Is a thin silicon case for just the TOP portion good for MacBook Air protection?

Any snap on cases will end up trapping dirt & debris beneath it. And that dirt will be ground into the aluminum causing staining & scratches.

Plus, every time I see these covers on a laptop I'm repairing, the plastic case is nearly always cracked. There have been multiple times where I almost dropped the laptop with one of these cases because the laptop slid out from the broken plastic snap on case.

Plus, getting these snap on cases off the display assembly is very difficult. You may actually end up cracking the screen as some of them can be quite tight. These days I will ask the user to remove these cases if it is a personal device because I don't want to be responsible for causing damage to the laptop. At least if the user damages the laptop while removing the case, then I am free & clear & can charge them for the extra parts.

I can tell you the grime beneath these cases can be very disgusting especially if moisture has gotten in there as well.

The top of your computer is not, under normal use, going to incur any nicks or scratches while you're using it. You only need to protect it when you're carrying it around. I have a lightly padded neoprene case that I bought years ago for less than $10. If I am not using my messenger back with a padded section, that's what I carry my computer in. I take it out of the case to use.

If it's closed and sitting on a desk or table, you should never be setting anything on it.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

The top of your computer is not, under normal use, going to incur any nicks or scratches while you're using it. You only need to protect it when you're carrying it around. I have a lightly padded neoprene case that I bought years ago for less than $10. If I am not using my messenger back with a padded section, that's what I carry my computer in. I take it out of the case to use.

If it's closed and sitting on a desk or table, you should never be setting anything on it.

Good option.

I just meant it looks and feels nice, a good choice of material to protect from scratches.. My case looks battle worn but underneath it there's a pristine MacBook. feels like new when you replace it. deffo use them

surly_wombat wrote:

Could you send me the link to your case?

Search for 'laptop sleeve."

I bought this for my 13-inch 2012 Macbook Pro years ago and it has provided all the protection needed. Evean after lots of car and plane trips the computer still looks new.

Mine is flexible ballistic nylon with a zipper closure. It has a plush lining that ls extends over the metal parts of the zipper so they won't scratch.

I bought mine from OWC but they no longer catalog it. The good news is that it also fits my new M4 Pro Macbook Pro 14"that's replacing the old road warrior.

I'm sure they are still available elsewhere if you search for "laptop sleeve."

Do not use anything (plastic or otherwise) that can snap onto the MacBook's lid if trying to protect it (same goes for the bottom case which you've decided against for good reason). If you must protect it in some way, it will likely be better to use a cling-held type of plastic sheet to prevent potential damage by any adhesives used to hold it onto the top of the lid...& that's the top of the lid only. Not the edges nor anywhere near where the screen begins.

Note that I have no idea of something like this even exists so take that advice with a grain of salt.

Yes defiantly, One with vents on the bottom is fine and recommended also. Silicon has a euphoric texture

I can't speak for IdrisSeabright but I'm assuming it's a simple padded neoprene zipper close bags. No carrying handle, maybe one pocket (if any). Just a simple padded bag. Here's one example of many on Amazon.

Laptop Sleeve Case 13.3 inch for MacBook Air 13

FYI, I used the search term "padded neoprene macbook 13". You can use this search term to find something that suits you.

actual_intelligence wrote:

Silicon has a euphoric texture

What does that mean?

IdrisSeabright wrote:

actual_intelligence wrote:

Silicon has a euphoric texture

What does that mean?

The way powdery white sand on a beach feels between your toes gets pretty close to euphoric.