Most of the time product reviewers only get a few days, perhaps weeks, with a product. But back in 2010 I spent USD$249 plus international shipping to buy a bag for my new 13-inch MacBook Air and its accompanying SuperDrive. I still have that bag. It has travelled the world, carrying many different Apple laptops over the years as well as quite a few iPads along with many cables and accessories.
That bag is still available for sale from Mac-Case. So, I’m reviewing the Premium Leather MacBook Pro Case by Mac-Case. If treated with a little respect, it will serve you for many years.
- Where to buy: Mac-Case (also some local resellers)
- Price: USD$275 (currently discounted to $249)
- Pros: attractive, long-wearing
- Cons: shoulder strap is little uncomfortable
Compartments
The case has two main compartments. The larger one is perfect for a 13-inch-MacBook Air or 14-inch Mac-Book Pro. It’s lined with soft fabric that has not worn or torn despite having laptops, and a 13-inch iPad Pro at one stage, inserted and extracted many hundreds of times.
There’s a smaller, slimmer pocket in front of that that is perfect for stashing one of the non-13-inch iPads, a notepad or some documents.
A flap closes over the top of those compartments. It has a zipped pocket that make carrying cables, pens or any other small or slim accessories you carry easy.
As I mentioned, when I purchased this case I also had Apple’s SuperDrive – an external DVD drive. The case has a removable pocket on the front of the Premium Leather MacBook Pro Case that’s held in place with a metal catch and some velcro. While it was intended to carry a SuperDrive, it’s a great size for carrying a power supply for my MacBook Air.
Rounding out the storage options, there’s also a pocket on the back for documents.
Wear and tear
The Premium Leather MacBook Pro Case by Mac-Case has worn extremely well over the last 15 years. The straps, velcro tabs and straps are all still in great condition. When new, the leather was lighter in colour and blemish free. But after many years, the leather now has a darker, distressed look. It’s the kind of leather-look many people try to artificially create to make their leather goods look more ‘authentic’.
There’s only one zip on the case, on the front flap. Despite many years of use, it still moves back and forth easily and shows no sign of failing.
The catch that holds the front pocket in place is still in near new condition with no sign of giving up the ghost.
The only disappointment is that at some point I must have dragged the case on a rough surface. As a result, the leather on bottom corner on one side has worn through exposing the plastic tubing that helps to hold the case in shape. It’s not noticeable and probably says more about my carelessness than the quality of the construction.
Should you buy?
The market for laptop bags is huge. There are literally thousands of options on the market at every price point you can imagine. The Premium Leather MacBook Pro Case by Mac-Case is a premium product that will meet the needs of most people who need a laptop case for the office or a day trip.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.