Thule has been synonymous with ruggedness with their line of modular bicycle, ski, luggage and other multi-purpose roof racks since at least the '80s here in the U.S. As one who has used these products on various vehicles over the years, I can attest to their overall quality, along with their customer service.
When I saw this new Thule MacBook Sleeve 13In Tote Bag offered here, it was obviously worth a deeper look, and after receiving it and putting it to use, can say that it has lived up to my expectations.
Pros:
* Semi-rigid, high-density molded high-density polyurethane construction
* Water-resistant zipper and outer shell, allows all-weather use
* Convenient clamshell design; offers easy access
* Elastic band holds the MacBook securely in place
* Weighs under a pound
Cons:
* Could use an inside pocket; may be minor to many
* No handle; again a minor issue
Observations:
This sleeve/case is not only a pleasure to use; it's attractive in its overall design and function. It holds my MacBook Pro Laptop in place perfectly when it's being transported. I wondered about how weather-resistant it might be, so I zipped it up and gave it a quick pass in the shower prior inserting my laptop, trying to simulate street conditions. Dried off the exterior and found the interior to be dry.
The molded semi-rigid exterior appears to be well constructed, and the design is unmistakably Thule. It's the type of sleeve that is excellent for protecting the MacBook when traveling, especially on airline flights when it may have to be stowed in an overhead bin or tossed into the back seat of a care when one is in a hurry. I didn't feel like doing a drop test with my MacBook inside, but rapping on the outside offered a positive feeling about the overall construction.
The dual zipper pulls have rubberized handles, and allow for opening this case in either direction. Should note that the zipper was a bit stiff initially, but using the old-fashioned treatment of gently passing an unlit candle across the fine zipper teeth, then exercising them for a few minutes, cured that problem. From careful examination it appears that the zipper is quite similar to those used in a well-designed camera bag, where weather resistance is a priority.
Should you own a 15 inch MacBook, they also offer a Thule MacBook Sleeve 15In Tote Bag, which appears to be quite similar.
In Use:
Simply put, this Thule MacBook Sleeve functions quite well as a protective case for a MacBook. The surface is easy to grip even when wet, and it has that unmistakable signature Thule appearance. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that even with the Speck Products See Thru Satin Case on my MacBook Pro, it still fit inside the Thule sleeve. Your own experience may vary depending on the thickness of a particular shell case if you use one, but it worked with mine.
Issues:
There been a lot of talk on various support sites about the potential for heat buildup in the various MacBook computers. The product tag that came with my Thule sleeve states: "The clamshell design lets you to use your device while still in the case." I raise a skeptical eyebrow with this statement, as I had asked some techs at a major Apple retailer during a visit there. They pointed me to the Apple Support site, where I found the following info:
"Mac computers have air vents that allow heated air to exit. The vents are in the back of the computer on the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro computers. On an iMac, the vent is a slot on the back near the top of the computer. Make sure the vents remain unblocked to allow your computer to perform at its best."
Another section noted the following:
"Set up your portable on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer. Do not operate your portable on a pillow or other soft material, as the material can block the airflow vents. Never place anything over the keyboard when operating the computer. Never push objects into the ventilation openings."
If you look at your own MacBook when it's in place within the Thule sleeve, you'll see that the airflow is obstructed if you operate it within the sleeve. I tried it briefly, and did notice that the fan speed did increase; a clear indication then there's a bit of internal heat buildup when using it in this fashion. I might suggest that this sleeve be used for transporting your MacBook or protecting it from the elements, and not for actual use with the notebook inside.
Also be aware that the CD/DVD drive will be blocked if one operates the MacBook Pro inside this sleeve, and should you need to charge it using one of the new style MagSafe magnetic power connectors, you'll have to reverse it, blocking the USB and other ports on the left of the computer.
Bottom Line:
If the points above regarding the potential for heat buildup sound negative regarding this Thule sleeve, they actually are not. If anything it's just basic common sense. I use mine regularly, but for transporting the MacBook, and not operating it in field situations. It has proven itself to be excellent all-weather protection for the computer, along with offering a stylishly distinctive look when on location in either the field or the office. I recommend this as a good all around sleeve for transporting the MacBook.
