Let’s face it, the MacBook Air is a beautiful thing. And, it’s expensive. These things had me quickly thinking about protecting my new investment.
That’s why I picked up a Brenthaven Prostyle Sleeve.
Specs
Fits MacBook Air 11″
- High Density Foam Protection System
- External shell features water-resistant coating
- Soft faux-fur liner
- EZ-Grip handle system
- Soft leather touch-points
- External faux fur lined pocket for iPhone
- Weight: .5 pound
- External dimensions: 12.6″W x 8½”H x 1″D
Photos
The sides and bottom of this sleeve are padded with high density foam; faux or not, the interior is plush and very soft:
The zippers operate smoothly; pulls are rubberized and are nice to the touch:
Here’s a thoughtful detail I didn’t see mentioned anywhere: as you zip the main zipper shut, an inner liner (the medium gray material in the image below) closes snugly, preventing your MacBook Air from ever contacting the zipper hardware:
The small pocket is advertised as suited for an iPhone, but a BlackBerry will fit just fine; the pocket is about 3″ deep and 5½” wide. A small microfiber cleaning cloth comes along with the sleeve (not shown here):
One thing that isn’t clear from the Apple website is how the handle works; from photos on the Apple site, it in fact looks as though the bag doesn’t have any handle at all; but on its back, there’s a place where you can slide your hand through a piece of nylon webbing. In practice, it’s comfortable and feels quite secure.
The quality of the materials and stitching appears to be top notch:
Wrapping up
I’ve only had this sleeve for about a week or so, but my initial impressions are quite positive. As time passes, I’ll provide an update.
The Brenthaven Prostyle MacBook Air Sleeve is sold by a number of online retailers, including Apple and Brenthaven themselves. Price: $39.95
Similar Posts:
- 1st post composed on my MacBook Air
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Considering my backpacks or shoulder bags have some padding already, I have a hard justifying sticking my MacBook Air 11″ into yet another bag. I find it a nuisance to open two bags when one should suffice.
Still, my wife bugged me to get a case for the MacBook Air and I compromised with a Speck SeeThru hard-shell case. Once I was able to get the shells cleaned and put on, I’ve been quite impressed with the rough and tumble protection I’ve had.
Pros:
* Snug fit
* Very stable feet
* Clear case really is nicely see-thru
Cons:
* $ 50 for this is a bit much, $ 40 is a better price
* Top shell needs to remain open about two inches instead of one, else the lid closes fully
http://www.speckproducts.com/m.....clear.html
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
April 27th, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Michael,
Thanks. I understand your concern about ‘two bags.’ I’m looking for a little extra protection, and the added inconvenience is an acceptable tradeoff for me.
Have you found dust getting inside the Speck?
[Reply]
Michael Cannon Reply:
April 27th, 2011 at 8:25 PM
Kevin, I haven’t had any problems with dust so far and I live in dusty areas. Probably if I removed the shells once a month per Speck’s suggestion, I’d see the dust. However, after two months, my white business card, for ID purposes, tucked between the computer bottom and shell is still showing as white.
Reeder, if you asking about bulk from the Speck, I don’t even notice the case is on the MacBook Air.
PS: For any folks thinking of the MacBook Air 11″, mines fully loaded, it’s an amazing machine. I bought mine as a refurb. Worth every penny.
[Reply]
Wayne Wong Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 10:04 AM
I had your same concerns (why would I need double padding and the extra bulk is an issue) until I dropped my MB Air 11″ and the case now has a “squared off” corner where it hit the floor.
I go through TSA security every week, sometimes two trips in a week, so 4 instances those weeks which means that I have to REMOVE both my MB Air and my iPad (and liquids and shoes and coat/belt, etc) several times a week. At the end of security, leaving the conveyor, it is always a mad scramble to gather all my possessions grabbed into my arms along with my roll aboard and briefcase to make it to an area where I can re-pack. In the past year, I’ve dropped my MB Air three times -on the second time, it landed on it’s corner… good news, it still runs, bad news is cosmetically it’s corner is smashed.
I bought this prostyle sleeve about a month ago and again, dropped my MBA but this time the extra padding saved it. Also, I’ve now discovered that the strap “handle” of the sleeve gives me a great way to securely hold the device as I leave the conveyor belt. In my case, this sleeve is extra insurance for my device -much more than a mere shell or a very thin neoprene slip cover. I highly recommend this sleeve for anyone needing the extra protection with some but not too much extra bulk. The material is somewhat slippery so it slides in and out of my briefcase easily. Another great design by Brenthaven.
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Wayne,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you dropped your MB Air. The thought of doing that scares me!
[Reply]
How much bulk does it add to the Air?
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
April 27th, 2011 at 5:11 PM
Well, it doesn’t add any bulk to the MB Air. ;-)
Seriously, all I can do is point to the sleeve’s dimensions.
With the Air inside, it measures about 12-5/8″ W x 8-5/8″ H x 1-1/2″ D (or thick). I hope this helps.
[Reply]
Thanks for the review – this sleeve is hard to find info on, but looks like a great option.
Do you think the side pocket (the one for the iphone) is large enough to carry the MBA’s power adaptor?
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
May 5th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Jamie, I don’t think it’s large enough.
[Reply]
Will the iPad’s AC adapter and cable fit inside the small pocket?
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
September 10th, 2011 at 7:34 AM
Note that this particular sleeve is for the MB Air. Having said that, the answer to your question is “yes.” I just put the charger for my BlackBerry in the pocket of my Brenthaven sleeve, and although is was a bit tight, it fit just fine.
[Reply]