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Wooden MacBook Case Makes You Look Mature

Danny Estrada — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:15:56 -0600

There are very few things in this world that gives us an air of sophistication and an out right pompous feeling that says "we are better than you." One of them, is of course writing for Mac|Life, the other is our exceptionally good taste in european decor and accessories. Now we have the opportunity to combine our love of Mac's and our love of great hand crafted mill-work to throughly show off our greatness, and we are kind enough to share it with you so you can live your life by our example.

Rainer Spehl is a German based designer working in all thing ascetically pleasing to the eye. There is a number of clean and minimalist pieces of furniture and interiors profiled on his sight, but what has caught our eye our his wooden laptop cases for the 15" MacBook and MacBook Pro.

The wooden cases are lined with leather, with a classy leather hinge and a magnetic device for a secure close. If you want to order one you have to contact Rainer through his site. While, the added weight of the case will probably kill you as you shlep it around, the attention you'll get when you pull it out at a coffee shop will be well worth it.

This thing is sexy.

Video: Three Custom Bag Setups for Your Mac Laptop

Leslie Ayers — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:54:25 -0500

In the September 2007 issue of Mac|Life we'll bring you a buyer's guide reviewing the latest and greatest bags and sleeves for your MacBook and MacBook Pro. Today our editor in chief, Leslie Ayers, provides a video preview of some of the best.

REQUIREMENTS: QuickTime 7 or later

You can also download compressed versions of this video to play on your Mac (QuickTime), iPod, or AppleTV. After you download any of these three versions, you may need to double-click it to uncompress it:

> Podcast: iPod video format (63.7MB)

> QuickTime: High-resolution QuickTime movie (580.4MB)

> AppleTV: High-resolution AppleTV movie (232.6MB)

Hardcase

Michelle Victoria — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:18:15 -0500

The removable accessory box locks into place.

Made of ABS plastic, the Hardcase offers your MacBook superstrong protection. We just couldn't get excited about its looks. We're not vain (well, not that vain), but when there are dozens of good-looking notebook cases that offer reliable protection, we can afford to be fashionable.

The pencil-case-like accessory box holds your MacBook's cables, power adapter, and maybe even a flash drive and a pack of Tic Tacs. There aren't any other pockets, in case you're used to carrying a backpack full of stuff. The Hardcase's lid can fold under the bottom to give your MacBook a lift. And the straps are removable and adjustable so you can wear the Hardcase as a backpack or over your shoulder.

The bottom line. The Hardcase is a stalwart, if visually plain, defender against bumps and dings to your MacBook.

COMPANY: RhinoSkin
CONTACT: www.saunders-usa.com
PRICE: $59.95
REQUIREMENTS: MacBook
Sturdy.
Sparse storage space. Like-it-or-leave-it looks.

Hardsleeve

Michelle Victoria — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 18:10:24 -0500

Just 'cause they're gorgeous, don't think they're sissies.

Tucking your MacBook or 15-inch MacBook Pro into Axio's Hardsleeve case is like outfitting your laptop with armor. The hard plastic outer shell provides protection from dings and scratches, while the EVA foam inside cushions your 'Book and helps to absorb shocks. The Hardsleeve doesn't have handles or pockets, so it's not great for toting, unless you don't mind carrying it as you would a book. Still, the Hardsleeve is ideal for when you want to give your 'Book extra protection inside another bag or your luggage.

The bottom line. Take care of your MacBook, and it will take care of you. The Hardsleeve is a good way to start.

COMPANY: Axio
CONTACT: www.axio-usa.com
PRICE: $79.95
REQUIREMENTS: MacBook or 15-inch MacBook Pro
Stylish. Good protection.
No pockets or handles.

Otterbox Medium Laptop Case

Michael J. Shapiro — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:44:31 -0600

This hard-ass is takin' what you're givin' cause it's workin' for a livin'.

Is a typical nylon notebook bag too wimpy for your forays into rugged territory with your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or PowerBook? Otterbox's Medium Laptop Case is made of superstrong plastic - and not the plastic your mom's Tupperware is made from, either. We're talking plastic that's tough enough to handle a 160-pound editor standing on it, and even bouncing a little.

