MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[BlizZ10]

Thule vs Booq

So I know Booq is a favorite among many, but has anyone looked into the Thule Crossover 12L? http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Products/Luggage/DaypacksAndMessengers/Crossover-12L-Messenger-Bag

I am currently deciding between the Crossover 12L and the Booq Mamba Courier for my 15" retina MBP and iPad mini. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[dastinger]

Hey guys, I use my rMBP a lot in my lap while seating on the couch and I don't like to feel the heat in my legs too much. Plus, I'd like to buy a stand so it feels a bit more confortable. I looked at some lap stands but they're way too expensive and I recently bought a sleeve and a backpack for the rMBP and spent some money on it so I can't spend too much more.

Anyway, I found the Macally Ecopad on an electronics store where I live for €15. I know it's made from bamboo so it will probably feel the same on my lap but at least I won't feel the heat that much and I have some place to use the magic mouse. Does anyone has one of these? What do you think for that price? I can always buy a stand with fans but I always heard about how that usually burns up the USBs after using it for some time. Is that true?

Here's a picture of the Macally stand:

FYI, it slides to close.

 

[Dre180]

I just bought the Moshi iglaze pro. Was looking at either this or the speck, but I've never been a big fan of speck products personally. Looks really nice and the one for the macbook air had great reviews. Apple doesn't seem to be carrying it yet for the rMBP so I ordered the translucent case from Moshi directly.

http://store.moshimonde.com/iglaze-pro-15r-stealth-black-307.html

 

[ETLMD]

Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag

I was wondering if anyone with a Macbook Pro 15" Retina was able to fit their laptop into a small Timbuk2 D-Lux laptop messenger bag. According to the dimensions listed on the Timbuk2 site, it appears that the laptop might be slightly too large in height. The medium seems to be a bit too large overall. I'd like to have a snug fit for the laptop. Thanks!

 

[asdad123]

It seems as though there are tons of sleeves out there. I just want a neoprene sleeve possibly with a pocket for cables or flash drives. Something simple that will fit a MacBook Pro Retina display 15 inch. Any recommendations?

It seems like there is something big wrong with each one. HEELLLLPPPPP haha.

Thanks

I use this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00359EXWE/ref=wms_ohs_product

Bought it when it was on sale for $12 shipped and I couldnt be happier. The Retina MBP fits in it great and I have room for my Razer Orochi and charger in the pocket.

I wouldnt spend more than $20 on a sleeve.

I was wondering if anyone with a Macbook Pro 15" Retina was able to fit their laptop into a small Timbuk2 D-Lux laptop messenger bag. According to the dimensions listed on the Timbuk2 site, it appears that the laptop might be slightly too large in height. The medium seems to be a bit too large overall. I'd like to have a snug fit for the laptop. Thanks!

I have a Timbuk 2 Classic Messenger bag in Small and the RMBP fits it perfectly. Snug and doesn't move around. Not sure what the difference between the classic and the D-Lux is though.

 

[terriyaki]

I have a Timbuk 2 Classic Messenger bag in Small and the RMBP fits it perfectly. Snug and doesn't move around. Not sure what the difference between the classic and the D-Lux is though.

If you have the time, do you mind posting some photos of your rMBP in your small Timbuk2 messenger?

 

[Arnezie]

Just ordered a Booq Taipan skin for my retina it will then go in my backpack. On sale $14.95, regular price is $29.95 so its like getting $5 off with the shipping
http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/taipan-skin/TSKM-BLR

 

[dastinger]

Hey guys, I use my rMBP a lot in my lap while seating on the couch and I don't like to feel the heat in my legs too much. Plus, I'd like to buy a stand so it feels a bit more confortable. I looked at some lap stands but they're way too expensive and I recently bought a sleeve and a backpack for the rMBP and spent some money on it so I can't spend too much more.

Anyway, I found the Macally Ecopad on an electronics store where I live for €15. I know it's made from bamboo so it will probably feel the same on my lap but at least I won't feel the heat that much and I have some place to use the magic mouse. Does anyone has one of these? What do you think for that price? I can always buy a stand with fans but I always heard about how that usually burns up the USBs after using it for some time. Is that true?

Here's a picture of the Macally stand:

FYI, it slides to close.

Anyone? I'm just afraid that it goes out of stock since it's an old product and there was only one at the store. And I'm curious to know your opinions about USB issues using stands with fans.

 

[ttracer]

Has anyone bought the Gumdrop DropTech Sleeve for the Macbook Pro Retina?
http://www.gumdropcases.com/drop-tech-sleeve-for-macbook-15-.html

In my opinion it looks to be the most protective Macbook sleeve on the market , even better than the Booq Vyper and Thule case.

