The MacBook ranks among the top and most sought-after laptop brands in the market. Consequently, numerous companies offer accessories for the device. Most of these additional components enhance functionality and/or safeguard your laptop, but some may turn out to be more harmful than helpful. For example, keyboard covers exert unnecessary pressure on the screen, while hardshell cases can cause MacBooks to deteriorate more quickly. In theory, hardshell cases protect MacBooks similarly to how phone cases shield iPhones from scratches and impacts.
Nevertheless, although cases may shield your MacBook externally, any protection they offer might lead to internal damage, as certain cases are poorly designed and obstruct cooling vents. The cases do not completely block the vents, but they do hinder airflow enough to make your computer run hotter, which makes the fans operate at higher speeds. Naturally, you face the immediate issue of noisy fans and diminished computer performance, but continuously operating fans at elevated speeds depletes batteries more quickly, resulting in the need to recharge your MacBook more often. Moreover, the more frequently you recharge a drained battery, the sooner it will require replacement.
Fortunately, MacBooks notify you when it’s time to replace batteries, but this does not alter the reality that your battery would likely have a longer lifespan if you avoided the hardshell case. Hardshell cases can also impact more than just the battery; they can place added weight on the screens, which loosens the hinges over time. Not only will you have to regularly adjust the screen (unless you’re fine with neck strain from an awkward position), but a loose hinge could potentially harm the display.
Opt for a sleeve instead
While you should steer clear of hardshell cases, it remains important to guard your MacBook against unnecessary dents and scratches. Sometimes, the optimal way to protect such an investment involves a gentle approach. If you feel compelled to encase your MacBook, consider using a soft sleeve. These provide the same level of protection (when the laptop is not in operation) without any of the hazards associated with a hardshell case. Admittedly, you must remove the MacBook from the sleeve to use it, but you’re less likely to drop it while focusing on the device.
Additionally, while a sleeve might technically obstruct a MacBook’s vents, it can only fit a MacBook when the device is closed and either powered off or in sleep mode, i.e., when cooling isn’t needed. Quite honestly, if your computer’s fans continue to operate while the screen is closed, there are larger issues to address than overheating or battery longevity. Sleeves offer several additional benefits over hardshell cases.
When you choose a sleeve, ensure it is appropriately sized for your laptop, but you can still utilize a sleeve that is slightly oversized, providing you with more purchasing options. If you come across a sleeve you like on clearance, you can buy it and still protect your laptop, even if it fits a bit loosely in the bag. Hardshell cases, however, need to be more precisely fitted to offer any meaningful protection. This limitation restricts the models you can buy, and if a retailer discounts all models except for the one you need, you may be out of options.