Now that laptop case manufacturers have had a few weeks to react to the new MacBook, they've started to release an array of sleeves that fit perfectly around the MacBook's refined curves. There's something for everyone here, whether you want a sleeve with a little more padding than usual, a sleeve that makes a colorful statement or one that keeps your nether regions nice and cool. Read on for the round-up.If you're looking for a no-fuss sleeve, have a look at Biolithic's Bags. That's not to say the sleeves are lacking in attention to detail: the interior of the case features real velvet for that smooth feel to go with your smooth MacBook. $42.90 USD will get you a sleeve including shipping outside of Australia.
Brenthaven's sleeve/bag hybrid could be considered the sleeve of choice for people that recognize the value of function over form. The light blue design isn't the most aesthetically pleasing design, although the thick padding along with the padded shoulder and the retractable handle will surely appeal to your practical side. $49.95 USD will get you one of these.
Fabrix Cases' sleeve falls heavily into the "trendy" category. Handsewn in a variety of styles ranging from stripy to polka dot to military camouflage, we can imagine looking pretty funky with one of these cases, although the absence of a zip for the top means your MacBook may be a little more exposed than you might have wished. $41.90 USD including shipping will bag you (ahem) one of these cases.
Some of Foofbag's made-to-order sleeves (pronounced "fooooooof") could possibly be considered "garish". Check out the Purple People Eater style and you'll see what I mean! If you're in the mood for a bit of a fashion statement, you'll need to plunk down around $49 AUS including shipping.
Mac-case's sleeve is arguably the best choice for a Mac lover. With the window for the Apple logo, you can display your Apple fetish with pride (from the confines of your real bag). Although it's not shipping until mid-July, if you pre-order now they'll send you a 14" case (which meets the MacBook's width dimension) and let you keep it once they send you the MacBook tailored version later on. $50 USD incl. shipping is the price.
Waterfield's sleeve is the ultimate build-to-order option. The basic sleeve features a neoprene cushion and a ballistic nylon shell, but if you feel like spending a little more you can choose a flap, shoulder strap and a piggback (that rhymed!). Otherwise you can expect to pay $56 USD including standard shipping.
Last but not least, Wrapper's sleeve brings an invaluable innovation to your lap: heat proofing. That's right, the sleeve's rubber exterior insulates up to 250 degrees C, allowing you to bring your MacBook back to your lap. Unfortunately, the case looks a little like an oversized oven mitt. £20.49 GPB for the ultimate protection.
If you're of the iBook owning female variety, make sure to have a browse of our earlier sleeve round-up.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
6-08-2006 @ 7:30PM
arkowi said...
i am looking forward to the tucano second skin case or whatever they call it. i had one for my powerbook and i loved it.
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6-08-2006 @ 7:32PM
arkowi said...
speaking of which...their second skin cases for the MBP are BA:
http://www.laptopessentials.co.uk/laptopstore/product_info.php?products_id=575
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6-08-2006 @ 7:47PM
SusPC said...
What about Tom Bihn bags? They make
three different kinds of hard-shell laptop cases for the MacBook Pro and
MacBook. They make high quality stuff in the U.S. and their Brain Cell
case has protected my Powerbook for years.
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6-08-2006 @ 7:56PM
Jumi said...
The Brenthaven Edge also comes in black -- and is available for $39 with free shipping on specicial from smalldog.com (although backordered right now -- as it was when I ordered it, but they shipped within two days while the site still said backordered - YMMV). I bought a black one -- it is extremely well made, very protective, yet slim. At Smalldog's deal I think it's a steal!
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6-08-2006 @ 8:53PM
ZipperSeven said...
Tom Bihn bags are *the bomb.* A bit pricey but well worth it. We have the biggest BrainCell for the g/f's Inspiron 9300 (17 incher). They're practically indestructable under daily wear and tear.
