Your MacBook goes almost everywhere with you, transforming wherever you are into an office, a place of entertainment or creativity. But carrying such a powerful (and expensive!) device with you wherever you go and storing it in your backpack or luggage can be nerve-wracking, which is why it's important to make sure it stays protected. 

But how do you choose? How do you choose the best MacBook case for both you and your computer? That's where we at Lux-Case come in with our guide of important questions to consider when choosing a Macbook sleeve and what this guide cases.

One piece of advice: Hardshell case for Macbook.

First things first: the difference between sleeves and cases

Let's start by answering a simple and straightforward, but nonetheless important question: What exactly is the difference between a MacBook case and a sleeve?

A MacBook sleeve, like the case you use for your phone or tablet, is a moulded, hard casing that attaches to both the top and bottom of the laptop. In this sense, a case provides three distinct benefits to the user: The first is that it protects the device from shocks, accidents and the general wear and tear that comes with use. The second is that it allows you to customise your MacBook and make it feel more personal with a special colour or pattern. The third, and perhaps the most important, is that it does the first two things while allowing you to use your device in the same way as before.

This is where a sleeve sets itself apart, as it acts as protection while travelling more than anything else. A MacBook sleeve is usually made of a soft, shock-absorbing fabric that you can store your laptop in while it's in your backpack, luggage or hand. This makes sleeves more universal as they can be used with a case for a particularly secure storage experience, but you can't use your MacBook while it's in the sleeve, unlike a case.

So it's all about the experience you want to have and how much protection you feel you need. Both options are great for protecting your MacBook when travelling, commuting to and from school or work, or just moving from room to room.

Take a look here: Hardshell case for MacBook Air.

Which MacBook sleeve should I choose - step-by-step

Now that you know a little more about the difference between a case and a sleeve, let's look at something else that's very important - how to choose.

This can be a little harder than it looks, so we've taken three important factors into consideration in an attempt to make this guide as comprehensive as possible: the model of your MacBook, the style and the material.

A good tip: Hardshell case for Macbook Pro.

MacBook model

Of all the things you need to consider, the model of MacBook you have is perhaps the most important. In fact, it's the most important, as your case won't fit if it's not made for the model you have.

Figuring out exactly which model you have can be a little tricky though, as Apple tends to use the same naming convention every time they release a model, even though the models themselves may be different and a product for one may not be compatible with the other.

But there is a good and easy way to find out which Apple MacBook you have, whether it's the regular MacBook, a MacBook Air or one of the MacBook Pro models, which can be broken down into two steps.

• Step 1: Turn your MacBook over. On the back of the device, there is some information printed on the metal casing, such as where the device was designed and assembled, and various classifications. The other thing you can also find printed on the back is a model number.
• Step 2: The model number. This number, more than anything else, is the best way to determine which model you have. By using this number as a reference when buying a case or sleeve, you don't have to worry about things like name, model or year.

Style

This is the most fun part. If you're tired of your MacBook looking like everyone else's, or if you just want it to better suit your personality and the way you express yourself, a case is a great way to add a splash of colour or a new dimension to your device.

You can choose a case with a strong and expressive colour or design that makes it stand out, or something simpler and more minimalist that makes it fit in. With a wide range of options to choose from, the only limit is your imagination.

Material

As with style, you can choose your preferred material based on what suits you best - and this can also be something to consider when it comes to price. For example, a bright yellow hard plastic case might be great for protecting against scratches and expressing your personality, but if you're a business professional, you might prefer a brown or black leather sleeve that fits better in an office environment.

Before you decide, we recommend that you consider which material speaks to you best and how you use your MacBook on a daily basis.

Cases with a precise fit

The best thing about a case is that it fits your MacBook like a glove. Not only does it provide a reliable fit, but it also ensures your MacBook stays protected in the event of an accident or just what happens when you move your laptop around every day, just like it was designed to do.

The precise fit enables everything you need and want from a case: protection, reliability, ease of use and style. 

For the minimalist: Hardshell transparent case for Macbook Air.

Sleeve with multiple organisational options

Of course, the only problem with a precise fit is that it doesn't allow for extra customisation and organisation - and that's where a sleeve comes in.

A sleeve that has a looser design often comes with external (and sometimes internal) pockets where you can store things like documents, notepads and pens. This extra organisational option is perfect for students who take their computer back and forth from school every day.

Cases against scratches

Despite being made of durable aluminium, taking your MacBook in and out of the back, placing it on various surfaces around the house, at work and at school, and opening and closing it can leave scratches. And while these scratches may be mostly aesthetic and don't harm the usability of the device, they do affect how the laptop looks and can be annoying.

A MacBook case protects against scratches, bumps and other forms of damage - both the more serious and cosmetic ones.

Another suggestion: Macbook Pro 13 Retina case.

What is the best MacBook case?

That's a question only you can answer. The best MacBook sleeve is all about one thing, with one important caveat: what you like best, as long as it fits the MacBook you have. So of course you need to make sure the case you're interested in fits the computer you have, but then it all comes down to your own personal preferences in terms of usability, colour and design.

The only thing we can say for sure is that using a case, whatever it is, is better than not using one at all.

FAQ

What type of MacBook sleeve should I choose?

It depends on your needs, preferences and budget. If you want something simple and protective that you can use your MacBook with and mimics the functionality of a mobile phone case, then you should choose a protective MacBook sleeve. However, if you want something to store your laptop while you're on the go, then a MacBook sleeve might be a better option. 

Is it necessary to have a MacBook sleeve?

It depends on who you ask, but if you ask us, the answer is without a doubt: yes. That's for the simple reason that a MacBook, although designed to be used, is an expensive piece of technology that you use for important things. In comparison, investing in a case that ensures you can use your MacBook for as long as possible and protects it from both accidents and wear and tear is both important and cost-effective.

How much does a MacBook sleeve cost?

It depends on the type of case you're interested in, and the price can depend on everything from material to protection level and functionality. As a rule of thumb, the higher the quality of the material and the more unique features it offers, the more it will cost. But regardless of the actual price, a case or sleeve for your MacBook is always cheaper than having to repair or replace the device due to an accident or wear and tear.