Apple's new leather MacBook Sleeve is finely crafted and high quality -- but at a cost
Apple's leather sleeves must be solid performers, even with their questionable price. Apple has continued to add leather accessories to their growing lineup of cases and covers after starting out with those for the iPhone, and AppleInsider has the latest addition.
Their first leather sleeve launched for the iPad before coming to the 12-inch Retina MacBook, and now sliding onto the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros. Just in time for the brand new Pros Apple also just announced. Available in three different colors -- Saddle Brown, Midnight Blue, and Black -- these genuine leather sleeves carry a high price tag for those looking for cursory protection for their pricey portable Macs.
Each sleeve is pretty simple in design, as is the Apple way. Crafted from European leather to precisely fit over either size of the current MacBook Pros, they have subtle convex dimples on the bottom to align with each of the laptop's feet. An embossed Apple logo on the top completes the look.
The top of the sleeve -- that is, where the laptop is inserted -- is open a fair amount, making it easy to remove the laptop from its tight fit. Different than on the USB-C MacBook, the one for the Pros does not allow the MacBook to be charged while it is inserted.
On the interior is a soft microfiber lining that starts just below the opening. Instead of making the entire interior, the opening on top is leather, since it will susceptible to more wear and tear over the rest of the interior. Everytime the laptop is inserted, it will rub against the top of the sleeve, so having leather right at the opening will help prolong the life of the sleeve.
Outside the leather feels very soft, though it is clear there is some sort of protection on it to help prevent the drastic marring un-finished leather is known for. If a drop or two of water hits this, it beads right off, whereas others would soak in and leave a blemish, for better or for worse.
One of the charms of using leather is how it develops a great patina over time. This sleeve will do that, it just might take a bit longer to achieve.
If price is no object, you can't go wrong and the case is a solid 5 out of 5. But, like most of us, if it is, Apple's latest leather sleeve for the MacBook is a
Their first leather sleeve launched for the iPad before coming to the 12-inch Retina MacBook, and now sliding onto the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros. Just in time for the brand new Pros Apple also just announced. Available in three different colors -- Saddle Brown, Midnight Blue, and Black -- these genuine leather sleeves carry a high price tag for those looking for cursory protection for their pricey portable Macs.
Each sleeve is pretty simple in design, as is the Apple way. Crafted from European leather to precisely fit over either size of the current MacBook Pros, they have subtle convex dimples on the bottom to align with each of the laptop's feet. An embossed Apple logo on the top completes the look.
The top of the sleeve -- that is, where the laptop is inserted -- is open a fair amount, making it easy to remove the laptop from its tight fit. Different than on the USB-C MacBook, the one for the Pros does not allow the MacBook to be charged while it is inserted.
On the interior is a soft microfiber lining that starts just below the opening. Instead of making the entire interior, the opening on top is leather, since it will susceptible to more wear and tear over the rest of the interior. Everytime the laptop is inserted, it will rub against the top of the sleeve, so having leather right at the opening will help prolong the life of the sleeve.
Outside the leather feels very soft, though it is clear there is some sort of protection on it to help prevent the drastic marring un-finished leather is known for. If a drop or two of water hits this, it beads right off, whereas others would soak in and leave a blemish, for better or for worse.
One of the charms of using leather is how it develops a great patina over time. This sleeve will do that, it just might take a bit longer to achieve.
Conclusion
These simple sleeves don't have a lot of fancy features like other cases, but they are just minimalistic enough to get the job done. They are quite well made, even if the price tag is a bit high. If you can get over the three-figure price tag, these are great sleeves for taking your Mac with you on the go.If price is no object, you can't go wrong and the case is a solid 5 out of 5. But, like most of us, if it is, Apple's latest leather sleeve for the MacBook is a
Comments
Guess what? You can buy a Ford or Chevy with more horsepower and performance than, say, a BMW X5. Guess what? I have a couple of family members who own luxury cars and they need servicing just as much as a Chevy Spark or a Ford Taurus, and the servicing costs a lot more too. So you can get a Dell or Lenovo or ASUS laptop with more memory, faster CPU, ports galore for less money? So what? DO IT THEN instead of bitching about Apple’s prices.
it is nice but I prefer the one for the 12” MB, that one flows perfectly over the tapering end and is nice to carry.
In comparison, the 15” leaves some empty space between the dull end and the seam. When you carry it, it is a bit awkwardly balancing on the somewhat wobbly seam.
But still nice.
As for the price, clearly you pay more for quality. That's why I buy apple products, and I get that quality leather is expensive, but come on! $180 for two pieces of leather stitched together is exorbitant.
I have the iPhone X leather folio too. I thought that the quality of the work (sleeves for cards, auto shut off of phone when it is closed, the well-designed protective plastic clasp to hold the phone) justified the price — although, the credit card sleeves have expanded so much that the cards and the cash keep sliding out, so I am not all that thrilled with the quality of the workmanship eight months later.
This is just a silly sleeve, for heavens’ sake: two pieces of cut leather sewn together. Big deal.
Calm down.