After painstakingly choosing which type of Macbook you want, the next most difficult decision is how to keep said Macbook protected. There are so many options out there, ranging from no protection to complete protection, and in many different forms, that sometimes it can become difficult to decide. Well, don’t worry, because this easy guide will help you to choose between the many options and levels of protection out there for your Mac.
The Birthday Suit
Perhaps one of the many reasons you decided to purchase one of Apple’s beautiful Macbooks was because you were in love the form and finish of the machine. Perhaps you love the glossy white of the Macbook, or the sleek aluminum of the Macbook Pro and you are not about to cover that up! So, what are your options? Let’s discuss.
Zagg’s Invisible Shield
Leaving your Mac naked is not the best idea to prevent from scratches or dents, but if you want to let the natural beauty and sleek physique of your notebook shine through, you might want to think about using a clear protective film. BodyGuards and Zagg’s Invisible Shield are two highly recommended brands of full body clear protection. These military grade films are easy to install and removable in case you need to, and for about $50 for complete coverage, they are a great way to protect the natural beauty of your machine from scratches. Downside, however, is that they do not protect against dents to aluminum models, so as long as your careful not to bump your Macbook, this protection could work for you.
Sticking to It
So, you bought your Macbook because you are one of those expressive types that likes to show off your individuality, creativity and genius, and the best way to do that is through a computer that is designed just like you. You don’t just want your Macbook to create but you also want it to be a creation. Well, they make an App for that, err…. well, they make as skin for that at least!
GelaSkins makes a full line of protective sticker skins that provide an excellent source of protection for the lid of your Macbook for about $30. Only thing is, it provides no protection to the sides or bottom of your notebook, leaving it vulnerable to scratches and dents. You may want to use this option in conjunction with another form of protection, like a hard shell or one of the previously mentioned protective films. BodyGuardz actually sells their protective films by the piece so you can buy exactly the protection you need.
GelaSkin for Macbook
By the way, if your not happy with the choice of artwork offered at GelaSkins and other similar skin manufacturers, you can always create your own skin at Skinit ($34.95).
Protection, in a nut Shell
Scenario: You purchase a shiny new Macbook pro, stick a nice colorful skin on it to protect it, but one fine day you drop it as you’re pulling it out of your bag. It has only fallen a few inches, but UT OH, you dented it! It is one of the worst things that can happen physically to the aluminum Macbook casing and after checking the machine to make sure it is still working properly, you are left with a fully functional, but physically deformed, Mac.
Speck SeeThru Hard Shell
How could this scenario have been avoided? Well, since the exterior casing of the Macbook is metal, denting is an issue you may run into, but one that can be curtailed to an extent by using a hard shell case. Hard shells are made by a variety of manufacturers, however, the two most popular and highly recommended brands are Speck and Incase. Coming in a variety of colors, these hard shells are an excellent source of dent protection for your Macbook when it comes to short distance falls or things falling onto your laptop. Obviously, a hard shell won’t be able to save your Mac from a drop off a building, but for those everyday accidents, it is not only excellent scratch protection but also amazing shock protection.
These hard shells aren’t just great for the aluminum Macbook models, but they also come in versions for the plastic cased Macbooks as well and for about $50 each, they can be a real case saver!
Wear your Mac in a Sleeve
Whichever level of protection you choose from, you can still always do with a sleeve case for keeping your Mac protected while traveling. Although some sleeves can offer a pretty tight fit like the Contour Design sleeves, others like Incase allow extra room so that you can keep your notebook covered by a skin or a hard shell and still fit it into the case. Some sleeve manufacturers actually design cases that act as both a sleeve for traveling but then also open up to allow the user to work on their Mac while it is still incased by the sleeve. Isis Dei and iSkin are two reputable and well priced manufacturers who allow for this flexibility in their case lineup.
Contour Design rE-versible Sleeve
The best part about sleeve cases is that with so many manufacturers, you are certain to find something that fits your needs and your budget, not to mention your personal style!
