Hi,
I am getting a new 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro and I'm wondering how I should go about protecting it. I've conducted a few preliminary Google searches and it seems that people are very divided about whether to use a sleeve, hard-shell case or skin for a MacBook. I understand the protection levels of each option, and it seems like a case would be a good idea, but I've heard horror stories about peoples' MacBooks overheating or getting dents in their exteriors while in cases. I've also read about how MacBooks are quite durable and I'm not sure if I even need hard-shell protection. What are your experiences and advice regarding protecting MacBooks from wear and tear?
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Maddy
Comments
Protection For MacBook Pro
Since I got my Mac I have had it in a skin. It was given to me by a family member. The cover that goes on the bottom has slats in it to keep the computer cool. The top cover snaps onto the back of the screen. AS this skin has more of a plastic/rubber consistency I like it and the rubber feet keep it secure on a table from not sliding easily. the aluminum of an unprotected mac is more slippery and seems to move around easier on a table. I thought I wasn't going to like it, but I've never look back or thought about removing it since it was given to me. Ultimately, its about what you want and what will work best though. A protective skin for me may not be for you. It all depends on preference just as it does with the iPhone. some people like a very thick protective case while others prefer something thinner and more stylish.
MacBook Pro Skin
Thank you for your input. I think this type of protective skin will be best for my use case, as it is both protective and stylish. Can you send a link to it?
Mac protection
Heya. I'm currently rolling a 16-inch MBP. I keep it in a hard shell case, but there are also vinyl skins from companies like Dbrand as well as soft cases. I prefer hard shells because they offer some impact protection and don't add too much bulk.
Vinyl skins are even less bulky, but they give you scratch protection only. Floppy, self-adhesive vinyl isn't going to protect against any knocks and bumps. Plus they're a pain to install, especially without sight. I've always been a bit paranoid about soft cases trapping heat in. Plus, they're a bit too cumbersome for my tastes. The soft material would provide the best impact protection though.
Hard cases are easy and cheap on Amazon. You can even get some with built in shock protection, though they are rather bulky and kind of ugly. Any hard case worth buying will have vent holes both for the air ducts and for passive heat dissipation. You can get them with glossy or matte finishes. I prefer matte since they usually have a soft texture and won't scratch in 2 seconds. You can get clear cases, but those will turn yellow over time. Many include screen protectors and silicone keyboard covers. Screen protectors are great to have, especially if you intend to resell or hand down the machine in the future. I don't recommend you use keyboard covers though. Many of them can permanently stain the coating on the display panel. You can even get protectors for the trackpad and touchbar, if you really want.
Of course, you're free to go naked. The aluminium shell is reasonably durable, but expect it to collect scratches. Dents as well if you're the kind of person who tends to bump your tech around. Those alloys tend to be around 3 or 4 on the hardness scale which means steel, glass, ceramics, sapphire, and diamond can all scratch it.
MacBook Case
Hi,
Thank you so much for the advice. I’ve decided to look into hardshell cases like the ones Speck makes. They seem to be reasonably protective and not too ugly.
Sincerely,
Maddy
Protection For MacBook Pro
I'll see if I can get you the name of the skin. AS it was given to me, I did not buy it on amazon otherwise I would just copy and paste the link.