Protecting a new 14" MacBook Pro M3 Max

[Ambrosia7177]

Hi. I am about ready to purchase a new 14" MacBook Pro M3 Max, and want to do everything possible to protect it!

Any suggestions on how to best do that with buying extras?

For instance, can you still use a ShaggyMax to protect your display, or are modern MBP's too thin?

Another thing is the past that I really liked - although it was more to protect ME versus my laptop - was this leather handrest that you adhered to your where you rest your hands. It really saved chaffing of my wrists, and was nice on cold Winter days. I'm pretty sure they stopped making them because the thinner designs of MBP's wouldn't allow those to be installed without damaging your screen.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

AppleCare+ is all the protection I need.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

AppleCare+ is all the protection I need.

I love it when people see insurance as a proactive solution to life's problems...

 

[ChrisA]

Hi. I am about ready to purchase a new 14" MacBook Pro M3 Max, and want to do everything possible to protect it!

Any suggestions on how to best do that with buying extras?

For instance, can you still use a ShaggyMax to protect your display, or are modern MBP's too thin?

Another thing is the past that I really liked - although it was more to protect ME versus my laptop - was this leather handrest that you adhered to your where you rest your hands. It really saved chaffing of my wrists, and was nice on cold Winter days. I'm pretty sure they stopped making them because the thinner designs of MBP's wouldn't allow those to be installed without damaging your screen.

Those hard plastic snap-on case skins really do work and they cost under $20. They make the computer more bulky but I used one back when I was teaching. The macbook was used in the classroom and then lugged home every day. It was a 2011 MBP and it's STILL working even though I'm not. I've bought a few other Macs since but the one in the plastic case is still like new.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Those hard plastic snap-on case skins really do work and they cost under $20. They make the computer more bulky but I used one back when I was teaching. The macbook was used in the classroom and then lugged home every day. It was a 2011 MBP and it's STILL working even though I'm not. I've bought a few other Macs since but the one in the plastic case is still like new.

Yeah, I had one of those on my current laptop until it broke and I just started computing "bare-back".

What about the ShaggyMax? Can you still safely use those with a new 14" MBP?

Also, can you use those hard-plastic covers for the hand rests? (I think they stopped making the leather ones.)

 

[ChrisA]

Yeah, I had one of those on my current laptop until it broke and I just started computing "bare-back".

What about the ShaggyMax? Can you still safely use those with a new 14" MBP?

Also, can you use those hard-plastic covers for the hand rests? (I think they stopped making the leather ones.)

It all depends on your use case. A computer that never moves off a desk and is your 1 hour a day to surfe the web does not need anything at all. I used the computer in a science class 4 sections per day we did not lot of lab work and the computer was moved abnoud constantly. But then again the older 2011 computers where tank-like and much stronger. Buy Applecare and don't wory about it.

Why did not not replace the case? I think they only cost about $20.

Today I'm using an iPad and desktop Mac Mini. The iPad is in a "bomb proof" case but a desktop does not need that.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

It all depends on your use case. A computer that never moves off a desk and is your 1 hour a day to surfe the web does not need anything at all. I used the computer in a science class 4 sections per day we did not lot of lab work and the computer was moved abnoud constantly. But then again the older 2011 computers where tank-like and much stronger. Buy Applecare and don't wory about it.

Why did not not replace the case? I think they only cost about $20.

I didn't like the design, as a sharp edge always cut into my wrists, so when it broke I ditched it.

What about using a ShaggyMax on a new MBP?

(Can anyone tell me if that will damage modern MacBook Pro screens?)

Today I'm using an iPad and desktop Mac Mini. The iPad is in a "bomb proof" case but a desktop does not need that.

I will be buying a 13" iPad Air also.

Can you recommend some cases that I can install on the iPad when I am out in the field doing surveys, or when I am out in the field using it as an external monitor?

Do they make clear glass/plastic covers for the screen as a protector for iPads?

What do they have as far as cases for the iPad? (A science teacher should be a good person to ask on how to protect computer gear!)

 

[ChrisA]

I didn't like the design, as a sharp edge always cut into my wrists, so when it broke I ditched it.

What about using a ShaggyMax on a new MBP?

(Can anyone tell me if that will damage modern MacBook Pro screens?)





I will be buying a 13" iPad Air also.

Can you recommend some cases that I can install on the iPad when I am out in the field doing surveys, or when I am out in the field using it as an external monitor?

Do they make clear glass/plastic covers for the screen as a protector for iPads?

What do they have as far as cases for the iPad? (A science teacher should be a good person to ask on how to protect computer gear!)

I'm retired twice now. First retired software enginer at 55, now retired teacher 65+. my iPad case is just a thick and heavy hard plastic and is cheap at $20. Mine is made by "ZtotopCases" and sells on Amazon.

​

Yes they do make screen protectors for iPad just like for phones but I don't like using a pencil on them. For more money you can buy a mat-surface protector that claims to give the pencil a "paper-like" feel.

