Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I paid about $55 for the Radiator a couple of weeks ago. I have quite enjoyed having the security and versatility the case affords along with the convenience of being able to use my Ogio messenger bag to carry accessories and other items. The Radiator gives all of the convenience of a sleeve, with significantly greater protection.

The wearable carrying option is quite effective for allowing me to work in transit when a desk is unavailable or inconvenient. The added cooling you get when the bag is opened, along with the accessibility of all of the ports when open, enhances the appeal of using the case.

As an added bonus, I went through airport security in Seattle, WA and Santa Ana, CA (John Wayne airport), and I didn't have to remove the macbook from the radiator.

I would recommend the Radiator to all macbook users. It's a shame they don't make one for the pro.

I've had this case for almost 2 years now and it has held up. However, the back suction cups have never stuck to my laptop, which always leaves the back exposed. It doesn't keep dirt out. It functions well as a carrying case. It will also really protect your computer when the case is fully zipped shut. I've dropped it a few times while it's in it and my laptop has been fine. However, I wish I'd gotten a case that forms around my laptop so that it would be more protected when my computer is open.

I'm a computer tech for my local school district and this case makes my job SO much easier. The ability to close the lid on my Mac, zip the case closed, and toss the strap on my sholder is an awesome plus in the usability department. This case also works great with a larger messenger type bag, since the Civilian Labs case fits so snugly. I have a large messenger bag filled with tools that I slip my Mac and this Civilian Labs case into. Last of all, since the bottom of the case is not secured to the Mac, it makes a great place to stow papers you need quick access to. Just tilt the Mac off the bottom of the case, grab a paper, and sit the Mac back down.

The case itself is pretty rugged and the suction-cups on the lid also double as shock absorbers, protecting the delicate screen very well. After using the case DAILY for almost a year now the zippers have never once snagged or come undone and the zipper pulls are intact.

I have a 13" Macbook Pro unibody (MacBookPro5,5), and with the addition of a smooth hardshell ( Speck Products See-Thru Case for 13-Inch MacBooks with Aluminum Unibody/Black Keyboard (Clear) ) the "squidlock" system works perfectly. The hardshell IS necessary however, as the suction cups WILL NOT adhere to the aluminum lid of the 13" Macbook Pro. Nevertheless, no other case on the market offers the level of utility this case does, so even with the added cost of a hardshell it is still worth it.

The main thing I think could have been designed a little bit better is the strap clips. I love the fact that the case can double as a mobile work surface for my machine, but the curled, "hook" ends on the clips make it difficult to remove the strap from the d-rings on the back of the case and attach them to the loops on the side of the case. Trying to remove the clips from the side-loops is even more of a nightmare, since the loops tend to get hooked and bunch up when you try to remove the clips. I think this problem could probably be eliminated with a razor knife to the curled "hook" ends, but it is still something potential customers should be aware of. Last, but not least, be aware that the remote pocket on this case's lid will NOT hold the new Apple aluminum remote, only the old white plastic remotes.

To wrap it up, yea this case has a rough point or two, but it is still worth every penny for the convenience and usability it bestows.

i got this for my macbook pro 13" even though it was made for a 13" white macbook because i needed some protection and portability since i use it for djing in urban areas as a part of the hip-hop ministry at saddleback church. like the other review person said, the suction doesn't work well, probably because its better on plastic, so i put some clear tape on the back of my macbook pro and now it works fine. wish more companies made something similar to this. also nice that it doesn't show off my mac, i'm not one to show off.

*edit - i've been using it for some time now, i've noticed it adds a bit of weight to the computer.

I'm seconding everything the reviewer who used velcro said. I suspect the suction cups work great on the Macbooks that have shiny plastic cases. I have the aluminum (or aluminum-looking) unibody Macbook and the suction cups don't stick at all.

I copied his solution and also stuck velcro tape to the top of the computer and to the suction cups to get it to work. Problem solved. One note -- if you do that, you have to really cover the suction cups. I initially tried using small pieces of velcro. The velcro halves stuck to each other just fine, but the velcro wouldn't stick to the plastic suction cups very well. Once I used pieces big enough to cover the suction cups completely, it was good. I stuck much smaller circles to the computer itself -- about the size of a quarter -- and that's working well.

With that problem solved, the case is great. It doesn't add much bulk -- it fits very snugly -- and it weighs next to nothing. And I haven't had to remove it at the airport, which is nice.

Overall, great product!