MARWARE Sportfolio Blue for MacBook Pro 17"
Reviewed by Robert Pritchett
Introduction
A sleek, sporty case that
protects your Apple notebook, the Sportfolio easily adjusts to your needs. Use
it as a slim briefcase with the accompanying ultra-soft shoulder strap, or
remove the shoulder strap and use it as a protective slipcase in a briefcase or
backpack.
Features: 
á
Large secure interior
pocket for business essentials
á
Plastic inserts and edge
padding for maximum protection
á
Easy-grip bottom for
carrying as a folio
á
Roomy exterior pockets
á
Rugged neoprene outer
construction
á
Dual, lined zippers for
easy opening
á Comfortable carrying handles
What I Learned
With permission from Pure Energy Systems, I bought my first
portable Mac and decided to go with the best of the best – a 17"
MacBook Pro, since I was told I would be doing a lot of traveling for the
company. And I wanted a unit that
performed well and could be used to iv great presentations using Keynote. But
then the thought occurred to me as to how best protect it from gaining too much
"character" too quickly. Something classy.
I looked to MARWARE for assistance and this is what I was
sent. The leather units were all sold out or discontinued. I've carried bags that had plastic
fasteners. These use metal ones. Mine is solid and almost carabineer-like and
not like that shown in the picture below. Also, this case can be used like a
brief case because it has handles if the strap is not desired. But the strap is
a nice touch; soft on one side and neoprene for non-slip shoulder grip on the
other. I like it. Straps of this
quality can go for $30 or more.
The case has some heft. It is not a light cloth case. The
soft walls hide rubber panels. The case itself is lined with neoprene where it
matters most – on the seams and corners, so as not to scuff hardwood
floors.
The zippers are also designed to not cut or scratch. Think
of them as being "declawed", because they are rubber and not metal.
The liner "fuzz" is a nice touch too, in that it
will not mar the metal cover of the MacBook Pro.
This case could be touted as "light duty". Don't
take it on military operations. Because it is a cloth-based case, it won't take
a lot of rough handling. Usually none of us do. The cloth pockets could rip and tear, so treat the case like
you would do a loved one. Handle it with care and you should be okay.
Conclusion
Here is a case nearly half as heavy as the computer. It
feels like it can handle bumps, bangs and bruises and protects the computer
like a sleeve would do, but this one also has pockets inside and out for
external parts and pieces.
