Looking for a Hard Case for the M11x

Well, slicke88 managed to convince me to buy a MacTruck and I can say only one thing:
I LOVE IT!!!
It is so sturdy and it keeps the laptop in place!
Admittedly, there is some modifications that you have to do, but once the mod has been done, the case works wonderfully.
Here are some pics (sorry about crappy quality)



Note: The thing actually came in perfect condition, with no scratches or blemishes. If you notice the foam is rough in some parts, that's cause of me and my amateur exacto knife skills

I would highly suggest this carrying case to anyone!

 

Got the case in and it is nice. Excellent really. Fits the laptop nice and snug. I had to cut away some of the internal padding though to get it to fit just right. Mainly the front padding to make the lower lip of the M11x to fit and some of the side padding on the top of the case to let the monitor fit in. I also cut away some of the padding to unblock the underside fan. The laptop inside the case is pretty heavy too.

The only issue I would mention is that because of the nice and snug fit it has, it would be best to have a thin cloth of some kind to have in between the lcd screen and keyboard when shut. This is to prevent scratching the LCD screen with the keyboard keys as the lcd is being pushed down. You could get smallest one from the same site you get the MacTruck from. I personally use the Razor Kabuto mousepad that I use with my Orochi, although it is a little t0o thick.

 

I agree that the Kabuto is too thick. I bought one specifically to use for screen protection and gave that up after a week or so. Was worried about it stressing the hinges. There's plenty of better things to use.

Congrats on the Mac Tr... er... M11x Truck.

 

Well for a tight metal case like this where there is added pressure on the laptop to keep it all secure, the Kabuto is too thick. Normally it's fine in between the keyboard and screen when its in my Sumo case sleeve which is applying no pressure on the M11x.

I just tried to screw in the supplied shoulder strap loops and noticed one of the nuts is too loose for either supplied screw. Gonna have to pass by a Lowes or similar. Should save some time in calling RadTech just for them to send one to me.

 

My Truck came with 2 extra set of hardware for some reason. I have noticed that they can occasionally start to loosen despite the locking washers. Lowes will probably be your best bet.

 

When I went in and got my case at Radtech I had them cut me a Screen Sheet exactly to the dimension of the KB.

It seems slightly tighter when closing the lid with it in there but the keyboard can not mark the screen.

I think I prefer to use it but I am not sure?

I also asked for some loose pads so I could customize the case for my needs and they just handed me various pads.
So I imagine they will send them too.

Ed

 

My post is a little old, sorry, but I just found this now, bought the m11 because it was small and now I go buy a heavier case - hehe - couldn't resist and bought the Radtech anyway because it looks way cool and the price - Thanks!!!
Could you guys give me some ideas on a pouch I could partner with this case (for the mouse, ps etc)? I was looking at maybe using a lens case (see below) but if you guys have a better idea...
Neoprene Soft Camera Lens Pouch Case--Size: Large - eBay (item 110575215516 end time Oct-17-10 05:30:34 PDT)

 

I'm using an Embark Document holder I got from Target:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=370344615062&afsrc=1

 

You're going to love the MacTruck. Be sure to read the padding modification posts carefully. Some people were carving the front lower pad in order to match the M11x's leading V shaped edge. Personally I wouldn't recommend that because the foam used in this case is pretty stout. Even a fresh exacto blade is going to have a rough go at achieving a clean cut. If you follow my guide for making this case fit the M11x like a glove I believe you're going to be much happier with the result.

 

@ggyagx
What Slicke said.
I did what Slicke did, and the case fits the M11x perfectly!

 

I just received my Mactruck yesterday and I am over the moon. After following avservice's and slickie's modifications the case fits like a dream, it seems like it was specially made for the M11x.

It is unbelievably solid (and fairly heavy) and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to give their Lappy the best protection possible.

 

Radtech has a "discontinued and blemished" section on the website that sells 12" mactrucks for fifty dollars. Though it seems to sell version1 and version 2, and seeing slick's picture I can't tell what version he has.
Any reason I shouldn't try getting the version 2? (assuming it is better than version-1)


And should I ask them for extra foam/padding?

