MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[Constantine.T]

Did somebody use this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261330208466?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110976424900?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

 

[Vhalentine]

Hey guys,

This is my first post, been following this thread for awhile since getting my 15" Retina Pro, and thought I should finally sign up and contribute to it.

For anyone wanting a simple sleeve that you can just throw in anywhere that does offer all around protection (literally, some people posted up the sleeves where the top/entry points are still exposed and I am just not cool with that in the end of the day but to each their own) I have finally chosen the Incase 15" Deluxe for Retina Macbook Profrom the Apple website:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...-for-macbook-pro-with-retina-display?fnode=50
Note: this is the one that is actually made for the Haswell Macbook Pro Retina and sadly is exclusive to the Apple store.

I chose it because I've had Incase before and my review of it is that it is actually snug (perhaps a little too snug) which I have seen some people complain about with the regular Incase 15 inch. I also did not want to spend $80+ on other sleeves and I wanted full blown protection. The picture of the black one on the website is inaccurate in that the front does feature another pocket with zipper to put either your iPad or charger in. If you scroll over to the other colors, they more accurately portray what the actual case will look like. The front pocket is also a very snug fit, especially for the charger.

Also some people are complaining about the zipper part coming close to the macbook pro when closing or opening and I completely disagree. There is a thick tubular lining on each side of the case right after the zipper when you look inside that closes on the macbook pro ensuring no touching between the zipper and the contents. The inside is the same Incase fur lining that gives you that assurance that your new toy will be safe in there .

The material is not the typical Incase material used in previous generations. It almost feels like some type of leather. Still satisfying to hold and still seems to be waterproof.

A new feature, to me at least, that I've never seen before is that on the bottom right corner next to the Incase logo is another zipper that opens from the right side of the case to a little bit of the bottom side that features an opening so that one may charge your pro while in the case.

I am very satisfied with this sleeve. The only complaint I have is that it is sold exclusively through the Apple store (would have liked to save tax through Amazon) and that the fit with the laptop inside is a big tighter than I would have liked but I'm sure it'll loosen up with time. Otherwise, the price is right at $49.99 as the ones I've perused here in this thread are reaching the hundreds for a leather sleeve.

Sorry about the attached pictures I don't know how to embed them onto here.

 

[codeman7]

Hey guys,

This is my first post, been following this thread for awhile since getting my 15" Retina Pro, and thought I should finally sign up and contribute to it.

For anyone wanting a simple sleeve that you can just throw in anywhere that does offer all around protection (literally, some people posted up the sleeves where the top/entry points are still exposed and I am just not cool with that in the end of the day but to each their own) I have finally chosen the Incase 15" Deluxe for Retina Macbook Profrom the Apple website:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...-for-macbook-pro-with-retina-display?fnode=50
Note: this is the one that is actually made for the Haswell Macbook Pro Retina and sadly is exclusive to the Apple store.

I chose it because I've had Incase before and my review of it is that it is actually snug (perhaps a little too snug) which I have seen some people complain about with the regular Incase 15 inch. I also did not want to spend $80+ on other sleeves and I wanted full blown protection. The picture of the black one on the website is inaccurate in that the front does feature another pocket with zipper to put either your iPad or charger in. If you scroll over to the other colors, they more accurately portray what the actual case will look like. The front pocket is also a very snug fit, especially for the charger.

Also some people are complaining about the zipper part coming close to the macbook pro when closing or opening and I completely disagree. There is a thick tubular lining on each side of the case right after the zipper when you look inside that closes on the macbook pro ensuring no touching between the zipper and the contents. The inside is the same Incase fur lining that gives you that assurance that your new toy will be safe in there .

The material is not the typical Incase material used in previous generations. It almost feels like some type of leather. Still satisfying to hold and still seems to be waterproof.

A new feature, to me at least, that I've never seen before is that on the bottom right corner next to the Incase logo is another zipper that opens from the right side of the case to a little bit of the bottom side that features an opening so that one may charge your pro while in the case.

I am very satisfied with this sleeve. The only complaint I have is that it is sold exclusively through the Apple store (would have liked to save tax through Amazon) and that the fit with the laptop inside is a big tighter than I would have liked but I'm sure it'll loosen up with time. Otherwise, the price is right at $49.99 as the ones I've perused here in this thread are reaching the hundreds for a leather sleeve.

Sorry about the attached pictures I don't know how to embed them onto here.

Really interesting that you say yours is tighter than you would have liked, as mine definitely has some extra room (less so than the other Incase sleeves that are for the classic MBP and the retina), but still not the fit I would've expected for a custom case.

