MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[leenak]

Thanks, I'm actually leaning towards the Colcasac, not really concerned with the fitting issues. But it's sort of hard to believe that sleeve breaths very well, this fatty starts sweating just looking at it!

Well it isn't going to be as good as something like the Timbuk2 but I think it'd be a bit better than Neoprene. I do think the pictures make it look thicker than it is.

 

[d3bruts1d]

Thanks, I'm actually leaning towards the Colcasac, not really concerned with the fitting issues. But it's sort of hard to believe that sleeve breaths very well, this fatty starts sweating just looking at it!

Actually, I've seen 1 person mention that and the company paid for return shipping. There might have been a bad batch. Mine fits perfectly.

Actually, since it is cotton, the colcasac will breathe pretty well and the pictures make it look thicker than it is. Again, looks like 2 people have had a problem with it not fitting but others have reported that there's are fine.

I've seen a lot of people stating it worked well with other MBPs but as far as the rMBP I've seen 3 people (including myself) complain about the size and only 1 that said it worked. The guy that got Colcasac to send him a new one and pay for return shipping had to complain on the forum before he got any action out of the company. I'll be contacting them later today to see if I can get a replacement. They have a 60 day guarantee, which should help put any fears to rest. I think you may be right, there may be a manufacturing defect or there was probably an early batch made up that was off on the size.

Also, it isn't cotton. It is a polyester fleece lining. Which causes me to question the claim about allowing your MacBook to cool. It may be breathable, but typically polyester fleece is used in clothing to keep heat in. Perhaps the way they have used it does allow it to cool. Really cannot say.

 

[leenak]

I've seen a lot of people stating it worked well with other MBPs but as far as the rMBP I've seen 3 people (including myself) complain about the size and only 1 that said it worked. The guy that got Colcasac to send him a new one and pay for return shipping had to complain on the forum before he got any action out of the company. I'll be contacting them later today to see if I can get a replacement. They have a 60 day guarantee, which should help put any fears to rest. I think you may be right, there may be a manufacturing defect or there was probably an early batch made up that was off on the size.

Also, it isn't cotton. It is a polyester fleece lining. Which causes me to question the claim about allowing your MacBook to cool. It may be breathable, but typically polyester fleece is used in clothing to keep heat in. Perhaps the way they have used it does allow it to cool. Really cannot say.

You are right, I thought it was cotton. The sleeve is just thinner than it looks on the website. I would think it would breathe better than a lot of other materials out there including Neoprene. I know I've seen others (other than myself) say it worked well so if you've seen 1, I am another one.

Again, I know about the other guy that complained on the forum about not getting a response initially. I know they are a smaller company though and sometimes that means response can be iffy, especially around the time of a new product release.

 

[zerotiu]

I'm looking for a vertical loading sleeve for use with a backpack. So far the only two I've seen to offer this is the Colcasac and the Timbuk2 sleeve. Besides the apparent issue with the Colcasac not fitting, I don't really like how well insulated it is. Here in Florida I'd imagine it would get pretty warm in there when in regular sleep mode. Then with the Timbuk2 case that zipper has me concerned, I've never seen a good sleeve with a zipper that doesn't come in contact with the laptop. Does anyone have any experience with the Timbuk2's zipper?

Are there any other vertical loading sleeves out there for the rMPB?

Search it at etsy. There are tons of gorgeous handmade sleeve. I find a sleever from Berlin, weight only 100gr. I mean, I searched for light sleeve. Not a heavy one.

 

[Sambo110]

I was thinking about getting a case like this (below) when I get my rMBP, but my only question is how well it'd fit? The rMBP is smaller, so would a case made for a cMBP be too loose, or would it not matter?

http://store.apple.com/au/product/H5198ZM/A/Incase_Neoprene_Slim_Sleeve?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng

 

[Kristine]

I was thinking about getting a case like this (below) when I get my rMBP, but my only question is how well it'd fit? The rMBP is smaller, so would a case made for a cMBP be too loose, or would it not matter?

http://store.apple.com/au/product/H5198ZM/A/Incase_Neoprene_Slim_Sleeve?fnode=MTY1NDA2Ng

I just got this for my new rMBP. The rMBP fits ok - not too loose, not too tight. I would say there is just under 1cm gap at the top and 1cm gap on one side (if that). I tried my 3 month old 15" MBP in the sleeve and it was a snug fit.

If your unsure, the staff at the Apple store allow you to test the rMBP inside the sleeves they stock.