 

I'm not to sure of the differences between version 1 and 2 but I liked the look of version 2 better and the fact the avservice and slickie had also picked it sealed the deal.

There is probably no need to ask for extra foam/padding. I had to cut out a tiny bit of foam to make it fit perfectly and if you really wanted some more, you'd be better off to go and buy some foam from a hardware store and place it where you want more padding (not that it needs it).

 

I received my 12" version 2! Now what are the advice on modding this?
The laptop definitely fits in. Though I can't see a way so that the laptops cover opens as you open the case.


Damn it is a heavy case. Though goes completely unnoticed compared to my college book bag anyways. xD
Looks sleek.

 

I posted photos of my mods earlier in the thread. >> my foam mods

I use my case throughout the work week as it slides right into my Timbuk2 messenger bag. The foam is holding up extremely well. The rubber feet on the M11x have made persistent indentations in the bottom pads, but that's not a problem. Haven't found a need for extra padding either.

 

Alright, I have done the simple mods, though instead of velcro stickers I just thinned out the side-pads with a box-cutter. Only the back two side-pads.

The incline the case gives when fully open is nice for using the keyboard.

I can't seem to open the case after closing it without finding a wedge.
And the laptop seems to stick to the top as I open it.
Any comments for that?


I now have the best self-defense item I'll ever need! lol

 

I'd considered that, but the potential for the foam to rub off as the M11x is repeatedly slid in over time was something I wanted to avoid. So long as you don't have bare metal there you're good.

Indeed. The added clearance you get from the bottom pads also makes the case the perfect passive notebook cooler since airflow to the intake is improved.

Not sure what you're describing about opening the case. Pressing the two latch release doesn't allow the lid to open easily?

Is your M11x's lid sticking to the pads then you do open the case lid? If so that's odd.

 

Yeah the m11x lcd'd sides stick to the long side pads of the case. [did you also replace those with felt velcro-ends?

 

Also these back pads fell off under all the rubbing it seems. ;-;

I didn't modify the small front side pads; should I have?

 

The long side pads in the lid need to come out. avservice noted that in his original post IIRC. No need to replace them with anything at all.

 

Those rear pads really shouldn't rub too much when the M11x is put in and taken out. Might contact Radtech about replacement pads for those. Be sure to remove the residual adhesive with a /very small amount/ of goo gone or similar product. Take extra care not to get any solvent on the existing pads though. Alcohol won't cut through that stuff.

Front side pads do not need to be altered in any way. For clarity's sake here's the instructions I've given several MacTruck owners for modding it to fit their M11x's perfectly.

 

Alright, so I did need to remove those long side strips. I see now.

Oh and I would like to mention, as with you guys, i got a scratch free case. Even though I had chosen a "Grade-C" one. Really great deal. And fits in my large messenger bag with all of my other stuff. I was too paranoid to go with a simple slip laptop case with all my hardcover books in there.

 

I constantly have to fight the compulsion to see if I can run over my MacTruck with my Mazda 3 to see if it would survive.

Really.

 

I'm sure the case would survive; but not the laptop. xD

 

Hi.

What a great find these Mactrucks are! I even recieved the $10 off from that coupon code! The pad removal went very well.

I just wanted to add that Logitech nanoreceivers will fit...barely. I was alittle bit worried.

Now I can use my trackball and wireless controller.

I was also wondering if anyone has thought of a way to limit the Mactruck to 90 degree opening only. I want to use this thing in my lap in my truck...(I swear I'm working, not playing SC2!) I find that it opens to easily to 180 degrees on my knee.

I was thinking either straps or maybe some fold out arms in the back. Putting the M11x in upside down doesn't work very well either.

Thanks again for this great find!

 

What do you think about this bag for a M11x R2 : Z0511 - Moins de 11.6" - Taille - Sacoches ordinateurs ?

 

Nobody can give me an opinon about this bag ? For the M11x R2, good or not ? Thanks.