Right now I've got an InCase neoprene sleeve for my MBP. Personally, it's not the best solution. The product said it was a custom fit for the 15" MBP but it's a bit bigger than that, by an inch. Leaves a lot of room inside that you wouldn't necessarily want on a case that is supposed to be a form-fitting sleeve. Beyond that though, it's pretty nice. Construction is top notch and the materials are plush.
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6-08-2006 @ 9:00PM
Trish said...
I got a gorgeous McKlein bag in aqua blue (the husband hates the color but I normally go for pink and dig the change with this), just for the occasion of the new MBP. It came with a sleeve, but it doesn't close at the top, though it fits very snugly. Tomorrow the Tucano sleeve comes (I ordered it the day after the MBP and other bag) and that's what I'll be using. For what I spent on the bag/briefcase, I'm going to try and pass it off as a really big purse, and I want to make sure my other "stuff" in no way endangers the Mac!
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6-08-2006 @ 9:39PM
Adam said...
Ah, I came on here to shout the praises of the Tom Binh bags, but I see others have beaten me to the punch.
I have a Monolith case for my MBP and it's awesome. It's trim and slim, yet it's got a good bit of armor & padding for my machine. I also love the fact that it's a vertical case, because I usually carry it inside my backpack, and taking the entire case out to just take out the computer is excessive.
For $45 + shipping, it's a deal for a super high quality bag.
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6-08-2006 @ 9:50PM
cmlp said...
I put together a list of 27 sleeves for the MBP here - http://cmlp.backpackit.com/pub/535298 - needs a bit of updating with a few above.
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6-08-2006 @ 10:24PM
brian said...
I'm personally holding out for a sleeve by Incase.
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6-08-2006 @ 10:36PM
Kristen said...
Which sleeve is pictured with this article?
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6-08-2006 @ 11:29PM
Christian said...
They're not MacBook or MacBook Pro specific, but bike messengers and urban commuters the world over know that Chrome Bags are the ultimate bags, hands down.
Reply
6-09-2006 @ 1:41AM
MrCardboard said...
I looked for one then just decided to make my own.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrcardboard/156810389/
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6-09-2006 @ 1:51AM
XeRox said...
The the teaser poster to "Trasnformers" is out!
http://digg.com/movies/_TRANSFORMERS_Teaser_Poster
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6-09-2006 @ 2:49AM
hangon said...
forget that one:
http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=1409
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6-09-2006 @ 3:25AM
Conrad Quilty-Harper said...
Kristen, those sleeves are from our earlier iBook sleeve round-up.
http://www.tuaw.com/2005/11/21/ibook-sleeve-roundup-for-the-ladies/
I was having problems uploading a new image, so I chose to use the image from that article.
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6-09-2006 @ 7:51AM
ZipperSeven said...
Adam - The Monolith is the vertical version of the BrainCell, right? It's got the padding and the internal 'armor' in it? That's one of the next ones I'm looking at.
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6-09-2006 @ 4:56PM
Adam said...
ZipperSeven - Yes, the Monolith is a vertical BrainCell.
Reply
6-10-2006 @ 11:26AM
one1step1 said...
I just did a few in depth reviews of some Mac bags and sleeves too, including the Tom Bihn bags, Mac-Case bag & sleeve, and their Sling.
It's actually quite difficult to choose a winner, because I like each of them for different reasons.
You can find a list of the reviews here, and they should be helpful in selecting a sleeve.
http://www.thinkmac.net/blog/archives/cat_reviews.html
Reply
6-12-2006 @ 11:56PM
kathleen said...
I got a most excellent macbook sleeve at applesac.com - pretty reasonably priced, unique, fun, functional, and the perfect size. woo!
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7-28-2006 @ 9:05AM
James said...
For those looking at a decent quality case, check out Init bags and sleeves. I purchased a sturdy ballistic portfolio case that perfectly fits a 15.4" Macbook Pro. I picked it up in an Canada Best Buy for approx $35US.
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