 

[Sambo110]

I just got this for my new rMBP. The rMBP fits ok - not too loose, not too tight. I would say there is just under 1cm gap at the top and 1cm gap on one side (if that). I tried my 3 month old 15" MBP in the sleeve and it was a snug fit.

Sounds alright. I'll be taking it with me to Uni 4 days a week, so do you think that case would be good to keep in my bag? Or would I be better with a different case? (maybe one with a harder casing for better protection?).

 

[MikhailT]

Email Colcasac first before ordering the Retina version. I just got mine and it definitely did not fit at all, it's half an inch smaller on each side.

Emailed them for an exchange but I'm not really happy that they didn't do their QA first.

 

[vito]

Anyone know of any cost effective, smart, possibly leather (not a requirement though), business cases with a handle, don't want anything too bulky - i'm not picky

 

[davidrellis]

Got my Colcasac "Uintah" sleeve today for the Retina model.

It's a very nice sleeve, but IT DOESN'T FIT. And I don't have time to wait for international return shipping for a replacement, so I'll just have to ask for a refund and get a different sleeve... then Incase ones look OK for the price.

The sleeve is way too narrow. It's a nice, snug fit for my old 13" Macbook (though a bit long). Pretty sure the seams would burst before I squeezed the rMBP in there though!

That's the same thing that happened to me. My brother's 13" mpb fits well, except for the extra space for the computer's width.
I contacted them on Monday but they have not replied. I really like the case, but if it doesn't fit I might as well return it and get something else.

 

[leenak]

Anyone know of any cost effective, smart, possibly leather (not a requirement though), business cases with a handle, don't want anything too bulky - i'm not picky

How about this one?
http://www.ebags.com/product/sumdex...56-pc-or-15-macbook/219209?productid=10146771

or this:
http://www.ebags.com/product/stm-bags/15-laptop-slim-shoulder-medium/201112?productid=10135307

 

[leenak]

I also found a new bag I haven't seen mentioned here and it is one of the nicest bags I've seen, but its a bit pricey. The site even has a video of it:

http://www.malcolmfontier.com/store/diplomat-15.html

 

[Moriarty]

That's the same thing that happened to me. My brother's 13" mpb fits well, except for the extra space for the computer's width.
I contacted them on Monday but they have not replied. I really like the case, but if it doesn't fit I might as well return it and get something else.

Try the chat function on their site - they said my email got caught up in their spam system (despite me submitting via the web form).

Can't fault their customer service at all. They have the problem fixed, so they will ship you a replacement ASAP once you get in touch, which should fit fine.

I need a new case sooner than international shipping would take, so after the chat I ordered a sleeve locally and they are refunding me. Later on when they emailed me with return details and offered to send me a new one by FedEx (4 days) international shipping. Unfortunately the new one has been shipped already. But fantastic service nonetheless! (and great product, besides the whole way too small thing)

 

[MikhailT]

Try the chat function on their site - they said my email got caught up in their spam system (despite me submitting via the web form).

They're never there when I try it. I'll see if I can do it tomorrow morning.

 

[Sambo110]

I also found a new bag I haven't seen mentioned here and it is one of the nicest bags I've seen, but its a bit pricey. The site even has a video of it:

That bag looks amazing! Too bad I spent $120 on a bag a few months ago that I've used maybe 5-10 times, so it'd be a waste of money to go out and buy a new one.

 

[stevedusa]

Just received my Timbuk2 Command Messenger 2012 small in mahogany and the RMBP fits quite well. I can safely say even with a hard case down the road it will fit as well.

The bag is very well designed, especially the power brick compartment at the bottom.

Oh and it's TSA-compliant too, no more taking it out of the bag at the security checks.

 

[Kristine]

Sounds alright. I'll be taking it with me to Uni 4 days a week, so do you think that case would be good to keep in my bag? Or would I be better with a different case? (maybe one with a harder casing for better protection?).

You might be better with something like a Speck hard case once they are released. The incase sleeve is very nice and lined inside, but it would only protect the case from scratches whilst in the sleeve. If you bumped or dropped your bag you would still probably end up with a marked rMBP. I guess it just depends how careful/lucky you are.

 

[wethackrey]

Everyone has a different opinion on the right kind of bag or sleeve or case to suit their needs. Personally I'm a huge fan of Waterfield Design (http://www.sfbags.com/). They make extraordinarily high quality stuff and the company is great to work with.

