Filed under: Portables, Reviews
TUAW Review: RadTech Sleevz and ScreenSavrz
If you're like me, then you always have your notebook with you. Personally, I don't like carrying those bulky looking bags, or sling packs; but I do want my notebook to be protected. I settled on using a sleeve case to help protect my friend MacBook Pro. In the past, I've used sleeves from MacCase and Tucano, but I jumped on the opportunity to review the RadTech Sleevz (which is now available in a MacBook Pro late 2008 flavor). In addition, I took a look at RadTech's ScreenSavrz, a piece of fabric that protects the screen from dirt and oil from the keyboard when the lid is closed.
Sleevz
At first look, the Sleevz sleeve doesn't seem that impressive, but upon further inspection, it is well built and durable. The sleeve is made out of RadTech's own "Optex Super80 fabric," which feels like a cross between suede and silk -- it has a really nice feel. When you place the notebook into the RadTech Sleevz, it form-fits to the computer. Because the fit is so snug, when you pull the computer out of the sleeve, it actually wipes the finger prints off.
I found that you can also use the sleeve as a screen cleaning cloth, and a way to clean the aluminum (or al-you-mini-um if you're Jonathan Ive) casing. Because the sleeve is washable, you don't have to worry about getting it dirty. According to the RadTech website, this sleeve is TSA-checkpoint friendly because of its design -- I did not, however, have the opportunity to test this out.
Overall, this sleeve is nicely designed, well-built, and extremely functional. However, this sleeve lacks much padding. While it would definitely protect your precious computer from any scratches or dings, it won't help if you drop it. The Sleevz are available in several colors from the RadTech website. They range between $24.95 and $29.95 U.S., and are available for a wide range of Apple notebooks, including the Axiotron Modbook.
ScreenSavrz
ScreenSavrz is a small piece of fabric (the same Optex Super80 fabric that the Sleevz are made of) that keeps dirt and oil from the keyboard/trackpad from messing up your screen. You simply place it over the keyboard/trackpad area, and close the lid. In addition, the fabric can be used to keep your screen and MacBook casing cleaned. If you are thinking about getting the Sleevz, then this is a must-have accessory to go along with it.
Just like the Sleevz, the ScreenSavrz comes in multiple colors, and fits multiple Apple notebook models. They are available from the RadTech website for around $16.95 (depending on the size you need).
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Marcello said 8:25AM on 11-10-2008
No matter how cool it may look a sleeve which doesn't close on the top is pretty useless.
Everything you toss in your bag/backpack will invariably end up striking the computer and all the dirt that usually accumulate in a bag will end up in all those nice venting slits in the back of your mb pro.
That and the fact that the sleeve lacks any kind of padding should make this a clear loser.
Even if the manufacturer asks you to review it.
Marcello
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Big John said 10:22AM on 11-10-2008
Put the laptop into the bag so the open end is facing the bottom of the bag.
Problem solved!
Also, quit throwing stuff into the bag at Mach 2 and you most likely won't damage it.
Raheem said 8:26AM on 11-10-2008
"Al-you-mini-um," is the correct English pronunciation.
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Phil Heywood said 8:50AM on 11-10-2008
In a way, both are correct. When Humphry Davy discovered it, he called it "aluminum" (no second 'i'), but it was decided it should be given the standard '-ium' ending, like sodium, lithium and potassium.
Officially, "al-you-mini-um" is the correct way to say it, but the other way isn't totally wrong.
J said 9:07AM on 11-10-2008
According to Miriam Webster, the best selling desktop dictionary in the US:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/audio.pl?alumin03.wav=aluminium
Dakaix said 8:45AM on 11-10-2008
"..or al-you-mini-um if you're Jonathan Ive."
Well, him and the rest of the UK.
You guys (America) were the one's who decided to give things strange pronunciations, not us ;-).
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Mark said 9:10AM on 11-10-2008
For a sleeve that not only closes, but stays on your notebook, see the Neocase on the same Radtech website. I use one on my MacBook Pro. When open, it bags a little over the cooling ports, allowing some air. If I'm using Photoshop or another system intensive program, I slip it off the keyboard section or remove it to allow more air circulation.
