I like the idea of a laptop sleeve more than a dedicated laptop bag. That way I can put the laptop in any kind of bag I’ve got on the go (it just happens to fit really well into my GAP Messenger bag) and the sleeve can just stay in the back during use, or stay under the laptop like a kind of placemat.  Proporta’s Macbook Sleeve seemed like just the kind of case for me. Using cases is a simple enough ordeal, but the real merits of a case tend to come out after a week or two of use – how does the sleeve fair in the everyday?

Hit the jump to find out!

Walkthrough

The first thing that caught my eye on Proporta’s website was the design. I love the streak of orange that races through the front of the sleeve that keeps it from being just another black laptop case (and I love black cases – but a streak of colour can really help liven things up).

The top section of the front panel is magnetically sealed and flips up when you want insert your laptop (well, you’ve still got to use your hand – but you know what I mean). I thought the magnetic clasp was a bit too weak at first, but that’s probably just me wanting to emulate the vice grip I keep on my devices whenever they’re in use. The case’s clasp is just fine and keeps the cover flap from flying open when it’s in your hand or in a bag. You won’t want to be holding the pouch upside-down though, but all JAMM readers are responsible and careful individuals – especially when it comes to gadgets! You folks don’t need that warning!

Just a note – the Macbook I have for this review isn’t the right size for this case (I have a 13” and this is a 15” case), but the only way you can tell is the bit of wiggle room at the top of the case when the laptop is inserted. Otherwise the sides of the Macbook are kept snug and you won’t have any side-to-side movement during transit.  Your Macbook isn’t really going to jump up and down inside its case, but rest assured the 13” sleeve will fit your corresponding 13” Macbook perfectly.

When you insert the Macbook I’d suggest you get used to doing so with the sleeve set down on a table, as there’s no padding at the bottom of the case to pad the Macbook’s fall if you just slip it in and let gravity do the rest of the work. I’m so used to doing this with my iPhone belt holster, so I made sure to check this out before doing it to a $1200 laptop .

Removing the Macbook from the sleeve is also a lot easier when you lay the entire thing down on the table and simply slide it out. The inside of the case is nylon so it slides out easily without scratching the shiny (oh, so shiny!) surface.

Protection

The front and back panels of the case protect from scratches and small bumps, but the sides are almost completely exposed. This isn’t a problem though, unless you keep a lot of sharp objects right alongside your Macbook in your bag. The top and bottom of the sleeve are made of leather, but they don’t have any sort of padding on them, so try not to bump that area against anything . I also became accustomed to using it as a sort of placemat to absorb some of the heat from the back of the Macbook.

Conclusion

Laptops are very different from PDAs (which I’m used to covering) – they’re bigger and a lot more expensive. They’re investments that really deserve protection. With that said, Proporta’s Macbook Sleeves is an easy recommendation to anyone interested in detachable protection for their laptop. I’d even consider having a second one around since I like the design so much. Proporta’s offering is an affordable way to protect your investment while keeping the simple, elegant profile of your beloved fruit-flavoured machine.

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Product Info

Price: $39.95

Sizes: 13”, 15”, 17”

Colours: Black and Orange

Availability: Proporta

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