Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcase: My MacBook Pro Vault

a review by Tom Piper

Laptop computers are a wonderful convenience due to their utility and portability. Protection of these valuable assets is also important, which is why having a computer case has been mandatory. Mine have always been canvas, leather or some other flexible material, which quickly becomes heavy and bulky with all the other accessories I tend to stuff into them. The concept of having one streamlined hard case was very attractive.

The Rhinoskin aluminum hardcase was my first choice for hard-shell protection. The first week of use was in my house as a shield against the ravages of my 15-year-old grandson who loves to eat, drink, pound, force-close, and otherwise terrorize my MacBook Pro 17” veteran of many travels. Indeed, it was not only protected from damage, but seemed like a lightweight vault which successfully defended my precious investment. Test #1 worked.

The second test was laptop functionality in my living room chair. I found it to be cool and comfortable across my knees without the need for a laptop desk, including when it was plugged into for recharging, a tradition time of greatly increased heat (the cooling grill across the bottom, and internal airspace around the computer seemed to work well). The case is overall a close fit, with a textured “fabric feel” inside . . . the lid almost grips the screen when upright, but slips away when tipped back (my fix was a plastic clip in the upper corner, but I wish they had included a built-in small lever in the design to would hold the lid in place). The side-sliding locks are very effective in securing the closed unit, while unobtrusive while in use. One surprise was that the front bottom lip of the case was barely the thickness of a CD too high, thus blocking the insert or extraction of a CD or DVD (the workaround was to put a pencil underneath it when slot access was needed).

The third test was the “trip to the office” which would subject my laptop to the rigors of travel, being thrown into the car, bounced around on my shoulder, and occasionally knocked into various objects along the way. It survived all of these things handily without a mark, although the occasional sound of metal against immovable object can be a little disconcerting. Thankfully, the hardcase is lightweight and very durable, not to mention feeling thin and very portable.

Unfortunately, this case apparently had a flawed connection loop on the case (designed to fit snugly against the case when not in use), because it broke when the swivel hook pulled it sideways sharply. I immediately emailed a description of this incident to the company, who said that would ship me another case while I returned theirs (two working days later the replacement arrived, with an assurance that their connectors had been retested). While this problem was initially startling, I have high hopes for the replacement unit, and at no point was my computer injured in any way.

All in all, this hardcase seems very well-suited for travel, particularly with its secure adjustable velcro-flapped strap-bag for power supply, a few cables and accessories. It would work easily into a backpack, a suitcase or larger bag, with removable straps, neoprene lining, easy access to ports, ventilated bottom, rubberized feet and anodized aluminum to be corrosion and abrasion resistant. It is available for 13, 15 and 17 inch MacBook Pros, and would work in many small spaces like on an airplane, desk or shelf (on a hard surface, the lid leans at a nice angle to frame the screen).

In looking at the company who makes these cases, I found that for over 60 years Saunders Manufacturing in Readfield, Maine has made top quality Form Holders and Clipboards for millions of customers worldwide. Now their new portable desktops and RhinoSkin products continue the tradition with brand premium cases for computers, PDAs, smartphones and music players. Their cases utilize top quality materials like aluminum, leather and synthetics to protect your investment.

Depending on your laptop size, the price will range from $130 to $150 for this sturdy hardcase. For a limited time, Saunders has agreed to offer a Mac user group special of 25% off their retail price (see below). I will say that my first hardcase experience was successful as I look forward to its continued use on the road (and at home for domestic protection).

Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcases: 25% Discount

Rhinoskin's anodized aluminum cases are custom fit for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Durable yet lightweight, the sleek design slips easily into a backpack or carry-on. The neoprene lining cushions and prevents scratching, and each case is ventilated on the bottom with rubberized feet to prevent slipping. Add in the removable strap system with accessory pouch and access to power ports while closed, and Rhinoskin cases are perfect for road warriors.
See the full Rhinoskin product line: http://www.rhinoskin.com

This special user group offer provides a 25% discount and free shipping within the 48 contiguous states:
   - 13" MSRP $129.95 (US) -  User Group price $97.46 (US)
   - 15" MSRP $139.95 (US) -  User Group price $104.96 (US)
   - 17" MSRP $149.95 (US) -  User Group price $112.46 (US)

Enjoy the savings with this link: http://www.mfgdirect.com/static/?s=AD98E2C
This US only offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

Comments

[Rachel]

Found this case at www.mfgdirect.com like you had suggested, but with 40% off! Yay! Thanks!

[Rachel]

Found this case at www.mfgdirect.com like you had suggested, but with 40% off! Yay! Thanks!