Protective Skins On Macbooks Unnecessary?

I'd be a little concerned that these covers could cause over heating. Macs are designed to lose heat through the body and I would expect that putting a film on them would restrict this process.

Bob

Leather breathes - that is why I chose it rather than plastic.

But the "breathing" of leather refers to its ability to transfer moisture, and that's completely different to the transfer of dry heat. Leather has pores, these pores contain air, and air is an effective heat insulator.

And, if any of these protective covers were a huge heat producing problem, the companies would no longer be in business because of multiple negligence and tort claims.

In exactly the same way that tobacco companies can't sell dangerous and cancer-causing products? 😉

Bob

I'd say it depends upon how anal one is that one's MacBook should maintain a pristine look. I take the view that my computer is a tool that gets heavily used and the condition of the casing is a reflection of that usage. I carry my MacBook in a normal laptop case, but apart from that I don't take any particular steps to protect it.

Bob

Is there any actual practical use for having a clear "protective" skin on a Macbook Pro or any laptop?

I prefer keeping everything I own in an "as-new" condition as I am able to; that practice usually pays off handsomely when I want to sell something. I usually do not even need to advertise it - I get unsolicited offers, precisely because people know that whatever it is they're buying will be in as perfect condition as possible. And, if I were to buy a used one, I would not even look at one that showed "wear and tear" including scratches, stickers, or whatever else - the exterior usually reflects the interior condition.

So, having said all that: I don't have a Speck case (I didn't care for them), but I do have a very thin and light (but sturdy) form-fitting leather enclosure which has proven to be the perfect solution for me. Of course, if I take it anywhere, it still goes into a laptop bag.

What I also found extremely helpful is a wristpad because the plastic tends to yellow and react to lotions, skin chemicals, etc.

Wristpad wasn't the right word - it's a cover for both the trackpad itself and the entire area surrounding it (where your hands/wrists rest) - there are many options; this is what I have (the wrist rest and trackpad cover):

http://www.bodyguardz.com/apple-macbook-13-2009-cases-protectors-covers-shields- skins-films.html

I've had my leather cover since 8/2009; it is open in the back where the vent is - the MB does not vent on the bottom (at least my model, an early 2009, has a solid bottom) and I don't use it directly on my lap or table which would be foolish. I use a (traveling) stand at a slight angle which helps keep it cool; it's super light and collapses to about 1/3" and has venting holes and it gives it a sturdy support; the angle can be adjusted as well. I believe using it while keeping it ventilated is more important than the type of cover you use - for instance, it'll overheat if you're using it on your down comforter (with or without any type of cover) because the down will trap the heat.

Take a look at your owners' manual - for my model it's on page 58:

Set up your MacBook on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer. Do not operate your MacBook on a pillow or other soft material, as the material can block the airflow vents....... and:

The bottom of your MacBook may become very warm during normal use. If your MacBook is on your lap and gets uncomfortably warm, remove it from your lap and place it on a stable work surface.

babowa wrote:

I've had my leather cover since 8/2009; it is open in the back where the vent is - the MB does not vent on the bottom (at least my model, an early 2009, has a solid bottom) and I don't use it directly on my lap or table which would be foolish.

It may not have a vent at the bottom, but there will still be significant heat loss through the lower casing, hence the requirement for adequate ventilation beneath and around the laptop. I'm concerned that anything that disrupts this heat loss might cause overheating, or at least would make the fans work harder.

Bob

As I said, it has not been a problem with the thin leather case and the fact that I never use it on anything solid, but a (perforated/airflow holes) tray, even when I use it on a table or desk. Leather breathes - that is why I chose it rather than plastic. And, if any of these protective covers were a huge heat producing problem, the companies would no longer be in business because of multiple negligence and tort claims.

You've made your point and I've made mine; shall we leave it at that.

Sure thing. Have a nice day.