 

[Vhalentine]

Really interesting that you say yours is tighter than you would have liked, as mine definitely has some extra room (less so than the other Incase sleeves that are for the classic MBP and the retina), but still not the fit I would've expected for a custom case.

Mine is still definitely tight though that might change with usage. I haven't put it in there that much as I have it set up on my desk as a station. I just put mine back in to look again and I guess there is some room towards the top and bottom of the actual case. Some room I feel should be okay, even necessary, since the front pocket, depending on what you put in there, will definitely press onto the laptop inside.

 

[johnnylarue]

Thanks for this review! My tastes are very similar to your's. Based on this, I ordered a white one for my 13" rMPB. Can't wait to get it in!

Cool! I don't think you'll be disappointed. It felt like a bit of a gamble ordering a relatively pricey sleeve with very little information available (at least on non-Korean websites) but it paid off. I haven't found another sleeve that checks all the right boxes the way this one does. (Case in point: I was offered a free sleeve or bag of my choosing by Apple Cust. Service but chose an external hard drive instead.)

The sleeve looks much better in person than in the crappy pics I attached.

Oh, and mine arrived after only 8 days, by the way!

 

[Breedlove]

My Vatuka rMBP sleeve arrived yesterday (a full week ahead of schedule, I might add!) This sleeve is manufactured in Korea and as far as I know the only way to obtain one in other parts of the world is through the Vatuka eBay store. Cost was $50 after shipping (to Canada).

Here's a short list of pros and cons:

Pros (in no particular order):

-Clamshell design allows for the MBP to be used while in the sleeve
-Easy access to all ports and AC socket
-Very lightweight, high-density memory foam makes for a pliable yet very resilient shell exterior
-Soft fleece interior with raised lip to isolate from zipper.
-Snug, secure fit; just enough thickness to provide proper protection without compromising the sleekness of the rMBP form factor
-Solid construction with sturdy feeling YKK zipper
-Surprisingly nice looking!

-And the biggest surprise for me: the "3D mesh" on the base of the sleeve really does allow for superior airflow/cooling. The vents are completely unobstructed. I tested this out by playing a fairly demanding game for about 30 mins and the computer remained as cool as it does on my desk. No discernible difference in heatsink temps or fan speeds. That's very impressive--and reassuring.

Cons:

-Upper retaining loops cover tiny portions of the display's upper corners
-Very average corner protection
-No extra pockets or compartments
-$50 still strikes me as somewhat pricey for a sleeve constructed from "man-made" materials

Overall:

This is a really, really nice sleeve. The outer material has a much nicer feel and look than neoprene, and super dense memory foam instills confidence in its ability to protect my MBP from significant bumps, while maintaining a relatively sleek profile.

For me, what really sells this case is the amount of consideration that went into ensuring proper ventilation and accessibility to the MBP's ports while it's on. As a musician, I often find myself having to put my MBP down on less-than-ideal surfaces, and so the ability to use it without compromise while in its sleeve is a major plus. In this light you can think of it as a sleeve that possesses some of the functionality of a Speck-style hard shell case. It's obviously not as sleek as a shell, but it provides better protection for travel, and much of the same functionality otherwise. And it hides the Apple logo when it's on, providing at least a modicum of anonymity to your $3000 thief-magnet.

This is an ideal sleeve for people who like to use their MBP 'naked' while at home or at the office, but who often find themselves in other situations requiring a little extra protection.

I really dig it, and hereby award the Vatuka rMBP sleeve my official johnnylarue Seal of Approval®.

PS: Apologies for the half-assed pics. Couldn't be bothered to drag out the dSLR this morning.

Great review.

Just one question: How well protected is your laptop from the zipper?

I was on the fence about ordering this but after reading your review, I will probably be purchasing one too. I'm just a little bit wary of zippers on any cases.

 

[johnnylarue]

Great review.

Just one question: How well protected is your laptop from the zipper?

I was on the fence about ordering this but after reading your review, I will probably be purchasing one too. I'm just a little bit wary of zippers on any cases.

The inner felt or fleece part of the sleeve has a sort of lip that closes up and completely isolates the MBP from the zipper. This same lip is what forms the bulk of the edge/side protection all around the laptop as well. It's such a nice, snug fit that I can't imagine the machine ever coming in contact with the zipper when the sleeve is zipped up.

That said I did notice one very slight thing when the sleeve is in the open position: the rear corners of the zipper wind up sitting very close to the bottom corners of the rear of the display (i.e. the aluminum side, not the glass side.) I was initially a bit worried that the zipper could rub against the aluminum in this position, or when opening and closing the laptop, but you can avoid this completely by "flipping" the zipper back when you open the laptop.

