Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
Back in late 2006 , I reviewed Speck ’s SeeThru Hardshell case for the MacBook Pro . Made of thin , rigid polycarbonate , the SeeThru was a configuration - fitting hardshell face that provided protection against scratches and pocket-sized bumps , as well as layer of bright color , without supply much bulk to your laptop .
Since then , Speck has produced SeeThru simulation for every Mac laptop ( as well as a number of other devices ) . But with the exit of the “ unibody ” MacBook and MacBook Pro line , the company has free a Modern line of shell , theSeeThru Satin . The Satin offers the same protection and general pattern as the received SeeThru , but with a less - transparent , matte finale that supply a very unlike appearance . I tested the ignominious version for the 13 - inch MacBook , but the Satin is also usable in yellowish , pink , red ( “ cranberry ” ) , and purple .
As with earlier SeeThru models , the Satin consists of two pieces : one that attaches to and cover the laptop ’s lid / screen , and another that cover the bottom and sides . midget tablet , nine around the screen and four for the bottom , keep the pieces in piazza while making it well-heeled to remove the racing shell . A big opening on the odd side of the base piece provides access to the MacBook ’s ports , while a one-armed bandit on the right field allows you to insert and remove optical discs ; the hinge area in the back is also leave open . last , a small expanse on the bottom of the case put up ventilation slats .
As someone who strives to keep his laptops in ripe term , I ’ve always care the SeeThru line because , for example , it let you toss your laptop computer into the surety bin at the airport without have to worry that the data processor will emerge from the other side with new scratches and scuff . ( I ’ll be cover another approach to such protection , NLU’sBodyGuardz , in a few workweek . ) It ’s also corking for citizenry who wish to decorate their laptops with all manner of sticker , paints , and other substances they would n’t presume go for directly . in conclusion , by target a bed of polycarbonate between your laptop and your lap , a eggshell keeps your legs cooler while using your MacBook .
compare to SeeThru model for late Apple laptop , I find the Satin — and , by extension , all current SeeThru model , since the Satin and standard version disagree only in conclusion — to offer a slightly better fit . Although the differences are admittedly small , everything seemed to run along up a number more precisely , and the case felt more cozy and solid overall . I also like that Speck has opted , in recent and current versions of the SeeThru , to leave the entire porthole surface area exposed ; while this provides somewhat less protection , it also ensures that cable , sparking plug , and laptop ringlet fit decent .
One reward of the Satin over the stock SeeThru models is that the Satin ’s lustrelessness surface provides a slightly better hairgrip than the standard ’s glossy plastic . On the other mitt , fingerprints , vegetable oil , and scuffs — though not scratches — are much more seeable on the Satin ’s matte finish than on the sheeny surfaces of the standard SeeThru .
Other minor drawback remain from the original SeeThru : It wee-wee your laptop computer slightly thickheaded , and to bump off your laptop ’s battery , you involve to murder the bottom piece of the SeeThru . You ’ll also require to verify your MacBook ’s exterior , as well as the Department of the Interior of the SeeThru , are detached of dust and grime before instalment ; because the case fits wealthy against your laptop ’s surfaces , you do n’t need molecule ( no wordplay designate ) of dirt grind against the aluminum . Finally , while the SeeThru does provide respiration possible action , my MacBook did get slightly warmer during economic consumption — not enough to cause concern , but it ’s a moment worth noting .
