If you have one of the sexy 2010 or 2011 MacBook Airs, then it makes absolutely no sense to cover that svelte beauty in a big fat laptop case. ACME Made has got perhaps one of the thinnest and most minimalistic sleeves that I have seen, so whether you prefer to carry your Air in a laptop bag or not, the Skinny Sleeve Stretch Shell may be its perfect protector.
I was sent a review sample in black, but there is also a purple version; the Skinny Sleeve is available for both the 11″ and 13″ MacBook Airs.
Composed of stretchy and form-fitting neoprene that has been coated so that it is smooth and non-porous (and therefore both stain and water-resistant), there are no zippers or other hardware items anywhere that might scratch your Air. A stretchy wide elastic band is attached to the bottom of the sleeve, and when that band is pulled around the Air enclosed Skinny Sleeve, it will hold your laptop securely inside — even if it is vigorously shaken or :gasp!: dropped.
Other than the discreet square ACME Made logo in red, there are no other labels or brand marks on the shell.
On the black model, there is red stitching around three sides of the sleeve; it both matches the red label on the front and serves to break up all that black.
The neoprene on the inside of the shell is soft and won’t scratch your Air, but even better — it is double-layered and in between those two layers there is what feels like a slim layer of ABS plastic to help prevent crushing or dings.
The Skinny Sleeve looks good enough and is protective enough that it can be carried on its own, folio-style, if you don’t want to bother with a laptop bag. What I like most about the Skinny Sleeve is that it is thin enough to be used in any purse of mine, which immediately transforms it into the perfect laptop bag — assuming it was large enough to carry the Air in the first place, of course. The Skinny Sleeve would be just as convenient to use with any messenger bag, briefcase, or carry-on bag.
If you have been looking for a minimalistic, protective, and good-looking way to carry your MacBook Air, the Skinny Sleeve may be exactly what you’ve wanted.
The ACME Made Skinny Sleeve Stretch Shell is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers; you can get it in either black or purple.
MSRP: $39.95
What I Like: Great looking sleeve that holds the MBA securely and protects it from dings; thin, minimalistic design; no zippers or other hardware to scratch the laptop; can turn almost any bag into a laptop bag, or it can be carried on its own
What Needs Improvement: Nothing — it’s a great product!