 

Got a mactruck case for my m11x, this thing fits the laptop like a damned glove

 

Hot damn. $50 to ship to where I live. Think I'm gonna pass... :/

 

Got mine today and have to say that these are not grade c, they are just clearing them out because they don't make the 12" Mac any more. Very quality product.

Are there any updates on people who had these for a while about they are still working out? I was wondering about the velcro fix and if that is still keeping the unit pristine? Any other suggestions form experienced users?

Thanks

 

Still rocking the velcro on mine. No wear on either the R2's finish or the fuzz. Some weeks I'll use my MacTruck every day during the week, while others may only see it used once or twice. Pads are still very resilient after about 2.5(?) months of ownership.

 

Hi, it looks like I am going to return my M11x for the new 14" XPS because I really need this for mobile power. I don't actually play any games at all. As a result I have a brand new 12" type 2 graphite mactruck for sale. Just trying to break even so $50 if anyone is interested. Absolutely no marks on it and I will ship it in the same box it came in.

PS - not sure if I am allowed to post this so please remove if needed.

 

If I were you I'd wait for benchmarks. From what I've seen so far, the GT420M (default on the 14" xps) is considerably slower than the GT335M in 3dmark. I haven't seen benchies for the optional GT425M yet, but I doubt the extra 1gb ram would make a huge difference in the result.

Edit: oops sorry, i just re-read your post and realised you don't play games... =)

 

Yes thanks for the info. I am at the end of my return period and realize as much as I like this little powerhouse I really need a quad core for what led to my upgrade in the first place. If they could stick a 720qm in the m11x I would probably just stick with it. I have always had Thinkpads and decided to go a different route this time. If I was a gamer I would stick with this and my 23" screen.

 

Good news, Dell made me an offer I couldn't refuse to keep my m11x so I will be keeping it and buying an Amd quadcore desktop (significantly funded by Dell) for my high end work. As a result my Mac Truck is back in the garage.

 

Could you give me your email add or something - i cant pm you since you dont have enough posts

 

In his folowup post (right above yours), he said he was keeping it?

 

ROFL GG stupid me

Thanks for your inform lol. +rep :*

 

Just got one of these, and I've done the intake fan mod and the small side pads. The machine fits rather nicely now into the bottom portion of the case. However, I can't close it (well, I can force it, but then the m11x gets stuck in the padding from the lid of the case).

Did you make any modifications to the padding in the lid? Judging by one of your pics, it looks like you only have the 4 corner pads in your lid. In mine there are 2 thick pads along the sides and a small one at the back (in addition to the 4 corner pads), which is what I suspect is causing the closing problem.

 

Yes, you need to remove those two side pads in the lid. There's more than enough support without them.

 

Am i the only one who uses the Alienware bag for the m11x? it works fine for me. http://s1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/milotic68/M11x%20case/

 

The topic says "hard case".

 

It's hard enough to survive a 3 1/2 ft fall from a chair with my m11x inside.

 

I thought this was cool, but way past unrealistically expensive!

G3 Carbon Fiber Briefcase | Elite Choice

 

Just ordered my mactruck! I'm from uk so $50 postage on top of the normal asking price. Still not bad for what seems such a quality hard case. Will let you all know what condition it comes in and how the foam modding goes.
And yes, i have read the foam modding section and will be removing the top side strips!

 

I haven't heard any complaints about their C-grade stock. Mine was great looking.

 

Mine as well. It was mint.

 

I suspect that they simply have a lot of these sitting on the shelf since there aren't any more Macs that fit its dimensions.

roxxor - did you get the strap with yours?

 

Then why wouldn't they label them A-grade? Maybe they just didn't care enough to check each case and labelled them all C-grade so everybody either gets their MacTruck in a better condition than they purchased it or in the condition they agreed to.

 

No I didn't. It came with the clips and screws though.

It's because the macbooks they were built for have been discontinued. So I reckon it's just overstock they think they'll never be able to sell at full price. I mean, my C-grade was brand new. Not a single blemish.