One of the challenges when purchasing devices soon after their release is the issue of finding a case to protect your new technological investment. More than once I have purchased a new smartphone only to be unable to find much of a selection of cases (assuming I can even FIND a case).

That was what I faced after receiving my MacBook Air last Thursday. I like the device… a lot, and I want to begin using it but I also want to protect it when I was out and about. Unfortunately, none of my current cases are intended to securely hold and protect a laptop of its unusual size. I am looking forward to having the chance to review the HardCase from Waterfield in San Francisco but that case won’t be shipping for another two weeks.

So what to do? I emailed the folks at Waterfield and asked if they had anything already released that might fit the bill.

I received a reply not long after sending the email and was directed to Waterfield’s SleeveCase. I browsed the site, emailed a few questions, got the answers I was looking for and ordered a SleeveCase. That was Friday. The case came today. Wow– Waterfield gets a big, immediate plus for their excellent customer service– and I mean EXCELLENT. Nice service is all good and well but what I was looking for was a convenient way to seriously protect the MBA. So, how does the SleeveCase do? Pretty darn well!

Waterfield’s website describes their products as…

"…ridiculously well-made, fastidiously designed, have more personality than you can shake a stick at, and are so "user-friendly", that you can actually operate them with one arm tied behind your back."

My first impression is that there is truth in advertising here. The Waterfield SleeveCase IS ridiculously well-made. The materials are top quality and the workmanship is exceptional. But, by far, the most important aspect of any case  is the degree to which it protects is precious (and expensive) cargo.

That is where this SleeveCase really excels. While the MBA slid into it with ease, the fit was tight. That’s a good thing since I don’t want any laptop, especially one with a traditional hard drive, flopping around in its bag. Moreover, the case is a perfect fit- as perfect as the already trite, yellow envelope– but with tons of protective padding. It is exactly what I want in a sleeve-case for a machine as portable as the MBA.

As an added plus I had D-Rings added to the case. It was an extra few dollars but I thought it worthwhile since it allows me to use the SleeveCase on its own when I really want to travel light. (I have plenty of straps so I didn’t order one but they are available.) There is enough padding built into the case and the D-Rings are sown in so securely that I will feel completely comfortable using it in just this way.

In all, I am quite impressed. The SleeveCase looks to be a good, all purpose way to carry the MacBook Air.

Prices for the SleeveCase start at $38 but adding any of the myriad options available (and there are a number) can add up rather quickly. If you are looking for a quality way to carry your new MBA (or just about any portable since there are many different sizes) it is a reasonable price to pay for real protection.

The SleeveCase (and many others) are available now at the sfbag website.

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