‘Book Mystique Review - MacCase Classic Case 2008 For MacBook, iBook and PowerBook
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
by Charles W. Moore
The original 1999 Macintosh iBook, which came to be affectionately known as the “clamshell,” was arguably the most visibly striking notebook computer form factor Apple ever built - the only challenger would be the MacBook Air, but I would say that the clamshell iBook trumps even the Air with its bright, two-tone colored livery, voluptuously rounded corners, and built-in carry handle. Interestingly, the original iBook is one of the largest ‘Books Apple ever produced, while the MacBook Air is the smallest.
Not that everyone liked the clamshell from the get-go. Curmudgeonly ZNet commentator John Dvorak dismissed it as a “girly machine,” “effeminate,” and “Barbie’s laptop.” Some thought it looked like a makeup compact, while others suggested it had an alarming resemblance to a toilet seat. I have to say that the compact impression did cross my mind when I first saw a wirephoto of Steve Jobs holding an iBook aloft in the newspaper.
However, for some of us who weren’t immediately smitten by the iBook’s radical design, it grew on us over time, and personally I think the iBook has aged rather gracefully, not seeming old-fashioned even nine years later. The clamshell was eventually made in five colors over its roughly 20 months in production: Blueberry, Tangerine, Graphite, Indigo, and Key Lime - the latter sold only through the online Apple stores, and the personal favorite of this writer.
Others liked the original iBook’s look right off the bat, including the MacCase folks who came out with an Apple-specific laptop case inspired by the I’d books design and course came back in 1999, and which they have just re-introduced for a new generation of Apple ‘Books as the 2008 Classic Case in direct response to requests from MacBook and iBook owners.
The Classic Case is a near matchÊof the original, sporting the rounded shape of the clamshell iBook, a choice of all five colors and a 1999-esque price tag of under $50.
“We created the market for Apple laptop cases in 1999 with the launch of the first briefcase for the clamshell iBook,” saysÊMichael Santoro,MacCase’s President and Chief Creative Officer. “Despite the unorthodox design, the case was extremely popular. It actually became the de facto solution for the iBook.”
“Demand for the case was high but Apple kept developing new products, and so did we,” Santoro continues.Ê We had no plans to continue the case after it sold out, but requests continued and then escalated with the launch of the 13” MacBook.Ê The unique design really taps into the ‘anti-status quo’ element within the Apple community.Ê We are happy to continue being a part of that. While we did not change the basic shape, we did improve the original with details like be molded rubber corner protectors, and an air mesh interior floor that allows the processor to cool after use, and fully structured side walls offering greater protection from bumps and falls. Features like our signature logo window and two-tone front face remain.”
The “new” MacCase Classic case is made to fit the 13-inch MacBook, and also can nicely accommodate 12-inch dual-USB iBooks and 12-inch PowerBooks. I was delighted that our test unit arrived in my favorite Key Lime front panel color.
The rest of the case is black, inside and out, save for the inner panel of the full-width back pocket, which has a flap-closure secured with Velcro, and can accommodate papers, file folders, magazines, and small peripherals, cables and the like.
Inside, the case is generously and sumptuously padded on all sides, top, and bottom, and two Velcro-closure nylon straps hold the computer securely in place.
As Mr. Santoro noted, the padded bottom panel is faced with a mesh fabric to aid in cooling the computer down, while the sides and some 3/5 of the top panel start of a soft plush fabric (the other 2/5 is faced with nylon taffeta fabric).
The top/front panel has a double-zipper closure that unzips about 270 degrees to provide completely unimpeded access to the internal compartment. There is also a double pocket on its inner face that can be used to carry cords, cables, other small incidentals, and perhaps even a small mouse.
The clear plastic window in the center of the panel allows the Apple logo on the computer’s lid to show through to the outside world when in situ.
Besides the MacCase Classic’s inner padding, there are the internally-structured side walls and molded rubber corner protectors that Michael Santoro mentioned, as well as an extra layer of textured, waterproof nylon armoring on the bottom of the case.
The MacCase Classic has a briefcase-style handle with a generously dimensioned soft rubber grip for comfort, and there is also can adjustable nylon mesh shoulder strap with a comfort shoulder-pad faced with non-slip “traction” material, that attaches to the case with substantial, metal, quick-release swivel connectors. The main closure zippers also have metal pull-tabs.
It bears noting that I am very favorably impressed with the high quality of materials, workmanship, and hardware in the MacCase Classic case, which is extraordinarily good on all counts. The case looks great (at least if you like the clamshell iBook look and color themes), offers excellent protection for your ‘Book in a compact, lightweight package, and is reasonably priced. Its only real shortcoming is a lack of storage capacity for peripherals and other extras, but that’s more an observation than a criticism, since providing that capacity would make the case bigger and heavier. As it is, I think a good balance has been struck between size, and capacity with this case for its intended purpose, which is transporting and protecting your laptop in an elegant, pleasant-to-carry unit rather than taking a portable office with you.
The case comes in five colors (Tangerine, Blueberry, Keylime, Indigo and Graphite) and is available at
http://mac-case.com/Products/MacCase%20Classic.html
MacCase products are available at mac-case.com , MacMall, Small Dog Electronics, MacConnection and Amazon.com.Ê For further information, please visit our website or contact Customer Service at 866-526-2247.
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