Looking at the market for third party laptop sleeves, you’d find that the choices can be a bit overwhelming with options coming from various price points. One of the brands at the mid to higher end spectrum of case and sleeve makers is Booq offering cases in the $30 to $40 range.
A couple of weeks ago, I got my hands on three of Booq’s sleeves namely the Mamba, the Taipan spacesuit and the Viper. After using them for several days, here are my initial impressions about the three sleeves as well as recommendations on what kind of demographic each style is designed for.
Booq Taipan Spacesuit
Of the three laptop sleeves I got, the Taipan Spacesuit is probably what I’d recommend to female users. The Taipan Spacesuit belongs to Booq’s fabric collection and is made from neoprene that features a honeycomb pattern. The specific model I got was designed to fit perfectly for the 12-inch MacBook, though it would still fit smaller 10 or 11-inch netbooks.
The sleeve is well-padded and features a type of fabric similar to those used in plush toys. The Taipan Spacesuit also comes with interchangeable leather zipper pullers for those who want a little bit of color. This sleeve also comes with padded interior zipper guards that provide added protection and prevents the zipper mechanism from scratching the device inside.
Price: $40 (~Php2,300)
Booq Viber Case 13
On the other end of the spectrum, the Booq Viper Case 13 is something I would recommend to people who live an active lifestyle but still want to bring their laptop with them in their adventures.
In contrast to the Taipan spacesuit, the Viper case sports a more rugged construction with its semi-rigid molded body made from ballistic nylon. The interior material is also different from the Taipan as this one uses Airmesh material that should provide ample protection even when on the move.
The Viper case is also water-resistant (or at least the ballistic nylon exterior) and features genuine YKK metal zipper. The review unit I got was specifically designed for the 13-inch MacBook Pro or MacBook Air but it should still fit other 13-inch laptops nicely.
Price: $45 (~Php2,490)
Booq Mamba Sleeve 13
Somewhere in between the Taipan and the Viper is the Mamba Sleeve 13. Just like the Taipan spacesuit, the Mamba is also part of Booq’s Fibre collection, which means it features the same soft plush lining that provides protection to your laptop.
The exterior of the sleeve is made from 100% natural fiber, which has a texture similar to linen and provides a simple and underrated design. Just like the Viper, this sleeve also comes with genuine YKK high-quality zipper that ensures durability from wear and tear.
Although not as tough as the Viper Case, the Mamba provides adequate protection without the bulk. The specific model I got was meant for the 13-inch MacBook Air though I tried using it on my Acer Aspire V13 and surprisingly it fits like a glove.
Price: $40 (Php2,300)
NOTE: All models come in 11, 12, 13 and 15-inch variants. For those interested in getting any of the three sleeves and cases above, you can check them out on A. Refinery stores in the following location:
- A.Refinery Level 2, UP Town Center
- A.Refinery Level 3, Ayala Center Cebu
- A. Refinery Level 2, Abreza Ayala Mall
