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MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

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NativeTxn

macrumors 6502
Feb 11, 2013
261
96
NativeTxn said:
I picked up a used Lotuff & Clegg English Briefcase in dark brown (Chocolate as they call it on the Lotuff site - Clegg and Lotuff split up a couple of years ago) off of the Styleforum.net classified section.

Anyway, here is the bag if you were to buy it new:

http://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/english-leather-briefcase

Mine looks the same as the Chocolate color aside from the fact that on the inside, the branding says "Lotuff & Clegg" as opposed to just Lotuff.

In any event, I haven't made my final decision yet, as the bag just arrived today, but here are my initial thoughts:

WF Pros:
- More padding than the Booq, and given that the briefcase is not particularly padded, this may be one of the deciding factors.
- I like the flap and the extra padding if I am just carrying the laptop itself without the briefcase or another bag.
- Seems very well made and sturdy

WF Cons:
- Thicker front to back so takes up a bit more room in the briefcase

Booq Pros:
- Lighter and thinner (though this could also fall under cons since the lightness and thinness is due to essentially no padding whatsoever).
- Slides into and out of the bag slightly easier - though not that big of a deal as the WF is also easy to get in and out.
- Easier access if I just want to remove the laptop to use and leave the sleeve in the bag, since you basically just put your hand in the opening on the top, which splits the magnets and remove (versus the WF where you would need to fully open the flap to remove the actual laptop).

Booq Cons:
- No padding at all, so while a bit lighter and thinner than the WF, provides no additional padding/protection if the bag gets bumped/banged
- Seems a bit flimsier than the WF (though still seems like a quality product that won't fall apart or anything like that).
- Right now, the magnets seem to hold very well if you turn the sleeve upside down and even when you shake it - though if they were to fail while the sleeve happened to be upside down it could be catastrophic on the laptop. Whereas, the WF would have to have the velcro fail and then the flap open pretty much all the way (which presumably could happen). I'm not sure either is that likely but it seems like the magnets on the Booq might be a weaker link than the velcroed flap on the WF.

As of now, I think I'm leaning toward keeping the WF, as it seems like it would provide more protection from bangs and bumps than the Booq. But again, I haven't quite made a final decision at this point.
Click to expand...

Ended up sending the Booq back today. I liked it, I just liked that the WF provided more protection while not being too bulky (though certainly bulkier than the Booq).
 
T

taz92

macrumors newbie
Aug 12, 2010
16
0
I love my new Speck Hardshell case. I got the neon smartshell in Lightning Yellow and have taken it off already with no issues. Hmmm now I want another color:D
 
christarp

christarp

macrumors 6502
Oct 29, 2013
478
768
Anyone have any recommendations for a messenger bag that can comfortably fit a 13" macbook pro, an ipad, magic mouse, all chargers, and a gopro with mounting accessories?
 
M

misstenacity

macrumors newbie
Apr 14, 2010
1
0
Howdy, everyone. I'm a long-time work macbook user, but left my job and in Dec I bought my first ever brand spanking new computer (I used to buy refurbed netbooks, etc...), a 13" MBP retina in the newer, smaller size of late 2013. Yay! :)

Anyway I started with an incase sleeve which was way too big, so after I got back from the holidays I exchanged it for a Cote & Ciel sleeve which fits perfectly and seems like a good solution for now. It is zippered but without the little size zip for access to the charging port like the incase had. Mine must be discontinued because the zip is around the larger dimension, not the shorter dimension as in this link: http://www.coteetciel.com/en-US/zippered-sleeve-indigo-blue

I am eyeing up the booq bags as I no longer have a shoulder bag that works, but I definitely want minimal size/pockets. Can anyone speak to the relative size and footprint of the Mamba versus the Viper Courier bags? Or compare the Booq bags to the Tucano stuff?

I used to use this bag for an 11.6" netbook and it was utterly, completely perfect. http://www.rei.com/product/827995/rei-tranquility-shoulder-bag-womens
I tried to put my MBP in it and it would fit with another .5" all around, sadly, so it's just too small. :(

Thanks so much.
 
P

philxor

macrumors regular
Dec 21, 2010
181
0
Huh I really like the Pack and Smooch sleeve... I've used a Waterfield Sleevecase for my MBA since 2010 and now use it for my rMBP. I was planning on buying a new one (even though it's just as good as the day I bought it) but might have to look at this instead.

