brainwavez.org | Paul Frank Laptop Case For 15-Inch Macbook Pro

Paul Frank Laptop Case For 15-Inch Macbook Pro
A brainwavez.org Tech-Accessory Review

By: Mandy J Watson on 24 January 2011
Category: Tech > Accessories > Reviews

Protect your notebook with a stylish, eye-catching neoprene-based cover designed by Paul Frank Industries for the MacBook Pro - but is it robust enough?

The Paul Frank Laptop Case For 15-Inch Macbook Pro are laptop cases made of polychloroprene (neoprene) on the outside with polyurethane foam in the middle for extra padding, and a lovely, soft fleece lining on the inside. They also feature two moulded rubber zip pulls (with the face of Julius the monkey), so you can zip it up from either side, and reinforced stitching.

Paul Frank Laptop Case For 15-Inch Macbook Pro

The cases are designed specifically for MacBook Pro notebooks (but of course, you can use it for any similarly sized notebook) with a snug fit - as far as I can tell. Unfortunately I currently have a 13-inch MacBook Pro and a 13-inch MacBook Air for testing purposes, but I was sent a 15-inch test case. (In fact, you can fit both a 13-inch MacBook Pro and a 13-inch MacBook Air in one 15-inch case, though I don't know that that would be wise.)

There's a certain stretchiness in the materials, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro (nevermind the 15-inch version) is a heavy notebook, so as good as it looks I'd rather carry a laptop in a bag that has a denser build quality and feels more solid and robust. This one is good for protecting against scratches but I'd be far more likely to drop it because the neoprene used here is just not easy to hold on to, especially with the weight of the notebook. If I were to use it, it would be to store a MacBook Pro when not in use, rather than to carry it around. I would be more likely to carry a MacBook Air in it, simply due to the weight/grip issue.

I've only tested the case for about a month, which isn't enough time for any real wear-and tear problems - should there be any - to develop on a case that is manufactured well. So far the stitching has held up properly and the case has remained free of scuff marks. The design has also not begun to chip off, which is something I suspect may happen after a few years of use because it's printed on top of the neoprene. We'll see what happens.

The review unit was provided by Core Group.