MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[kbade]

Did some research looking for an over the shoulder bag... wanted an overall slim bag/case that could also accommodate my charger and other accessories when I need them (not always), as well as some papers, etc... wound up narrowing my options to these three. Pulled the trigger on the Booq bag due to how slim it is, but with the ability to expand when I need the extra storage space. Thought I'd drop my list here for anyone who's interested.


booq Taipan superslim 13 ($70)
http://www.booqbags.com/us/briefs/taipan-superslim/TSS13-BLK
http://www.amazon.com/Booq-TSS13-BLK-Taipan-superslim-black/dp/B00IAVDHKQ

Thule 13 Stravan Deluxe Attache ($80)
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...e-attache-for-macbook-promacbook-air?fnode=50

inCASE 13” City Collection Briefcase ($70)
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...collection-briefcase-for-macbook-pro?fnode=50

 

[MUWarrior10]

tech 21 case

Has anyone used the tech21 case of the macbook pro? I currently use their case for my iphone 5S, but am considering purchasing one for mbp when I purchase my new one after wwdc.

 

[mobi-logic]

Thule vs Ogio backpacp

If anyone has used any of the below backpacks then do share your feedback, which backpack to choose from.

I am going to buy a new rMBP 15' and needs a new backpack for it. Backpack need to be functional in preventing MBP from daily abuse while travelling and also good looks are welcome. Budget is around $120-140.

Any other backpack information is welcome.

Thule:
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Crossov...id=1400000313&sr=8-1&keywords=thules+backpack

Ogio:
http://www.amazon.com/OGIO-Renegade...&qid=1400000353&sr=8-2&keywords=ogio+backpack

 

[yourtoys7]

Has anyone used the tech21 case of the macbook pro? I currently use their case for my iphone 5S, but am considering purchasing one for mbp when I purchase my new one after wwdc.

Didn't know they had it, but looks good. Let us know what you think once younger it.

 

[ihonda]

BSE is having some sort of BIG sale memorial day.. thats what ill be applying on my rmbp. had them on my pro and air (wrapsol brand)

 

[RandomCitizen]

Holly Aiken is a custom bag designer in Raleigh, NC.
Website

She has a small shop in downtown Raleigh and they stay mighty busy making and selling dozens of different types of products, but the Apple products she covers is the important thing to us.

I bought my wife a sleeve for her 13" MBA and we were both impressed. She's had it for two years and it has put up with a lot of pain and suffering, as she isn't nice to anything, but me.

I just bought a new MBP 15" and she asked me at the Apple Store, "Are you going to get a case or something?" I replied, I think I want a Holly Aiken sleeve.

They aren't just for women. She has every color combination imaginable and if she hasn't imagined it, they'll make you a custom sleeve. They've actually got an "Army Green" that I wish I had bought. It fits a little tight at first and it's hard to get in and out. Within about three or four days, that will loosen up and stretch.

I have a Swiss bag, but honestly, I don't like the material they have in the internal sleeve. I think it would be fine for a PC, but would scratch Apple's aluminum skin. Holly's sleeve is perfect for this and also for the "grab and go" where you just don't want to tote a big ol' bag.

 

[MacGurl111]

Hi everyone. If you can't tell by my username I'm a girl and am having an hard time finding a quality laptop bag. I need some suggestions.
I want one to go over my shoulders (no backpacks) and a more business look. Any ideas?

 

[Hammie]

Hi everyone. If you can't tell by my username I'm a girl and am having an hard time finding a quality laptop bag. I need some suggestions.
I want one to go over my shoulders (no backpacks) and a more business look. Any ideas?

There are a number of them out there.

• How much do you want to spend?
• Do you want a designer name/brand?
• How many pockets/compartments?
• What model laptop do you need this for?
• Leather, vinyl, or cloth?

The questions to narrow it down can go on and on. In short, you can get tote style bags with shoulder straps, briefcase style with shoulder strap, and messenger bags style. I have a few different styles/looks depending on the amount of stuff that I need to take and what functionality I need when I am out with my laptop.

 

[MacGurl111]

There are a number of them out there.

• How much do you want to spend?
• Do you want a designer name/brand?
• How many pockets/compartments?
• What model laptop do you need this for?
• Leather, vinyl, or cloth?

The questions to narrow it down can go on and on. In short, you can get tote style bags with shoulder straps, briefcase style with shoulder strap, and messenger bags style. I have a few different styles/looks depending on the amount of stuff that I need to take and what functionality I need when I am out with my laptop.

Sorry, should have clarified.
I want to spend around 150 or so.
Leather
Don't care for designer stuff, but I do care for quality.
I have a 15 inch rMBP
I need some compartment because I work out off coffee shops. I need space for my journal, my phone, pens, etc. I don't carry a charger with me.

