Civilian Lab Radiator Laptop Sleeve with Handle and Shoulder Strap - Fits MacBook 13"

by Civilian

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 1.1 x 8.9 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• ASIN: B000WB0WP0
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,254 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 29, 2006

Product Description

The smooth surface of the MacBook allows 4 suction cup arrays on the lid interior to stay attached to the laptop while it is being used at a desk, in the field, or even in bed. The suction cups also work great as shok-absorbing cushion when not used to retain the lid. If the MacBook needs to be easily removed from the case, the ribbon at each suction cup can be looped over the cup to break the suction until it is needed again. This lets it function as a regular sleeve. Fast laptops can get very hot. RADIATOR effectively insulated your lap with 5mm (1/4") EVA foam (material commonly used for shoe outsole). When in open position, the laptop bottom is tilted out of the case allows air convection to cool the core. Raising MacBook's back also corrects its overly flat typing and viewing angles - improving ergonomics. RADIATOR cools when closed too. A bubble around the hot spot is joined to the x-channels and draws cooler air in while hot air escapes through a vent array. An orange stopper seals the vents for outdoor use and Velcro it into the spare bubble while vents are open. Black durable ballistic nylon exterior lends stealthy, elegant looks. The aesthetics mirror the minimalist language of the Apple product line. Inspired by the functionality of "jerry-can" fuel canisters like those used on rugged trucks, RADIATOR's most noticeable visual feature is the "X" truss which gives structure and stiffness to the case. Most computer sleeves are just made to go inside a bigger bag. While RADIATOR does this of course, it also works in 2 other useful modes. It comes with high quality shoulder strap with swiveling snap-hooks and the box-stitched carry handles let you use it like a small shoulder bag. The side loops allow the case to be used as a temporary work station.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I wanted, but may not be for everyone..., October 20, 2008

By 

Edmond L. Bearse - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Civilian Lab Radiator Laptop Sleeve with Handle and Shoulder Strap - Fits MacBook 13" (Electronics)

I was looking for something like this for some time. It fit the following of my requirements (pros):

1. A shell/sleeve/case/etc that doesn't require me to remove the macbook but is small enough to fit in my backback, computer briefcase.

2. Something somewhat rigid and protects against textbooks in the backback and light weather should I carry it by itself.

3. Something other than a decal to block the annoying brightly lit apple logo on the back of the screen (my professors find it distracting and I don't really care to advertise).

4. Something that would let me operate the laptop on my lap without burning me or falling off (handy strap choices) when I fix other computers in homes that have no real desk space to set it down on.

Potential drawbacks for some people that I don't really mind:

1. No place for peripherals (beside the remote) or power adapter. Think of this product as more of a shell/sleeve than a case. Small zippered snap-on bags can aid this problem.

2. Ventilation from bottom and open offset is nice but not as efficient as a fan ventilated laptop stand. It does keep you from burning your leg though and I've never had a problem with overheating.

3. Even when open, the zipper teeth need to be watched for when inserting/ejecting discs. Just lift the bottom of the laptop a bit and you're golden.

4. Nuts on the back may seem weird to some and could scratch other items stored next to the shell. The bolts do provide some interesting possibilities though.

I would say that if you're on the go a lot and need to operate your laptop in less-than-ideal positions, this is an excellent buy. The craftsmanship is not as good as Swiss Gear products I own, but it's not flimsy either and definitely better than most of the generic retail items in brick and mortars. It's worth the money if it fits your needs as it did mine.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a great idea.... too bad it doesn't really work., March 7, 2008

By 

Christian Ristow "robochrist" (Taos, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I was looking for a "cover" for my Macbook which would increase its durability, not only when the computer was closed, but also when open. In other words, a "ruggedizing" cover that would always stay on the computer.

The Radiator promised to be just that... So I got one.

Everything about this cover is great... the design, the look, the protection it affords the computer, the access to all the ports, except... the suction cups just don't work. So, the case doesn't stay on like it's supposed to, and then all those other great things it does aren't worth much.

I like the look and protection of the case so much that I decided to adhere high-strength adhesive-backed-velcro TO MY COMPUTER to assist the ineffective suction cups in keeping the case on. This is working for me, and I now get the protection I was looking for, but sticking velcro to their computer is probably not everyone's cup of tea.

Overall, a great concept and great design, this product would be spectacular if only it worked the way it was supposed to.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars COULDNT BE BETTER! BEST CASE!, April 28, 2008

By 

Stuart P. Eales - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This cover/sleeve is PERFECT for anyone who cares about their mac! Its an AMAZING PRODUCT!!!! I have been looking for something EXACTLY like this for a year or so now and this is IT! BUY IT! You wont be let down!