The only downside I can see is it doesn't have the padding like a Sleevecase does, but it's obviously thinner/lighter to carry around. The padding saved me in one instance with my MBA. Would the P&S do much if you dropped the laptop from about 3' or so?
 
R

ReL1988

macrumors member
Jan 25, 2014
40
0
hi.. got myself a new 13.3 mbpr (late 2013 haswell).

i read many pages of this thread and its still hard to decide
(due to lack of reviews/impressions of those who eventually bought something... ^^ )

all the cases/sleeve's which i thought were good for me (vatuka, thule etc etc) , offer only one compartment ..
i need a sleeve with an extra compartment/zipper (for cables, usb drive etc etc).

any recommendations ? maybe something you tried and bought?
thanks!!!
:D
 
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HowEver

HowEver

macrumors 6502a
May 10, 2005
854
398
Toronto
Okay still wondering.

I have a 15" late 2013 Retina. The one that added two tiny microphone holes on the left.

Have the makers of hard cases STILL not updated to allow for this? I'm looking at you, Speck, InCase, Moshi, Incipio... anyone?
 
M

mhdena

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2009
600
175
myc5038 said:
Bought my mbpR 15" not long ago and have been searching for perfect sleeve.

I just got this black leather sleeve from mint cases for a few weeks now -- very well made. I put it under my laptop while I'm on tables, no heating issues.

Interior: soft, wool lining on the inside, won't have to worry about scratches

Exterior/stitching: stitches are black. stitching is solid all the way around. great leather, it will definitely last and look even better with time.

This will definitely protect your laptop from everyday use, bumps, scratches. The open end of the laptop does surround the laptop, as seen in the pictures. The fit is very snug and will not come out if u shake it. Does not add much weight for a leather sleeve and fits easily into laptop compartments for backpacks.

my search is complete :)

[url=http://mintcases.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11

I also like the looks of this one.
Click to expand...
 
OldGreyGuy

OldGreyGuy

macrumors regular
Jan 14, 2014
117
27
Near Brisbane, Australia
mhdena said:
myc5038 said:
I just got this black leather sleeve from mint cases for a few weeks now -- very well made. I put it under my laptop while I'm on tables, no heating issues.

Interior: soft, wool lining on the inside, won't have to worry about scratches

Exterior/stitching: stitches are black. stitching is solid all the way around. great leather, it will definitely last and look even better with time.

This will definitely protect your laptop from everyday use, bumps, scratches. The open end of the laptop does surround the laptop, as seen in the pictures. The fit is very snug and will not come out if u shake it. Does not add much weight for a leather sleeve and fits easily into laptop compartments for backpacks.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your description and feedback, I ordered the 13" Brown sleeve yesterday and am looking forward to it arriving.
Click to expand...
 
Ryan1524

Ryan1524

macrumors 68020
Apr 9, 2003
2,093
1,424
Canada GTA
Do you really drop, or plan to drop, your MBA/Ps that much?

I have never bought a case planning to drop it. It's more about scratches in transit, or convenience in carrying itself and its accessories.
 
M

mhdena

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2009
600
175
OldGreyGuy said:
mhdena said:
Thanks for your description and feedback, I ordered the 13" Brown sleeve yesterday and am looking forward to it arriving.
Click to expand...

I was commenting to the other poster who gave the review. I have not gotten the leather MintCase as of yet.

What I did get is a a Kuzy case to protect while using it. It fits perfectly and looks like my Black MacBook:D, it has a nice rubber grip on hard surfaces.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009V17TH6/ref=ox_ya_os_product

The Kuzy attached also fits inside this Brenthaven sleeve
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U7959M/ref=ox_ya_os_product
Click to expand...
 
P

philxor

macrumors regular
Dec 21, 2010
181
0
I ended up purchasing a Waterfield CitySlicker case for the new rMBP. I've always like my sleevecase and I think it adds just enough extra storage over it to fit my needs better now.
 
D

Dr Charter

macrumors 6502
Feb 26, 2011
277
8
Oklahoma
I've always been a fan of Dodocase products for the iPad. They make some great laptop sleeves as well. Their durables sleeve for the 13" Air fits my 13" rMPB perfectly, maybe even a little better than the Air because of the smaller footprint.

rnov.jpg
 
Ryan1524

Ryan1524

macrumors 68020
Apr 9, 2003
2,093
1,424
Canada GTA
Due to some shipping confusions, I have a 13" Pack&Smooch rMBP sleeve in charcoal/darkbrown to give-away.

