MBP Case/Protection

I heard that the MBP's aluminum casing scratches and dents easily? Is this true?

Well anyways, whether or not it does, I plan to buy a case or something to protect it. So far I've considered the Neoprene cases featured on the Apple site. My friend uses one for his Powerbook and he loves it. I'm also considering this thing: http://www.speckproducts.com/15mac-seethru-ds.html
It's a case you snap on directly to the MBP to provide a second layer. Actually, here's a review of it http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/macgems/2006/08/laptopdesk2/index.php

I'm not sure which one to get. I'm afraid the snap on case might make it a bit bulky, but I'm also afraid that the Neoprene might not protect the MBP as well.

Thoughts anyone?

 

Two reviewers on Amazon stated that the current Speck cases does not match the ports on the new MBPs (C2D ones). You might have to wait if your MBP is a C2D one.

I believe cashmonee did a review for the Speck case.

Edit:
Link to review: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=90708&highlight=Speck

 

I ordered the Speck hard shell. Should come in tomorrow. I'm returning it though, no need for it. I already have the BSE skin, Rebound sleeve (soon) and a backpack with ALOT of cushion.

 

They make a BSE skin for the MBP? I thought they only made the BSE for the MB?

 

My bad, I meant MB. ShieldZone has them for the MBP though. Pricey too

 

Are you planning on dropping yours?
I wouldn't say they're prone to denting at all. Nor scratches (they are buffed out). Nto like plastic cases. The only dent in mine is from when it was dropped. That drop would have broken any other plastic laptop.

Though if you're rough with your laptop... then by all means, get one.

 

Just ordered one at newegg for 34.95 (40.xx w/ 3 day UPS). I've read many reviews about this and it's leaning towards the positive side. The only thing I'm worried about is the weight issue. But in any case (no pun intended) I put it on my Amex card so if I don't like it or will have problems with it I can return it & also have a decent warranty for it. Also I ordered the clear for my c2d mbp.

 

Nice, you should do a mini review when you get it

 

I got the case in today. I don't have time to post pics. Here's my impression. Newegg did an excellent job packaging this in a box with peanuts. I've read reviews on amazon stating that the reviewer had received his case packaged only in a shipping envelope and as a result had a case with a few dents and scratches. I'll try to mainly cover things that have not yet been addressed.

1. The overall fitment is great.

• The top & bottom piece is perfectly flush with the screen & base
• All the ports fit well inside their respective cutouts

The only thing wrong was that the ports located on the right side (DVI, firewire, et al). It seems that in order for them to accommodate the firewire 800 port on the C2D. They just cut the whole area out entirely instead of having individual cutouts for each port. This causes a significant flaw, when the laptop is not sitting on a flat surface or when it's being handled the right rear corner does not have anything to secure it to the body. It can bend as much as an inch away from the laptop. This bending causes the case to rub against the hinge. But it only took a couple minutes and a sharp razor blade to trim it back a bit.

I was also afraid that the retaining tab that secures the case might cause the laptop to not close tightly enough. But I did not notice much of a difference.

The removing and installing the case was really not that difficult. It does take some finger dexterity though. The removal and installation did not make any noticeable marks on the laptops aluminum body either.

One huge benefit that was not mentioned is that the case is much grippier than the aluminum. I was always afraid of dropping my mbp when I handle it in class.

one last thing the case makes the mbp look super glossy (for now).

Hope this helps you decide. Let me know if you need pics or clarifications.

 

On Amazon, you can order one of two models and it says: core 2 duo model or older core duo model only. I've received mine for my MBP and it fits perfectly.

 

True, at the time I posted, Amazon didn't have it, but now they do so that taken cared of.

 

I just picked up this case the other day at the apple soho store. My MBP should be arriving either tomorrow or Tuesday.

Here's the bag I purchased: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...oa/wa/RSLID?mco=E653332C&nplm=TJ144LL%2FA

I was going to go with the incase sleeve, but for $20 and not too much additional thickness, I opted for this one. The case handles can slide in and be hidden from the bag. And if you wanted to take just the bag out, you could throw a strap on (included) and pull the handles out.

The quality is quite nice and I think it will hold up well.

Regards,
dolo