The iPad and certainly the Macbook cases are not as effective as iPhone case in protecting from drops as the larger devices are heavy and hit the ground with more force (yes, even if the impact speed is the same.)

The iPad is the obly one that actualy needs a case because closing the case put sthe ipad to sleep and it double as a desk stand.

 

[Alameda]

Hi. I am about ready to purchase a new 14" MacBook Pro M3 Max, and want to do everything possible to protect it!

Any suggestions on how to best do that with buying extras?

For instance, can you still use a ShaggyMax to protect your display, or are modern MBP's too thin?

Another thing is the past that I really liked - although it was more to protect ME versus my laptop - was this leather handrest that you adhered to your where you rest your hands. It really saved chaffing of my wrists, and was nice on cold Winter days. I'm pretty sure they stopped making them because the thinner designs of MBP's wouldn't allow those to be installed without damaging your screen.

I carry my MacBook in a backpack that’s designed to hold a laptop, so it’s padded.

I’ve had those hard plastic covers on MacBooks before, but I don’t any longer because dust and fine grit gets underneath them and it scratches the aluminum, so it doesn’t really protect better. I don’t have any scratches on my current MacBook.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I carry my MacBook in a backpack that’s designed to hold a laptop, so it’s padded.

I’ve had those hard plastic covers on MacBooks before, but I don’t any longer because dust and fine grit gets underneath them and it scratches the aluminum, so it doesn’t really protect better. I don’t have any scratches on my current MacBook.

Where did you get your backpack?

Does anyone make soft cases like Incase used to make? (I thought those padded, zipper sleeves were the best protection.)

 

[Alameda]

Where did you get your backpack?

Does anyone make soft cases like Incase used to make? (I thought those padded, zipper sleeves were the best protection.)

I bought this leather Kenneth Cole backpack. I’ve had it about five years and it’s held up well to many airplane trips. It’s not bulletproof like a Tumi, but it works well. There are zillions of similar bags.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RY5VX...o_cp_apin_dp_Y857V42G07JM14PZ3068&starsLeft=1

 

[theMarble]

For instance, can you still use a ShaggyMax to protect your display, or are modern MBP's too thin?

I really wouldn't go using something like that on a modern MacBook. These days, anything even slightly thicker than a piece of paper can actually destroy the display due to the tiny amount of clearance between the top case (keyboard/trackpad/palm rest) and the display.

They are in the same category as things like keyboard covers, screen protectors and webcam covers. Unlike on older MacBook's, they do more harm than good.

I personally protect my MBP when traveling with a padded sleeve, no case or directly attached protection. Feels safer, and there is (almost) no risk of damage.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@theMarble,

I really wouldn't go using something like that on a modern MacBook. These days, anything even slightly thicker than a piece of paper can actually destroy the display due to the tiny amount of clearance between the top case (keyboard/trackpad/palm rest) and the display.

They are in the same category as things like keyboard covers, screen protectors and webcam covers. Unlike on older MacBook's, they do more harm than good.

Really? Wow!

Glad I asked.

Thing is, on this current 2015 rMBP, I can see imprints from my entire keyboard on my monitor!!!

(I actually had a similar rMBP to this one, but when it died, I was too lazy to put a ShaggyMax on this laptop, and now I regret it.)

But you are saying the ShaggyMax would work against me on a new MBP, huh?

Won't I run into the same issue with the keyboard messing up the display?

Right now I have my rMBP in an Incase soft-case - which I love to death. Sadly, they stopped making these.

I usually have my MBP in my backpack, so maybe that is another issue I have to resolve...

One reason I may see imprints from my keybaord on my display is that I imagine that over time your laptop gets squished in a backpack.

Does that mean I have to ditch my backpack now?

I have a 100% remote job, and typically work away from home (e.g. library). Having to lug around a work laptop plus my MBP is a hassle. And I also travel a lot for a startup that I am trying to launch. So my laptop spends a lot of time in my car with me.

What would be a solution to allow me to go back and forth between home and the library and my car and travel, and not need a wheelbarrow to carry everything, yet still protect my new MBP?

I was able to scoop up a legacy Incase 13" sleeve, but I don't think it will work with my new 14" MBP.

InCase has these hard cases which look cool...

Hardshell Case Dots for 14" MacBook Pro


InCase has these sleeves, but there is no cushion really...

Compact Sleeve with Woolenex for 14" MacBook Pro


Apple appears to have removed some cases, and has slim offerings. :-(

I personally protect my MBP when traveling with a padded sleeve, no case or directly attached protection. Feels safer, and there is (almost) no risk of damage.

What brand?

 

[theMarble]

Won't I run into the same issue with the keyboard messing up the display?

Not just marks on screen. A broken display that will cost $700+ w/o AppleCare to replace. Sounds crazy, but look at the thousands of people (maybe more) that this has happened too.

I would just avoid anything, no matter how thick or thin, that goes between the display and palm rest.

One reason I may see imprints from my keybaord on my display is that I imagine that over time your laptop gets squished in a backpack.

Does that mean I have to ditch my backpack now?

