Review: Your MacBook can be a HardCase with this innovative shell
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Dec 28, 2006 at 8:09am
It’s hard to find a laptop case that offers some innovative features, but RhinoSkin has done it with the RhinoSkin MacBook Hardcase, a US$59.96 case for the consumer laptop. (Currently, it’s only in white, but a black version is coming.) It’s a simple, clever concept, flawlessly implemented.
Here’s a quick overview: the MacBook Hardcase offers ABS hardcase protection with ventilation on all sides and the bottom. Openings provide access to CD/DVD drive, data ports, charger jacks and all other functions while the laptop is inside the case. The double-hinge cover design flips underneath to provide raised angle for typing and visibility. The MacBook Hardcase’s detachable accessory box holds an AC charger, cables and other items. Removable backpack straps are included.
The Hardcase’s backpack straps make the MacBook easy to carry (and a case like this would certainly be handy for the heavier MacBook Pro, especially the 17-incher—hint, hint). The “quick-release” straps are well implemented, and make it easy to get the notebook off your back and ready for action.
The accessory case is easy to attach and remove. But it’s the accessibility that the HardCase provides that makes it truly outstanding. The drop down flap lets you access all the ports without removing the MacBook from the HardCase, while the IR Port cut-out even allows use of the remote. Now that’s a clever design. If that’s not enough, the cover rotates 360 degrees to become a stand.
The Hardcase also has an transparent pane that lets the Apple logo be seen. The folks at RhinoSkin say the case has a “device specific design,” and even Apple couldn’t have designed a more versatile hardshell case—which is the highest praise I can give. And as for protection, the ABS case has proven durable and tough in the week I’ve been using it.
Macsimum rating: 10 out of 10.
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