It has built in inserts in the corners, which look like they may protect the Macbook if it is dropped.

I am tempted to buy one as a Neoprone sleeve will not offer the same amount of protection.

My only concern is that it may not fit a Macbook Retina with a shell casing , my Speck Seethru Satin for instance.

Yet to see some reviews for this case.

 

[93MPH]

What are some good recommendations for a hard case for the 13" Retina?

 

[jonkevin]

What are some good recommendations for a hard case for the 13" Retina?

I bought the Speck SmartShell Satin and I love it. It makes the rMBP a little heavier but still not as heavy as the cMBP.

----------

Review:
Extremely disappointed.
The case fit very loosely and the bands that keep the laptop open folds inward when closed. This gets in the way of the laptop fully closely and potentially scratches the screen. It is not a tight fit so it moves around a lot when closed. The zipper is hard to open and close.
If you were debating on getting this case, don't even waste your time debating. It's definitely not worth it.

I was actually thinking about getting this case. It looks like the bands are poorly designed. Looks like the search continues!

 

[jowie]

Optimum Retina Sleeves

Can anyone recommend sleeves that are *genuinely* designed for the Retina MacBook Pros? There are a lot of comments on here (and Amazon) about people feeling duped because something that was advertised on the net as being for Retina actually turns out to be their bog-standard 15" MBP product (which is obviously not on!)

Anyone like to take a stab at a list of all the genuine, snug-fitting sleeves for the Retina? Or tell us your experiences and I could put together a Google spreadsheet

Thanks!

 

[Ploki]

Can anyone recommend sleeves that are *genuinely* designed for the Retina MacBook Pros? There are a lot of comments on here (and Amazon) about people feeling duped because something that was advertised on the net as being for Retina actually turns out to be their bog-standard 15" MBP product (which is obviously not on!)

Anyone like to take a stab at a list of all the genuine, snug-fitting sleeves for the Retina? Or tell us your experiences and I could put together a Google spreadsheet

Thanks!

i have booq mamba and although its advertised for both the rMBP fits in very tight. Feels much better than the tucano second skin i used for the old MBP.

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/mamba-sleeve/MSL15-GRY

I'll get the GumDrop if i can get a friend to get it for me from the states...

 

[raftr]

Can anyone recommend sleeves that are *genuinely* designed for the Retina MacBook Pros? There are a lot of comments on here (and Amazon) about people feeling duped because something that was advertised on the net as being for Retina actually turns out to be their bog-standard 15" MBP product (which is obviously not on!)

If I may chime in, we make our Cocones 15" MBP Retina sleeves specifically for the Retina size, apart from "classic 15" sizes.

The difference is really small, this is why we suppose many manufacturers take the one size fits all 15"s approach. It also depends on the design: some sleeves are meant to have a fair amount of slack anyway.

 

[jowie]

If I may chime in, we make our Cocones 15" MBP Retina sleeves specifically for the Retina size, apart from "classic 15" sizes.

Thanks, I'll add that to the list!

The difference is really small, this is why we suppose many manufacturers take the one size fits all 15"s approach. It also depends on the design: some sleeves are meant to have a fair amount of slack anyway.

In theory, I don't have a problem with manufacturers who just sell one size for both, if they believe it to be suitable. What I have a problem with are manufacturers who sell the same sleeve, but slap a "retina" on the description... Buyers are duped into purchasing them only to find out that they're not very snug.

 

[swerve147]

Can anyone recommend sleeves that are *genuinely* designed for the Retina MacBook Pros? There are a lot of comments on here (and Amazon) about people feeling duped because something that was advertised on the net as being for Retina actually turns out to be their bog-standard 15" MBP product (which is obviously not on!)

Anyone like to take a stab at a list of all the genuine, snug-fitting sleeves for the Retina? Or tell us your experiences and I could put together a Google spreadsheet

Thanks!

I have a Unitah Colcasac sleeve that was made specifically for the rMBP 15". It is a nice, snug fitting sleeve with a soft fleece interior. It's very nice and cushion-y (albeit not really for the professional office).

Etsy.com is a great place to look for handmade sleeves, btw.

 

[ob81]

For the Non-Messenger bags

The messenger bag isn't my style, and I was looking for a sleek book bag that I could wear with my everyday clothes. I wanted something that would be simple but looked sleek at the same time.

In came the booq Mamba Daypack. The wife grabbed me one for my birthday and I couldn't be happier. I recommend it for anyone that doesn't want to carry a messenger bag, but also doesn't want a big book bag over their shoulders.

