Are MacBook Hard Shell Cases Worth it?
Newer, hybrid MacBook cases are a significant improvement over full, hard shell designs. With improved protection, enhanced impact resistance, dust resistance, heat dissipation, and reduced abrasion, these MacBook cases are the best value for the money.
What is the Best Cover for a MacBook Pro?
The best cover for a MacBook Pro is the one that offers excellent protection, is lightweight, a good value, and prevents abrasion, overheating and dust accumulation through a superior use of materials and smart design.
At MacCase, when it came time to design a MacBook cover that would be a "work-in-case solution, we wanted a design that would solve all of the problems that have been plaguing poorly designed MacBook Pro covers for years. We addressed each issue head-on to make sure the MacBook cover we would offer would perform at the highest level.
Are Hard Cases Bad for MacBook Pros?
Single material, poly-carbonate or ABS hard cases can damage MacBooks through poor design and poor fit. Overheating, abrasion and trapping of dust and dirt were major problems. New, co-molded "hybrid" cases solve these problems yet provide increased protection.
Let's take a closer look.
Hard shell MacBook cases, while providing sturdy protection, have been associated with some drawbacks over the years.
Abrasion and Scratching
One of the main problems with hard shell cases was that the hard plastic clips or edges could abrade the laptop's delicate silver finish. Over time, constant contact could cause visible scratching and blemishes on the MacBook's surface. This not only affected the aesthetics but also potentially reduced the laptop's resale value.
Overheating
Hardshell cases can sometimes hinder the MacBook's ability to dissipate heat effectively. These cases leave the top and bottom surfaces of the laptop covered, which can lead to overheating. The MacBook relies on its aluminum body to dissipate heat, and when it's enclosed in a hard shell, the heat may get trapped, potentially causing thermal issues and performance problems.
Dust and Debris Accumulation
While hard shell cases aim to protect your MacBook, they can inadvertently become a breeding ground for dust and debris. Small particles can find their way between the MacBook and the case, causing scratches and abrasions. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, potentially affecting the laptop's ports and cooling system.
Why the MacCase "Hybrid" Hard Shell MacBook Case is Better
After 25+ years of designing innovative products to protect Apple portables, you learn some things. You also learn how to improve something that a lot of people are having problems with.
Traditional, hard shell MacBook cases have been around for many years. We never jumped on board with them because of the various flaws in the design that we discussed above. But what if we could fix them? What if we could engineer out the problems and provide a better MacBook case and a better user experience?
The MacCase hybrid MacBook case combines the best of two worlds: The durability of a hard shell case with the flexibility and shock absorption of a soft case. This is achieved through a special molding process that combines high-impact polycarbonate plastic with softer, impact-absorbing thermoplastic polyurethane material.
If you're not familiar with the "hard shell" part of the case, polycarbonate is used in a variety of products to provide protection. This includes eyewear lenses, safety helmets, protective face shields, automotive headlamp covers, race car windshields, bulletproof windows, and even CD/DVD discs. Its strength and impact-resistant properties make it a popular choice for protective applications in different industries.
For the "soft" part of our design, the thermoplastic polyurethane material we are using in these MacBook cases is the same we have been using to create the trays that hold the iPads in our $170 Premium Leather iPad Pro Folios. We have been using this material in this manner since 2017. In all that time, there has not been a single issue of a customer's tablet being damaged in one of our cases.
We have a lot of faith and confidence in this material providing the same protection for Apple laptop owners.
What is the Best Material for a MacBook Air Case?
The best material for a hardshell MacBook Air case is a combination of polycarbonate and TPU material. These provide both impact-resistance and impact-absorption properties in a single design.
The MacCase Hybrid, hardshell MacBook Air case features a co-molded construction fusing a hard outer shell that covers large surfaces with a soft, polymer material that covers the edges. Each material excels in its specific role, surpassing the performance of any single material on its own.
This is part of the magic of this design.
This provides excellent protection from bumps, drops, and scratches. This is especially important if you frequently carry your laptop around with you or if you work in a demanding environment.
The design of our hardshell MacBook Air case features flexible edges that are molded to your MacBook's shape, which makes the case easy to put on. It also helps to prevent the case from scratching your laptop because the contact points are soft, unlike the traditional hard shells.
Moreover, the TPU material creates a tight seal where the case meets the laptop which prevents dust and dirt from getting trapped between the cover and the laptop surface. Each corner and all edges are reinforced to provide better impact protection.
Our Hybrid, hardshell MacBook Air cases have vents that allow heat to escape, which helps to prevent your laptop from overheating. These vents are paired with feet that raise the laptop up slightly, allowing the hot air to flow outward and for cool air to flow in.