I did go to Coach and Michael Kor's website just to see what they are carrying. I might stop by the outlet here and check out some of their totes. The outlet carries their discontinued stuff for a pretty decent, but doubt I could find something leather.

 

[Hammie]

Sorry, should have clarified.
I want to spend around 150 or so.
Leather
Don't care for designer stuff, but I do care for quality.
I have a 15 inch rMBP
I need some compartment because I work out off coffee shops. I need space for my journal, my phone, pens, etc. I don't carry a charger with me.

I did go to Coach and Michael Kor's website just to see what they are carrying. I might stop by the outlet here and check out some of their totes. The outlet carries their discontinued stuff for a pretty decent, but doubt I could find something leather.

Good quality leather is going to be tough for $150ish.

I have a couple of the Waterfield (sfbags.com) Muzetto Leather bags, but they are over $200 each. I originally got them for my iPad when I am out and about, but now my 13" rMBP fits in it perfectly. I happened to get the 13" model since the smaller iPad specific ones seemed too small. These are probably going to be some of the most durable bags closest to your price range.

I also have a bag on the other end of the spectrum by Bottega Veneta price wise. It is very slouchy so it doesn't offer a ton of protection from bangs or drops, but I love that bag.

My "work" bag is a three slot briefcase/shoulder bag from Coach that I use when I need to carry around a bunch of papers and files when I go into my office or a customer location.

Based on your requirements, I would say look at the Waterfield bags. They have other styles than the Muzetto, too.

Good luck!

 

[MacGurl111]

Good quality leather is going to be tough for $150ish.

I have a couple of the Waterfield (sfbags.com) Muzetto Leather bags, but they are over $200 each. I originally got them for my iPad when I am out and about, but now my 13" rMBP fits in it perfectly. I happened to get the 13" model since the smaller iPad specific ones seemed too small. These are probably going to be some of the most durable bags closest to your price range.

I also have a bag on the other end of the spectrum by Bottega Veneta price wise. It is very slouchy so it doesn't offer a ton of protection from bangs or drops, but I love that bag.

My "work" bag is a three slot briefcase/shoulder bag from Coach that I use when I need to carry around a bunch of papers and files when I go into my office or a customer location.

Based on your requirements, I would say look at the Waterfield bags. They have other styles than the Muzetto, too.

Good luck!

I'm going to check them out. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[squidkitten]

Sorry, should have clarified.
I want to spend around 150 or so.
Leather
Don't care for designer stuff, but I do care for quality.
I have a 15 inch rMBP
I need some compartment because I work out off coffee shops. I need space for my journal, my phone, pens, etc. I don't carry a charger with me.

I did go to Coach and Michael Kor's website just to see what they are carrying. I might stop by the outlet here and check out some of their totes. The outlet carries their discontinued stuff for a pretty decent, but doubt I could find something leather.

I've seen the Michael Kors saffiano leather totes and they're really beautiful and are very high quality. If you're looking for something that actually looks like traditional leather (and by that I mean brown), you'll have to go to an actual Michael Kors store or their possibly find one on their online store, because most of their traditional leather products are sold through the actual store itself and not through any outlets. I just bought a satchel from an outlet and they definitely do have products as much as $100 off since a lot of it is past season. You'll also be able to find the large saffiano jet-set totes in the outlets that work very well as laptop bags, but if you want one of the nice "tech" jet-set toes that also include a laptop compartment and ipad sleeve etc etc you'll have to go to an actual store and not the outlet.

 

[MUWarrior10]

Didn't know they had it, but looks good. Let us know what you think once younger it.

I finally received my rmbp last week and picked up the tech 21 mesh case for it. I have to say if anyone wants a case for the macbooks, I can't recommend tech 21 enough.

I had a speck shell on my 13" mbp, it was nice, but added a lot of weight. Tech 21 at about 14 ounces, offers great protection without adding too much additional bulk or weight.

 

[ryansebiz]

Backpack for 15" rMBP & iPad Air

I'm looking for a backpack that will fit my 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013) and iPad Air. Only the iPad has a case.

• How much do you want to spend? $200 max
• Do you want a designer name/brand? Doesn't matter
• How many pockets/compartments? A minimum of one for the rMBP and another for the iPad Air
• What model laptop do you need this for? 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013)
• Leather, vinyl, or cloth? Doesn't matter

Thanks for your help

 

[dkersten]

I'm looking for a backpack that will fit my 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013) and iPad Air. Only the iPad has a case.