I have added a small amount of padding (using foot protection moleskin) to the inside of the zippers--they never scratched the computer, but I want to be sure. The best part--it has soft cloth handles that tuck away.
http://www.radtech.us/Products/NeoCase.aspx
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Josh said 9:11AM on 11-10-2008
I have this exact combo for my MBP. Initially, I thought an open top sleeve would be useless for MacBook protection. In the end, it is, but if you're looking to buy a sleeve in the first place, you're probably not looking to protect your brightmetal from anything other than fingerprint oil. I use the keyboard cloth to wipe the screen regularly - you remember to do so when the cloth is right there. As a result, my screen and laptop always look better than my friend's mac, since screen grime can accumulate imperceptibly. Highly recommend, but only in conjunction with added shock protection, or in my case, a dedicated laptop-sleeve in your bag.
People that haven't seen it or tried it will almost always knock it. But at LEAST buy the keyboard cover to protect your screen, and to have a wipe handy.
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Soybean said 9:15AM on 11-10-2008
Do you really need protection for the new glass MacBook Pro screens, though? I would imagine they're a lot sturdier and less scratch-prone than their predecessors.
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Nigit said 9:20AM on 11-10-2008
I've noticed that I am already getting key marks on the screen (only a week old). I bought one of the Radtech screensavers for my G4 Powerbook and have started using it again for my MBP
dave said 9:23AM on 11-10-2008
Check out Rock Soxx, they make a much cooler rock & roll sleeve that is custom made to fit any laptop.
http://www.RockSoxx.com
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FishGuy said 10:04AM on 11-10-2008
I hate how the new tiny speaker holes give that strange dirty look. Maybe down the road the smaller holes will help prevent dirt accumulation inside the machine but from the outside they look worse right out of the box than the old version.
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Petar Smilajkov said 10:12AM on 11-10-2008
You obviously haven't noticed a nice rubber band around the screen on Late 2008 MacBook and MacBook Pro's - which helps keep glass separated from the keyboard and bottom case - but ALSO adequately SEALS the screen and keyboard from any dust getting in.
This has at least been my case - not once speck of dust on the new MBPro since I got it on day 1 (while it's closed). No need to spend money for that. I would however like to see some hard shell case come out any time soon. I'm sick of worrying I'm going to scratch it or ding it. :)
Petar
http://iBetaTest.com/ (register)
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Petar Smilajkov said 10:17AM on 11-10-2008
Just to make sure I got it correctly - it's the Screen Saverz or what ever it is called are unnecessary, the sleeve is a nice touch :)
Ian Eure said 10:38AM on 11-10-2008
Theyre almost certainly necessary. They arent to keep dust off the screen, but to keep finger grease off it.
When you type, the grease transfers from your fingers to the keys. The keys rub on the screen, transferring the grease there. If you lay this on the keyboard before you close the laptop, that doesnt happen.
If youve ever seen (or had) an older Mac without one, the screen is just covered in greasy silhouettes of the keyboard/trackpad.
Ive had one for around three years, and theyre great. Highly recommended.
nicleT said 10:23AM on 11-10-2008
Love it!
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nicleT said 10:31AM on 11-10-2008
Sorry, 1Password automatically submit this unintended comment.
nicleT said 10:27AM on 11-10-2008
I dunno for Radtech sleeves but a couple of years ago I bought a ZeroShock sleeve and it was the best I ever had. It still intact and saved my PowerBook a few time from heavy accidental drops.
http://shinza.com/index.php?cPath=5_10
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John V. said 10:41AM on 11-10-2008
Another sleeve option that I like is the Foofbag (I also have a Foofpod for my iPod), which I think I first heard about from TUAW. Check them out here:
http://foofshop.com/
Also, before your freak out about the price (if you're reading this in the US), please note that those are Australian dollars, though the site does show you how to translate into USD.
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Marcus said 11:13AM on 11-10-2008
I can vouch for these sleeves--they fit like a glove, and although thin, they do a pretty good job at protecting your computer from damage.
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