Should I use a case on my MacBook Air to prevent hinge damage?

Apple does not recommend cases for any of its laptops.

The MacBook Air is a fanless design that relies partly on its aluminum skin to keep its operation temperatures under control. A case will inhibit that cooling.

Best not to tempt fate.

Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

I would recommend a soft sleeve be used when you need to transport the computer.

It's not necessarily just the hinges that can be damaged...these types of cases use clips to hold them onto the MacBook. Today's MacBooks are quite fragile and the clips can cause stress on area of the case (especially the lid and it's delicate LCD panel and front glass assembly). There are miniscule tolerances between components of the screen assembly that can be damaged by these clips that are meant to hold the case onto the lid and bottom case. Simply removing the case after it's been installed could cause damage trying to unclip the clips. So the case that was meant to protect your MacBook may actually damage it when it comes time to remove it.

The heat dissipation is another aspect of it that was brought up by our friend D.I. Johnson.

Bottom line is that it's not recommended for various reasons noted above.

I agree with D.I. Johnson about using a simple padded bag or sleeve for protection.

I’ve owned a MBAir since 2010 and Ive not used a case with any of them. I did purchase a padded sleeve to protect it when I carried it in my book bag or briefcase and that’s what I’ve recommended for years.

JAB9 wrote:

Where does "Apple not recommend cases for any of its laptops"? I don't use one - and I suggest others don't - but - I don't think Apple has taken a stand either way. A comment from a guy at the Apple Store doesn't count. Apple sells cases for all their current laptops in their stores and online. Again - I don't disagree with your comment, but - saying Apple has said this is just not correct, that I have found. I would love to see a TSB or something else official.

Yes, my friend, Apple does sell laptop cases. However, nowhere that I have seen does Apple specifically "recommend" using a case on their computers. I've seen no Apple document, TSB or otherwise, saying "Apple recommends using a case on your laptop", so I understand that Apple just does not make that recommendation.

To be fair, neither have I seen a document wherein Apple proactively discourages the use of cases. They do provide guidance regarding laptop use on hard vs soft, fluffy surfaces and vent clearance, though. Some cases may interfere with airflow across the surface of the computer which is critical for cooling a MacBook Air that has no fan and uses the skin for cooling.

I suppose selling cases may be equated to condoning the use of them, but I would stop short of calling that a "recommendation".

Perhaps I should have simply stated "Apple makes no recommendation, either way, regarding the use of a case on a MacBook computer."

Where does "Apple not recommend cases for any of its laptops"? I don't use one - and I suggest others don't - but - I don't think Apple has taken a stand either way. A comment from a guy at the Apple Store doesn't count. Apple sells cases for all their current laptops in their stores and online. Again - I don't disagree with your comment, but - saying Apple has said this is just not correct, that I have found. I would love to see a TSB or something else official.