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When you spend way over £1000 on a new 15″ Macbook Pro, it is important that you keep it in the best possible condition by protecting it when you're carrying it around. While some users may prefer a full-size laptop bag, there are many people for whom this is just too bulky. For these people, a laptop sleeve is perfect as it gives an extra layer of protection without adding significant bulk to the machine.
Today we are going to look at the Brenthaven ProStyle Macbook Sleeve which is designed for use with 15″ Macbooks. Unlike the Urbano sleeves we looked at a while back, this Brenthaven sleeve isn't finished in leather. This makes it quite a lot cheaper to buy so is likely to be more popular with the more budget-restricted consumers.
Features
- High Density Foam Protection System
- External shell is water-resistant Brenthaven Micro-Ballistic
- Soft faux-fur liner
- EZ-Grip handle system
Brenthaven don't supply the ProStyle sleeve within any form of substantial packaging, rather a thin polythene back to prevent it getting dirty. We assume that any online retailer who sells this back will use some kind of protective box or packet for shipping. The sleeve is supplied with a piece of thin cardboard wrapped around it which has some basic information about the sleeve printed on it.
Despite being made from nylon, the ProStyle has a quality feeling that reflects the reasonably high price of the case. Thanks to the user of this material, the case is water resistant which should prove useful if you get caught in any sudden showers.
Unlike some other sleeves, the ProStyle's zip doesn't extend very far along the sides of the sleeve which means you can't open it up fully. This doesn't detract from it's function though as it remains very easy to slide the Macbook in. All of the zips used feel substantial and have a smooth and refined action.
The inside of the sleeved is lined in faux-fur which has a pattern of circles embedded into it. This is extremely soft and should prevent your machine from being scratched when inside. Between the faux-fur and the exterior nylon there is a layer of high-density foam which gives your laptop extra protection while inside.
On the left hand side of the sleeve there is a small zipper pocket that is perfect for stowing a couple of USB flash drives or an HSDPA dongle. It is lined with the same faux-fur material as the main compartment which will provide a reasonable level of protection for your accessories. Unfortunately there isn't enough room in this pocket for a power adapter, no matter how small it is.
The reverse side of the sleeve is home to a low profile carrying handle that makes it much easier to carry the sleeve. It is not often that sleeve's have any kind of handle and it is good to see that Brenthaven are breaking the standard sleeve mould in this way.
For those who are looking for a simple laptop sleeve for their Macbook, the ProStyle will probably be a little out of budget at around £45 from Amazon for the 15″ variant. This doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't worth the asking price, though as it is a quality product.
The water resistant exterior is likely to attract a number of buyers, especially in sunny old England. Combine this with the integrated low profile carrying handle and you have the perfect sleeve to use out and about with your Macbook.
If you want your Macbook to be completely protected, though, you would be better off going for a proper laptop case that will provide a lot more protection than the thin layer of high density foam in this sleeve. And, for those looking for a stylish case would be better off purchasing an Urbano sleeve as they are much more attractive to look at.
KitGuru says: A good sleeve on the whole which is let down only by a high price