5/15/2012
I like this case a lot. It's a good mix between hard and soft cases. I don't want to carry a Pelican case everywhere, but I also would like a little more hard-sided protection than you get from a neoprene case...which basically only prevents scratches. This case does some of both. It's slick enough to slide easily into a backpack (unlike the CaseLogic with the silly extra pocket on the front...just found it to snag/catch on everything), but grippy enough to carry by hand. The zipper doesn't touch the computer when it's zipped up, and speaking of the zipper....yes, it does take a little effort to zip/unzip (as previously mentioned), but that stems from the improved protection and water-repellency. It's only a big deal if you like to whip your computer out ninja-style; in that case, you won't like it. BTW, I found it at my local military exchange for the same price.
Buy Thule TAS-115 15" MacBook Sleeve Now
Fits the 15" MacBook Pro Retina with just enough room to throw in an Ipad. Has a bit more protection than other sleeves. It would be nice to have a pocket or two on the outside for additional items.
Read Best Reviews of Thule TAS-115 15" MacBook Sleeve Here
Thule has been long known for their ruggedness so when I saw a chance to snag this MacBook Pro Sleeve for my husband (who just happens to be an IT professional and drags his laptop EVERYWHERE) I just couldn't resist. He is rough on his equipment and it tends to get tough on our pocket book. (if you know what I mean) So I handed it over and told him to test it out.
After a few weeks of use, this is what he had to say.
Pros:
*It's rugged.
*The zippers (though they are a little stiff to deal with at first especially around corners) create a very tight seal keeping the elements (rain etc) out. A must if you are using this as your main carry all. Don't plan on throwing it into a backpack? No problem.
*The texture (or ridges) on the outside make it easily to handle. While most cases are smooth on the outside (and can slide from your fingers if you aren't paying attention to what you are doing) the texture on this sleeve provides a space for your fingers to actually latch on.
*The polyester fiber lining on the inside is top notch. I don't have to worry about my MacBook getting scratched, which makes me a happy camper.
*The elastic bands (on the inside) bend with the display allowing me to use my computer while it's still in the sleeve.
Cons:
*The zippers. I mentioned this in the pros but man...those are some tough zippers to get around the edges. I'm sure with more use they will looses up a tad, but they are difficult to deal with right out of the gate.
*While I appreciate the texture found on the outside (allowing me to grip it easily) I could benefit from a handle. Once the computer is tucked safely inside it tends to get a little heavy (due in part to the heavy duty material used to make it.)
*Unless you are taking this backpacking (which might actually be the reason you are buying such a tough sleeve) there is no additional space provided for accessories of any kind. (aka you can't bring your charger.)
This is flat out a backpackers sleeve. If you are looking for a new business case you will be disappointed. And, with the lack of features (which would allow it to be functional for more than 1 "type" of use) it's a tad pricey.
Want Thule TAS-115 15" MacBook Sleeve Discount?
It's not a totally hard shell, but it seems like it will protect my mac in my Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag, which doesn't have enough padding for my taste.
My early 2011 15" MBP fits snugly, even with a logitech universal receiver sticking out.
The mac seems to cool down quickly enough when I close it that I think overheating won't be a problem. I take it out of the sleeve when using it, however.
Some people have complained about the smell. It had a chemical smell for a few days, but now, a month later, I can barely smell it if I stick my nose right in it. So I suspect that the smell won't be a problem for most people.
Some people have complained about the waterproof zippers being tough to use. They haven't been a problem for me. There are elastic bands that can get in the way when zipping it up, so you have to be sure to tuck them in before zipping.
After many disappointments, took a chance on this bag. Main strength is it is extremely light and will fit your 13 inch (Sony Vaio Z) and give it reasonable protection for everyday carrying. If you have a light laptop and don't want a heavy bag (!) this may be it. Will carry power supply and cords as well but puffs the zip pocket out a bit. Main weakness is relatively thin strap (one star off) with a nice pad. Put on my booq strap and am good to go. Interesting detail is the rubber dots at the base--I often clutch the base of my bag so this was a neat touch. Decent price and nice cosmetics--try the black/orange.
