Hardshell covers worth it?

MacAddict. · May 28, 2012

I am a proud owner of a macbook pro and with the many other satisfied costumers you want to protect it. But how? Theres a wide range of hardshell covers but do they do more harm then help? Yes they can protect the outside from scratches and give some protection if you dropped your macbook. But I've noticed theres a few problems with them; they can cause your macbook to heat up much quicker and even possibly over heat. Also they don't protect anything but the outside of your macbook. So are Hardshell Covers worth it?

Dysfunction · May 28, 2012

I've never bothered. So, for me, no.

cwa107 · May 28, 2012

The Aluminum scratches quite easily. So, while they add a bit of bulk and none of them fit ideally, I think they're a good investment. I've had two now - the Speck Satin and then later, the Incipio Feather. The Feather was the less bulky of the two and more resilient, but the bottom piece can be dislodged much easier than the Speck (then again, the Speck's clips are flimsy and fail after a few removals).

Then again, a few bumps and bruises happened while my MBP was safely ensconced, and while it scuffed the case, my MBP remains looking like new.

pigoo3 · May 28, 2012

Definitely worth it. I've seen way too many dented, scratched, dinged, nicked, etc....MacBook Pro's.

You'll be kicking yourself in the head the first time your MBP gets messed up...if you REALLY value the appearance of your MBP!!!

- Nick

chscag · May 28, 2012

I agree. Definitely worth it as Nick says. I kept an InCase hard shell on my 2008 MacBook while it was in my possession. It helped me sell it at a premium price because it kept the white poly case spotless. As far as I know, it never prevented cooling.

fluhartz · May 29, 2012

I have a clear specks cover on mine. It keeps it looking perfect and I have never had an issue with overheating. Totally worth it in my opinion....

pigoo3 · May 29, 2012

chscag said:
II kept an InCase hard shell on my 2008 MacBook while it was in my possession. It helped me sell it at a premium price because it kept the white poly case spotless.

Great point.

The hard shell cases are a great investment when it's resale time (which we almost always end up doing when it's time to upgrade)!

- Nick

firesidedog · May 29, 2012

Speck black satin on mine. Looks great and well worth the money. No heating issues whatsoever.

Deckyon · May 29, 2012

I have the Clear Speck case when I take my MBP out of the house. worth every penny. I have never had issues taking it off or putting it on and the clips are holding up just fine after a year.

skyhigh · Jul 18, 2012

i definitely use hard shell cases to protect my macbook. i use these macbook cases, they're definitely awesome because unlike the speck cases, you can buy them with matching keyboard skins, which i definitely love (yay colors!)

i'm especially partial to the matte cases ones because they provide a better grip. i've never actually tried the gloss/crystal ones, but they SEEM like they'd be more prone to scratches, but they are awfully shiny

i've had my matte case for a bit, and it doesn't overheat (there are these little vent things on the bottom) and my case has barely any scratches. but i do take them off once in awhile to clean. i had the speck satin case before, and the clip thingies seem super flimsy and scratched my mbp when i tried to take'em off.

one con about these cases is that they're kinda hard to take off ): but i guess i'd rather have it hard to take off than if they came off easily lol

wanton789 · Jul 18, 2012

Yes

MacAddict. said:
I am a proud owner of a macbook pro and with the many other satisfied costumers you want to protect it. But how? Theres a wide range of hardshell covers but do they do more harm then help? Yes they can protect the outside from scratches and give some protection if you dropped your macbook. But I've noticed theres a few problems with them; they can cause your macbook to heat up much quicker and even possibly over heat. Also they don't protect anything but the outside of your macbook. So are Hardshell Covers worth it?

I've had my MBP for 4 years.. it looks brand new on the outside. no kidding

vdubbeet · Oct 20, 2012

skyhigh said:
i definitely use hard shell cases to protect my macbook. i use these macbook cases, they're definitely awesome because unlike the speck cases, you can buy them with matching keyboard skins, which i definitely love (yay colors!)

i'm especially partial to the matte cases ones because they provide a better grip. i've never actually tried the gloss/crystal ones, but they SEEM like they'd be more prone to scratches, but they are awfully shiny

i've had my matte case for a bit, and it doesn't overheat (there are these little vent things on the bottom) and my case has barely any scratches. but i do take them off once in awhile to clean. i had the speck satin case before, and the clip thingies seem super flimsy and scratched my mbp when i tried to take'em off.

one con about these cases is that they're kinda hard to take off ): but i guess i'd rather have it hard to take off than if they came off easily lol

Was excited when I went to the link you listed above until I learned they only offer 13" versions

Any of you have any idea where I can find a sleeve to fit over my 15" MBP with Speck cover? I've tried a few to no avail. Thanks in advance.

TattooedMac · Oct 20, 2012

vdubbeet said:
Was excited when I went to the link you listed above until I learned they only offer 13" versions Any of you have any idea where I can find a sleeve to fit over my 15" MBP with Speck cover? I've tried a few to no avail. Thanks in advance.

I got mine off the Apple site. Go to your Apple site then Store then in the side panel For your Mac/Bags and Cases This is what i got in the Australian store but there is many others.

Speck 15" SeeThru Case for MacBook Pro - Apple Store (Australia)

noodles3 · Oct 21, 2012

I've had a Speck clear case on my old MBP, which is now 7 years old and the case is spotless. I've heard stories of how they can overheat the MBP, although I can't say I've had this happen.

I've just got a retina MBP and also have a cover on this

Hardshell covers worth it?

MacAddict.

Dysfunction

cwa107

pigoo3

Well-known member

chscag

Well-known member

fluhartz

pigoo3

Well-known member

firesidedog

Deckyon

skyhigh

wanton789

vdubbeet

TattooedMac

noodles3

Shop Amazon