The perfect bag for the MacBook Air

[GoCubsGo]

do you guys think that such types of sleeves suffice for the air to go in the bag or do you need possibly an extra protection in terms of plastic case or something, esp. for long travels on the plain where you might lug it around with other baggage and put it on top shelves in airplanes?

I think a sleeve in a decent bag is perfect for travel. Frankly a decent bag is enough. The computer can withstand a bit no doubt, the SSD even more due to the lack of moving parts.

These people with just a sleeve seem to do ok. For me a bag is necessary as I don't want to just carry the thing like a book and I want to be able to store a magsafe when I travel.

 

[ashowkati]

They don't make them like this anymore. I don't think you can buy these anymore as I bought this in 1998 but never had a laptop that suited it. As you can see it's perfect for the Air.

Picked this up from Computer City on Route 7 in NoVA for about $20

Its kinda neat. I wouldnt call it perfect. The exposed/unpadded corners are a bit worrisome. Plus it seems a bit too complex for quick access.

And about the one with a zipper, Ive read lots of stories where the sides of the MBA gets scratched due to direct contact with the zipper line.

I think the best case is the one below. It's the Incase Neoprene Sleeve.I have it and it's amazing. Every square millimeter of the MBA is covered and the access is way quick (like putting on a sock.) And now they've got even more colors. I wish the chocolate one was out when I was buying mine.

Dont listen to the negative reviews on other sites, where they say it's too tight a fit. 99% of those people didn't remove the foam placeholder insert before using it. It would be like if they didn't remove the crumbled up paper from their new shoes.

 

[jackfrost123]

I think a sleeve in a decent bag is perfect for travel. Frankly a decent bag is enough. The computer can withstand a bit no doubt, the SSD even more due to the lack of moving parts.

These people with just a sleeve seem to do ok. For me a bag is necessary as I don't want to just carry the thing like a book and I want to be able to store a magsafe when I travel.

hey jes, thanks for the reply! But what do you mean in terms of decent bag, I usually carry around normal bags, or bagpacks, or leather bags with no exta padding protection for the lappie. Would such a bag be ok?

 

[descartes]

I wouldnt put it in a non computer specific bag without a sleeve.

 

[mbamd]

Shield it

do you guys think that such types of sleeves suffice for the air to go in the bag or do you need possibly an extra protection in terms of plastic case or something, esp. for long travels on the plain where you might lug it around with other baggage and put it on top shelves in airplanes?

I got my Air in April and wrapped it with Invisible Shield. I don't need a sleeve.
It is a fine product. I did not cover the the trackpad and I covered the sharpe edge with that piece cut in half. Worked for me.

 

[steffi]

If you think about all you have to do to take the computer out of my bag is open one flap on one side and the air slides out. I may make it more complicated since I also have an Incase neoprene sleeve and so that would go inside my bag to additional protection.

hey jes, thanks for the reply! But what do you mean in terms of decent bag, I usually carry around normal bags, or bagpacks, or leather bags with no exta padding protection for the lappie. Would such a bag be ok?

 

[dehory]

I'm using Waterfield's super minimal suede jacket sleeve.

No zippers, no velcro, no (bulky) padding. It fits the MBA aesthetic perfectly, protects it from scratches, and makes it a bit more discreet in transit. If I need more protection, I stuff it in another bag.

Oh, and I haven't had to take it out of the sleeve at airport security yet. This includes domestic US flights and travel in Europe.

 

[ashowkati]

I think a sleeve in a decent bag is perfect for travel. Frankly a decent bag is enough. The computer can withstand a bit no doubt, the SSD even more due to the lack of moving parts.

These people with just a sleeve seem to do ok. For me a bag is necessary as I don't want to just carry the thing like a book and I want to be able to store a magsafe when I travel.

I dont think i would travel around with just the sleeve either. I forgot to point out that i slip the MBA in it's neoprene sleeve, then inside my satchel's built-in notebook sleeve. the MBA is still so thin even after the neoprene sleeve, that the whole thing fits quite comfortably.

 

[descartes]

Its kinda neat. I wouldnt call it perfect. The exposed/unpadded corners are a bit worrisome. Plus it seems a bit too complex for quick access.

And about the one with a zipper, Ive read lots of stories where the sides of the MBA gets scratched due to direct contact with the zipper line.

I think the best case is the one below. It's the Incase Neoprene Sleeve.I have it and it's amazing. Every square millimeter of the MBA is covered and the access is way quick (like putting on a sock.) And now they've got even more colors. I wish the chocolate one was out when I was buying mine.

Dont listen to the negative reviews on other sites, where they say it's too tight a fit. 99% of those people didn't remove the foam placeholder insert before using it. It would be like if they didn't remove the crumbled up paper from their new shoes.

looks nice but the price seems steep for what it is. how's the quality? how long have you used it?

 

[ashowkati]

looks nice but the price seems steep for what it is. how's the quality? how long have you used it?

Well that's the thing. I have the sleeve but not the Air . I have a vicious Dec. 31 delivery date, that I can thank Shanghai for . However I have tested it with other MacBook Airs, and it holds up strong. It feels really good and sturdy. I could probably survive a 3-4' or so drop easily. As long as you combine it with your backpack/satchel/briefcase. I would say its more for protection against "the elements."

 

[ksmith80209]

Try the Ristretto from TomBihn.com (or really anything by them) for super quality and fit. I have the checkpoint flyer by TB and really can't say enough about it. The MBA specific insert works perfectly!

 

[Ironic]

I use the macbook shuttle for my Air, like the extra pocket for the charger.

 

[ninjadex]

I second the Incase neoprene sleeve. Having no zipper and a low profile is key if using inside another bag. Although be careful, it can snag pretty easy on it's edges (in my case against velcro). But I would still recommend it.

 

[descartes]

I'm using Waterfield's super minimal suede jacket sleeve.

No zippers, no velcro, no (bulky) padding. It fits the MBA aesthetic perfectly, protects it from scratches, and makes it a bit more discreet in transit. If I need more protection, I stuff it in another bag.

Oh, and I haven't had to take it out of the sleeve at airport security yet. This includes domestic US flights and travel in Europe.

I read that about not having to take it out of SF sleeve when flying on another site. That is a huge benefit. Do you know if security makes you take it out of a neoprene sleeve like the incase ones?

 

[XStream]

Googled it and the second link is to Apple's own store..

It seems that it is not available in europe (at least not in Apple Store Belgium). Did anyone came across this folio in europe or a store that ships to Belgium?

 

[stiphone]

The SwissGear Folio looks wonderful. Love to get it but i don't think that i can justify to my wife for another laptop bag.

 

[r6girl]

looks nice but the price seems steep for what it is. how's the quality? how long have you used it?

I have this case (and just posted my review of it last night) - I do think it's priced a bit steep for what it is. It offers good protection for my Air in my backpack, but the edges are already showing wear after just over a month of use and I'm worried the opening will stretch out over time. It is a very low-profile case and "disguises" the MacBook Air very well, so that's a bonus. Once this one wears out, though, I think I'll check out a different sleeve rather than just buy another one of these...