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 MacCase has been in the business of making Apple-specific laptop cases since 1998. The California based company offers a variety of cases including hard cases, slings, and messenger bags. In all, there are 7 types of cases and most are available in several sizes and colors. The company specializes in matching its product design to the Apple laptops they are made to carry. I took their messenger bag for a spin and found it to be attractive, versatile, and well constructed.
VERSATILITY
The messenger bag is extremely versatile. In fact, when I first received the product I immediately noticed the large number of useful pockets located all over the bag. The main compartment contains ample storage space and a separate pocket for the laptop. At first glance, I was taken back by the vivid neon color of the main compartment. MacCase calls this BrightSight because it's designed to reflect ambient light to provide better visibility into the case. A nice feature of the messenger bag is the included laptop sleeve that I was able to customize to the exact size of my ibook. On the outside of the main compartment are three more pockets and separate pen pockets. A large flap folds over the top, protecting your valuable cargo, and providing even more storage via a zip-up pocket on the outside. On one side of the bag I found an iPod pocket and on the other, a mesh pocket for a water-bottle. The iPod pocket will fit just about any mp3 player or any cell phone. A rubberized headphone pass-through on the iPod pocket keeps your player dry in light rain.
 STYLE
One of the biggest selling points of any of MacCase's products is their style. Anyone who has tried to find a decent looking laptop bag at their local Best Buy or Office Depot knows that 90% of the bags on the market are lucky to be considered bland. Most are downright ugly, unless you are willing to shell out $100 or more. The messenger bag from MacCase can be had for $29.95 - $69.95. The case is made of a nylon fabric so if you're looking for leather this bag isn't for you. However, I prefer nylon because it's more durable and will survive longer in the urban jungle. Besides the simple MacCase logo, the bag is void of any distracting graphics or annoying text. Attractive and durable zippers and buckles complement the stylish look of the bag and a simple black strap with shoulder pad round out the package. It's also worth noting that the backside of the bag, the part that touches the leg, is well padded to protect your laptop from being bashed by your thigh.
QUALITY
After much use, I was impressed with the quality materials that MacCase used in the construction of the messenger bag. The seams look sturdy and the zippers are of the highest quality. I shouldn't have been surprised then that the shoulder strap was connected to the bag using metal harnesses. It's refreshing to see a company spend a little extra money where it matters.
THE M.O.M. (Massively Overstocked Mother) TEST
I'm a pretty simple guy. I carry around a few chargers, my laptop, and a handful of other accessories. A far cry from my mother who is a PhD-aspiring student and UGA professor. She carries two full bags containing books, food, glasses, and much more. See the bottom of this review for a complete list of her daily tote. I laid out everything on a table and began the heady task of packing it into the MacCase messenger bag. Astonishingly, the bag virtually inhaled everything with nary a complaint. There seemed to be a spot for every item in her inventory. The bag even had enough room left over to fit my 12" iBook in it's sleeve. The messenger bag passed the M.O.M. test with flying colors!
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The M.O.M. Test: 3 books - 1 full desk organizer - 1 pocket size (Gideon) New Testament - 1 notepad - 1 class record - 1(2-subject /100 sheets) notebook with heavy-duty front & back covers - one full pack of saltine crackers (41 crackers) - 4 plastic covers to keep handwritten notes, class hand-outs, syllabi, and typing papers - 2 water bottles - lunch bag with 2 sandwiches and vegetables headband - gloves - sun- / reading glasses - maps of UGA campus, campus and Athens transit routes pamphlets - checkbooks - magnifying glasses - pens - pencil - date books - allergy / pain medicine - cough drops - handkerchiefs - travel size toothpaste, toothbrush, hand lotion - plastic bags - scissors - pocket size alarm clock - calculator - dental floss - tissue paper - paper towel - napkins - make-up mirror - lip moisturizer - cell phone - Scoch tape - paperclips - mega size clips for large documents - rubber band - boxes of matches
Oh yea, i almost forgot, a 12" iBook too. |
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THE GOOD: The bag is well constructed, attractive, and bargain priced. Attention to detail and a generous amount of space means you'll be hard pressed to fill this bag to capacity.
THE BAD: The flap covers the buckles just enough to make it difficult to close them. The main compartment could use another divider since it's so large. There's no hand carrying handle.
THE SKINNY: The most versatile laptop bag I've ever tested. The messenger bag is a real winner! |
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