 

[Arnezie]

Can anyone recommend sleeves that are *genuinely* designed for the Retina MacBook Pros? There are a lot of comments on here (and Amazon) about people feeling duped because something that was advertised on the net as being for Retina actually turns out to be their bog-standard 15" MBP product (which is obviously not on!)

Anyone like to take a stab at a list of all the genuine, snug-fitting sleeves for the Retina? Or tell us your experiences and I could put together a Google spreadsheet

Thanks!

http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/taipan-skin/TSKM-BLR

 

[Norkusa]

I really wanted a messenger-style bag for my new 15" rMBP, but wasn't happy with anything I saw online. So today at the Apple store I bought this Incase retina protective sleeve for $50:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...ve-deluxe-for-macbook-pro-with-retina-display

Then I stopped by Forever 21 and saw this slick messenger bag for $32.90:

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Pr...m_accessories&ProductID=1027705941&VariantID=

The messenger bag has a separate laptop pocket/compartment/divider that fits the rMBP with sleeve *PERFECTLY*. Not much padding inside the bag but there seems to be a very thin layer of foam in the front part of the bag & the divider. I just used the piece of foam that came inside the Incase sleeve to pad the back part of the bag. Plenty of room and pockets for other stuff too but not too big either. I love this sleeve + bag combo!

 

[jfriedman8]

went for the SF bags sleeve. Vertical with flap + leather trim. Expensive, but well worth it.

 

[chad.petree]

Not a single of this sleeves allows space for the charger? that could be a deal breaker for me :/ . I want a sleeve/case specifically designed for the 15" retina macbook pro, with perfect/tight fit, and that it would be possible to charge the mac while having the sleeve/case on.

My options so far are:

+Mamba sleeve 15 42 eur http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/mamba-sleeve/MSL15-GRY

+Incase 15" Neoprene Pro Sleeve for MacBook Pro with Retina display http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...acCompatibility=15inchmacbookproretinadisplay

Not fully convinced by this bag (it's quite expensive):

+Acme Made Clutch 100 eur http://www.acmemade.de/product/Die-Clutch,46,2.htm

 

[jowie]

+Viper case 15 46 eur http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/viper-case/VC15-GRY

I like the look of this one, but it doesn't appear to be retina-specific. Does anyone know what the fit is like with this one? Hard cases really need to be snug, or else they knock around inside.

 

[chad.petree]

I like the look of this one, but it doesn't appear to be retina-specific. Does anyone know what the fit is like with this one? Hard cases really need to be snug, or else they knock around inside.

I think it was made for the classic mabook pro, even the macbook on the photo has a cd tray

 

[chad.petree]

This looks pretty nice too and looks like it has room for the charger, which is HUGE plus for me:

http://www.incipio.com/cases/macboo...acbook-pro-15in-sea-seattle-nylon-sleeve.html

 

[dastinger]

Not a single of this sleeves allows space for the charger? that could be a deal breaker for me :/ . I want a sleeve/case süecifically designed for the 15" retina macbook pro, with perfect/tight fit, and that it would be possible to charge the mac while having the sleeve/case on.

My options so far are:

+Mamba sleeve 15 42 eur http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/mamba-sleeve/MSL15-GRY

+Viper case 15 46 eur http://www.booqbags.com/us/sleeves/viper-case/VC15-GRY

+Incase 15" Neoprene Pro Sleeve, i think this one is not specifically designed for the retina 15" , it works for the classical mac 15" and the 15" retina? (have to import for it from the USA, not available in germany) http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...acCompatibility=15inchmacbookproretinadisplay

#Incase 15" Protective Sleeve Deluxe, i think this one is not specifically designed for the retina 15" , it works for the classical mac 15" and the 15" retina? (have to import for it from the USA, not available in germany) http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...acCompatibility=15inchmacbookproretinadisplay

Not fully convinced by these bags (they're quite expensive):

+Boa courier 15 approximately 135 eur(have to import for it from the USA, not available in germany) http://www.booqbags.com/us/shoulder-bags/boa-courier

+Acme Made Clutch 100 eur http://www.acmemade.de/product/Die-Clutch,46,2.htm

I'm on my phone so I didn't look at the links. Anyway, I can only tell you that I have a Incase Sleeve that was made specifically for the Retina MBP. They have sleeves for the classic MBP that look just the same so be careful. But, if you're buying it from Apple and it says it's Retina than it is. That's where I bought mine and I couldn't be happier. I can tell you that the sleeve is tight so managing to put a regular MBP in it is not possible.
Another thing that is not possible with this sleeve is to charge the MBP while it's in it because the zipper is on top and not on the sides.