If you take a look at the first photo I posted, you'll see that the black strip of zipper is actually sort of folded down towards the desk, away from the computer. I'm not even sure it's necessary to do that, but it requires virtually no effort and gives me all the peace of mind I need with regards to avoiding zipper contact.

Relatively simple, but very well-designed case.

For reference, my second choice would have been a Thule Gauntlet--which offer a similar fairly rigid outer shell in a clamshell design--but I read reviews that said they're a slightly loose fit on RetinaBooks, don't allow easy access to the ports when open, don't allow for adequate ventilation, and their zipper reliability was suspect. Their limited usefulness in the "open" position was what steered me to the Vatuka cases instead.

----------

Did somebody use this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261330208466?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110976424900?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

I looked at those "Pofoko" cases but there's just something about them that screams "Dollar Store" to me. The photos from their website are very unconvincing. (I know it's a bit of a cliche, but I decided my $2700 laptop deserved better than a flimsy $17 case.)

 

[cletusarrarr]

Pls keep us posted in regards to the fitment. Good find btw.

ordered the 15" will post as soon as i receive it , should be a couple of weeks but should be good , the quality seems really good and water resistant. will post pics

----------

Did somebody use this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261330208466?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110976424900?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

i have ordered the POFOKO sleeve , will post soon as i get it.

 

[rckraus]

Waterfield SleeveCase

I have the SleeveCase for the 15" MPB retina - horizontal with the flap and brown leather trim - and recommend it highly. The fit is snug without being too tight. The construction is very nice and the sleeve looks great. SFBags has some of the best customer service that I've experienced (I ordered the vertical sleeve by mistake).

Hi everyone,

http://www.sfbags.com/products/macbookair-smartcase/smartcase-macbookair.php

The Waterfield Designs Smart Case seems like an interesting sleeve. Has anyone tried it out?

 

[Hitech2207]

Moshi iglaze + bodyguardz carbon skin

Hi

I just protected recently my mbp ret 15 with bodyguardz carbon skin that i like a lot and i wanted an additional protection in case it falls down => moshi iglaze clear.

Carbon skin : click here

+

Moshi iglaze clear: click here

My question now is, will the hardshell case fit with the skin that i applied on my mbp ret 15?

Kind regards

 

[Constantine.T]

ordered the 15" will post as soon as i receive it , should be a couple of weeks but should be good , the quality seems really good and water resistant. will post pics

----------



i have ordered the POFOKO sleeve , will post soon as i get it.

Pls, keep us posted.

 

[graaapes]

My Vatuka rMBP sleeve arrived yesterday (a full week ahead of schedule, I might add!) This sleeve is manufactured in Korea and as far as I know the only way to obtain one in other parts of the world is through the Vatuka eBay store. Cost was $50 after shipping (to Canada).

Here's a short list of pros and cons:

Pros (in no particular order):

-Clamshell design allows for the MBP to be used while in the sleeve
-Easy access to all ports and AC socket
-Very lightweight, high-density memory foam makes for a pliable yet very resilient shell exterior
-Soft fleece interior with raised lip to isolate from zipper.
-Snug, secure fit; just enough thickness to provide proper protection without compromising the sleekness of the rMBP form factor
-Solid construction with sturdy feeling YKK zipper
-Surprisingly nice looking!

-And the biggest surprise for me: the "3D mesh" on the base of the sleeve really does allow for superior airflow/cooling. The vents are completely unobstructed. I tested this out by playing a fairly demanding game for about 30 mins and the computer remained as cool as it does on my desk. No discernible difference in heatsink temps or fan speeds. That's very impressive--and reassuring.

Cons:

-Upper retaining loops cover tiny portions of the display's upper corners
-Very average corner protection
-No extra pockets or compartments
-$50 still strikes me as somewhat pricey for a sleeve constructed from "man-made" materials

Overall:

This is a really, really nice sleeve. The outer material has a much nicer feel and look than neoprene, and super dense memory foam instills confidence in its ability to protect my MBP from significant bumps, while maintaining a relatively sleek profile.

For me, what really sells this case is the amount of consideration that went into ensuring proper ventilation and accessibility to the MBP's ports while it's on. As a musician, I often find myself having to put my MBP down on less-than-ideal surfaces, and so the ability to use it without compromise while in its sleeve is a major plus. In this light you can think of it as a sleeve that possesses some of the functionality of a Speck-style hard shell case. It's obviously not as sleek as a shell, but it provides better protection for travel, and much of the same functionality otherwise. And it hides the Apple logo when it's on, providing at least a modicum of anonymity to your $3000 thief-magnet.