• How much do you want to spend? $200 max
• Do you want a designer name/brand? Doesn't matter
• How many pockets/compartments? A minimum of one for the rMBP and another for the iPad Air
• What model laptop do you need this for? 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013)
• Leather, vinyl, or cloth? Doesn't matter

Thanks for your help

Perhaps this: http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/macbook-bag-15-inch/impulse-medium-laptop-backpack/

or this: http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/macbook-bag-15-inch/revolution-medium-laptop-backpack/

STM makes great bags. I have had the second one in a smaller version for over 4 years and its still in great shape. Although when I update to a larger MacBook I'll probably get the first backpack

 

[qom]

Looking for a real basic leather sleeve for a rMPB 13".

Anyone seen any similar to this one?

 

[qnxor]

This is the sleeve I got, Kamor (Neoprene, water resistant, zip-less too): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kamor®-MacBook-Neoprene-Sleeve-Cover/dp/B00HCGUBJK

It's pretty light too, covers the laptop fully (good on those rainy days as my backpack is not 100% water proof), is thick enough to provide some chock resisytance and also opens very quickly (it's pretty elastic).

Not to mention it was cheap too ... I really can't fault it.

 

[jlc1978]

I'm looking for a backpack that will fit my 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013) and iPad Air. Only the iPad has a case.

• How much do you want to spend? $200 max
• Do you want a designer name/brand? Doesn't matter
• How many pockets/compartments? A minimum of one for the rMBP and another for the iPad Air
• What model laptop do you need this for? 15" Retina MacBook Pro (Late 2013)
• Leather, vinyl, or cloth? Doesn't matter

Thanks for your help

I would checkout these two:

Waterfield Design http://www.sfbags.com
Tom Bihn http://www.tombihn.com

I have bags from both an they are great, well made bags

 

[powerslave12r]

I bought this for a throwaway price and I cannot recommend it enough. It's not a fancy one for sure, but it feels like good quality, nice zippers, sufficient protection and a perfect fit.

The only issue I've read about (but not seen) is heat. It would seem that the case blocks the vents a little. But I've tried using the rmbp 15 for similar tasks with and without the case and have hardly noticed a difference in temperature.

It might be more apparent if a heavier task is being performed where fans are spinning faster.

CaseCrown Galvanized Book Cover Case (Black) for the 15 Inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SCOVWE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[faustus]

Cocones Sleeve for iPad Air

Just got the Cocones case for my iPad Air. It's wool with leather reinforced corners. The case has a very nice an natural feel to it. The wool is quite a bit thicker than I expected, which means my iPad is well protected. It fits my iPad perfectly and, I think, looks very cool. It also fits well into my STM messenger bag, so I'm very happy with it and recommend it very highly.

----------

Forgot to post a photo. Here it is - love the look of it.

 

[davidjearly]

Just got the Cocones case for my iPad Air. It's wool with leather reinforced corners. The case has a very nice an natural feel to it. The wool is quite a bit thicker than I expected, which means my iPad is well protected. It fits my iPad perfectly and, I think, looks very cool. It also fits well into my STM messenger bag, so I'm very happy with it and recommend it very highly.

----------

Image
Forgot to post a photo. Here it is - love the look of it.

You're not the only one. I have the complete Cocones lineup!

I use their 15" rMBP sleeve, iPad mini sleeve and iPhone 5s sleeve all in the same colour shown in the picture.

They are the nicest sleeves/cases I've ever used. Love them.

 

[asvob]

With my MacBook Air, I used a microfiber cloth placed in between the screen and keyboard when carrying it, in hopes to mitigate any fears of the keys being imprinted on the screen.

Can anyone answer, do the MacBook Pros suffer the same fate, or is it less likely?

 

[Phightinphils]

I have both of these. The Thule is by far my favorite. 1. Because I'm Swedish and 2. Because it's water proof and shock proof. Plus it looks sweet. I do, however, love my Incase Pro Sleeve because it has a pocket on the front and my MBP charger JUST fits in it.

 

[kbade]

With my MacBook Air, I used a microfiber cloth placed in between the screen and keyboard when carrying it, in hopes to mitigate any fears of the keys being imprinted on the screen.

Can anyone answer, do the MacBook Pros suffer the same fate, or is it less likely?

I've owned a 2008 15" MBP and a 2013 13" rMBP, I've never used anything between the screen and keyboard and never seen any key-marks on the screen. Does that happen with the MBa? Seems like the rubber bezel would be mis-sized if that is the case.

 

[powerslave12r]

I have both of these. The Thule is by far my favorite. 1. Because I'm Swedish and 2. Because it's water proof and shock proof. Plus it looks sweet.

I was considering this as well, but the reviews about the zipper quality put me off. Do you agree with what the reviews on amazon mention?

http://www.amazon.com/Thule-TAS-115...s/B004N731J8/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1