Not at all. A backpack and/or a sleeve is the #1 solution. Does your backpack have a separate laptop pouch, or do you put it in with everything else?

What would be a solution to allow me to go back and forth between home and the library and my car and travel, and not need a wheelbarrow to carry everything, yet still protect my new MBP?

Put your MBP in a sleeve and/or in a backpack, and take it with you. My personal sleeve has a small amount of cushioning + a zip, a carrying strap and a couple extra zip pockets. It works like a small laptop-only backpack.

What brand?

It's made by STM. No idea if they still make them, as I bought it 6 and half years ago.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Not just marks on screen. A broken display that will cost $700+ w/o AppleCare to replace. Sounds crazy, but look at the thousands of people (maybe more) that this has happened too.

Fair enough.

I would just avoid anything, no matter how thick or thin, that goes between the display and palm rest.

Looks like you just saved me a lot of $$$. Thanks!! 👍

Not at all. A backpack and/or a sleeve is the #1 solution. Does your backpack have a separate laptop pouch, or do you put it in with everything else?

Both, but trying to cram two laptops and all of my other stuff into the backpack surely adds pressure to it even in the padded case I have.

What do you think about the hard-case I linked above?

What about the not-so-soft-case above?

Put your MBP in a sleeve and/or in a backpack, and take it with you. My personal sleeve has a small amount of cushioning + a zip, a carrying strap and a couple extra zip pockets. It works like a small laptop-only backpack.

I'm going to have to go to the local office supply store and check out some solutions in person. It's impossible for me to buy such things online.

It's made by STM. No idea if they still make them, as I bought it 6 and half years ago.

Ok.

 

[theMarble]

What do you think about the hard-case I linked above?

Definitely would stay away from hard cases as well. They can weaken the display hinges (on newer MacBook's), and slightly bend the display back (due to how thin it is), possibly leading to problems in the future.

The bottom half of them also doesn't help with airflow / thermals, but this is less of an issue these days with Apple Silicon than it was with the last Intel MacBook's.

What about the not-so-soft-case above?

There are sleeves that have more cushioning out there, however it is far from anything bad. If you had to choose between this or a hard-shell case, I would get this.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@theMarble,

You are making me afraid to buy a new MacBook Pro for fear if I look at it, then it will break?!

 

[theMarble]

@theMarble,

You are making me afraid to buy a new MacBook Pro for fear if I look at it, then it will break?!

They are some of the best built devices on the market. They also last for a very long time.

I really wouldn't worry too much about it breaking. As long as you don't use any protection that directly attaches to it (eg: keyboard covers, cases...) you will be perfectly fine. I've got 10+ Macs and a whole bunch of other Apple devices, some are modern, some are 25+ years old. They all still work. Some are definitely faster than others, but I can say with confidence that they are all very long-lasting devices.

I would suggest getting just the MBP + maybe a sleeve, and you should be fine. If you are extremely worried about it, get AppleCare.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

They are some of the best built devices on the market. They also last for a very long time.

I really wouldn't worry too much about it breaking. As long as you don't use any protection that directly attaches to it (eg: keyboard covers, cases...) you will be perfectly fine. I've got 10+ Macs and a whole bunch of other Apple devices, some are modern, some are 25+ years old. They all still work. Some are definitely faster than others, but I can say with confidence that they are all very long-lasting devices.

I would suggest getting just the MBP + maybe a sleeve, and you should be fine. If you are extremely worried about it, get AppleCare.

(Will still be a very nervous-nelly even owning such an expensive piece of equipment, but I am trying to start my own business, and I need a powerful tool to help me be successful!)

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote above:
"I usually have my MBP in my backpack, so maybe that is another issue I have to resolve...
One reason I may see imprints from my keybaord on my display is that I imagine that over time your laptop gets squished in a backpack."

There is your "issue".
It's time to change your ways.
How you accomplish that is... up to you.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

OP wrote above:
"I usually have my MBP in my backpack, so maybe that is another issue I have to resolve...
One reason I may see imprints from my keybaord on my display is that I imagine that over time your laptop gets squished in a backpack."

There is your "issue".
It's time to change your ways.
How you accomplish that is... up to you.

@Fishrrman,

Possibly, but the imprints occurred before I started using a backpack, and this is a 10 year old laptop (i.e. worn out).

That is why in the past I love ShaggyMax.

However, I will heed @theMarble's warnings!

I do suspect that I need a better backpack or carrying case.

 

[PlayUltimate]

What do they have as far as cases for the iPad? (A science teacher should be a good person to ask on how to protect computer gear!)

I use a ZUGU case with a cheap glass screen protector.

 

[PlayUltimate]

It's made by STM. No idea if they still make them, as I bought it 6 and half years ago.

I have two of their backpacks: 28L Myth and the Kings. Both protect my devices well. And the laptop section is elevated off the ground.

 

[mizmor]

Pretty good video on the topic;

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Pretty good video on the topic;

Wow, that's a really good video! Thanks!! 👍