This is an ideal sleeve for people who like to use their MBP 'naked' while at home or at the office, but who often find themselves in other situations requiring a little extra protection.

I really dig it, and hereby award the Vatuka rMBP sleeve my official johnnylarue Seal of Approval®.

PS: Apologies for the half-assed pics. Couldn't be bothered to drag out the dSLR this morning.

You should get a commission from Vatuka, you just sold me on one of these too lol. Ordered a black one today. Still loving it after a couple days of use?

I'm curious did you also get a speck shell, thought I saw another post of yours. Was that for another computer or something?

 

[johnnylarue]

You should get a commission from Vatuka, you just sold me on one of these too lol. Ordered a black one today. Still loving it after a couple days of use?

I'm curious did you also get a speck shell, thought I saw another post of yours. Was that for another computer or something?

Hey you might be on to something--their English language sales literature is pretty hurtin', actually.

The case has held up well to daily use so far, although I've been without my rMBP for a couple of days as I wait for my replacement machine to arrive. Still, no issues to report with the sleeve.

I'm personally not a believer in hard shell covers or skins, so I can't vouch for the Speck cases. I was put off by potential issues with fit, venting, and knowing that I'd still have to buy a sleeve to protect the exposed ports when carrying the laptop in my bag, etc. I also really prefer to use my MBP 'naked' when I'm at home, so I wanted something that was easy to put on and take off.

 

[graaapes]

Ah okay must've been someone else's reply about the shell.

I agree, and I've seen several user reviews that mention finding mold when they removed the shell that actually started to eat through the mbp body. No way I'm risking that. This vatuka sleeve does seem to check all the right boxes. Like the Black color with yellow highlights inside too.

I also ordered the Thule crossover backpack...any owners on here care to comment on it? Do you think I'll be able to put my 15" rmbp in there with this vatuka sleeve on it? (See pics above)

 

[zipur]

My Vatuka rMBP sleeve arrived yesterday (a full week ahead of schedule, I might add!) This sleeve is manufactured in Korea and as far as I know the only way to obtain one in other parts of the world is through the Vatuka eBay store. Cost was $50 after shipping (to Canada).

Here's a short list of pros and cons:

Pros (in no particular order):

-Clamshell design allows for the MBP to be used while in the sleeve
-Easy access to all ports and AC socket
-Very lightweight, high-density memory foam makes for a pliable yet very resilient shell exterior
-Soft fleece interior with raised lip to isolate from zipper.
-Snug, secure fit; just enough thickness to provide proper protection without compromising the sleekness of the rMBP form factor
-Solid construction with sturdy feeling YKK zipper
-Surprisingly nice looking!

-And the biggest surprise for me: the "3D mesh" on the base of the sleeve really does allow for superior airflow/cooling. The vents are completely unobstructed. I tested this out by playing a fairly demanding game for about 30 mins and the computer remained as cool as it does on my desk. No discernible difference in heatsink temps or fan speeds. That's very impressive--and reassuring.

Cons:

-Upper retaining loops cover tiny portions of the display's upper corners
-Very average corner protection
-No extra pockets or compartments
-$50 still strikes me as somewhat pricey for a sleeve constructed from "man-made" materials

Overall:

This is a really, really nice sleeve. The outer material has a much nicer feel and look than neoprene, and super dense memory foam instills confidence in its ability to protect my MBP from significant bumps, while maintaining a relatively sleek profile.

For me, what really sells this case is the amount of consideration that went into ensuring proper ventilation and accessibility to the MBP's ports while it's on. As a musician, I often find myself having to put my MBP down on less-than-ideal surfaces, and so the ability to use it without compromise while in its sleeve is a major plus. In this light you can think of it as a sleeve that possesses some of the functionality of a Speck-style hard shell case. It's obviously not as sleek as a shell, but it provides better protection for travel, and much of the same functionality otherwise. And it hides the Apple logo when it's on, providing at least a modicum of anonymity to your $3000 thief-magnet.

This is an ideal sleeve for people who like to use their MBP 'naked' while at home or at the office, but who often find themselves in other situations requiring a little extra protection.

I really dig it, and hereby award the Vatuka rMBP sleeve my official johnnylarue Seal of Approval®.

PS: Apologies for the half-assed pics. Couldn't be bothered to drag out the dSLR this morning.

Here is another option to add for consideration. The BURNOAA SLEEVE CASE is virtually the same type of case.
Your review matches my Burnoaa perfectly. One difference is that the Burnoaa does have a pouch. The pouch is very useful for charger, glasses, pen and whatever. But don't add too much bulk so you can still backpack it. Burnoaa is a great case IMHO these types of cases are the only way to go for protection and usability. I love the abiltiy to type while the MBP is still in the case. Where a pure sleeve option you have to take it out then zip it up. Again no knock on your Vatuka. This is just another option for the folks.

