Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
There are many , many generic laptop case out there that correspond any notebook . And among those made for specific laptop computer size , the most - usual specification is “ fit 15 - inch laptops . ” But if you ’ve got a smaller portable , these old bag and cases are just too crowing — your laptop often slides around inside , and the dish itself is often magnanimous than it needs to be . In today ’s Mobile Mac , I take a looking at three heavyset bags made specifically for Apple ’s 13 - in notebook , the MacBook and MacBook Air .
Be.ez LAbesace
I first saw , and liked , a pre - production version of Be.ez’sLAbesace (; $ 75 ) back at January ’s Macworld Expo ; the prescribed product lives up that that first impression . A compendious shoulder / courier bag just 15.4 by 11.4 by 5 inches on the exterior , the LAbesace match a MacBook or MacBook Air utterly yet still has way for a decent amount of accessory and personal items thanks to a design that ’s larger and strict at the bottom . The rigid bottom keeps the inside repositing field from collapsing , making it easy to get at the bagful ’s mental object .
TheClassicversion of the LAbesace is fatal with a bright orangish DoI to make it easier to find things inside ; theLime Dropversion is grey with a brilliant linden tree - green interior . ( Note that I ’ve see the black model with black trim or white trimming , and the grey simulation with greyish trim or pitch-dark trim . ) The grip is made of “ rainproof ” 1682D nylon — in secular ’s terms , it ’s right - quality cloth — with waterproof zippers . The inside of the bag has a document pocket ; an organizer panel ; and , on the inside of the palpebra , a zippered , mesh pouch . The outside has two small , zippered pockets . The dish ’s strap looks and feel like an automobile bum belt — it ’s sturdy , but has no padding .
On the negative side , the LAbesace ’s laptop area is n’t as protective as it could be ; although the bottom of the bag is rigid , the arm for your figurer has just a thin stratum of padding . I also wish there was a pee - bottle sac and an prohibited air hole on the back for full - size documents ; and a thin handle on top would be useful . But overall , this is a cracking bag for those who require something compact and attractive while still being able to carry some accessories and personal items .
WaterField Designs HardCase 13”
Other than being very compact , WaterField’sHardCase 13 ” (; $ 229 ) is almost the polar opponent of the Be.ez LAbesace . The HardCase is among the most protective laptop bag I ’ve seen , but it has very little room for anything but your laptop computer — it ’s essentially a sonorous - duty laptop arm design to look like a commercial enterprise - style berm bag . The main body of the HardCase is made of Waterfield ’s high - lineament , disgraceful nylon . The bottom and side include rigid panels that surroundthickpadding for the slip ’s plush - line laptop computer compartment . The flip - over covering fire , made of leather , is dim on the outside with an inner liner of either black , kiwi ( light Green River ) , or pink ; the cover also hosts the bag ’s leather handle . The combining of leather and nylon is an interesting one ; I liked the facial expression , but not everyone I ask did .
WaterField Designs has a history of using unique buckles on the company ’s old bag — for example , air hose seatbelt buckle — and the HardCase is no exclusion : the warp for the leather back is really a paragliding warp . It ’s apparently hardy , but it ’s also easy to habituate and gives the udder an even more unique look . The berm strap is thick nylon with a built - in padded , non - slip pad . When regularize the HardCase , in addition to choose the color of the inside cover song , you could choose ignominious or chrome ironware — shoulder strap clips , shoulder strap anchors , rivets , and the same .
The HardCase is n’t inexpensive , but it looks and feel exceptionally well - made , and few “ flabby ” bags I ’ve assure offer as much protection for your laptop . On the other hand , the HardCase providesverylittle storage room . There ’s a full - size text file folder on the back ( approachable without having to lift the bag ’s cover ) , and two pockets under the binding . However , because the pocketbook is so slim , you ca n’t put much in these pockets , and bulky item — such as your laptop ’s power supply — are an specially - tight fit . ( WaterField ’s entanglement site seems to show that you should store your might supplying in the outer back pocket , although this can make for uncomfortable carrying . ) In other words , this is a travelling bag for those who travel very lite .
( Note that there are dissimilar version of the HardCase 13 ” for the MacBook and MacBook Air ; the principal difference is the size of the thickly - padded laptop time slot . I tested the MacBook Air version ; if you need a pocketbook that fitsboththe MacBook and the MacBook Air , go with the MacBook model . There are also versions available for the 15 - in MacBook Pro [ $ 239 ] and the 17 - inch MacBook Pro [ $ 249 ] )
STM Rogue Small
Back in early 2007 , I covered STM ’s Evolution , a backpack with a stocky design . As I say back then , I ’m a large fan of laptop backpacks , which are much good on your shoulders and back than one - strap bag , and the Evolution ’s smaller size promote you not to overload your pack . STM has since exhaust theRogue Small ( ) ; $ 90 ) , a laptop packsack inspired by the Evolution and provide in an attractive denim - and - navy purpose .
Like the Evolution , the Rogue has comfortable shoulder , belt ammunition , and pectus straps ; very good back cushioning and discharge ; and a padded laptop computer compartment . The latter uses STM ’s “ hidden ” aim that keeps your laptop out of sight and securely in place , even when the bag is candid . Although the travelling bag ’s duncish 600D nylon is water - resistive , the Rogue also includes a built - in rain binding that pucker away into a compartment at the bottom of the bag . You also get two ( small ) water - bottle / umbrella pocket on the exterior and a thick handle on top .
Although similar in size to the Evolution , the Rogue offer a bit more distance for gear . Besides the primary compartment , which can accommodate several large textbook , there are three outside air pocket : a large one with a full personal digital assistant panel and two internal pouches ; a medium - sized one with two inner pocket ; and a small one that can hold an iPod , iPhone , or sunglasses . Overall , the Rogue offers a bit more elbow room for train , and better organization , than the Evolution . It ’s still not a plurality for the road - warrior who wants to haul a load of gizmo everywhere , but it ’s a slap-up backpack for workaday enjoyment .
( The Rogue is also available in average and bombastic versions for 15 - in and 17 - inch laptop , severally . The Medium version is grey-haired and red ; the Large version is gray and silver grey . )
