Icon sleeve because there is nothing else I like atm ‍♀️
 
WhiteWhaleHolyGrail

WhiteWhaleHolyGrail

macrumors 6502a
Nov 14, 2016
620
426
rmbpuser said:
Im waiting to see if Incase is going to fix the Icon sleeve because there is nothing else I like atm ‍♀️
Click to expand...

I wouldn't hold your breath. They will have made vast amounts of the current models and so to now reproduce the line with altered dimensions would be disastrous for them.
 
C

CookieFlow

macrumors member
Mar 4, 2015
52
31
Hi there,

I got the 2016 version at release, and I remember there were 0 good cases so I went for a generic Amazon wool sleeve but there is way too much space in it.
I also tried a plastic cover from iBlazon I think, it did the job but I wasn't a big fan of the added weight, especially on the screen and I fear the hinge loosing its strength over time.

Are there now some really good options made for these new Macbook Pro's 15" that don't leave tons of space inside the sleeve?

Ideally looking for a very skinny neoprene sleeve (with no zips). I don't care much for good protection, it's more to prevent scratches than anything.
I like how neoprene glides better than wool and generally has a smaller footprint, and I want something that's easy to pop in and out, zips always annoyed me.


I'm also considering a skin, are people happy with that option? I have had one on my phone for over 2 years and love it, but I also never peeled it off and that could look bad on a MacBook with glue all over I assume. Also kinda love the look of the product and don't feel like covering it with some skin.


Thanks !
 
kjparfekt

kjparfekt

macrumors regular
Sep 24, 2012
235
90
Washington, DC
CookieFlow said:
also considering a skin, are people happy with that option? I have had one on my phone for over 2 years and love it, but I also never peeled it off and that could look bad on a MacBook with glue all over I assume. Also kinda love the look of the product and don't feel like covering it with some skin.


Thanks !
Click to expand...

I've never had a skin leave a residue on any device. Strongly considering one for the MacBook Pro I have arriving tomorrow.

I tend to keep my computers for a long time and don't resell them so a scratch here or there wouldn't be the end of the world but if a skin makes it look good and adds protection maybe it's not the worst idea.
 
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project_2501

macrumors 6502a
Jul 1, 2017
676
792
kjparfekt said:
I've never had a skin leave a residue on any device. Strongly considering one for the MacBook Pro I have arriving tomorrow.

I tend to keep my computers for a long time and don't resell them so a scratch here or there wouldn't be the end of the world but if a skin makes it look good and adds protection maybe it's not the worst idea.
Click to expand...
Hard-shell case for everyday scratch protection? And softer shock absorbing case for travel?
 
evorc

evorc

macrumors 6502a
Aug 24, 2011
570
269
Just received the pack and smooch sleeve for my 2017 13" mb pro. Wow what a high quality sleeve! Very nicely made and the MacBook fits snugly.
 
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shevagol

macrumors newbie
Jul 20, 2017
19
35
medulla said:
Thought I'd upload pictures of my newly received Vaja case for the 15" MacBook Pro.
Quality is TOP notch as always.
Let me know what you think..
Click to expand...

Just ordered mine for my MBP 13 2017 no touchbar. But just checking, is it so easy to remove? I saw someone using it with his Macbook 12 and the top cover detached accidentally (easily). Just wondering
 
itsamacthing

itsamacthing

macrumors 6502a
Sep 26, 2011
896
514
Bangkok
evorc said:
Just received the pack and smooch sleeve for my 2017 13" mb pro. Wow what a high quality sleeve! Very nicely made and the MacBook fits snugly.
Click to expand...

Looks like a nice sleeve, hope it works out great for you. Wish they had a few other options, like leather with wool interior
 
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