$34.95
From the number of iPhone case reviews I've done, you can see that I have a thing for accessories for my gadgets, non? Well, now that I have a shiny new MacBook Air, I'm pretty sure I'm going to start racking up accessories for it, too. Well, as many as my budget allows, anyway. I picked up this case on a whim the day after I got my MacBook Air after I realized I had absolutely nothing that would protect it in my backpack. I normally scour the internet for product reviews and the best possible price before purchasing accessories like this, but was a bit panicked and decided to give it a go after a quick evaluation of it in the Apple Store.
Materials
I was looking for a densely-padded case that would offer some bump protection and lots of scratch protection for my MacBook Air and the Incase Neoprene sleeve seemed to fit the bill at first glance. I was a little fooled in the store by a thick foam sheet already inserted to help keep the case stiff for display purposes, and was a little disappointed when I got home and realized it wasn't quite as thick as I'd thought because of this sheet. I suppose I could keep using it with the foam inside, but it wasn't meant to be used this way. I have kept this sheet of foam, so I guess I'll use it if I'm ever really worried about my MacBook Air getting bumped around.
The case is made of densely-woven Neoprene - Incase's site states that the neoprene thickness is 3mm. It has no zippers or other hardware, only a slit opening on one end in which you slide the MacBook Air and then stretch the loose end over the edge to cover it completely. I am a little concerned about this closure system, or lack thereof, since the neoprene could easily stretch out over time and gape open, leaving your MacBook Air susceptible to scratches in that area if you're not careful. In fact, I've only been using the case for a few days now and it's already a little stretched out here even though I am careful about inserting and removing my MacBook Air.
The inside of the case is described as "soft faux-fur" on the packaging, and it feels just like it sounds. It's white and fuzzy and makes me wish I had a whole blanket made of the same fabric. There is a single Incase label on the inside made of a rougher canvas-type material, but it's not abrasive at all and will not scratch the MacBook Air.
The exterior of the case is adorned by the Incase name on a rubber strip sewn on just below the sleeve's opening, and a cloth tag with the Incase leaf log stitched into the edge piping on the left side of the case.
Speaking of the case's edges, they are tightly-stitched and dense enough to make me feel like a bump on the edge of the case will be absorbed fairly well. However, after only a few weeks of daily use, the corners appear to be showing some wear, with white threads showing as if the elastic material is becoming exposed.
The piping around the edge of the case is neat, except for at the bottom of the case where the piping overlaps a little.
Access
The Incase Neoprene Sleeve is clearly not the type of case meant to offer the ability to use the MacBook Air while stowed in it. Vaja, God bless their little hearts, makes a fitted leather case that works in this way, but this case is on my only-if-I-win-the-lottery list of things to buy. Anyway, count on not being able to access any ports or even check the sleep indicator light when your MacBook Air is in this case.
Yes, there’s a MacBook Air in there right now!
Using the case
I use this case in a North Face backpack that has barely-padded laptop pocket right next to the rear panel that lies closest to my back. Of course, I also carry many other things in my backpack, including objects that could scratch my new preciousssss. The Incase sleeve offers enough protection for me to not worry about my MacBook Air when my backpack is loaded with everything I need for work (paperwork, a book and/or magazine, my lunch, thermos, etc.). I'm still careful, though - I don't sling my backpack around willy nilly or just plop it down anywhere. I'm not about to do any drop-testing with my MacBook Air in this case, but I do think the sleeve is enough to prevent minor dings from bumping into something (I once ran into a door frame with my work-provided 15" MacBook Pro once and dented the side. It was not pretty.) and definitely scratches from keys or other sharp objects unless they’re wielded with vigor.
You can also use the case as a stand-alone sleeve to carry your MacBook Air by hand. I do this around the house (yes, you may call me paranoid) and it's grippy and snug enough that I don't worry about dropping it if my hands are sweaty. It does not have any handles or a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry - this is a very bare-bones sleeve in this respect.
The back of the case with the MacBook Air inserted
Summary
All in all, I think the Incase Sleeve is a good case to offer light protection to your MacBook Air if you're carrying it in a larger bag. Without handles or a shoulder strap, it's not such a good choice as a stand-alone case. I'm concerned about its durability - repeated insertion and removal will stretch out that portion of the case over time, causing a not-so-snug fit for your MacBook Air after a while. And the wear showing on the edges of the case already is worrisome. It's not an official TSA-approved case but I have read anecdotal information to indicate that you can get through airport security without needing to remove your MacBook Air from it, which could be a bonus for frequent travelers. At $34.95, I think it's a little more pricey than it should be given what it is - I'd suggest you look for a deal online rather than paying full MSRP like I did. Definitely don't order it directly from Incase online - they tend to charge more for shipping and handling than what it actually costs to ship the item to you - companies that make it a practice to overcharge you on shipping for no reason is a major pet peeve of mine.
Other Incase product reviews:
Incase Slider for the iPhone 3G
Incase Slider for the first-generation iPhone
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Lock bracket for the Macbook Air
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