is it bad to have macbook pro in a case?

My humble opinion

The aluminum case of my MBP heats up unevenly, and can get *very* warm when streaming NetFlix. I always let it be free to exchange heat with the outside air.

Others have warned that cases can let dust and dirt inbetween, and then will continue to scrape that against the aluminum.

I run mine uncovered for those reasons.

But others may call me uninformed.

Cases are just another gimmick to take money from someone for absolutely nothing.

I agree with Steve, dust and dirt can and will get in between the add-on case and the aluminum case and can cause more damage then no case.

And then you have Cases are for sissies.

"And then you have Cases are for sissies."

Shame on you, Shootist007!

Ha Ha

That being said ...

Using a "sleeve" for transporting it is not a bad idea. Something with rubber lining to adhere and thick flexible shell could be good. The rubber prevents the shell from sliding across the MBP while the shell takes the scratches during transport. And since the sleeve is removed any dust tends to not be held against the aluminum case.

Well good computer bags have soft linings in them, at least where they have designed the notebook to go. Not sure an extra sleeve is needed. But to each their own.

Good point ... I guess I am still slightly confused by looking inside the "average" case designed for fat/thick latptops, and comparing to the slim-case MBP. Plus any sleeve is extra money.

I may be very wrong on my point about sleeves.