Incase Hardshell Case
This little Apple of mine. I’m going to let it shine.
If you glanced sideways at a closed MacBook Pro wearing the black Hardshell Case from Incase, you might mistake it at first for a ThinkPad. That is, until someone pops the notebook open, and the Hardshell’s smooth, matte, translucent plastic reveals the glowing Apple logo underneath.
The Hardshell comes in versions for the 13-inch MacBook, as well as both sizes of MacBook Pro. If black isn’t your bag, you can also get it in frosted white, plum, or red. We tested it with the 15-inch Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro and immediately noticed one drawback, its weight. Attaching the case beefed up our MacBook Pro from 5.4 pounds to 6.3 pounds. Another problem: The bottom part of the case prevented the notebook from opening past 90 degrees. This might not be an issue if you use your ’Book on a table. But if you regularly tilt your screen back past 90 degrees when the Mac is on your lap or perched on a notebook stand, you’ll have to take the Hardshell off first.
We did notice that the black case picked up some fingerprints, but its matte finish minimizes their appearance. Smudges are much less noticeable on the Hardshell Case than on a black 13-inch MacBook’s plastic casing. (Though we never notice many smudges on the MacBook Pro’s aluminum casing itself, for that matter.) We also had an easier time removing the Hardshell Case than we did the Speck Products SeeThru case (3 out of 5 stars, Mar/07, p68).
The bottom line. If you frequently use a notebook stand, the fact that you can’t “open wide” to beyond 90 degrees with this case on will frustrate you. Otherwise it’s an attractive, though hefty, option.
COMPANY: Incase
CONTACT: www.goincase.com
PRICE: $49.95
REQUIREMENTS: 13-inch MacBook, or 15-inch or 17-inch MacBook Pro
Hard plastic protects MacBook Pro’s aluminum casing. Translucent to let Apple logo shine through.
Somewhat heavy. Won’t let you open the notebook past 90 degrees.
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ilovexspin
May 03, 2010 at 1:59pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xT6Rvtc5q0 CHECK OUT MY REVIEW ON THE HARDSHELL CASE :D
abshandra
December 01, 2009 at 12:49am
I found it pretty hard too to get off the case. I think this is something that Apple should reconsider. Why they built such a thing just to make their costumer feel uncomfortable about it. Yupz, this case looks more prettier but, with all the difficulty to remove its, I become frustrated using it. Somebody help me, please!!! Shandra - life coach NYC
benet
November 10, 2009 at 7:21pm
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beladona
June 09, 2009 at 10:32am
I love this case but where can I find it in pink for the 13" MacBook???? I have looked everywhere!
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Anonymous
June 22, 2008 at 9:07pm
I love this case but where can I find it in pink for the 13" MacBook???? I have looked everywhere!
oranges
May 29, 2008 at 11:15am
any updates on when this will be sold? almost the end of may and its not listed on the incase site
It looks super sweet!
June 07, 2008 at 7:02pm
After calling and looking online all of yesterday and not finding the 15" Macbook Pro case ANYWHERE, my boyfriend and I decided to drop into the local Apple store just to check one more time. Lo and behold, there was ONE 15" Pro case in black (there were about 10 or 15 other cases for the 13" Macbook). I'm not sure why these cases are available (albeit in limited quantities) in the B&M Apple Store but not online from either Apple or Incase...but I'm not complaining (the case looks super sweet!). I would swing by local stores to see if you can grab one...but it's a highly YMMV-type situation.
Rae
June 10, 2008 at 9:35pm
I got my MacBook Pro Incase Hardshell on Monday 6/10 at an Apple Store in the Chicago area. I had just checked at the same store the previous Friday and they didn't have it. And then all of the sudden, they did a few days later! I love this case. It's a little bit difficult to get off but I bought the frosted clear one and it's awesome!
Anonymous
April 29, 2008 at 11:29pm
I have been unable to find an Incase Hardshell for the MacBook Pro 15 inch. I have not found a website or stores that sell them. I would love to buy one, but I am feeling frustrated.
Alfred Garcia
April 28, 2008 at 3:16am
The case limits the viewing angle of the screen, but not less than 90 degrees (at least for the 13inch macbook).
Anonymous
April 25, 2008 at 8:41am
Went to website and only 13in MacBook is available. No MacBook Pro options.
Anonymous
April 24, 2008 at 12:04pm
I just can't understand what the designers of this case were thinking when they design a case that limits the already terribly limited display bezel angle? I mean, this is a case for travel and this flaw makes it useless in almost every portable situation. How could they have allowed this to pass the initial design trials??? And I was hoping for good news...
zebbor
May 10, 2009 at 12:28am
This laptop is awesome
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fuzzynormal
April 24, 2008 at 10:24am
Does anybody use their laptop at a right angle or acute? I'm an obtuse man myself. I never have it straight up.
This case effectively would make my laptop unusable for me.
What the hell are they thinking?
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