Of course, these hardshell MacBook Air cases have precise cutouts for all ports and buttons, so you can use your laptop without having to remove the case. Our Hybrid MacBook covers are lightweight and slim, so they don't add any bulk to your laptop.
So what does this all add up to? Why purchase your MacBook cover from MacCase?
Our design provides the peace of mind that goes along with better protection. We've eliminated the issues that have been plaguing these types of covers for years. While at the same time, improving the user experience. These covers are nicer to carry due to the soft edges. It feels better in your hand when you carry one or pull it out of your bag or backpack.
Moreover, no one has been protecting Apple portables than MacCase. If you're going to buy a MacBook Pro cover, we are the folks you want to buy it from. We stand behind what we sell and have been doing for over 25 years.
Our Hybrid MacBook Pro covers are the best way to protect your MacBook from damage. They offer excellent protection, durability, flexibility, and heat dissipation. They also eliminate the problems that were inherent in traditional, hard shell designs. If you are looking for the best possible protection, then a MacCase Hybrid MacBook Pro cover is the way to go.
Is a Hard Case or a Rubber Case Better for a MacBook Pro?
The answer is neither a hard case nor a rubber case is better for a MacBook. A better MacBook case is a "hybrid" case that combines polycarbonate or "hard" material with thermoplastic polyurethane or "soft" material, giving you the best of both worlds.
We've discussed the problems inherent in traditional, single-material MacBook hard cases above. Now let's take a look at the issues with rubber MacBook cases.
Rubber cases can add significant bulk and weight to your Apple laptop. Apple laptops are known for their slim and elegant design. You've paid a premium for this level of engineering and industrial design. Adding a bulky cover negates all the work you just paid a premium for.
Rubber cases can hide the MacBook's aesthetic appeal and premium build. Some users might find that these cases mask the design features they appreciate in their MacBook. Moreover, this extra weight might be cumbersome if you're looking for a sleek and lightweight laptop experience.
Rubber is not as efficient as materials like aluminum at dissipating heat. MacBook laptops are designed to rely on their aluminum bodies to help disperse heat generated by internal components. Rubber cases can trap heat, potentially leading to overheating issues, which could affect performance.
Rubber cases can be magnets for dust, lint, and debris. When dust gets trapped under the case, it can potentially scratch the MacBook's surface and affect the aesthetics.
Rubber cases can be quite snug, making it challenging to take them off once they're on. This can be frustrating if you ever need to access internal components or clean your laptop.
Is it Good to Put a Case on Your MacBook?
Putting a case on your MacBook is a choice based on assessing your needs, usage patterns, and comfort level regarding risks. Investing in a case is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it offers.
Protecting your MacBook with a case is a wise decision that can significantly extend the life and overall performance of your expensive Apple device. While there are scenarios where a case may not be necessary, there are several compelling reasons why you might want to consider one for your Apple laptop
MacBook finishes are prone to scratches and scuffs, and over time, these can mar the pristine look of your device. A MacBook cover or hard case acts as a protective barrier against everyday wear and tear.
However, there are situations where you may not need a case. If your Apple laptop primarily stays at home and is rarely exposed to external risks, you may feel comfortable without a case.
Moreover, in a well-protected office setting with minimal risks of accidents, a MacBook Pro cover or hard case may be less critical. Some Apple users prefer the sleek and minimalist design of their laptop and don't want to add bulk with a case.
In the end, it's a matter of assessing your specific situation, how and where you use your laptop and your comfort level regarding potential risks. If you value the longevity and flawless appearance of your Apple laptop, investing in a MacBook hard case is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it offers in protecting your device.
Are Snap-on Cases Good for MacBooks?
Snap-on MacBook cases, or "hard shells" as they are also called have caused problems for Apple owners. A new generation of "hybrid" snap-on cases has eliminated these problems. This is the type of snap-on MacBook case you should shop for.
If you're frequently on the move or carry your Apple laptop in a backpack or bag, a hybrid, snap-on MacBook case provides an extra layer of protection against other items in the bag that might scratch or dent your device.
Accidents happen. A hard-shell MacBook case, especially one with shock-absorbing features, can shield your Apple laptop from unexpected bumps and drops, potentially saving it from costly repairs.
Dust and liquid spills can wreak havoc on your Mac laptop's internal components. A quality MacBook hardshell case helps keep these hazards at bay, minimizing the chances of internal damage.
Is it OK to Put a Hard Case on a MacBook?
It depends. Hard cases have caused problems for laptop owners in the past. A new kind of "hybrid" hard MacBook case has eliminated the problems by combining 2 complementary materials. Look for a "hybrid" hard MacBook case if you want to avoid these issues.
