dennis.ca

You won't get any arguments from me if you think that the Macbook Pro is a pretty machine. As a Macbook owner, this is bad news since I obsess over my computer hardware like I obsess over my automobiles. The moment I show any concern about keeping an item in tip-top shape, the more scratches, dents, and fingerprints accumulate.

To protect my computer (and my peace of mind), I bought Speck's Hard Shell Case for the 15" Macbook Pro.

Shipping, Packaging

Canadian customers will be dinged twice for shipping -- once by Speck and and once by UPS. The only shipping option Speck offers to Canada is UPS Air.

Anyone who has suffered through cross-border dealings with UPS knows about their ridiculous brokerage charges. A 2-pound package with a value of US$90 required CDN$15 in brokerage fees (due on delivery).

Fit and Finish

Speck had a manufacturing problem with early versions of the case and subsequently offered instructions on fixing it yourself or sending it in for repair. This gave me some pause before ordering, but I decided to ask that the case be verified prior to shipping in the 'order comments' section. I'm happy to report that the fit and finish on the model I received was just fine.

I opted for the clear case which as you might expect, is 100% see-though plastic. There are two pieces -- one to cover the display and one for the base of the machine. Simple pictorial instructions are provided.

Installation takes only a couple of minutes and the case can be easily removed as needed. Removal turned out to be an issue for me since I bought a Bookendz docking station which will not accept a Macbook protected by a Speck case (or any case, for that matter) -- the clearances are just too tight.

All ports and connectors are aligned very nicely with the possible exception of the power connector, which is slightly off-center (but still completely usable). The connectors on the right side of the computer (Firewire, DVI, etc.) are exposed by a large cut-out section rather than individually.

As with my previous review, I'd recommend removing as much dust and debris as possible before installing. Particles stuck between the computer and case are obvious (and annoying). The Apple logo on my machine seems to be a magnet for dog hair.

Overall

• Above average fit and finish;
• Super easy to install and remove;
• Excellent protection, especially for the top and bottom of the computer;
• Does not impede on any ports or connectors;
• No obvious impact on operating temperature;
• Very low weight and size addition; and
• Poses a minor problem for Bookendz docking station users.

Speck Hard Shell case for 15" Macbook Pro, US$49.95