Is a Protective Hard Case , Lamination , Screen Guard / Privacy filter & Keyboard skin for MacBook Pro 14inch 2023 M3 Max recommended ?

Som_Banerjee wrote:

Hello All,

Just got a brand new MacBook Pro 14 inches M3 Max 5 days back. However very skeptical taking it out bare shell during my upcoming travel. Read mixed reviews around using a hard case, lamination Screen Guard / Privacy filter & Keyboard skin stating all of these may damage the display or the display hinges.

Checked with Apple support however they have no clues to it either though they did mention that Apple recommends a protective hard case and / or screen guard / keyboard skin however a strict no no for laminating the laptop as it may affect the paint.

When asked if they have any certified or recommended brand the answer was it is not available in my region - INDIA. Asked them if they can recommend a 3rd party brand like UAG or Spigen the answer was a big No.

Quite disappointed with the fact that if Apple is selling expensive MacBooks in countries outside the US, however they don't have accessories or recommendations for all regions is a shame !!!

Request community members to please guide me with recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Som

I never recommend any or all that extra ... save your money.

Buy a good quality computer bag if you travel frequently is the limit of what I would suggest, and seems fundamental.

I have never had an issue after decades of Notebook usage— but I have read of problems of heat retention, cracked screens, added blemished when removed, etc

YMMV

What I do recommend is the AppleCare+ additional warranty on a brand new purchase If available in your country /region. You have a limited 60 days to purchase Apple Care+ after a new purchase...

If you have AppleCare+ it will cover a large portion of accidental damage.

AppleCare Products - Mac - Apple

this also will give you the Option to extend the coverage annually ( if available for your region) after the initial warranty expires ref: Extend your AppleCare+ coverage - Apple Support

read the fine print.

I have a neoprene slip case I use if I'm putting my MBA in a bag that doesn't have a padded computer section. Other than that, I've never used any kind of case. I've had portable Macs going back to the Powerbook 100. I don't see the need for a screen protector as it's not a touchscreen device. I brush the keyboard off before closing to get rid of any crumbs or stray cat hair and occasionally wipe the keys off with a very damp cloth.

no one can really answer this question, it extremely depends on your personal behavior

I have MacBooks since they exist, but never had any protection around it, although I was traveling a lot. With normal usage, nothing can happen with it

different with a phone, which based on the normal usage is much more prone to fall down