Review: Waterfield Designs Mac mini SleeveCase
The Mac mini has turned the expected utility of a desktop Macintosh on its ear. While Apple has always offered luggable desktops, the mini is downright portable—at 2.9lbs it rivals many of Apple’s laptops for ease of transport. In recognition of this fact, Waterfield Designs’ Mac mini SleeveCase ($39) is an adaptation of their laptop SleeveCases for the mini form factor.
Design
The SleeveCase is a snug-fitting soft protective case for your mini. The goal is to package your mini for transport, in particular in some other bag. The SleeveCase performs that job very well. The case’s exterior is the same ballistic nylon as in Waterfield’s shoulder bags, so nothing is likely to penetrate to the mini inside, nor to scratch it, nor to lodge in the optical drive or vents. A layer of padding and a soft neoprene interior keep the mini snug and secure—the mini does not shift inside the case.
The top flap is secured with a meaty velcro pad that prevents the mini from escaping. A loop on the bottom of the case allows you to grab hold while removing the mini; no need for that awkward maneuver where you turn the case over and (hopefully) catch the mini as it slides out.
Also included are a pair of D-rings to attach a shoulder strap—perfect if you transport you mini between offices, keeping a set of accouterments at either location.
SleeveCase is only available in a single neutral color. We’d prefer to see Waterfield’s full range of color options to match their other bags.
Performance
The nylon exterior is as close to indestructible as you’ll find in a soft case, and the ubiquitous heavy-duty stitching makes this an amazingly solid bag. We yanked on each part of the SleeveCase with all our strength, to no apparent effect.
The Mac mini SleeveCase is an exceptionally well-made product. We’ve used Waterfield’s laptop cases for a number of years, and we remain impressed with their sturdy construction and impeccable fit and finish. The Mac mini SleeveCase appears to be a worthy torch-bearer.
Conclusion
If you intend to take your mini on the road, a snug case is a must-have, and you can’t go wrong with a Waterfield SleeveCase. It handles this admittedly simple task with style and is engineered to last through several generations of minis.