The is a case made for 12 or 13 inch iBooks or MacBooks of any generation from the original, colorful iBook to the 2012 MacBook Air. There is a uniqueness to this case. The MacCase Classic is shaped like an old original colorful iBook and has the same design as the original iBook does. It really does feel like an irony putting a MacBook into the bag, but it fits fine. There is a bit of history to the case itself as well. The MacCase Classic was introduced shortly after the original iBooks came out. They were, in a sense, one of the first companies to make accessories for the (more) current Apple products. Admittedly, I do not have one of the original iBooks, however I do have an iBook G4, a MacBook and a MacBook Air to test it with and they all fit fine. The MacCase Classic is available from MacCase for $29.95.
Form
The case definitely does well in this category. The case on the outside has a rainproof material that I can guarantee won’t allow rain in. The case has the cool, original iBook look to it. It has the same oval-like shape with the gumdrop tangerine, blueberry, key lime, indigo and graphite colors, the original colors of the original iBooks. Also, on the top half of the case is the white that the original iBooks had. On the back side is an all black material that feels pretty solid with the addition of a pocket on the back. The pocket on the back will hold your charger so that you won’t stay uncharged. The strap also feels solid and I know that it won’t break. The strap has a part that goes on your shoulder that feels padded and comfortable on your shoulder. The handle on the MacCase is a joy to hold. It feels very comfortable on the hand. Overall, it seems very nice on the outside of the bag. The inside of the bag is the same story. As you open the zipper, which by the way has the MacCase logo on it in the style that Apple put the name “iBook” on the screen, you will see a nice, padded inside. The back where the back of the computer goes is padded, the sides are padded and the front is padded. The only spot that isn’t padded is the clear part on the front where you can see the Apple logo of the iBook or MacBook through, which I think is a nice added feature. There is a small U-shaped pocket on the inside that perhaps you could fit an Apple Remote and some headphones, it really is a nice touch. Again, the MacCase logo with the classic iBook style writing is on the inside. Overall, aesthetically, it is a great case.
Function
It is the same story here as in the aesthetics. The case, as I mentioned, is very well padded and the computer will not break in it. The computer will not only be well-padded but it also will be strapped in. This I view as an advantage for a few reasons. One, the computer won’t move inside the bag, limiting any damage that could occur by dropping the bag. Two, the computer will not sag to the bottom to where you can’t see the Apple logo through the clear part on the case. In addition, there is a pocket on the outside of the bag where you can store the computer’s charger. You can’t store much else in the case but then again, you don’t need to. It does protect your computer and it’s power cord for a cheap price. It also provides a conversational piece as well. In addition, to the protection it provides, the addition of both a handle and strap is nice. If you prefer the handle like I do, all you have to do is take the strap off. I know most bags have this ability but it is nice that it has the ability. Like I mentioned before, the case does seem to be waterproof on the front. On the inside, there is a pocket that you could store an Apple remote in, wallet, headphones etc, just some small things that you may need to put in the bag. Lastly, the zippers on the bag seem to zip and unzip smoothly. Ultimately, this bag is as good in it’s function than in it’s form.
Conclusion
Pros
-Great protection (padding and strapping in) for your iBook or MacBook (12″ or 13″)
-Great aesthetics (handle, strap, outside, inside etc.)
-Two pockets to store power cord and a few other personal items
-Clear “window” to see Apple logo
Cons
-None
Ways to improve
This suggestion is nothing wrong with the case, it is just something they may want to try. On the original iBook, there was a colored handle that matched the color of the computer. I suggest that they try this, try duplicating the color of the handle with the color of the case for that added original iBook effect.
This 12″/13″ iBook/MacBook bag is a great bag. The protection it offers coupled with the novelty and cool factor it offers and it’s cheap price make it an ideal iBook/MacBook bag and easily earn it five stars. Great job MacCase!
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Images Courtesy: MacCase