Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12″ MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry

If you opted for one of Apple’s new 12″ MacBooks you are someone who appreciates style and cutting edge technology. (Yes, you are also someone who is willing to compromise performance for portability but that is another issue.) If you want to travel light but protect your MacBook you will want to check out the Waterfield Zip Briefcase for the new MacBook.

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
The Zip is “just enough” laptop case without being “too much” laptop case. It almost looks like a sleeve but adds so much functionality on top of that that you certainly cannot call it a sleeve.

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
Inside the case you will find a compartment specifically designed for the laptop. (There is also a version of the bag that will accomodate the 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pro.) Add in accessory pockets, an external front pocket, and more, and you have a small case that carries just enough without weighing you down.

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
Oh, and the Waterfield Zip Briefcase for the new MacBook is TSA-friendly too!

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
Here’s what Waterfield has to say about the Zip.

“Zip it up and dash to work, the cafe or your next meeting. Unzip it, lay it flat and it’s TSA-friendly. The Zip’s luxurious interior cradles the new 12″ MacBook, 13″ MacBook Air, and 15″ MacBook Retina with a dedicated pocket; two more plush pockets protect a superdrive and charger or other small accessories. A convenient front pocket lets you nab quick-access items easily. Complete with handles and suspension shoulder strap, the ultra-thin Zip briefcase is your go-to bag for quick getaways.”

As is so often the case Waterfield has done a terrific job of packing a good amount of storage into a small space. The external stow pocket is great for your smartphone- that’s especially nice if you use an Apple watch and it is even large enough to hold an iPhone 6 Plus.

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
The handles are permanently and securely fastened to the bag and a removable shoulder strap connects to small, all-but-hidden D-Rings. This is Waterfield at its finest.

Specifications

  • Fits: Apple 12″ MacBook Retina, 13″ MacBook Air, 15″ MacBook Retina,
  • Holds: Charger, superdrive, phone & daily accessories
  • Construction: Waxed canvas or ballistic nylon
  • Trim: Naturally-tanned leather trim: black, chocolate or grizzly
  • Handles: Nylon handles and removable suspension shoulder strap
  • Dimensions:
    12″ Zip: 12.5″ x 9″ x 2″ – 1.4 lbs.
    13″ Zip: 15.0″ x 10.5″ x 2″ – 1.6 lbs.
    15″ Zip: 16.5″ x 11.0″ x 2″ Weight: 1.7 lbs.

Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12" MacBook Is Small, Light and Easy to Carry
I like the Waterfield Zip Briefcase. I like the small size. I like the good protection it offers. I like the fact that it holds enough without holding too much. And I like the fact that it fully unzips so you can slide it past your TSA friends. I especially like the fact that it, yet again, brings Waterfield craftsmanship to the latest in Apple tech. My only sadness is that, due to its sluggish performance, I returned my 12″ MacBook and am opting for a 13″ MacBook Pro as my next laptop. That, and the fact that the case has a starting price of $179! You can learn more here.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Waterfield Zip Briefcase for 12″ MacBook

What I Like: Great quality; Well-designed; Holds enough but not too much; TSA-friendly

What Needs Improvement: As is always the case, this Waterfield product is not inexpensive

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.