MacBook Sleeve

June 17, 2009 8:10 AM

Looking for a MacBook (White) sleeve. Just a sleeve. No pockets/pouches/straps, not a bag, not something bulky but with more structure and protection than the ubiquitous neoprene sleeves.

I had an Incase sleeve for my, sadly stolen, MBP. I was never satisfied with it, feeling like it was only better than just throwing it in a bag, offering some protection from scratches but nothing beyond that. Most of the other sleeves I'm finding are neoprene as well.

Before the MBP I had a 12" PowerBook with a molded semi-rigid foam sleeve. I fit perfectly and didn't add much size. It was perfect, but I've never seen another sleeve like it and it had no label so I don't know who made it (came with the computer, used). It was lightly padded inside, and the foam, though stiff, had some give (you could press a finger into it and it would slowly return to shape after).

I've searched and searched here and, based on recommendations, was all set to order a Booq Vyper XS2 but the reviews at Amazon gave me pause, being decidedly mixed, though few in number (very thin, like cardboard, zipper scratches).

One recommendation in a previous question was finding something off Etsy. There are lots of options but most are too craftsy or feminine for me. This one seems decent, though a bit bulky, and the reviews for the seller are good. But it's kind of hard to tell how much protection any of the ones on Etsy offer.

Oh, and I'd prefer something $50 or under, shipped.

posted by 6550 to computers & internet (17 comments total)

My white MacBook lives in this bag and seems very happy there.
posted by Sfving at 8:28 AM on June 17, 2009

Hard Graft sleeves are pricier than what you're looking for, but are great (and great-looking). I got mine a couple of years ago, when they were still selling on Etsy for quite a bit less, but if I lost it I'd probably buy another, inflated pricing and all. They're very high-quality thick wool felt (about 1/4", definitely not the flimsy stuff you'd see at craft stores), which means they really stand up to the test of time.
posted by oinopaponton at 8:28 AM on June 17, 2009

I actually have a Booq vyper for my 15" MBP. It gives pretty good protection I'd say, the case feels rigid and sturdy, which is definitely what I wanted, but it's not a hard case, it doesn't weigh much and can be compressed a bit. To my ears, it sounds a lot like what you're looking for.

Now, I've never had any problems with the zipper scratching my laptop, and I can look at the case and see a bit of a ridge that would separate the laptop from the zipper. Now, one problem I did have was that it's so form fitting that I broke the zipper on a previous case. I must have been a bit careless as I would zip and unzip, and I twisted/broke a couple of the teeth. It may also be because I was super paranoid and used to keep the computer inside a dust sleeve while in the booq sleeve. (I was a little nutty, admittedly).

This time around, I bought a 17" case for my 15" computer. There's a little bit of room for the computer to slide inside, but it still sits snug and it alleviates the problem of it being too snug.

Anyways, just figured I'd pop in and talk about my experiences with the case you were looking at, I'd go with that one and not be worried too much.
posted by dnesan at 8:34 AM on June 17, 2009

I have a Macbook sleeve which I'm very happy with from Waterfield designs -- sfbags.com
posted by beniamino at 8:41 AM on June 17, 2009

I like the looks of this one, but I haven't tried it personally.
posted by mikepop at 8:48 AM on June 17, 2009

Seconding WaterField Designs/SFBags.com's sleevecases. I'm on my 3rd since 2003, and will gladly get a 4th when it's time.
posted by The Michael The at 8:50 AM on June 17, 2009

Crumpler have a product line called the School Hymn, which is a semi-rigid sleeve. The list price is a bit over your budget, but it's a quality product that might fit the bill.
posted by chrismear at 9:01 AM on June 17, 2009

Thirding the Waterfield Sleevecase. I've had one for my white MacBook since 2007 and it's been spectacular. It's very tough and durable, and it did great knocking around inside a messenger bag on a daily basis. It's neoprene on the outside, and ultra heavy duty nylon on the outside.
posted by zsazsa at 9:55 AM on June 17, 2009

I use the hard shell version, not the soft sleeve, but the Tom Bihn products are pretty good. The Soft Cell is in your price range as well.
posted by five toed sloth at 9:58 AM on June 17, 2009

Oops, I mean neoprene on the inside, nylon on the outside.
posted by zsazsa at 10:36 AM on June 17, 2009

I love the zeroshock cases.
posted by rbs at 11:33 AM on June 17, 2009

I like Spire's sleeves. The Waterfield ones are nice too.
posted by RogerB at 11:34 AM on June 17, 2009

n'thing Waterfield. It's our standard issue at the office.
posted by Steve3 at 1:39 PM on June 17, 2009

Thanks for all the responses. I had found the Waterfield recommended but I wasn't jazzed about the extra $15 just for a flap (prefer something fully enclosed) and wasn't sure about the neoprene/ballistic nylon construction. It's on my shortlist now, though.
posted by 6550 at 2:10 PM on June 17, 2009

Endo Macbook sleeve from Infocase. Hard shell wrapped in nylon, solid velcro closure, short nylon handle and business card window. 2 D-rings you could use to attach a longer strap or a little bag with the power adapter. Oh, and the top and bottom edges (where the flap is) has padding as well.
I've found it hard to track down. I think I paid about $35 by asking a local computer store to track one down for me. I found it on Apple.com right now, but I've seen them drop the product before. It fits perfectly into a messenger bag when its laid on its side or in a backpack when its upright.
posted by ijoyner at 6:30 PM on June 17, 2009

my macbook lives in this...
posted by penguingrl at 5:32 PM on June 18, 2009

Based on dnesan's comment I went with the Booq Vyper and got it a few days ago. So far it looks like just what I wanted. It's fairly rigid and seems like it will do a better job protecting the computer than the last sleeve and the inside has decent padding.
posted by 6550 at 11:36 AM on June 25, 2009