I bought a new unibody MacBook Pro with 17" screen back in Sept 2009. At the same, I decided that my Victorinox leather briefcase wasn't the best way to cart around all the junk I carry with me. I decided to move to a backpack. Therein lay my problem which this STM sleeve solved. Some of the backpacks I looked at had a removable sleeve that allowed you to skip thru TSA checkpoints without totally exposing the MacBook to scratches. Then, there were otherwise attractive backpacks that were designed with a non-removable padded compartment. I didn't want to be restricted in my choice of backpacks so I decided to look for a sleeve that would work in any bag. Next problem.....if a sleeve was going to be used in a backpack, it had to be top loading. Almost all the sleeves out there have zippers running down the long side not the top loading shorter side. Arrrgh!I looked at some other top loading sleeves but they all had some weird quirk like no zipper, just a pull over closure that looked to be almost unusable inside a backpack. Finally I stumbled on this STM bag. It received some great reviews on the web and Amazon stocked it. Great, I could have it before my first business trip with the new computer. I've had it for a couple of months now and I love it. It's a top loader so I can pull the computer out of the backpack without removing the sleeve. On the other hand, I can quickly pull the sleeve out with the MacBook inside to get through TSA checkpoints with the MacBook still protected. I've never been challenged at a checkpoint yet after about 6 flights with the STM sleeve. The sleeve is well built with a protective flap under the zipper so the zipper can't come in contact with the MacBook and scratch it. The sleeve is also fitted exactly to the Macbook Pro 17". It's a snug fit. Glove tight. You actually have to stretch the sleeve a bit to get it closed.
I ended up with the Swiss Gear pack sold thru the Apple store which already has its own fixed padded compartment specifically designed for the MacBook Pro 17. The STM sleeve fits inside the pack nice and snug while providing additional protection and the TSA compatibility I wanted. I'm happy with this product.I bought my first STM sleeve in 2006. It was a dense neoprene, was fantastic protection. The next generation I bought in 2008 was thinner, not as dense, but for a neoprene sleeve still decent protection, though not as bullet-proof as the first.
This generation is thin and flimsy. Not a little thinner, a lot thinner. they changed how the pieces are sewn together, which I believe also affects how well it protects on the side. This version uses an additional piece of fabric that each side is connected to, the older ones were sewn directly, that joining of fabric provided a nice bumper that this one does not.
This generation has a fluffy interior fabric that is not mentioned in the listing. No reason for this, as it can collect dust or debris and likely to promote static, which the regular neoprene did not.
There's got to be a better option for the price point. STM no more for me.
Buy STM DP-2107 13 Inch MacBook Glove Now
First, let me say that I've owned the sleeve for the 15" Macbook Pro as well as an STM Backpack. All of these products are incredibly well thought out and constructed. In the time I've been using them, I've never had a zipper fail on me, or a rip occur. Certainly, this is not a case that will take a "licking and keep on ticking", but it is good to protect your notebook in a briefcase or backpack. It resists the occasional splash of coffee, and cleans up easily. The padding is adequate for the protection it affords, and the lip at the top inside, under the zipper, is a great improvement over other cases. It protects the ports on the side of the notebook. This is especially valuable with the new lightning bolt technology, as adding this isn't exactly cheap! Take it from me, this is the best thing from down under in a long time. You certainly will get your money's worth, and never be sorry!Did a LOT of searching on Amazon for just the right case and I am very happy with the purchase. Fits my Macbook Retina like a glove, including the external mouse mini USB plug that I can just leave in my Mac. There is complete zipper protection on both sides of the inside of the case to prevent scratches and the inside lining is very soft. I needed this sleeve for transporting my Mac in my backpack, and for resting my Mac on something when typing on hard surfaces (desks/tables). Sleeve is slim, but cushioned and doesn't feel cheap. No additional pockets on the sleeve, but I wasn't looking for any. Highly recommended. Amazon and STM also got this to me in one business day. Kudos! The other reviews helped me make this purchase and I agree with what they've said. Fits great. Great protection. Top loading for easy access (and airports). Perfect for carrying my MacBook in my backpack and not worrying about it banging into something.

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