I just got a new MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.66GHz for work (from work) that I wanted to keep in pristine condition. I didn't want anything dinging, denting, scratching, or scuffing the nice brushed metal exterior of the machine.My current Victorinox messenger bag (kinda like this Victorinox WT Wide Messenger) was too big for such a small computer. The two or three 15", plastic-cased (and legitimately scuffable) PC laptops I'd previously carried in it fit fine even while carrying books or files files for work and school.
But now, my needs at work had shifted and my constant drives toward a minimalist lifestyle have dictated something new (yes, I see the irony in needing something more in order to have less). The Victorinox just tried to hold too much--the two disorganized exterior pockets on the flap had started to become catch-alls for crap that I really didn't need to lug around (e.g., useless pens, crumpled sticky notes, old receipts and food wrappers).
I decided I needed a laptop case that was
* small (but still versatile) -A simple sleeve wouldn't allow me to carry a blocky power adapter to and from work.
* portable -Again, a sleeve wouldn't let me hang it on my shoulder and still carry a coffee cup and use my iPhone at the same time.
* protective -I didn't want dings, dents, scuffs, or scratches, whether those were from something hitting through the bag or from the simple act of sliding the MacBook in with something else in the bag.
So, I asked work about getting a new bag (or protective sleeve or case), and they gave me the Sherpa (this product). Here's my run-thru:
* Size (PASS):
The exterior pocket is small enough to fit my minimalist sensibilities--the power cord and some pens fit, but it's size doesn't tempt me to stuff anything I don't need in it.
* Portability (PASS):
Even while small, still has both a shoulder strap and a pair of handles on either side of the zipper on the top. I can hang it on it's designated hook at home and it doesn't feel unwieldy or out of place on the wall.
* Protection (MODERATE FAIL):
The case is well padded, true. And the exterior is a wonderfully sturdy fabric, just what I'd want for the outside of a case or bag.
But the one problem, though (and the one that still gives me the most pause) is the interior lining of the bag.
It's nylon, not a soft fabric like fleece, velvet, or even neoprene--instead it's a scratchy-sounding, cheap-feeling nylon, like what you would imagine on any backpack or duffel bag. It doesn't inspire confidence in me that it won't slightly scratch or tarnish the finish on the MacBook.
A soft fabric would cradle the gadget and polish it slightly every time I slid it in or out, not rub it raw or make that horrible scratchy noise anytime something rubbed against it. A soft fabric would have some give so that, if I wasn't paying attention and tossed a pen or a badge or (heaven forbid!) my keys in there with the metal MacBook, it would cushion the contents instead of grinding them against each other.
--
Essentially, what I'm saying is this:
If you've got gadget that you don't care about scuffing (or have a sleeve to protect one you do), then this is a great minimalist case.
Though, if you want to protect the outside of your laptop, you might want to get a sleeve, too.
Save 17% Off
0 comments:
Post a Comment