We don't recommend that you make a habit of using this (or any) laptop case as a step stool, but you can take comfort in its fortitude. The case is not quite waterproof; more accurately, it's water resistant. When we submerged the case in a bathtub full of water (sans bubbles), the contents (a bunch of Microsoft Windows polo shirts) came out soaked. To be fair, Otterbox's website plainly says that the case is "not intended for underwater use." Nonetheless, the case does provide excellent protection against splashes and rain. It holds a 15-inch laptop snugly in place with Velcro-attached bumpers. The bumpers can be adjusted to fit a 13-inch notebook, but the case is too small for a 17-inch model. (Tip: Buy extra Velcro to secure extras like cords or a mouse; the case lacks pockets and pouches.)

The bottom line. Whether you're braving rain, sleet, or punishing clumsiness, this rugged Otterbox case will protect your trusty 'Book.

COMPANY: Otterbox
CONTACT: www.otterbox.com
PRICE: $169.95
REQUIREMENTS: 13-inch or 15-inch 'Book
Water resistant. Tough. Notebook can be used inside the case.
Only one size available. Pricey. No extra pockets or pouches.

SeeThru and Canvas Sport

Susie Ochs — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:50:28 -0600

High style (above) or hi-tops (below) - your call.

The SeeThru is a hard plastic - and yep, see-through - case that comes in two parts for the top and bottom halves of your MacBook or 15-inch MacBook Pro. It's easy to put on (as long as all five plastic hooks along the 'Book's hinge are secured correctly), and though it was a little tough to remove at first, it gets easier with practice. (The trick: Free the plastic tabs from one corner at a time.) Once it's on, you won't notice the case at all, as it leaves the ports uncovered and all but disappears from sight when your 'Book is open. The bottom is vented to dissipate heat and sports rubber feet. It adds a heavier-than-expected 13.9 ounces but barely any bulk - our SeeThru-ed MacBook Pro still fit in every sleeve and bag we put it in, including Speck Products' Canvas Sport, a canvas-and-rubber, soft-lined sleeve that invokes the style of a Converse All-Star sneaker.

The Canvas Sport comes in black or cotton-candy pink, and has a sturdy feel and a snap closure. It's meant for transporting just the 'Book (probably inside another bag since it lacks a handle) - you can't use the 'Book while it's in the Canvas Sport. There's no pocket for the power brick, either.

The bottom line. Unless you need port covers or added padding, the SeeThru is an attractive - and relatively pricey - option. The Canvas Sport is a handy sleeve that Chuck Taylor fans will dig.

SeeThru
COMPANY: Speck Products
CONTACT: www.speckproducts.com
PRICE: $49.95
REQUIREMENTS: MacBook or 15-inch MacBook Pro
Protective hard case. Doesn't interfere with function. Adds shine and color. Comes in red or clear.
Pricey. No shock protection or covered ports if used alone.

Canvas Sport
COMPANY: Speck Products
CONTACT: www.speckproducts.com
PRICE: $39.95
REQUIREMENTS: MacBook or 15-inch MacBook Pro
Turns heads. Protects with soft lining and rugged rubber corners. Comes in two colors.
'Book must be removed from the sleeve to be used. No handle.

Evolution Rolling Lite

Michelle Victoria — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:46:10 -0600

This compact carry-on is tough enough to handle plenty of abuse.

The Evolution Rolling Lite is made of ballistic nylon, and it's sturdy enough to handle your plane-hopping while on business. It's big enough to hold not one, but two 15-inch 'Books, your power adapter, cables, your latest issue of Mac|Life, toiletries, music CDs, snacks, and anything else you might want to take on a plane (snake repellent?).

The bag's skate wheels roll smoothly. The trolley arm is adjustable to two positions and can collapse into the bag's rear pocket when you're not using it.

The bottom line. When you're traveling, you can feel confident that your stuff is safe inside the Evolution Rolling Lite.

COMPANY: Pacific Design
CONTACT: www.pacificdesign.com
PRICE: $79.95
REQUIREMENTS: Fits 15-inch laptops or smaller
Sturdy. Compact. Helpful trolley arm. Plenty of pockets.
Nothing, really.