Laptop Reviews

I’m the type that loves to keep my things new and scratch free as long as possible, so I considered some of the other cases and skins to protect the aluminum body of my new Macbook Pro 15. I also wanted to show the natural aluminum body, since I consider this Apple a work of art: very clean, well designed, put together, and modern looking.

I considered getting either the Incase or the Satin Speck cases, but they were all colored or tinted. None were offered in the clear case except for the Speck See Thru Clear Hard case. The satin cases can also rub off and show the shiny hard plastic underneath, as was done to my cellphone satin case. I seriously considered getting the Bodyguardz or similar that provide a thick urethane skin but they required it to be applied on wet. I’ve applied this to my Ipod, but I wasn’t too keen on applying this to my new Macbook Pro, worrying about getting water into the computer and voiding the warranty. The Gelaskin is applied dry, but again, I couldn’t find a clear version. They all had a pattern or picture that were applied to the skin. The skins protected against scratches, but nothing else. The only solution was the Speck Clear case which also had it’s own issues too.

The Speck Clear case is smooth, and will eventually get scratched and scraped, but better the case than the Macbook. I already tested the protection the case provided by accident because of the slickness of the case. After I installed the clear case over the Macbook, which wasn’t difficult to put on or remove, I put the case in a neoprene sleeve that still fit perfectly. I was surprised that it fit so well, and didn’t add much more bulk. However, the sleeve opens at the side, and not from the top. Well, after using it a couple of times, I forgot to zip up the side, and the computer slipped out of the sleeve with great ease. Ouch, OH NO I cried. I thought I either broke the case, the computer, or both. To my surprise, after dropping about 2 feet (onto a hardwood floor), there was no damage to either case or computer. A testimony to the rugged protection offered by the Speck case.

I’d give it 5 stars if it was not as slick, and more rubberize, but the clear is only available in the slick hard case. It shows the natural beauty and color of the Macbook Pro, and provides the protection it was meant for. I haven’t noticed any heat issues, as it is vented underneath and the case can be easily removed to clean between the computer and the case. All ports, slot disc, button for the battery is accessible by design. The tabs to clip over the case is secure, but minimal as to not add to the bulk or natural look of the Macbook. The case is well designed to the new mid 2009 Macbook Pro unibody (black keys).

Over all, I’m impressed with the case and would highly recommend this if you want to protect and keep your Macbook Pro new and clean.
Rating: 4 / 5

Easy to put on, less easy (but not hard) to take off, perfect fit for the MBP. Looks glossy and gorgeous BUT if you’re buying the clear one, it will get scratched up eventually though, so it won’t look all glossy and gorgeous forever. Better the shell than my MBP…The tolerance of the fit is glove-like, but not sealed, so small items (i.e. grains of sand in a backpack I used at the beach 2 moths ago) can STILL get between the shell and the computer and rub some nasty marring into the MBPs finish. So you”ll need to do a visual check around the edges periodically to make sure nothing is in there (the clear plastic makes this effortless). A microfibre cloth is included with the packaging for this exact reason (fortunately I caught them before they did any damage). It does it’s job well, BUT even at Amazon’s lower price ($15 cheaper than the apple store) I still think it’s overpriced, thus I give it 4 stars, though I’d give it 4.5 if I could. After all, it is just a piece of plastic…

Update 3/6/10: Originally gave this product a 4, but after a few months now, I realized you pretty much have to check for particles between the shell and your MacBook EVERY TIME YOU USE IT. As for my MBP, it’s to late. After not checking for about 2 weeks (I use it 3-4 times a week, not everyday), I pulled off the plastic to clean it and there were already small black marks ground into the finish up and down both sides of the laptop. Cleaning with various cloth-types and liquid agents did nothing to remove the marks, the finish is permanently marred. The problem is that anything small CAN & WILL get between the case and the computer. The particles ALSO mar the plastic case on the inside, so after a while you can’t tell if it’s just a scratch on the plastic case or if it’s actually garbage that needs to get cleaned out. So I have to drop the score to 2. If you’re the fastidious type who enjoys cleaning and caring for your products on a CONSTANT basis, go for it, if not, get a bag with a soft non-abrasive liner. My Speck case is now in the trash, along with the $40 it cost me. :-/
Rating: 2 / 5

First of all, let me say I LOVE Amazon. Everything I have gotten has been as described, at a good price, and fast delivery. That being said, I just got my Speck Crystal Clear hard shell cover for my MacBook Pro. I really like the clear one because it doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of this machine. Other than being shiny, everything looks exactly the same. It is thin enough to not add bulk and the added weight is negligible. It couldn’t have been any easier to install, just snaps on and it doesn’t interfere with the opening of the screen at all. I’ve been researching cases to protect my MacBook Pro for quite a while and am very glad I decided on this one. I’m not sure I understand the people talking about dirt and sand getting under the case and scratching the laptop. If you pay $2,000 for a laptop, a little common sense about what you subject it to would be appropriate. I would definitely recommend this case.
Rating: 5 / 5

I have a Macbook Pro 15″ Aluminum. Having spent almost $2000 on the computer I wanted as much protection on it’s body as possible.

I bought the Speck See-Thru case in clear and in hot pink. The cases are nice, and they protect the computer from getting scratches or nicks on it. However, it does not keep the computer from getting dirty. I’ve noticed this on all the Speck products I’ve had for my Macs. The bottom piece (where it snaps onto the base of the computer by the keyboard) around the edges is where it get’s most dirty, dust and a bit of grime. I’ve had to snap off the case (which is a bit tricky) to clean the unibody.

When I bought the hot pink color, I had no problems with the product it came perfectly packed and undamaged. But, when I purchased the clear one, (I purchased it twice), both times it came to me damaged. The bottom piece had 2 missing clips and it doesn’t hold too well on the computer.

Right now, I’m using the top clear piece on the screen, and the hott pink piece on the bottom. Protecting the computer is what’s important to me, so I’d most likely buy it again because it does help with protection.
Rating: 3 / 5

This is my second Speck case for MacBook Pro. I used one on my old MacBook Pro and one on my new MacBook Pro.

The Speck case is a two-part shell. It keeps the Mac covered and secured. It’s great protection for moving the MacBook Pro around, especially where rough treatment may be expected, such as in an airport security check conveyor.

Pros:

-Easy to install

-Look fine

-Fits well

-Stays securely fastened

-Protects the MacBook Pro quite well

-Leaves all ports easily accessible

-Does not interfere with cooling fan vents

Cons:

-Looks like, well, plastic

-Now has the the brand “(*) speck” embossed on the inside of the cover

-Has some rough edges around the front and side of the palmrest

(Speck said “use a Dremel tool or sandpaper to smooth it.”)
Rating: 4 / 5