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guapagirl · Nov 5, 2006, 09:09 AM

Hi,

I've just got a 13" macbook and whilst I have ordered a bag for it (a Be-ez LaVertigo 15"), I would like a thin sleeve to provide additional protection against scratches and stuff whilst I'm using it on the train to college.

The Toucano microfiber ones look ideal, but they don't open up fully by the looks of them and a review on the apple store reported that their second skin neoprene version caused a macbook to basically cook itself.

So, what I would like to know is, is it a dumb idea to work with a macbook whilst in a sleeve and if it's not, can someone recommend one to me? I don't want to spnd more than £25 if I can avoid it.

Many thanks

uicandrew · Nov 5, 2006, 10:00 AM

first off, greetings from across the pond (atlantic ocean). are you more concerned about getting scratches on it or more concerned about bumping it into things while using it.

if you're worried about scratches, then i would think about getting a thin film to cover it, like invisibleshield (shieldzone.com) or bestskinsevers (much cheaper and just as good).

there is a VERY thorough thread soley about macbook cases. this page will show some thicker protection that you can use while using a macbook. the case-mate seems ideal for you if you're adamant about a sleeve-like device.

http://forums.macnn.com/66/ibook-and...ok-13-bags/10/

amazingly it is on the 2nd or 3rd page of this ibook/macbook subforum.

guapagirl · Nov 5, 2006, 11:09 AM

Thanks for the welcome!

I did see the thread (it's how I found you!), but I thought all the info had been added into the first post. Should have read on I guess!

I am mostly worried about scratches (what can I say, it's brand new, beautiful and it took me ages to save for it!) because the bag should give good protection whilst I'm out. Looks like the invisible sheild should be good. I'm guessing this is like those exoskin rubbery things for ipods? I couldn't find anything on bestskinsavers (apart from loads of make-up sites. Interesting but I don't have time for vanity at the moment).

The speck see-through looks interesting as well, but the case-mates don't seem to open completely.

Do you know if there are any problems generally with books overheating in these protective cases?

uicandrew · Nov 5, 2006, 01:15 PM

invisibleshield was the first ones to make the skins for the ipod (initially) but they charged an arm and a leg for them. REALLY expensive. However, since then, bestskinsever has also started selling them, at a much cheaper price.

I personally use the bestskinsever on 2 of my ipods. very nice. after i put them on my ipod, i won't hesitate putting my ipod in the same pocket as my keys or whatnot.

it isn't a rubbery skin at all. think of it as a screen protector for the entire macbook. it is very thin. and it doesn't come off for the most part. once you put it on, it will never come off on its own. you have to peel it off.

i don't know about overheating, but my ipods still feel warm after loading it with music, so it still conducts heat.

Opportunist · Nov 6, 2006, 01:12 AM

Hi there,

I've got a RadTech NeoCase. Excellent case to use on a MacBook if you often open it on train trips (which is exactly what I bought it for). The material is thick enough a to stop the heat from burning your legs and quite slip resistant so it won't just fall off you lap.

Just check out the website for more info RadTech Products - NeoCase - Neoprene Use-In Notebook Case

Hope that helps.

wilsonng · Nov 6, 2006, 02:06 AM

howzabout trying out the Speck See-Thru Hard MacBook cover? It's not actually a sleeve but it's an alternative.

It looks like a plastic shell that snaps on to the top lid and the bottom of your MacBook.

It appears to have enough vents to allow the MacBook to breathe....

Supposedly, a 13.3" MacBook version is forthcoming. At the moment, only the 15" model is available.

I must say that the red case does look interesting....

In an alternative thinking path, there are also the Decals from decalgirl.com

It's an interesting way to cover your MacBook and show it off with a nice design... OK fellas, no flaming!!! There are some folks who cry "sacrilege" and say no one should cover up the gorgeous black (or white) casing.... Oh well....

guapagirl · Nov 10, 2006, 09:51 AM

mmmm...I am tempted to hang on for the speck case and the decals look interesting too, though I'm not sure it's QUITE what I'm after!

The rad tech is more like it, but isn't neoprene really insulating? I want to conduct heat out not keep it in!

I think I'm gonna go for the speck. Maybe they'll do one in pink!