I'm a consultant doing architecture on large service-provider cloud implementations these days. That has me traveling all over the planet constantly. My Macbook Pro lives in a padded Waterfield sleeve inside a leather briefcase from Saddleback Leather (http://www.saddlebackleather.com/). My MBP slides out easily for airport screening, yet stays snug and protected in it's sleeve the rest of the time. I'm retiring my 17" MBP for a 15" MBPr and I've just received a new Waterfield Design sleeve for it (http://sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases-mac.php). Fits perfectly. Also got a sleeve for an external SuperDrive. I'm not yet sure if I'll actually travel with the SuperDrive, but the sleeve is terrific.

If you're looking for an outrageous leather briefcase I also highly recommend Saddleback Leather. Another great product from a great company. Dave Munson, the guy behind the company, is terrific to work with and the leather gear they make is extraordinary. Their slogan is "They'll fight over it when you're dead." Their warranty is 100 years. Really. If your grandson has a problem in 2092 with a briefcase you buy today, they'll still have 20 years left on the warranty.

 

[gokart mozart]

Thanks, I'm actually leaning towards the Colcasac, not really concerned with the fitting issues. But it's sort of hard to believe that sleeve breaths very well, this fatty starts sweating just looking at it!

http://goincase.com/products/detail/terra-sleeve-cl57979

Wouldn't have the same inconsistency in manufacturing as the colcas seem to do.

 

[Fatt]

http://goincase.com/products/detail/terra-sleeve-cl57979

Wouldn't have the same inconsistency in manufacturing as the colcas seem to do.

Hey thanks! That's another option for me, but I'm quite scared of the zipper. My rMBP is going to be in and out of the sleeve all day long as I am an undergrad student. However that sleeve at least seems to have some extra material at the zipper to maybe help prevent the zipper from scratching the rMBP when taking it in and out. I wish the timbuk2 case had better pictures showing the zipper.

 

[ZipZap]

Curious.....has anyone ever used any skins? I'm thinking of going for a skin this time instead of using a speck hard case.

Anyone know of any good skins and how they hold up to scratches?? I've been looking at bodyguardz and sticker boy

There not shipping yet. I have a set on order. I used skins on my MBA and like them.

 

[gokart mozart]

Hey thanks! That's another option for me, but I'm quite scared of the zipper. My rMBP is going to be in and out of the sleeve all day long as I am an undergrad student. However that sleeve at least seems to have some extra material at the zipper to maybe help prevent the zipper from scratching the rMBP when taking it in and out. I wish the timbuk2 case had better pictures showing the zipper.

I have one of their neoprene sleeves for my black 2007 MB and the zipper has never been an issue. There is some piping that lines the inside on both sides of the zipper. Zipper doesn't make contact with the body. Also, the interior of their sleeves always has some faux fur or soft quilting to give some additional protection. You can find these products in Apple stores, and Apple tends to not allow that unless they're confident it wont damage the units (just like they don't sell slider iphone cases).

My 2007's sleeve looks like this:
http://goincase.com/products/detail/neoprene-sleeve-cl57099

That is the retina version though. They have several designs, but the best (and maybe only) vertical one I've seen is the one I posted.

 

[ZipZap]

Have you seen Joli Originals?
(also mentioned in the post before yours)

They offer little impact protection. For that money I'll get the nice leather one ( PicasoLab's ) mentioned earlier on this thread.

----------

I also found a new bag I haven't seen mentioned here and it is one of the nicest bags I've seen, but its a bit pricey. The site even has a video of it:
Image

http://www.malcolmfontier.com/store/diplomat-15.html

As seen on their site: "NOTE: The current version of the Diplomat 15 does not have the pocket on the front flap that is shown in some of the photos."

So you're not getting what you see.

Also where are the cases designed for Apple having a place for iphone, ipad and macbook,

 

[zerotiu]

I also found a new bag I haven't seen mentioned here and it is one of the nicest bags I've seen, but its a bit pricey. The site even has a video of it:
Image

http://www.malcolmfontier.com/store/diplomat-15.html

wow! this is great! looks like it fits small camera too. Bookmarked

 

[leenak]

As seen on their site: "NOTE: The current version of the Diplomat 15 does not have the pocket on the front flap that is shown in some of the photos."

So you're not getting what you see.

Actually, if you look, the video they have is of their current model. I'm not exactly sure why they couldn't just remove the pictures of the ones that have the pocket on the front flap because they have pictures without it as well as the video but who knows.