They shipped me the wrong size, but when I shipped it back, it bounced. The return shipping cost to Germany was expensive enough, but I'm getting charged AGAIN for having it return.

So if anybody's willing to pay $48 + shipping cost to you, I'll give you the sleeve. Yes, shipping from Canada to Germany is retarded. That's why I'm not doing it again. I'm going to give it away to someone in North America.

I got approval from Clemens from Pack&Smooch to give it away. He'd rather someone enjoy this great product than it be destroyed.

Please PM me if you're interested. The post office will only hold on to it for another 10 days.

It's exactly this: http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1672...=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=13+retina
 
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D

DioBrando

macrumors newbie
May 17, 2013
8
0
Piece of advice about case/skin 13" Mac Book Retina Late 2013

Hi,

I'm watching some products but I'm still not convinced about prices and quality of those...
I'd like to have something fibre carbon style case or turquoise/aqua blue ( I know that's pretty different :D ).
I'm looking for:
1) Nice materials
2) Perfect fit
3) Durable
4) No smells
5) Easy to remove with no cracks when take it off
6) No heating problems

- iPearl mCover (I like the fact that you can modify the position of computer
- Topcase: like the keyboard protector and sleeve for accessors, but not sure about quality overall
- Moshi iGlaze
- Speck: overpriced?
- Kuzy: positive feeds but complaining 'bout size and durability
- 7thAvenue: not so famous but looks nice overall...
- Incase
- SwitchEasy Cocoon


Any suggestions/feedbacks?

Thx evbdy :)
 
Praxis91

Praxis91

macrumors regular
Mar 15, 2011
104
887
DioBrando said:
Hi,

I'm watching some products but I'm still not convinced about prices and quality of those...
I'd like to have something fibre carbon style case or turquoise/aqua blue ( I know that's pretty different :D ).
I'm looking for:
1) Nice materials
2) Perfect fit
3) Durable
4) No smells
5) Easy to remove with no cracks when take it off
6) No heating problems

- iPearl mCover (I like the fact that you can modify the position of computer
- Topcase: like the keyboard protector and sleeve for accessors, but not sure about quality overall
- Moshi iGlaze
- Speck: overpriced?
- Kuzy: positive feeds but complaining 'bout size and durability
- 7thAvenue: not so famous but looks nice overall...
- Incase
- SwitchEasy Cocoon


Any suggestions/feedbacks?

Thx evbdy :)
Click to expand...

I bought the clear iPearl mCover for my late 2013 rMBP 15 and it fits perfectly. I love the lift on it, too. Now to find a sleeve for it.. I'm guessing 15" will be fine since the mCover does not add a lot to the laptop (it's very thin, but well-made IMO).
 
D

drtran83

macrumors member
Feb 3, 2014
43
1
Cuba, MO
I too bought the iPearl mCover in clear for my 15" rMBP. I'm not sure what happened with mine, the lid fits great, but the bottom doesn't fit snugly against the laptop, I ended up contacting iPearl and they are sending me a replacement.

As far as a sleeve goes, I just bought the BrentHaven BX2 for mine, I found a 30% off code BH30 and got it for 37 bucks shipped.
 
H

HazzaB

macrumors newbie
Dec 29, 2012
16
0
UK
I've just ordered the Grid-It Wrap from Cocoon for the 13" MBA/rMBP. It seems to be an interesting design as it's effectively a neoprene sleeve with a built in Grid-It system, so should in theory at least, provide suitable restraint for various cables and adapters.

Has anyone else tried one of these? Any thoughts on it?

http://www.cocooninnovations.com/product_info.php?cat_id=59&product_id=230

I'll report back once it arrives :)
 
T

Tracebuzta

macrumors member
Jan 18, 2008
30
0
I´m currently sporting a Moshi iGlaze Pro on my 13" rMBP - Can anyone recommend a sleeve that provides some sort of protection? I dont want a soft sleeve like the Booq Taipan I have now... I´m thinking more of something like the Booq Viper Sleeve, but I am unsure if my MBP will fit with the Moshi installed :confused:

Any help? :)
 
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