11-21-2010, 11:20 AM

Hey guys,

I use my Macbook for work, so I'm constantly traveling with it. Which is better to protect it -- a neoprene case, or the hard shell?

Thanks!

11-21-2010, 01:43 PM

It depends on whether you are talking about a shell case or a carrying bag.

Neoprene is a soft. It will only protect you against scratches. Most typical hard shell cases aren't much better at protection either so it depends on if you like the soft feel or a stiff case. The benefit with hard shell cases is that you can get ones that snap onto your laptop so that it's constantly on.

I don't really care much about scratches so I don't use a shell case protector. What I worry about is impact when transporting my laptop. The best protection for that is a good laptop carrying bag with plenty of cushioning. A hard laptop carrying bag is like a brief case and I find them too heavy and bulky for daily usage. A soft carrying bag with enough cushioning works well enough for me.

Once I'm at my destination and my laptop is out on the table I rarely have to worry about some random object hitting my laptop.

11-21-2010, 04:03 PM

Well there are Speck hard cases that protect it against scratches and things like that. Macbook Cases, Sleeves, and Bags - Speck Products

What I use is a hard-shell carrying case, found here: Review: Slappa HardBody PRO Carbon Elektra (lots of pics) .

It is very easy to travel with, as you just throw it in the little bin they provide at the airport and just let it run through.

11-21-2010, 11:16 PM

I like the idea of the hard case... it seems somewhat bulky, though?

11-22-2010, 09:51 AM

Speck case may be best for traveling. It does add a little weight and thickness to the MBP, but not much. I ended up taking it off and put on a protective film for the bottom but leave everything else bare. The aluminum MBP looks too good to keep covered.