 

[johnnylarue]

Ah okay must've been someone else's reply about the shell.

I agree, and I've seen several user reviews that mention finding mold when they removed the shell that actually started to eat through the mbp body. No way I'm risking that. This vatuka sleeve does seem to check all the right boxes. Like the Black color with yellow highlights inside too.

I also ordered the Thule crossover backpack...any owners on here care to comment on it? Do you think I'll be able to put my 15" rmbp in there with this vatuka sleeve on it? (See pics above)

I *think* that backpack is made to fit slightly larger 15.6" laptops, so you should be okay. The Vatuka with the rMBP inside is just over an inch thick, but it obviously adds a cm or two to the width + depth.

----------

Here is another option to add for consideration. The BURNOAA SLEEVE CASE is virtually the same type of case.
Your review matches my Burnoaa perfectly. One difference is that the Burnoaa does have a pouch. The pouch is very useful for charger, glasses, pen and whatever. But don't add too much bulk so you can still backpack it. Burnoaa is a great case IMHO these types of cases are the only way to go for protection and usability. I love the abiltiy to type while the MBP is still in the case. Where a pure sleeve option you have to take it out then zip it up. Again no knock on your Vatuka. This is just another option for the folks.
View attachment 448039

I looked at those quite a bit too, zipur. They look well-made and very reasonably priced. (Also made in Korea, I believe.)

Are you able to access the ports on the size of your MBP when you have it open?

 

[AnonMac50]

I got the BookBook. I'm still waiting on the computer, but the case seems awesome.

 

[Constantine.T]

It would be great if somebody could recommend a decent case (sleeve) for rMBP13" available on Amazon. I am going to buy one suitable for my rMBP13" and would highly appreciate any suggestions.

 

[cletusarrarr]

also ordered this for kicks, costs literally nothing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400461316862?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 

[vfortier]

I just ordered a Mac Hook Case from Concrete Cases (15 inch black):http://www.concretecases.com/en/shop/products/macbook/mac-hook-case/mac-hook-case.php

I have been waiting a couple of weeks for stocks...

Can't wait to see it in person

 

[isephmusic]

my case crown just arrived . WOW is this thing awsome. i got it in silver and it looks like a 40$ case and not $5 with free shipping on amazon. its silver and black and wayyyy better than the $40 korean one u guys were talking about. let me take some pics because this thing is literally the best 5 bucks you would ever spend.

 

[Raris]

Hey, So I ordered a kuzy case for my 15 inch macbook...will my macbook with the case on fit in an incase brief type case, you know the one with the handles and the messenger shoulder strap...?

 

[Ryan1524]

I want something like Billingham Hadley Pro, but for a 15".

Anybody have suggestions?

I've gone through this entire thread, and the only thing I've managed to decide for is Pack&Smooch Hampshire sleeve. Waiting patiently for it to arrive.


I looked at the following, but they're all not quite as well rounded/versatile as the Hadley Pro.

- ONA Brixton - expensive, might be too small for 15.
- ONA Union St. - expensive, looks cumbersome/bulky.
- Saddleback - heavy and stiff.
- Booq Mamba Courier - looks great, but not crazy about the zippered top opening.

I want:
- something that's not too squishy
- not too stiff
- has top bucket access style

 

[ken7]

Hi,

anyone has seen or tried this sleeve from Tucano.

http://www.tucanousa.com/shop/stand-up-sleeve-cargo-4.html

planning to get it for my 13" MBP retina late 2013, can't find much user reviews or videos online on this (aside from the promo video from Tucano)

I don't like the extra dimensions and weight that a shell case will provide.

I contemplated on getting those skin protectors (Bodyguardz, InvisibleShield) but after reading reviews and seeing photos/videos, it doesn't really fully cover the whole edges of the lid and bottom, few millimeters are still left exposed. And based on experience from previous laptops, those edges gets the unintentional scratches specially if you're mobile. Also it gives a plastic effect on the MBP.

anyway, now I am looking for case bags not is not made of cloth nor neoprene, that gives ample protection when mobile.

why can't they just make something that users will actually likely buy and enjoy using.

 

[johnnylarue]

my case crown just arrived . WOW is this thing awsome. i got it in silver and it looks like a 40$ case and not $5 with free shipping on amazon. its silver and black and wayyyy better than the $40 korean one u guys were talking about. let me take some pics because this thing is literally the best 5 bucks you would ever spend.

Do post some pics! Curious to know what it's made of and how it looks.

And please pardon my skepticism.